How an Olympic fencer embraces new challenges at EY

Two-time Olympic fencer and World Champion Nzingha Prescod offers lessons on her move into the business world.

In brief

• Nzingha is one of more than 30 elite athletes that have launched a career at EY through our EY Athlete Programs.
• EY recognizes athletes as a diverse talent pipeline and has developed these programs to support athletes as they step off the sporting field.

Talk about leaning in.  When I first met Nzingha Prescod, a two-time US Olympian and World Champion in fencing, I knew right away why she is so dominant at her craft. We were at an awards ceremony honoring elite female athletes, and she was in her element; I was in awe of the talent in the room and was caught, well … off guard. 

Nzingha is among about 30 elite athletes who have launched a career at EY in the last several years through our Athlete Programs. The program is designed to provide opportunities for accomplished athletes looking to leverage their considerable skills in the business arena — in many cases, while still actively competing. In return, EY gains colleagues with the determination, discipline, leadership and high-performance teaming that are second nature to elite-level athletes.

When I asked Nzingha what it felt like to transition from sports to professional services, her response reflected her approach to any new challenge or opponent.

“The transition was exciting because it was a new type of stimulating experience; a completely new arena for skill learning — new tasks, new routines, new relationships to manage, new goals, new discipline,” she said. “I am in data analytics and was a political science major, so it was all completely new to me.”

This illustrates a growth mindset: seeing a new challenge as an opportunity instead of a threat. Nzingha believes it is how champions in sports are built, and it’s made all the difference in her new career. As I’ve often noted, attitude determines altitude, and taking a “can do” approach is a great way to stand out in any arena.  

As a recruiter, I’m often asked by candidates how they can best leverage their non-technical abilities and bring them to bear in a new job or career. Again, Nzingha had some prescient advice.  

“I think the most helpful skill is listening,” she said. “For me, listening involves jotting notes down to revisit when I’m executing. It also allows for the second most important skill: being thoughtful. My motivation in being thoughtful is driving a great finished product for my team. Quality is always my priority – even when there is pressure to get something done on a deadline. It also helps to be part of a very inclusive culture. EY promotes an environment that encourages engagement and places value on differences; this has made a huge difference in my ability to be successful here.”