Who Won the PBA Awards and What It Means for Your Business Growth

I remember watching EJ Obiena’s pole vault performances over the past couple of years, and something struck me about his consistency at the highest level. When he claimed a silver in 2022 in Eugene, United States, and followed it up with a bronze in 2023 in Budapest, Hungary, it wasn’t just another set of medals for the Philippines. It was a masterclass in resilience, incremental progress, and brand-building under pressure. As someone who’s spent years analyzing business growth patterns across industries, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Obiena’s journey and what it takes for companies to thrive today. Let’s be honest—whether you’re an athlete or a CEO, the principles of winning don’ change all that much. You need clarity, adaptability, and the guts to keep showing up even when the stakes are sky-high.

Now, you might wonder what an athlete’s podium finishes have to do with your revenue targets or market expansion plans. A lot, actually. Take Obiena’s back-to-back global medals, for instance. Each one required not just raw talent, but strategic planning, sponsorship alignment, and mental fortitude. In 2022, he cleared 5.94 meters in Eugene. A year later, he was still up there among the world’s best, securing another top-three finish with a jump of 5.82 meters in Budapest. That kind of sustained excellence is exactly what separates fleeting successes from lasting growth in business. I’ve seen too many companies hit one good quarter and then plateau, mostly because they didn’t build systems to replicate that success. Obiena didn’t just rely on one great day—he built a process, and that’s a lesson every leader should take to heart.

Let’s talk about what this means for your strategy. In my consulting work, I often emphasize the importance of setting incremental goals rather than fixating on the end result. Obiena’s trajectory demonstrates this beautifully. Between 2022 and 2023, he didn’t necessarily win gold, but he stayed relevant, kept his brand visible, and accumulated credibility. For businesses, that’s like consistently hitting quarterly growth targets of 12-15% even if you’re not doubling your revenue overnight. It builds trust with stakeholders, attracts better talent, and creates momentum. I’ll admit—I’m a huge believer in the compound effect. Small, consistent wins often lead to bigger opportunities. Think about it: after Obiena’s silver, his sponsorship value reportedly increased by around 40%, and that’s a conservative estimate. Visibility on the global stage opened doors that one-off victories might not have.

But here’s where many businesses drop the ball. They celebrate a single achievement and slow down. Obiena could’ve eased up after 2022, but he didn’t. He adapted to new conditions—different weather, unfamiliar competitors, varied pressures—and still delivered. Sound familiar? In today’s market, agility is non-negotiable. I’ve lost count of how many startups I’ve advised that had one viral product and then faded into obscurity because they didn’t iterate fast enough. Obiena’s consistency came from relentless focus on fundamentals, coupled with a willingness to tweak his technique. That’s exactly what scaling companies need: a solid core product with the flexibility to pivot when needed.

Another thing that stood out to me was how Obiena’s wins created ripple effects beyond his individual career. His success boosted the profile of Philippine athletics, inspired younger athletes, and drew international attention to the country’s sporting programs. Similarly, when your business hits key milestones, it’s not just about the bottom line. It’s about industry influence, employer branding, and ecosystem impact. I’ve seen this firsthand—companies that prioritize sustainable growth often become magnets for partnerships and innovation. They don’t just sell; they lead. And leadership, as Obiena shows, isn’t about always finishing first. It’s about being in the conversation, year after year.

Of course, none of this happens without a clear vision and the right support system. Obiena’s coach, Vitaly Petrov, played a crucial role in his progress, just as mentors and advisors do in business. I’ve made my share of mistakes early in my career by trying to do everything alone. It’s a trap. Whether you’re an athlete or an entrepreneur, surrounding yourself with experts who challenge and complement your skills can be the difference between a flash in the pan and long-term relevance. Obiena’s team ensured he had the resources, analytics, and emotional backing to perform under pressure. In business terms, that’s your board, your HR team, and your tech infrastructure working in sync.

So, what’s the takeaway for your growth plan? Start by defining what your version of a “silver” or “bronze” looks like—maybe it’s capturing 15% of a new market segment or improving customer retention by 20%. Then, build a roadmap to get there, with room for adjustments. Celebrate the milestones, but never stop refining your approach. Obiena’ back-to-back medals teach us that growth is a marathon, not a sprint. And in a noisy, competitive world, consistency isn’t just reassuring—it’s a strategic advantage. Your customers, investors, and competitors will notice if you’re always in the mix. That presence builds a narrative of reliability, and in business, as in sports, reliability often trumps sporadic brilliance. Now, go out there and find your podium finish. I’m rooting for you.