New EuroHockey board member Gizem Karaali Karadağ was among the keynote speakers at this month’s Development Committee meeting, outlining her journey in hockey and leadership.
She shared her journey to this point in her career, becoming the first woman from Türkiye to sit on the board this year, a position she never imagined but one which she is wholly embracing since her election in August.
“It’s an honour to share my journey,” Gizem said of the presentation, one which she has previously showcased at the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy, reflecting on the lessons, challenges, and moments of growth that have shaped her path.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or recognition — it’s about consistency, courage, and curiosity.”
It traces an inspiring rise from grassroots hockey in a young national association to a leadership position on the European stage. It’s a story that underlines how opportunity, collaboration, and self-belief can open doors for women across sport.
Starting from the Ground Up
“In Türkiye, hockey is still developing. Our community is small, but our challenges are big,” Gizem said. “We often face the question: how can we achieve so much with so little? The answer lies in our people — their dedication, their adaptability, and their willingness to find a way forward.”
Working in a small federation means wearing many hats — manager, coach, organiser, sometimes even driver. Those experiences, she says, build resilience. “It teaches you to stay calm in uncertainty, to think on your feet, and to turn obstacles into learning moments.”
It also means learning to navigate male-dominated spaces: “As a woman in leadership, I have often walked into rooms where decisions have long been made without female voices.
“But instead of stepping back, I chose to step forward — to show that leadership is not about gender, but about vision, empathy and consistency.”
That willingness would soon connect her with the wider European hockey community, where she found support networks that encouraged growth and collaboration. “These connections remind us that we are not alone — and that solidarity can be just as powerful as funding.”
Discovering Leadership through the EuroHockey Youth Festival
A defining early experience came when Gizem represented Türkiye at the EuroHockey Youth Festival in 2017 — the week-long leadership and innovation event that gathers young professionals from across the continent.
“It was not just about hockey,” she recalled. “It was about how we lead, how we inspire young people, and how we can make our sport more inclusive and creative.
“I shared ideas, listened to stories and learned from my peers. With each new perspective, my confidence as a leader grew.”
By the end of the week, she realised that leadership wasn’t about working for hockey, but through it — using sport as a tool for connection and empowerment.
“We built friendships that turned into collaborations, and collaborations that turned into long-term partnerships. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone, share what you know, and stay open to learning from others.”
A Seat at the EuroHockey Board Table
It gave her vital tools for her work with the Turkish Hockey Federation with whom she is currently the head of international relations while she has held roles on various EuroHockey committees.
That brought her into the realm of going for a place on the EuroHockey board this year and was duly elected in Mönchengladbach, marking a significant new chapter.
“Coming from a smaller nation, I know I will be sitting at a table with people who have far more resources and history,” she said. “But I also know I bring something valuable — a different perspective, shaped by resilience, creativity and the will to make things happen even in difficult conditions.”
She feels the responsibility to represent not just Türkiye but all developing federations and emerging leaders.
“Leadership can come from anywhere. It’s not about where you start but about the values and vision you bring.
“My time so far on the board has shown me the power of teamwork at the international level — how we can move our sport forward when we listen to each other, respect different realities, and work towards a shared goal.”
Finding Strength in WSLA
The Women’s Sport Leadership Academy, held at Chichester University in September 2025, provided Gizem with a rare opportunity to pause and reflect.
“WSLA gave me something different — a space to rediscover my own voice as a leader.”
Surrounded by women from around the world, she found shared experiences and renewed purpose. “We challenged each other and we laughed a lot. I realised that true confidence doesn’t mean never feeling uncertain — it means moving forward even when you are.”
It helped reframe her understanding of leadership: “It’s not a position, it’s a mindset — one that combines empathy, courage, and vision. Authenticity is a strength, not a weakness.
“Real leadership is not about imitation — it’s about alignment between who you are and how you lead.
“I learned that I don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact — I need to be the most genuine one.”
Authenticity, she believes, requires vulnerability — something often overlooked in leadership. “It means admitting when you don’t know something or when you need help. But vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s the foundation of trust.”
Her Turkish roots, experiences in a growing federation, and the mentorship she continues to receive all feed into that identity. “Embracing my authentic self has made me not only a better leader, but also a happier one.”
Looking Ahead
Gizem’s journey continues through WSLA’s mentorship programme — the next chapter in her ongoing development. “Mentorship is about connection, reflection, and growth,” she said. “It helps you navigate complex moments and see your path from a different perspective.”
Even as she looks forward, Gizem remains guided by the same spirit that has carried her from local to European leadership. “Even from a small federation, you can make a big difference when you lead with purpose and heart.”
