Two years ago, I began a journey to sit with some of the brightest executives in the world to discuss how participation in sports shaped their leadership. After more than 100 conversations with leaders from companies like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Google, I’ve learned that sports not only taught our guests great lessons that translate to business, but it is a common denominator that makes them more relatable.
Some of our guests’ athletic experience earned them a place in their sports’ Hall of Fame, like Chick-fil-A Chairman Dan Cathy. Some hung up their cleats after high school, like Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, while others, like Condoleezza Rice, claim they were “terrible” in their sport.
However, no matter their skill level, they have all told me that being a part of a team taught them leadership lessons they still use today.
One of the highlights of this year was when my team merged into Maxwell Leadership. I gained an incredible teammate in Chris Goede, who serves as Maxwell Leadership’s Executive Vice President. For our last episode of 2022, I invited Chris to our reflection episode to talk about his favorite Corporate Competitor episodes and specifically the formulas shared in those conversations.
Thank you for being part of our Corporate Competitor family, here’s to a great 2023!
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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