Alison Littlefield Of Contender Bicycles: How My Experience in Athletics Trained Me to Become a Better Leader
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Tenacity: Cycling demands unwavering determination and perseverance, especially during long-distance races. This experience instilled in me a sense of tenacity, teaching me to persevere in the face of adversity and to maintain focus on achieving long-term objectives, qualities that have been instrumental in my leadership journey.
The world of sports is not just about physical prowess or competition; it’s an incubator for leadership qualities such as discipline, teamwork, strategic planning, and resilience. Athletes, from amateur levels to professional arenas, often encounter situations that test their limits and require them to step up in ways that mirror the challenges faced by leaders in various fields. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alison Littlefield.
Alison gradually fell into her role at Contender Bicycles. Shortly after starting to race on the road, she met Ryan on the way out to the local criterium series. After they married, Alison continued to race bicycles and establish her career as an engineer. Experiencing some success racing, Alison decided to put her career on hold and race bicycles full-time. However, a severe spinal injury resulted in multiple surgeries which derailed her plans in cycling. In between surgeries and during recovery, Alison started to work at the shop. Over the years, her role has steadily grown to where she is now an integral part of Contender Bicycles. With her recovery behind her, she still loves to ride and feels lucky to still be on the bike. Like Ryan, she enjoys spending as much time as possible with their twin girls, Dylan and Hannah, and their corgi Tia.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career in athletics?
My backstory starts with meeting Ryan, my now-husband and co-owner of Contender Bicycles, just before he took over the bike shop. Back then, I was an engineer with dreams of pursuing graduate studies in biomedical engineering, all while deeply immersed in bike racing. However, a series of back surgeries disrupted my plans. During recovery, I found solace in helping out at the shop, prompting me to heed my advisor’s advice to fully commit to one path. This led me to put my graduate studies on hold and focus on racing and the bike shop. Despite enduring five major spine surgeries, my involvement in the shop grew, eventually becoming a fulfilling career path. Throughout all of the challenges I faced, my dedication to the shop remained steadfast, shaping the course of my life.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Since I began my career, one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had relates to the male-dominated nature of the bike industry in the United States. Being one of the few women in leadership positions, I’ve encountered numerous instances of ‘mansplaining,’ particularly when it comes to technical aspects of bikes. One notable incident occurred during a business dinner with a national sales manager of a prominent bike brand. He assumed I was unfamiliar with hi-modulus carbon, a technical term in the industry, simply because I was female. To my surprise, he attempted to explain the concept by likening it to thread count in sheets. It was amusing, yet frustrating, considering I was not only the co-owner of the business but also the sole college-educated engineer present at the table. This experience underscores the ongoing need for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry, as well as the importance of challenging stereotypes and biases.
Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Confidence — As a former athlete, confidence played a crucial role in my transition to business. I learned to trust my abilities on the field, and this translated into believing in myself in the business setting.
- Hardworking — Athletes understand the importance of hard work and dedication, and I carried this mindset into my business endeavors. Whether it was late-night training sessions or early morning workouts, I knew that success required putting in the effort. Through my determination and commitment, we achieved remarkable results, earning recognition and respect within the industry.
- Empathy — Understanding the struggles and challenges of teammates taught me the value of empathy in building strong relationships. In one instance, I empathized with a colleague who was facing personal difficulties, offering support and flexibility to help them through a tough time. This compassionate approach fostered loyalty and trust among team members, contributing to a positive work environment and driving collective success.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a pivotal moment in your athletic career that taught you a leadership lesson you’ve applied outside of sports?
One pivotal moment in my athletic career imparted a valuable leadership lesson that I’ve applied beyond sports: ‘Let your legs do the talking.’ This mantra emphasizes the importance of leading by example and letting your actions speak louder than words. In the competitive realm of sports, results ultimately speak for themselves, and gaining confidence from others hinges on demonstrating your capabilities through tangible achievements. This lesson has transcended athletics, guiding my approach to leadership in various aspects of life. By consistently delivering results and leading by example, I’ve earned the trust and confidence of others, both on and off the field.
