A typical triple-double involves points, assists, and rebounds, but Genevieve’s triple-double included steals. “It was the statistic of which I was most proud,” she recalled in the podcast. “The steals, not the points.”
She wasn’t proud because the steals showed her defensive efforts, but because it showed her the value of her preparation, which for Genevieve meant watching game film of future opponents and studying their offensive plays and passing patterns.
“I would study the point guard as she was running down looking over to the coach and calling the play, so I knew exactly where they were going to pass it,” she shared. “I knew that if I needed to come on the court and make a big impact, a steal would do that.”
That’s when a key connection hit her. “I noticed that most of my points came after steals.” For her team, steals led to points, and points led to wins. The way that she gained those steals was through her anticipation, and her anticipation came from her preparation and hours studying the tape. The insight has informed her approach to business leadership as well.
Now she’s studying what happens at LKQ, where she never misses an earnings calI and the chance to meet with investors or to walk the floors of departments outside of HR to better understand the business and how she can help it move forward.
Leaders and podcast listeners who want to optimize their departmental strategy in the service of a larger business strategy will enjoy Genevieve’s approach to leadership, which includes:
"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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