Gary Bailey, former Manchester United and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, delivered an inspiring session to participants of Gondwana’s Go4Gold leadership development programme at Moonraker Adventure Camp on Tuesday.
He shared lessons drawn from a career defined by high-stakes moments and intense pressure.
Bailey, who made nearly 300 appearances for Manchester United before later becoming an international keynote speaker and SuperSport presenter, anchored his talk on the principles that guided him both during his time in professional football and throughout his post-playing career.
Now married to former Miss Universe 1992 and Gondwana’s representative and business officer for North America, Michelle McLean, the football superstar spoke on the theme ‘Success Under Pressure’.
Bailey told the participants pressure is not an enemy but a force that can either harm or inspire, depending on the perspective one chooses.
He emphasised that those who learn to work with pressure rather than fear tend to stand the test of time.
He encouraged participants to cultivate gratitude, to reframe negative experiences, and to be conscious of their energy and mindset during moments of strain.
His central message on teamwork resonated strongly: “The best way to have someone help you is to help them first.”
During the session, he also guided the group through an interactive worksheet built around his ‘Be Great’ framework, a practical tool he uses in training sessions internationally.
Bailey explained how controlled breathing anchors the body during high-pressure situations, and how shifting one’s aspirations from vague hopes to clear expectations strengthens performance.
He urged the cohort to practise consistent gratitude, noting that acknowledging progress and support systems builds emotional resilience.
Bailey also highlighted the importance of reframing setbacks by looking deliberately at positives, even when challenges feel overwhelming.
In addition, he reminded participants that the energy they produce and consume whether through diet, rest, or mental habits, directly affects how they show up in work, sport and relationships.
He concluded by stressing the importance of clear communication and the role of teams in every successful environment, reinforcing that individual excellence means little without collective effort.
Bailey’s presentation formed part of the Go4Gold programme aimed at equipping young professionals with leadership skills, personal discipline, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
The programme combines outdoor adventure, mentorship and experiential learning, focusing on building confidence, emotional intelligence and career-ready competencies.
For many of the attendees, Bailey’s visit offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from a sporting figure who not only succeeded at the highest levels, but who has spent decades teaching organisations around the world how to perform under pressure.
His personal anecdotes drawing from cup finals, career-defining saves and the abrupt end of his playing career due to injury, provided context for the lessons he shared, illustrating how mindset, clarity and teamwork shaped his journey.
His message reinforced the core ethos of the programme: Excellence is cultivated deliberately, and pressure, when understood and managed, can become a powerful catalyst for success.