Changing the world one Games at a time

AS the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, David Grevemberg has a high-pressure job, and a higher purpose — to strengthen communities.

David Grevemberg: “People of different backgrounds come together at the Games.”

AS the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, David Grevemberg, 45, has a high-pressure job, and a higher purpose — to strengthen communities.

Growing up in New Orleans, I was aware of the legacy of slavery in the US. It’s something I’ve always wanted to address. My mother was a social worker, and I didn’t fall far from the tree in terms of fighting for social justice and civil rights. That’s what drew me to the Commonwealth Games — which is all about inclusive communities — in the first place.

The issues of empowering people, legitimising their voices, and the promotion of human rights are central to healthy societies. Without that, you can’t be sustainable, prosperous or peaceful. The issue of Indigenous reconciliation is worldwide — you’ve got every community of the Commonwealth with Indigenous connections or roots. I think to have united communities, we need to address these issues. Sport is a tremendous catalyst and vehicle for that. People of different backgrounds come together at the Games. And beyond the 11 days of competition, the event holds the promise of a transformative legacy, creating enduring economic growth and greater social justice for all Australians.

David Grevemberg features in Stellar magazine.

Even though being in charge of the Commonwealth Games is a massive role, I don’t get nervous. I’ve been in the industry as a sports manager for 23 years and worked in plenty of international multi-sport events. I try to keep myself in check: “Am I tired? Am I making a rational decision?”

As an ex-wrestler, I can honestly say the discipline involved in sport informs each part of your life. The drive to set a goal and stick to it, to pick yourself up when you fall, when to follow, when to lead — that takes real awareness. Discipline also helps with controlling anxiety and harnessing ambition. That is the number-one thing I notice when managing large teams and projects — people are either dealing with anxiety or ambition. The discipline I’ve learnt has helped me to be empathetic to that struggle.

Once the Games are over, I reflect on what I’ve been able to achieve. There’s a lot of taking stock of the journey and having time to myself. And sleeping. I really look forward to that!

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games run from April 4—15; gc2018.com

DAVID’S TIPS FOR HOW TO COPE IN A STRESSFUL JOB

1. Treat every day like a school day. You have as much to learn as to contribute. If you’re not learning every day, you’re doing something wrong.

2. Be disciplined like an athlete. You need to be OK with failing — and not let that stop you from trying.

3. Are you listening enough? Pay attention to those around you and really hear what they are saying.

Originally published as Changing the world one Games at a time