He manages one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world and is the elite leader every CEO wants to talk to. So why has Mikel Arteta decided to go public on having his own DNA mapped?
The Arsenal boss explains why prioritizing your health is the foundation of good leadership and whether the skills that drive success in the sporting arena can translate to the corporate world.
Mikel Arteta, the successful leader of one of the world's premier soccer clubs, Arsenal, has decided to go public about his decision to have his DNA mapped. Arteta is not a fan of the term "pressure," but rather prefers to focus on expectations, desire, and fulfilling tasks. He believes in leading oneself and creating an ecosystem to achieve personal goals.
Under Arteta's leadership, Arsenal has won the English Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. The club had previously been seen as "chokers," unable to reach the pinnacle of success. Arteta attributes their success to perseverance, resilience, composure, and vulnerability.
Arteta emphasizes the importance of health as a foundation for elite-level leadership. With this in mind, he partnered with Bupa for genome sequencing to better understand his body's workings and potential future health risks. Bupa states that genome sequencing helps individuals understand how genetics and lifestyle may shape health.
Arteta's genome test revealed an increased likelihood of coeliac disease and a level of lactose intolerance. He decided to share these insights with a doctor for future reference. Arteta believes that discussing personal matters, such as health, is just as important as discussing professional achievements.
Having his DNA mapped gave Arteta peace of mind and prompted him to reconsider his nutrition and choices to support long-term health. He aims to be in the best possible condition to lead his family, club, and community. Arteta's children often remind him to eat less cheese, and since making changes in his eating and sleeping routines, he feels healthier. This newfound health positively impacts his ability to lead and inspire others.
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