In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Tess Howard, an Olympic hockey player, sports equality advocate, and founder of Inclusive Sportswear. At just 25 years old, Tess has already left a lasting impact on and off the field—making her Olympic debut in Paris while leading a movement for inclusive sportswear that has changed hockey uniforms forever.
Tess shares her inspiring journey as an athlete and changemaker, exploring how she balances elite performance with driving meaningful social change. She discusses why sports uniforms should be about choice, how her research and activism led to a groundbreaking shift in women’s sportswear, and why 70% of girls quit sports—and what we can do to change that.
She also reflects on the psychological secrets to peak performance, the leadership lessons she’s learned from Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and how her Olympic journey is transforming her both as an athlete and as a person.
Key Highlights: The Fight for Inclusive Sportswear – Why uniform choice matters and how Tess successfully campaigned for change. Peak Performance & Mindset – The psychological strategies that drive elite athletes to success. Why 70% of Girls Quit Sports – Understanding the barriers and how we can create a more inclusive future. Leadership Lessons from Ruth Bader Ginsburg – What a Supreme Court Justice taught Tess about resilience and advocacy. Winning Awards, But the Fight Isn’t Over – How Tess continues to push for greater inclusivity in sports. The Olympic Journey & Personal Growth – How representing her country on the world’s biggest stage has shaped her. Takeaways for Leaders & Changemakers: Lead with Purpose – Advocacy and leadership go hand in hand. Tess’s story proves that even one voice can create massive change. Performance Is Psychological – Success in sports and business comes from mindset, confidence, and mental resilience. Inclusivity Drives Participation – Making sports more accessible empowers more people to stay engaged and reach their full potential. Change Starts with You – Whether in sports or leadership, challenging outdated norms About Tess Howard:Tess Howard is an Olympic hockey player for Team GB and a leading voice for inclusivity in sports. As the founder of Inclusive Sportswear and winner of the Changemaker Award at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year ceremony, she is dedicated to ensuring that every athlete, regardless of gender, feels empowered and comfortable in their sport. Her advocacy has led to a revolutionary change in women’s hockey uniforms, proving that small changes can make a massive difference.
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