I recently went one-on-one with Cammile Adams. Cammile competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?
Cammile: Something that surprises people is that I really enjoy cooking, but I rarely follow recipes exactly. I like finding inspiration online and then putting my own spin on dishes to make them unique. It’s become a creative outlet for me outside of work and swimming. I’m also a huge true crime fan, which people don’t usually expect
Adam: What is something that would surprise people about the life of an Olympian?
Cammile: One thing that surprises people about the life of an Olympian is how normal most of it actually is. People see the races and the big moments on TV, but behind the scenes, it’s a lot of early mornings, repetition, discipline, and sacrifice. What also surprises people is how quickly you transition back into everyday life afterward. The day after returning home from my second Olympics in Rio, I was back completing my student teaching internship in a 5th-grade classroom.
It can be challenging when you spend so many years working toward one goal, and then that moment comes and goes while life continues moving forward. Finding your footing again after the Olympics and figuring out your next purpose or routine can be a really difficult transition for a lot of athletes.
Adam: How did you get here? What failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Cammile: One of the biggest challenges during my career was moving away from home. In January 2015, I left Texas and moved to North Carolina to join a professional team. It was the first time I had ever lived that far from my family, and the transition was difficult for me personally. Looking back, though, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself, both in and out of the pool.
I’d also be remiss not to mention the disqualification I received during prelims of the 2016 Olympic Trials, which was later overturned. At the time, I was initially disqualified after my race due to a turn violation, and in a matter of moments, it felt like my Olympic dream was over. It was an emotional and incredibly difficult experience to process, especially after dedicating so many years to that goal. Thankfully, after the race was reviewed, the disqualification was overturned and I was reinstated. That experience taught me a lot about resilience, handling pressure, and trying to stay composed even in the most overwhelming moments.
Adam: What is your most notable memory from your Olympic experience?
Cammile: One of my favorite Olympic memories was being elected a Team Captain for Team USA in 2016 alongside two of my best friends, Elizabeth Beisel and Allison Schmitt. It was such an incredible honor to share that role with them and help lead a team that went on to have one of the most successful medal performances in Olympic swimming history. More than anything, it was special because of the friendships and memories we shared throughout that experience.
Adam: What are the best lessons you learned from the achievement of becoming an Olympian and from your experience competing in the Olympics?
Cammile: I learned how important it is to have an identity beyond sport. As athletes, you spend years chasing one goal, and eventually that chapter comes to an end, as do most things in life. Learning how to transition, find balance, and build a life outside of competition was one of the most valuable lessons I took away from my Olympic experience.
That perspective has translated directly into my life now as a swim school owner. While my competitive swimming career ended, I was able to channel the lessons, discipline, and passion from the sport into something new — helping children become safer and more confident in the water. Owning swim schools has given me a renewed sense of purpose and allowed me to continue making an impact through swimming in a completely different way.
Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Cammile: From my experience, the most effective leaders lead by example. People are much more likely to respect and follow someone who is willing to work hard, stay consistent, and hold themselves to the same standards they expect from others. I also think it’s important for leaders to understand the jobs and responsibilities from the ground up. Some of the best leaders are the ones who are willing to do everything from scrubbing a toilet or teaching a swim lesson to dreaming about the next step and a bigger vision for the business. When leaders truly understand the day-to-day responsibilities of their team, it creates more trust, respect, and connection.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Cammile: First, be willing to do the work from the ground up. Some of the best leaders are the ones who understand every aspect of their business and are willing to step in wherever needed.
Second, be adaptable. I come into every day with a plan or a to-do list, and almost every day it changes based on what the business needs from me at that moment. Being able to pivot quickly while still keeping the bigger picture in mind is such an important skill. I think the ability to ‘see the forest for the trees’ is incredibly valuable in leadership and business ownership.
Third, something I’ve reflected on a lot lately is the saying, ‘love the reason you’re tired.’ Business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and challenging during certain seasons. It’s important to truly love what you do day in and day out, and to surround yourself with people who are passionate about the mission as well.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Cammile: My college coach, Steve Bultman, always used to say, ‘Don’t ever let the highs get too high or the lows get too low.’ That mindset has stayed with me through both motherhood and business ownership. It’s important to celebrate the wins and milestones, but also to stay grounded and focused on the next goal or challenge ahead. At the same time, you can’t let the mundane days or the valleys in business discourage you. There are always going to be ups and downs, and learning how to stay steady through both has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve carried with me from swimming into everyday life.
Adam: What can anyone do to pay it forward?
Cammile: For me, it’s all about the kids. As an education major in college, I always knew I wanted to work with children, and owning swim schools has allowed me to merge two of my biggest passions – teaching and swimming. I love watching kids master new skills, pass levels, and build confidence in the water. Seeing the excitement and joy they bring into lessons each week is incredibly rewarding. It’s such an honor to play a role in helping children learn the life-saving skill of swimming while also creating an environment where they can grow, have fun, and believe in themselves.
