George Carralejo’s story starts on the playing field. As a Division I athlete, he learned early that success comes from discipline, preparation, and a refusal to quit when the game gets difficult. Those years of training and competition shaped his mindset — lessons he would later carry into the boardroom.
After his time in collegiate athletics, George moved into the world of business. He quickly proved that the same focus and grit that drive athletes could also build successful organizations. Over the years, he has worked alongside some of the most accomplished names in both sport and business, learning from champions in each arena.
Today, George blends his two worlds as both a business executive and a coach. His work is about unlocking potential — helping companies exceed their goals and guiding individuals toward their own peak performance. Whether he’s leading a strategy session or mentoring one-on-one, he draws on his experiences competing at the highest levels.
For George, it’s never just about the scoreboard or the quarterly results. It’s about the process — setting high standards, putting in the work, and pushing past what you thought was possible. His approach is rooted in living with purpose and helping others do the same.
From the stadium to the office, George Carralejo has built a career on elevating those around him. His journey is proof that the principles of top-level competition — resilience, focus, and teamwork — can transform more than just the game.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early — 5:30 a.m. is my sweet spot. I spend some time reading, then review my priorities for the day. I feel like I get ahead of the day by getting an early start and the morning is when my mind is clearest. Afternoons are for meetings, coaching sessions, or strategic planning. I leave at least one open slot for unexpected conversations — those often spark the best ideas.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I do my best to ensure I listen intently to everyone’s ideas. My team has a voice and our culture has always been that “the best idea wins.” It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been with the organization, if you bring the best idea to the table, our group will accept it, and then most importantly, implement it with the commitment to see the idea be successful.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m fascinated by how sports psychology is being integrated into corporate leadership training. Techniques once reserved for elite athletes — visualisation, recovery protocols, performance tracking — are now helping executives manage stress and improve focus.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I try to adhere to mindfulness. Instead of taking pride in being a multi-tasker, I do my best to be present for every conversation, meeting, and project that I am working on. If I can devote myself to being in the moment, then the results of that moment are maximized.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t confuse activity with achievement. Early in my career, I thought being busy meant I was winning. Quality beats quantity almost every time. Focus on doing the work that matters and keeping the main thing the main thing.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe performance reviews should be quarterly, not yearly. Feedback loses its value if it’s too far removed from the action. There are many studies that show the benefits of immediate, detailed feedback.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Schedule recovery like you schedule work. Athletes don’t train nonstop — neither should leaders.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go back to physical movement. A long run, a workout, or even a few minutes with my kids resets my mind faster than trying to “push through” at my desk.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I make a point to learn skills outside my direct role. When I was an athlete, I studied how coaches managed the team dynamic. Later, in business, I shadowed marketing and finance teams to understand their pressures. This makes collaboration easier and strategy stronger.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I took on a leadership role without fully understanding the culture of the team I inherited. I pushed for quick wins, but resistance grew. I had to slow down, listen, and build trust before pushing forward. It taught me that speed without buy-in is just noise.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a “competitive edge” consultancy for small companies, using athletic training principles to sharpen business performance. It’s niche but powerful.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion. I use it to track projects, meeting notes, and even training logs. It keeps everything visible and centralised.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey. It’s not about tennis — it’s about mastering your mind under pressure.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched Moneyball. It’s a great reminder that challenging conventional wisdom often leads to breakthrough results.
Key learnings
- Performance principles from sports — like recovery, preparation, and feedback cycles — translate directly to business leadership.
- High-pressure environments reward those who listen and build trust before pushing for change.
- Cross-training in skills outside your main role strengthens strategy and collaboration.
- Recovery and reflection are just as critical to performance as work output.