Bronwen Knox | Championing our Olympic Champions

Bronwen Knox is an overachiever in the best possible way. As the Deputy Chief de Mission for Australia’s Paris 2024 Olympic team, Bronwen brings 17 years' experience as a high-performance athlete as well as multiple QUT qualifications to her role. In this insightful Q&A with Bronwen, we were privileged to hear about the inspiring journey of her multifaceted career which exemplifies a dedication to excellence in sports and ethics. Bronwen generously shared her insights into the elite sports industry, compelling leadership advice, her personal sporting heroes, and her commitment to advancing integrity and equality for all athletes.

You were appointed Deputy Chef de Mission in June 2023, can you tell us more about this exciting role?

My role as a Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics is to ensure that all Australian athletes and staff have everything they need to perform at their best. My goal is to create a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing and performance, enhancing our athletes' experience and success, however defined, at the Games.

There are a few Deputy Chef de Missions working alongside you – are the Olympians allowed to contact anyone in the role or are you assigned particular sports to ensure coverage and alignment?

The Deputies, along with the Chef de Mission, can engage with any athlete or team member throughout the Games. However, we have identified sports in which we have existing relationships, and assignments may be geared toward those. Ultimately, we want to ensure that no sport or athlete is left unsupported. A lot of work is being done to ensure that 460 or so athletes and our 1,000+ team will have coverage and be supported by our HQ team.

What emerging issues do you think will have the greatest impact on the sports industry in the next 5-10 years?

The sports industry is going through an evolution. We are seeing the impact women’s sport can have across our communities. We have seen the Matildas reach some truly incredible milestones, and that has changed the way all people are viewing female athletes and women’s sport. It was not so long ago that research into high-performance sport was centred around the male athlete. For example, we are only now seeing longitudinal studies being undertaken around how a menstrual cycle may affect training and performance, and how female athletes can use this information to aid their training.

Technological advancements in the integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data analytics are transforming how sports are played, coached, and consumed. Finally, there has been a rise in the athlete voice speaking up and being heard across the globe. Athletes are speaking up for their human rights and addressing power imbalances and negative behaviours that exist. These ideologies are outdated, and now is the time for athletes to stop being treated as chattels and start being seen as people and athletes.

In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges in team leadership and motivation today, and how do you address them?

1. Trust and Communication
   Trust is one of the most important aspects of team leadership and motivation. Without trust, team members may struggle to communicate openly, collaborate effectively, or feel confident in their roles. Building trust requires consistent and transparent communication, as well as a commitment to integrity and fairness from leadership. I address this by fostering an open-door policy where team members feel safe to express their concerns and ideas. Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and an emphasis on active listening help ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
2. Motivation and Engagement
   Maintaining high levels of motivation and engagement can be challenging, especially in high-pressure environments like competitive sports or demanding professional settings. Each team member is motivated by different factors, and it's important to understand these individual drivers. I address this by setting clear, achievable goals and recognising both individual and team accomplishments. Providing opportunities for professional development and growth also helps keep team members motivated and engaged. Additionally, creating a positive and supportive team culture where members feel appreciated and connected to the team's mission can significantly enhance motivation.
3. Managing Conflicts
   Conflicts are inevitable in any team setting, but how they are managed can make a significant difference in team dynamics and performance. Unresolved conflicts can lead to resentment and decreased productivity. I address this by promoting open communication and encouraging team members to address conflicts early and constructively. Implementing conflict resolution strategies, such as mediation and active listening, helps ensure that conflicts are resolved in a way that strengthens rather than undermines team relationships.
4. Balancing Performance and Wellbeing
   High performance often comes with the risk of burnout and stress. As a leader, it's essential to balance the drive for results with the wellbeing of team members. I address this by promoting a healthy work-life balance and encouraging regular breaks and self-care. Implementing wellness programs and providing access to mental health resources can also support the overall wellbeing of the team. Recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address it helps maintain a healthy, productive team environment.

What is one goal you'd like to achieve - professionally or personally - in the next year?

I’d like to make a significant contribution to the advancement of integrity and ethics within the sporting industry. This involves promoting transparency, fair play, and ethical behaviour at all levels of sport. By advocating for and implementing programs that educate athletes, coaches, and administrators about the importance of integrity, I aim to create a culture that prioritises ethical conduct and supports the overall wellbeing of everyone involved in sport.

If you had a magic wand, is there an initiative you would like to implement within the sport industry?

I would implement an initiative to ensure equal opportunities and resources for all athletes, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or sport. This would include equitable funding, access to high-quality training facilities, and support services to ensure that every athlete has the chance to reach their full potential.

As someone who has returned to study on multiple occasions, what motivates you to pursue further education?

Having been a high-performance athlete for 17 years, it was difficult to develop professionally given the amount of training and travel that was required. To ensure I continued to balance my sporting development with my professional development, study was a perfect avenue. It allowed me to continue to build my resume while still training and competing at the highest level. Personal fulfillment plays a significant role in my decision to pursue further education, as it provides a sense of growth and achievement outside of my athletic career.

Can you name some of the individuals who inspire you and what qualities do you admire about them?

Some of the individuals who inspire me include:

• Cathy Freeman: Her grace under pressure and her historic achievements in athletics, particularly her gold medal run at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, inspire me to strive for excellence and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Ian Thorpe: As one of Australia's greatest swimmers, his dedication to excellence and his advocacy for mental health awareness are qualities that inspire me. His openness about his own struggles has helped break down stigma and encourages me to prioritise mental health in the sporting community.
• Dylan Alcott: His achievements as a Paralympic Gold Medalist and his advocacy for people with disabilities inspire me. His positive attitude, determination, and commitment to raising awareness and promoting inclusivity are qualities I deeply admire.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why?

One skill I couldn’t live without is effective communication. Whether in sports, law, or any other area of life, the ability to clearly and effectively communicate is crucial. It helps in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page, which is essential for any team or organisation to succeed.

Bronwen Knox
QUT Qualifications -  Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (2019); Graduate Diploma in Public Health (2014); Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2020).

QUT Outstanding Sports Alumnus (2021).

Have a question for Bronwen? Connect with her on LinkedIn.