Managing M&A: What Simone Biles teaches us about culture, leadership, & high-stakes change

For most people, feeling nervous is uncomfortable, but not dangerous.

For advanced gymnasts, however, getting 'the twisties' could jeopardize their physical safety. Not knowing exactly where they are in space as they execute difficult skills, especially on floor or vault routines, can quickly lead to potentially life-threatening or career-ending injuries for the gymnast.

Leading up to the 2020 Olympics (held in Tokyo in the summer of 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic), all-star gymnast Simone Biles was experiencing the twisties.

In a move that shocked the world, she pulled out of the competition to prioritize her mental health and work toward overcoming the serious mental block.