Johnny Ayers, the founder and CEO of Socure—the world’s most valuable identity verification company—learned a critical leadership lesson in the most unexpected place: by bungling a punt in his first college football game.
Ayers, a former standout athlete who played baseball and took on the role of punter at Boston College, recounted a defining moment from his early college football days.
During his first game, Ayers faced a high-pressure situation that went disastrously wrong. “I’m looking up at the returner, and the ball gets snapped,” said Ayers. “The moment I look down, the ball hits me square between the letters. It was a perfect snap. I’m in our own end zone. So, the ball hits, I go to pick up a fumble and get absolutely demolished at our three-yard line. It was the worst-case scenario.”
Ayers trudged to the sideline, bracing for the wrath of Coach Tom O’Brien—affectionately known as “Coach OB” by his players. But what happened next surprised him. Instead of delivering a harsh critique, Coach OB lightly tapped his whistle against Ayers’ helmet and, with a calm demeanor, said, “Junior, it can’t get any worse than that.”
That simple, supportive response from Coach OB was a game-changer for Ayers. It helped him shake off the disappointment and refocus. “That was my entry to college football,” Ayers said. “I assure you; I did not drop another snap for the remainder of my college career.”
Ayers took his coach’s words with him throughout his football career at Boston College. “That response from OB was encouraging,” Ayers shared. “I took it as, ‘Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s only up from here. Look forward. We’re moving forward.’”
Today, Ayers carries that lesson into his leadership at Socure, a company known for its phenomenal growth and innovative culture. Drawing inspiration from Coach OB’s approach, Ayers fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to learn from their mistakes without being defined by them. This philosophy has earned Socure numerous accolades, including a spot on Inc.’s Best Places to Work list.
Ayers shared more insights during the podcast, including:
Recognized as a top entrepreneur, Ayers has led Socure to new heights, partnering with major businesses across the globe. Yet, he often reflects on Coach O’Brien’s sage advice after that infamous punt–and he ensures his team knows they have the support to recover from their own mistakes.
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