Effective Leadership
From Introverted Talent to Courageous Leader: Lessons in Reflection, Communication & Mindset
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In this keynote, Ann speaks directly to today’s leaders, sharing her transformative journey—from a quietly talented young girl to a dominant force on the basketball court, captain of the Belgian Cats, mentor, and ultimately assistant coach in the WNBA.
Through her story, she reveals the key traits that define true leadership:
Self-Reflection – the foundation for growth and authentic decision-making.
Effective Communication – the ability to connect, listen, and adapt messages for impact.
Feedback Mastery – both giving and receiving it with openness and respect.
Courage – standing firm in tough moments and embracing vulnerability.
Positive, Open Mindset – cultivating optimism and adaptability in every challenge
These insights empower leaders who aspire to make a meaningful and lasting impact—whether on the field, in the boardroom, or within their communities.
by
Ann Wauters rose from an introverted, athletic girl to a global icon in professional basketball, captaining the Belgian Cats, winning at the highest levels, and redefining leadership in sport and business.
Next to that, she is Four-time EuroLeague champion, winner of the EuroCup, multiple domestic league titles, and WNBA champion in 2016 and Five-time European Player of the Year, Olympic athlete with a bronze medal at EuroBasket and leading the Cats at Tokyo 2021.
She brings 25 years of teamwork at the highest level—from leading elite basketball teams to coaching in the WNBA—and transforms her deep experience into instructive, inspiring keynotes that elevate teams and organizations to new heights.
Ann brings raw authenticity, elite sports wisdom, and proven frameworks to every stage. Whether you want to empower leadership, boost resilience, or uplift team culture, she equips audiences with strategies they can apply the minute they leave the room.
Ann’s high-impact talks center on:
Leadership Evolution: Traces her journey from introvert to internationally recognised captain, spotlighting courage, vulnerability, feedback, and emotional agility.
The Reimagined TEAM Framework: Trust, Energy, Accountability & Mindset—unlocking cohesive, high-performing teams, rooted in her Cats successes.
The Game of Life: Translatable tactics from elite sport to entrepreneurship—cultivating resilience through routines, belief, flexibility, and mental toughness.
Mentorship: she extends her influence through mentorship and training
She wrote The Game of Life and is co-author of Mentor Moves. Together with other athletes, she aims to spark a movement that breaks through isolation, loneliness, doubt, and uncertainty—by offering guidance, wisdom from life, storytelling, and deep expertise, as a counter-movement to the growing individualism and egoism in society. With Assits, she spreads universal mentorship principles to share her experience to others.
From Court to Boardroom: Elevate Your Team with Trust, Energy, Accountability & Mindset.
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