One of my favorite Concept2 T-shirts reads, “Self-Propulsion Laboratory.”
Some love the nod to our country’s iconic Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Others equate “self-propulsion” with being a self-starter. I like the expression because Concept2 equipment is all about machinery and metrics, but self-propulsion is all about the athlete.
Technology is pervasive, but do not overlook the human elements. In the world of cutting-edge technology, OpenAI has been the darling of the AI future. It is interesting that its biggest speed bump was not a runaway car, a bad line of code, or a lack of resources. It was a problem of people and culture. In November 2023 the dysfunctional culture and lack of trust between board and CEO reached a crisis point, and the board fired Sam Altman, the CEO. In Empire of AI, Karen Hao details OpenAIs problems and Altman’s firing. He was subsequently rehired, and the employees held a party to celebrate Altman’s return. One of the company’s artists posted a banner: “OpenAI is nothing without its people.”
A Focus on the Athlete
During 2025 New Zealand rowers used CrewLAB before competing in regional and world competitions. Reporting, archiving, athlete development plans, and SafeSport communicating are built into the app. In addition to these technology features, CrewLAB enables the athletes to stay connected when working together or when working separately. Community! (Personally, in my coaching during the off-season, I have referred to us as the CIA — Community of Independent Athletes.) When the New Zealand rowers assessed their season, the U22 rowers placed “Team communications” and “Positive Team Culture and Racing experience” on the Top-Five List. (See Simon Hoadley’s CrewLAB Blog, January 16, 2026).
Simon Wickham, CEO of RNZ (Rowing New Zealand) has called the team’s relationship with CrewLAB “a key pathway tool,” a program to bring in and bring along athletes. CrewLAB’s Simon Hoadley sees the solution as a commitment to culture and retention:
“Participation should make rowing better, and every young rower must know they have a key contribution to make, no matter who they are and where they are at in their rowing journey. Our future Champions can come from anyone”( CrewLAB Blog, January 19, 2024).
The foundation of athletic programs (not just rowing) is participation. Project Play of the Aspen Institute states it well:
“National sports policy starts with a recognition of the social and health benefits of mass participation in sport and physical activities, and that high-performance success is built on that foundation. The motto of Sweden’s sport system, for instance, is ‘as many as possible, for as long as possible’ . . . Australia’s mission is to . . . lead, support, and provide opportunities for all communities to be involved in sport, while growing elite success and representation, inspiring future generations . . . followed by measurable objectives around mass participation and high-performance aspirations.”
According to this same report, New Zealand is one of the most “efficient” countries in nurturing elite competitors as related to population size. An absolute ranking of 24th in the world, but adjusted for population, New Zealand ranks fourth. Norway deserves credit (think of those Norwegian Protocol VO2 workouts) for one of the highest levels of youth participation.
Simon Hoadley has previously written on creating a culture of positive athlete participation. These ideas bear repetition:
- Broaden the Definition of Talent
- Talent extends beyond physical attributes when a teenager.
- Late bloomers can go just as far with steady, patient development.
- Build the Team earlier
- Sharpen skills in leadership and teamwork.
- Surround yourself with the right people to amplify your purpose.
- Foster a culture of positive accountability.
- Cultivate Long-Term Athlete Welfare and Team Bonding
- Non-linear journey: build support systems for the ups and downs.
- Deepen team connections for a more collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Mind Over Matter
- The athlete’s state of mind is the primary factor influencing performance & development.
- Fuel joy and hope in the sport to enhance overall well-being.
- Flexible Pathways
- Join or leave the pathway at your own pace.
- The pathway is a guide, not the only route, being outside it shouldn’t let athletes feel they should give up on their dreams.
Where will this journey lead?
As training becomes more imbued with technology, technology itself will become less of a differentiator. Successful teams will understand that technology is nothing without its people. They will integrate technology with positive team culture and will attract new athletes, retain existing athletes, and guide those athletes into competing at their best.
