Jane Figueiredo; the brilliance, the joy and the authenticity.

The lessons & experiences we learned from one of the World's greatest coaches

As part of the FCN Webinar Series for 2025, we were lucky enough to welcome a truly special guest: Jane Figueiredo. With a coaching career that spans continents and Olympic podiums, Jane joined host Nicolai Morris for a powerful and engaging conversation that drew coaches from across the globe. Over the course of the session, Jane generously shared her wisdom, reflected on her extraordinary journey through sport, and answered questions from an inspired audience.

What followed was far more than a discussion about coaching techniques—it was a masterclass in authenticity, leadership, and the human side of high performance.

Below is a summary of lessons and experiences we learned from Jane which included her coaching philosophy, her stories from the international stage, and the values that have made her not just one of the most decorated coaches in diving, but one of the most respected voices in sport.

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When Jane Figueiredo joins a conversation, you know it. Her energy is contagious, her warmth immediate, and her joy unmistakable. But beneath the easy smile and bright personality is a coach who has carved her name into Olympic history through relentless hard work, profound self-awareness, and an unwavering belief in her athletes. From her beginnings in Zimbabwe to Olympic success with athletes like Tom Daley and Matty Lee, Jane’s journey is more than a timeline of accolades—it’s a blueprint for what makes a phenomenal coach.

Jane’s voice is passionate and grounded, and as she speaks, it becomes clear that her coaching success comes from something deeper than technique. It’s about relationships, values, and knowing yourself well enough to help others thrive.

“I don’t really know how to be anything but myself,” she told a group of female coaches during a recent international webinar. “Being your authentic self starts long before you become a coach. It starts with who you are and the values you grow up with.”

Raised in Zimbabwe in a vibrant, close-knit community, Jane recalls a childhood defined by outdoor adventure, positivity, and play. It was a setting that nurtured resilience, joy, and a deep sense of connection—qualities that would later shape her identity as a coach. “I was very fortunate,” she reflects. “There was so much laughter, support, and a real sense of belonging. That became the lens through which I saw the world.”

That perspective would go on to underpin her entire coaching philosophy—one grounded in human connection and mutual trust. “I bring what I bring,” she explains. “And what I don’t know, I go find out. But I never pretend. That’s the most important thing in coaching. Don’t fake it. Don’t pretend you know everything. Just be real. Athletes know the difference.”