Player in Focus - Round 8 - supported by Talent Focus
Our weekly Player in Focus segment returns, brought to you by our amazing women's program sponsor Talent Focus. This week, new member of our leadership group for 2021 and Prems back Emma Guignard is up.
Leadership – best leader you have had?
I don’t think I can give just one name - I have had a couple at work and in sport and the common characteristics that make them a great leader is that they look out for their team, know when to lead from behind or take charge, they jump into the mess with you to help you get out, leverages individuals strengths and somehow pulls that all together so people feel like they belong and that the team can do amazing things.
Best manager you have had?
Angeline Justo – one of my work managers who just was fabulous to work for. She was tough but kind, she always had a plan and was organised. Best of all, she would spend time coaching and developing me!
Best team environment you have experienced?
The Australian Women’s Handball Team when we went to the Asian Championships in 2018. We were a pretty new team and some would say pretty in experienced – but I think we surprised a lot of people - we got some of the best results for the Australian team and it was only because we were a team on and off the court. We had built solid trust, knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses (but didn’t hold that against them), took on our role within the team and backed each other. And to top it off we qualified for the World Championships.
What motivates you?
To see hard work pay off – I love seeing someone dig deep and work hard.
Also motivated when someone is inspired to outdo themselves . By this I mean being able to achieve more than they thought was possible. I am motivated to do this for myself but also to help/see others do it.
Who is your favourite sports hero, doesn’t have to be AFL.
My Brother. He also played European Handball and I followed in his footsteps – literally, I must have been one annoying little sister. He was extremely dedicated, passionate and disciplined with his sport and even when he was unable to play handball due to life changing health reasons he still carries those behaviours through to life.
What reasons do you like playing a team sport?
Camaraderie, sharing the successes and the losses, being inspired by what people bring to the team, having a good laugh
Sports you played growing up?
I was a big swimmer and played netball until I found European Handball
Favourite thing to do outside of sport?
Be in the water swimming at a beach that has waves or camping out in the wilderness
What would you do with your last $10?
Mm this is hard – toss up between trying to invest a little so I can continue to live or just driving to the beach with my hubby and buying a 2x cans of coke and a bag of salt&vinegar chips!
If you had the opportunity to have dinner with celebrity, who would it be?
Anh Do
What strengths do you believe have made you the player you are today?
Perseverance – never give up, positivity, caring for others, communication
What do you do to prep before a game?
Spending some quiet time by myself to prepare mentally, having a good breakfast and making sure my body is ready with water and the right amount of sleep.
Favourite movie about sport?
Not a big movie watcher but Cool Runnings for sure – I love a good underdog and anything is possible!
How does being an athlete inspire to you do good?
Being an athlete consumes every aspect of your life. It takes a lot of dedication to play sport. You do not want to let your team down, you want to be the best you can be, you want to support and inspire others to be their best. It becomes part of your DNA and you want this to be in every aspect of your life – taking it work, to friends, to family.
