Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Nora Szanto Of Impact Through Sports Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Martita Mestey
“Your network is your net worth”. When I first started, I didn’t realize just how important it is to have a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers. I didn’t invest enough time and effort in nurturing them and didn’t give them the attention they deserved. Learning from this mistake and later building those relationships has been crucial in helping me navigate challenges and find new opportunities.
Without my network, I couldn’t have created such a transformational workshop, positively impacting not only the life of the refugees but also the players.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nora Szanto.
As a high-performance strategist for business leaders and professional athletes, Nora Szanto has helped hundreds of clients overcome subconscious blocks and limiting beliefs to reach their full potential. Since the breakout of COVID-19, she has turned her focus toward supporting families.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I was born in Hungary during communism. My parents were both doctors and actually, had I chosen the same profession, I would have been a 7th generation doctor in our family. Probably this is where my passion for helping people comes from. While there were lots of limitations in the country (like we couldn’t travel to the West, there was only one TV channel, and we didn’t have lots of money), my sister and I had a very happy childhood. Our life revolved around sports, particularly basketball. I discovered it when I was 4 years old and it has been an integral part of my life ever since.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
My passion for social impact and giving back to the community has been ingrained in me from a young age. The inspiration behind Impact Through Sports came from a personal passion for social impact and a belief in the transformative power of sports. I wanted to find a way to use my skills and expertise to make a positive difference in the world. Our mission is to create opportunities for athletes and refugees to come together, break down barriers, and promote social impact.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Last November, I attended a conference about the refugee crisis that opened my eyes to the staggering statistics: over 82.4 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, with many spending decades (!) in camps. It was a wake-up call that I couldn’t ignore. As a high-performance specialist for a professional basketball team, I realized I had a unique opportunity to use sports to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees. That’s when the idea of Impact Through Sports was born.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
Attending the previously mentioned event, The Global Citizen Forum in Ras Al Khaimah, was a turning point for me. I was surrounded by so many high-profile individuals like Dr. Deepak Chopra, Ricky Martin, and Richard Quest from CNN. Initially, I was filled with self-doubt. The feeling of imposter syndrome set in, and I questioned my ability to make a difference compared to these esteemed figures. However, then I was able to remind myself that if I could positively impact just one person’s life, it would all be worth it. I just had to take action!
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
Impact Through Sports is a part of the Kari Group, a company that I created in 2016. As an entrepreneur, I have learned that it’s not easy to navigate the challenges that come with starting and running a business. When I began the refugee project, I knew that I needed to surround myself with the right people. It was heartwarming to see how many individuals in my network stepped up and offered their support. For example, my artist friend, Steph Fonteyn, creator of Collaborative Art. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), generously offered to host the event at their headquarters, the House of Basketball. Bryan Colon, a client of mine and the captain of the Geneva Lions basketball team agreed to open up and share the story of his extremely difficult childhood, something he has never told before to other people. The enthusiastic volunteers who offered their time and energy made the experience all the more beautiful.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
There are so many stories I could share with you. I am not sure whether you would call it the most “interesting” but it was definitely the one that made the most impact on me.
In 2017, I faced one of the most challenging times of my life. My father suffered a stroke just two weeks after my aunt was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. At the same time, my business was struggling, and my savings were disappearing. Despite all of these difficulties, I found hope in the form of a consultant who appeared to be the perfect fit for my business needs. I trusted him to handle everything, but he disappeared with my money and went on a retreat to Thailand. This led me to experience severe burnout, but it was also a turning point for me. I learned valuable lessons from the experience and it ultimately allowed me to pivot my company towards my true mission: psychology, working with athletes, and empowering youth. In retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened to me, and I’m proud to say that my company has not only survived but thrived as a result.
It has been said, that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?
Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling in your stomach when you accidentally hit “reply all” and send a confidential message to a group of people? Or when you find yourself at the wrong airport in a bustling city? Perhaps you’ve even called someone by the wrong name throughout an entire conversation. I’ve had my fair share of those situations, and at the moment, they can feel dreadful. However, what really matters is how we choose to handle these mishaps. We can either dwell on them, blaming ourselves for the mistake, or we can see them as valuable learning opportunities. I’ve adopted a habit of triple-checking everything and striving to be thoroughly prepared. Despite my best efforts, mistakes still happen, but the biggest difference now is that I’ve learned to move on quickly and adapt.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My parents and my husband have always been my greatest cheerleaders, but when it comes to mentorship, I have a funny story to share. A few years ago, I attended a self-development event that focused on the role of the subconscious mind. The speaker was captivating, and I found myself thinking that I wished I could meet someone like him in a more casual setting. Like being introduced by a common friend, rather than someone who I felt was on a pedestal. Two days later, my son, who has just started a new school, invited a classmate over to our house. As I started talking with the father, we hit it off immediately. When I mentioned my psychology research on success and goal-setting, he suggested that maybe I could conduct it at his company. I thought it was a really kind gesture. When I asked him whom he was working for, it turned out to be one of the unicorns, and that he was a co-founder! I was so shocked that I almost fell off my chair. Since then, we’ve become friends, and he has helped me with my projects by giving strategic advice, and financial support, and even opening up his network. I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life. I am also fortunate to have a remarkable business coach who not only provides invaluable guidance but also embodies exceptional human values. He has been the number one supporter of the refugee project.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
As someone passionate about using sports to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees, I believe that several things could be done.
First of all, there needs to be more awareness about the situation of refugees, and this can be achieved through education and media coverage. By increasing public awareness, we can work towards removing stigma and creating a more compassionate and empathetic society that is willing to take action to help those in need.
