The age of top sportspersons seem to be increasing by the year (Djokovic being another just recently). Would big business leaders retire later too?

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Director of Technology Strategy in Services (non-Government), 2 - 10 employees

I think that elite sports people are able to last longer due to advancements in sports science, improved training methods, better nutrition, and overall increased focus on physical fitness and well-being, but the biggest reason is they don't need to pursue a career to earn a living. Previously, sports pay days weren't as lucrative so long term financial stability was necessary.

When it comes to big business leaders, there isn't a universally applicable trend of retiring later. Retirement decisions in the business world are influenced by a multitude of factors, including personal preferences, financial considerations, health, and the nature of the industry they are involved in.

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Senior Director Engineering in Travel and Hospitality, 10,001+ employees

So true. Thanks for this perspective.
Many in sport probably also deeply love what they are doing, and also potentially that thrill seekers. That maybe extends that need to keep pushing themselves, which may not be the case/needed in a corporate life.

Strategic Banking IT advisor in Banking, 10,001+ employees

I believe that any seasoned leader is at its peak when approaching 55 or 60 years old. I'm not talking about an innovator or a visionary, but rather a true business leader that could inspire, guide and reassure.

But there are exceptions for sure! But the more crisis you've seen, the more success and failures you've been through, will forge you ability to lead an organization.

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Legal Operations Counsel & Innovation Strategist in Services (non-Government), 10,001+ employees

I disagree. People start their careers at different ages - some early and some late. That’s quite a generalization, and it shows why diversity in all aspects is essential.

Strategic Banking IT advisor in Banking, 10,001+ employees

You're right Adina. Maybe it was based on what I've seen here, in my organization. Probably, it's because I've seen so many things in my 30 years career here!

Legal Operations Counsel & Innovation Strategist in Services (non-Government), 10,001+ employees

That's typical in many organizations, Steve (including those I have worked in).

I've also worked in organizations with mandatory retirement ages for board directors and law firm partners.

Director of Network Transformation, Self-employed

Hmm. Interesting question. Concerned there is not much cross over between the two. One is based on mostly physical traits, the other on mental. My thought here is maintaining curiosity and an open/growth mindset in the later years. That is the key. I've seen a few older leaders come in with a fixed mindset and damage an org. They built their career on concepts of the past and kept going back to playing the legacy hits. Thus, for me, it's about being open to change and new concepts and not being tied to what got you there in the past. So, be able to marry the old with the new.

A recent sports example is Aaron Rodger buying into the Shanahan offense. For two years, he did and won back to back MVPs. Then last year, he decided to go back to what was familiar. Result, a not so great season. Open mindset is important.

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Senior Director Engineering in Travel and Hospitality, 10,001+ employees

The open mindset one is a great point. Sort of leads me to the question “does age make you to have closed mindset?”

One point I disagree is that sport is not just physical. It’s probably more mental than physical - but extension in sportstars in the recent times could be more related to the medical advances

Founder, Self-employed

I think an interesting shift that we will soon start to recognize thanks to the Great Resignation and the massive layoffs is business leaders starting to "retire" from corporate America EARLIER - but not necessarily retire completely. Many are hanging up their hats but starting their own companies using the skills that they have amassed over decades working for others.

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Senior Director Engineering in Travel and Hospitality, 10,001+ employees

This will rejuvinate the entire economy! A good outcome of a bad phase of boom followed by recession

Senior Director Engineering in Travel and Hospitality, 10,001+ employees

** rejuvenate

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