What do consultants and Olympians have in common?

Known for her versatility and keen eye for detail, change consultant Meg Evans brings an energetic and collaborative approach to her work. Having started out as a primary school teacher and PE Coordinator, Meg’s ability to connect with teams, nurture talent and lead through change makes her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Meg, who also helps to coach an athletics club in her personal time, attended the Paris Olympics. The visit offered new insights into the parallels between leading successful initiatives that ensure change for good and her other passion: the world of sports.

“While I watched the Olympic Athletes in Paris, I was struck by how many of my transferable skills as an athlete and a teacher I’ve been able to bring into my role at Entec Si. The precision, determination and teamwork on display were just incredible.

“In athletics and consultancy, success is never the result of the efforts of just one person – it’s the product of a united team working towards a shared goal.

“During my time with Entec Si, whether I’ve been managing the end-to-end success of projects or playing more of a supporting role using my analytical skills to help determine success, teamwork has been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved – and continue to achieve – as a business.

“Just like a relay race where each athlete depends on the previous runner’s pace and baton handover, a project’s success depends on every team member fulfilling their role and trusting each other to deliver.”

“One of my biggest takeaways from my trip to Paris was that even the most skilled athletes rely on their teams. From coaches to physiotherapists to support staff, each member of the team is just as valuable as the next to reach the ultimate goal: winning.

“This really resonated with me because, as a consultant, I know that no matter how naturally gifted a person might be, a project’s success hinges on the strength and unity of the entire team. In both sport and business, collaboration is key, and I strive to ensure my strengths work with (rather than against) those of my teammates. That means taking an interest in those around me and ensuring that we continue to move in the same direction.

“Open communication is the bedrock for successful teamwork. While Olympic coaches may push their athletes to perform at their best, there’s also clearly an incredible amount of care and empathy in these relationships. I saw moments where a coach would comfort an athlete after a loss or encourage them after a less-than-perfect performance, and this is something that I deeply value in my own work.

“Leading teams through change can be stressful as it often means pulling people out of their comfort zones and requiring them to adapt to new processes, technologies or structures. These are the moments when it’s most important to lead with compassion. Success doesn’t just come from pushing people hard—it comes from understanding people’s needs, listening to their concerns and showing them that they’re valued.

“Just like the Olympics, the road to success isn’t ever easy, but with trust, teamwork, and compassionate leadership, we can achieve incredible things. Remaining resilient in the face of unexpected challenges is crucial to both a project manager and an athlete. Think about the men’s triathlon being pushed back a day due to water quality. Athletes must be able to replicate their sporting performance in new surroundings, and this can be the case for project managers in the face of unexpected barriers.

“Looking back on my time in Paris, I’m more convinced than ever that the principles I apply to my work—teamwork, empathy, and adaptability—are the same qualities that drive Olympians to succeed. And just like them, I’m always striving to be better, to learn from my experiences and to lead my teams to the top of the podium.”