Anne Marte Pensgaard: Why does Norway dramatically outperform at the Olympics and what can business learn from it?

The podcast explores the factors behind Norway's success in the Winter Olympics, particularly the role of sports psychology and long-term athletic development. Anne Marte Pensgaard, a professor of sports psychology who has shaped the mental training of Norwegian Olympic athletes, discusses the "Norwegian model," which emphasizes fun and social interaction in youth sports, delaying result-focused competition until later ages. This model aims to keep more children engaged in sports longer, increasing the talent pool. Pensgaard highlights the importance of creating supportive team environments, sharing expertise across sports, and fostering a culture of gratitude and humility. She also touches on mental training techniques used with athletes, such as mindfulness and value-based approaches, to enhance focus and manage pressure.