Long before Jimmy Pitaro brought sports to the masses as the Chairman of ESPN, he learned all about leadership by playing football in high school and as a wide receiver at Cornell University.
But if you ask him what he misses most about his playing days, it’s not the competition or the glory—it’s the huddle. Why? Because the huddle is where you come together, make decisions, and leave aligned.
In a recent episode of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, Pitaro talked about how he applied what he learned in the huddle to his work at ESPN.
“When people ask me what I miss about sports, I always go back to the huddle,” Pitaro shared. “The group of guys in my senior year in high school, we went through so much together. That bonds you and it makes you feel part of something.”
Today, Pitaro still looks forward to huddling with his teammates—this time in the boardroom. His weekly staff meetings at ESPN serve as “huddles,” where he fosters collaboration and ensures every team member has a voice. “We follow the model: Discuss, debate, decide, and align,” he said of his approach. “First off, I want to make sure that people are heard, that our leaders have the forum to speak up.”
As much as Pitaro values the collaborative spirit of the huddle, he also emphasized the importance of breaking the huddle with alignment. Whether on the field or in the office, every player on the team needs to run the same play. “That’s probably the most important component of this whole thing,” Pitaro explained. “Once the decision has been made, then the time for debating or challenging is over. If not, then the whole thing comes crumbling down.”
In this podcast episode, you will learn:
"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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