In baseball, walk-ons don’t get much. No scholarship. No guaranteed playing time. No easy path. But Cressman Bronson never expected easy.
As a walk-on athlete in both baseball and track at the University of Toledo, Bronson learned early that earning your spot—and keeping it—was a daily decision. He trained alone, wrote down goals, and chased his dream all the way to a semi-pro team in Florida. Until one day, a scout looked him in the eye and said, “You’re going to be great at something. Just not baseball.”
That drive back home to Cleveland was 20 hours of silence—and reflection. But Bronson didn’t stay stuck. He picked up the phone, called the only connection he had in banking (a man who went to high school with his mother-in-law), and asked for a meeting. That one ask didn’t land him a job right away— but it opened a door. Today, he’s the Regional President at PNC Financial Services Group and one of the strongest advocates for mentoring those still waiting for their big break.
In this 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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