“You hear no a lot more than you hear yes. And sometimes, those are discouraging, but I learned to probe them. When somebody tells me ‘no,’ my next question is to ask them why?” said the former Junior National Team and University of Virginia rower. “Knowing why offers the only way for me to take a lesson from failure. I ask what I can do to be better and figure out how to adapt.”
Taking lessons from failure has served Joanna very well. She is one of the 100 highest-ranking women in technology, and today she is part of the President’s Program at Harvard Business School, where she is receiving her MBA.
Leaders wishing to understand cutting-edge talent acquisition and development will enjoy Joanna’s insights. “Einstein once said, ‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid,'” observed Joanna. “He was talking about the difference between success and failure as learning what your strengths. I didn’t know I was a good athlete until I found rowing. The same applies to recruitment.”
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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