Jennifer Chandler took the biggest leap of her life at just 17 years old. In the 1976 Olympic Games, she competed for the United States as a diver, taking home the gold medal in the 3 meter springboard event. In 2012, Jennifer became a member of Birmingham Executive Class 10 and has been a friend, leader, and supporter of Momentum ever since. Continue reading to hear more about her inspirational Olympic story and its impact on her experience as a leader.
Q: Can you share a moment in your journey to winning the gold medal that significantly tested your leadership skills?
A: I was 9 when I started diving, and at that point, I felt like I was just following the leader. Looking back, I see that all along I was establishing trust, patience, and communication with my coach. All are crucial leadership qualities, but communication is the most important. When I didn’t feel ready to do a new dive, he learned not to push me until I felt truly ready to do it on my own.
Q: How important is discipline and routine to Olympic success and leadership success?
A: Routine and discipline are critical for being successful. Creating and staying in a routine results in muscle memory – and that includes your brain. It can get boring, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals to avoid distractions. You have to visualize what it is that you want and do it over and over again to realize your dreams.
Q: What are some of the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
A: When I was 13, my coach moved from Birmingham Southern College to Georgia Tech. I left home when I was 13 and followed him. If it hadn’t been my own idea to move, I never would have done it. I made this choice because I knew that to reach my goals, I would have to make a sacrifice.
Q: Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?
A: My parents and my grandmother. I may have been the Olympic diver, but my mom was the Olympic driver, taking me to and from diving practice late at night during the school week. My dad was incredibly motivational and taught me the power of positive thinking. My grandmother would alway ensure that I was truly happy and doing what I wanted to do. I could never have done it without them, my sisters, and my coaches.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about leadership or your Olympic journey?
A: As far as leadership goes, communication is so important. Whether between coach and athlete or between employer and employee, we have to communicate with each other. It’s also important that everyone plays by the same rules to avoid any elitist separation. Everybody is equal.
Jennifer emphasized the importance of being hungry to achieve your goals while remaining humble and living by the Golden Rule. She currently works at Vulcan Park and Museum as Director of Community Outreach and enjoys staying connected with fellow Executive Class 10 members.
Jennifer’s gold medal (L) and Jennifer with fellow Birmingham Executive Class 10 members (R)
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