“At Georgetown, I said to the athletic director, “Let’s be one of the first athletic departments that streams games, and how about me as the voice of the Hoyas?” Helfrich recounted. “When I got to Deloitte, I told them, ‘This is something that’s important to me,’ and fast forward 20 years, I’ve only missed one game broadcasting.”
He’s also climbed the corporate ladder, advancing from what he describes as a “mid-level manager” to CEO, so he’s now in a position to use this experience of being true to his passions as a model for leading his growing team of 85,000 professionals at one of the largest professional services organization in the country.
“I’m always saying to my team, ‘I need you to believe that we want you to focus on your own well being and your own passions, even more than Deloitte’s,’” said Helfrich. “If you are choosing between you and the firm, choose you. I did it, and it wasn’t career limiting.”
Helfrich is deliberate in his frequent debunking of the phrase “career limiting” to describe behaviors commonly thought to undermine our advancement potential, such as asking the wrong question in a meeting or admitting you have commitments outside the workplace.
“We believe that people who are making the choice of our firm over themselves, either they or their family members end up resenting the place, and it’s not a recipe for productivity or longevity,” observed Helfrich. “As our captain, I want productive people who have longevity and who bring joy and balance to the teams that they lead on a daily basis.”
Leaders looking to improve productive work-life balances with their teams will enjoy Helfrich’s bold vision, including:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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