Secondly, we need more resources and funding for organizations that are working directly with refugees. This includes NGOs, government agencies, and private sector companies that are focused on providing assistance, support, and opportunities to refugees around the world.
Last but not least, we need to work towards creating policies and initiatives that promote the integration and inclusion of refugees into local communities. This can include programs that provide education, training, and employment opportunities, as well as initiatives that encourage social cohesion and understanding between refugees and residents.
Overall, there is much that can be done to address the root causes of the refugee crisis, and I believe that by working together as a global community, we can create positive change and make a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
At Impact Through Sports, we strive to operate our business in the most environmentally conscious way possible. Our workshops aim to promote social impact while also reducing our carbon footprint. We try our best to work with local partners who also focus on sustainability, and we actively seek out eco-friendly venues for our events. In addition, we avoid the single use of plastics, use recycled materials whenever possible, and strive to minimize waste. We believe that incorporating sustainable practices into our business model not only benefits the environment but also makes us more profitable in the long run. By reducing our costs and improving our reputation as a socially responsible organization, we attract more partners and customers who share our values.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- “You are enough”
When I first started my journey as an entrepreneur, I was plagued with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I constantly compared myself to others and strived for perfection, which only slowed down my progress. But over time, I realized that embracing my strengths and imperfections was the key to unlocking my true potential. By focusing on my unique abilities and trusting myself, I was able to advance in my business and personal life that I never thought possible.
As mentioned above, when I attended the refugee crisis event and found myself surrounded by famous and successful individuals, I couldn’t help but compare myself to them. Doubts crept in, questioning whether I had what it takes to make a significant impact on the lives of refugees. However, at that moment, I reminded myself of my powerful mantra: “I am enough.” This realization shifted my perspective and from that point onward, I witnessed remarkable synchronicities unfold, guiding me towards the right people and opportunities.
2. “The obstacle is the way”
This is the title of one of my favorite books, written by Ryan Holiday. Its essence is that obstacles are not roadblocks to success, but rather opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Now I have a very different view on obstacles and I welcome them to my life.
Here are some examples. When the dream venue for an event seems completely on board but pulls out at the last minute. When the advertising banner you ordered arrives all creased and unpresentable. Or when a book, you’ve poured your heart into, gets turned down by 40 publishers. However, I am someone who never, ever gives up. Probably it comes from my athletic background, I always strive to find solutions. For the venue setback, I mobilized my network and managed to secure an even better location than what was originally planned. As for the crumpled advertising banner, we refused to be defeated. We bought five irons, got down on our knees, and spent four hours ironing it out until it looked flawless. And when faced with rejection from publishers, I shifted gears and took a different approach. Instead of going with a traditional publisher, I launched an extremely successful crowdfunding campaign to bring my book to life. This mindset is guided by the saying: “Find solutions, not excuses.”
3. “Your network is your net worth”
When I first started, I didn’t realize just how important it is to have a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers. I didn’t invest enough time and effort in nurturing them and didn’t give them the attention they deserved. Learning from this mistake and later building those relationships has been crucial in helping me navigate challenges and find new opportunities.
Without my network, I couldn’t have created such a transformational workshop, positively impacting not only the life of the refugees but also the players.
4. “Delegate, delegate, delegate”
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you need to be involved in every aspect of your business. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to delegate tasks and outsource certain functions to experts who can do them better than I can.
When you are on an entrepreneurial journey for so many years, you will meet lots of people who may let you down or fall short in various ways, especially during challenging times. However, you also have the opportunity to meet remarkable people who consistently deliver exceptional work, instilling a sense of trust and reliability. I am so lucky to have a select group of individuals in my environment, including an ultra-reliable financial advisor, a diligent and hard-working virtual assistant, and an incredibly creative PR agent. Their presence brings me confidence, and I make sure to involve them in every project I undertake, knowing that their contributions will be invaluable.
5. “Invest in Tesla stock”
Just kidding. Having said that, if I knew in 2015 what the stock will be worth 8 years later, I would be a multimillionaire and I could run more impactful businesses. ☺ Talking seriously, the last point for me is “Invest in self-care”. Investing in self-care is crucial for anyone, but especially for entrepreneurs who are often working long hours and dealing with high levels of stress. Prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout, increase productivity, and improve overall well-being.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. In my daily routine, I focus on simple practices that have a big impact. For example, I try to use our infrared sauna at least four mornings a week. It’s followed by a revitalizing cold-hot-cold shower that gets me fired up for the day. I love going for a morning walk while listening to podcasts or audiobooks that inspire me. And hitting the gym 2–3 times a week keeps me feeling strong and energized. I’ll admit, I could use more massages in my life. It’s an area I’m working on to level up my self-care game!
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Probably it would be that our actions today shape the world we live in tomorrow. By taking small steps towards making a positive impact, we can contribute to creating a better future not only for ourselves but also for the generations to come. Find a cause you are passionate about, and then get involved! In my case, when I left the refugee crisis conference with the objective to help to improve the life of at least one person. On top of that, I find that making a positive impact can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, both personally and professionally.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes comes from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote is relevant to me because it reminds me to focus on treating others with kindness and empathy and to prioritize building meaningful relationships with the people in my life. It also serves as a reminder that the impact we have on others goes beyond just our words and actions, but also how we make them feel.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
For me, the answer is straightforward: Ben Affleck. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and activism, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation and human rights. Engaging in a conversation with him would provide a chance to discuss important social issues and gain valuable perspectives on creating positive change.
How can our readers follow you online?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-szanto-968b4b61/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Nora Szanto Of Impact Through Sports Is Helping… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.