How has your experience in team dynamics within athletics influenced your approach to leadership in the workplace?
Having worked within teams throughout my athletic career, I’ve learned that challenges are inevitable, and not everyone will always pull their weight. However, the key lesson I’ve taken away is the importance of prioritizing what’s best for the team. Just as in sports, success in the workplace often hinges on collaboration and effective teamwork. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, acknowledging individual strengths, and addressing challenges collectively, I strive to cultivate a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. This approach, honed through years of navigating team dynamics in athletics, has been instrumental in guiding my leadership style in the workplace.
In what ways has facing defeat or challenges in sports prepared you for handling failure and setbacks in your professional life?
Facing defeat and challenges in sports, particularly through my struggles with back surgeries and related issues, has profoundly shaped my ability to handle failure and setbacks in my professional life. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that there are obstacles we may not always overcome, but we must find ways to adapt and move forward. Just as in sports, setbacks in the professional realm require resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to course correct. While setbacks may be discouraging, they also present opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing challenges as opportunities for course correction rather than viewing them solely as failures, I’ve developed a mindset that enables me to navigate adversity with resilience and determination in both sports and professional endeavors.
How do you apply the discipline and training regimen from your athletic pursuits to your current leadership role?
The discipline and training regimen from my athletic pursuits translate directly to my leadership role. I approach tasks with a commitment to seeing them through to completion, avoiding dropping the ball and ensuring accountability throughout the process. This mindset of discipline and determination fosters excellence and efficiency in my leadership approach.
Reflecting on your journey, what specific skills or attributes developed through athletics do you believe are most essential for effective leadership?
Reflecting on my journey, I find tenacity to be a crucial skill for effective leadership. Tenacity, developed through athletics, encompasses perseverance, determination, and resilience — qualities essential for overcoming challenges, inspiring others, and driving towards success. In both sports and leadership roles, the ability to persist in the face of adversity and maintain focus on long-term goals is critical. Tenacity not only propels individuals forward but also instills confidence and inspires trust among team members, making it a cornerstone of effective leadership.
Based on your experience, can you please share “5 Ways That Athletics Can Help Train Great Leaders?”
1 .Teamwork Trains You to Collaborate Overtime: During my time as a cyclist, I was part of a team that competed in challenging races across the country. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork in achieving collective goals, a valuable lesson that has guided my leadership approach in business.
2 . Tenacity: Cycling demands unwavering determination and perseverance, especially during long-distance races. This experience instilled in me a sense of tenacity, teaching me to persevere in the face of adversity and to maintain focus on achieving long-term objectives, qualities that have been instrumental in my leadership journey.
3 . Prepares You to Deal with Failure: In cycling, setbacks and disappointments are inevitable. I vividly recall a race where I fell short of my performance goals despite rigorous training and preparation. Rather than letting failure discourage me, I used it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Analyzing my mistakes and areas for improvement, I adjusted my training regimen and mindset, ultimately bouncing back stronger in subsequent races. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of embracing failure as a catalyst for personal and professional development.
4 . Sympathetic: Cycling taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, both on and off the bike. In a sport where individual performance is crucial, I learned to empathize with teammates and competitors alike, recognizing the shared struggles and challenges we all face. This compassionate perspective has informed my leadership style, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed, even amidst adversity.
5 . Putting in the Work: Success in cycling hinges on dedicated training and preparation. As a cyclist, I spent countless hours on the road, pushing my physical limits and refining my technique. This disciplined approach to training instilled in me a strong work ethic that transcended into my professional life. Whether leading teams or tackling complex projects, I approach each endeavor with the same level of commitment and determination, knowing that consistent effort and hard work are fundamental to achieving meaningful results and driving success.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could spark a movement for widespread good, it would encourage people to disconnect from screens and embrace nature. The message is simple: put down your phone and get outside. Instead of capturing every moment digitally, immerse yourself in the beauty around you, whether it’s during a bike ride or a walk in the park. This movement promotes mental well-being, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the world around us, inspiring mindful living and environmental stewardship.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Alison Littlefield Of Contender Bicycles: How My Experience in Athletics Trained Me to Become a… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.