Why does Goldman Sachs recruit athletes?

Goldman Sachs recruits athletes for their proven work ethic, grit, perseverance, and ability to perform under pressure, qualities highly valued in finance.

How did Meena Lakdawala-Flynn's gymnastics background help her at Goldman Sachs?

Lakdawala-Flynn credits gymnastics with instilling discipline, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail, which are crucial for her role in Global Private Wealth Management.

What is the acceptance rate for Goldman Sachs internships?

Goldman Sachs' acceptance rate for its 2025 summer internship program was less than 1%, out of over 360,000 applications.

Home / Business and Economy / Gymnastics Grit Fuels Wall Street Success

Gymnastics Grit Fuels Wall Street Success

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Athletes are a key recruiting pool for Goldman Sachs.
Gymnastics skills like grit translate to finance roles.
Goldman hired less than 1% of 360,000 internship applicants.

Gymnastics Grit Fuels Wall Street Success

Goldman Sachs actively recruits athletes, recognizing their valuable performance-honed skills. Meena Lakdawala-Flynn, a partner and cohead of Global Private Wealth Management, exemplifies this, attributing her success in finance to the discipline, grit, and pressure-handling abilities developed through years of competitive gymnastics. She notes that the meticulous attention to detail required in gymnastics mirrors the precision needed in financial modeling and client interactions.

This focus on athletic talent is a strategic hiring initiative. Jacqueline Arthur, Goldman's head of human capital management, highlights how athletic qualities directly apply to the dynamic financial services environment. The firm has previously promoted a former NFL star to managing director, underscoring its commitment to diverse talent pools.