How did he and his teammates do it, and what is the leadership lesson to apply from this situation? The answers are one and the same. Gokey, who is now the CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions, practiced the highest form of servant leadership by removing himself from the boat and putting in a better rower.
“If as a leader, you put your own needs above others, it undermines your leadership,” offered Gokey, under whose leadership Broadridge has not only achieved remarkable financial success, with $6 billion in revenue in 2023, but also pioneered an elite athlete management program by hiring eight of the women on the US Olympic rowing team.
By giving up his seat at Oxford, Gokey gave the team an historic win and a lifetime of memories.
“It was hard to keep the team together because they were in their final year,” he said. “People don’t usually row in their final year, so we were trying to keep this great group together.” Gokey had to talk one such final-year student, Gavin Cartledge, a more accomplished rower than he, back onto the team. Then Gokey stepped aside to make room for him in the boat.
“It was something I knew was the right thing. I still think about that now. We very easily won that year,” Gokey recalled
Listeners will appreciate the specific sports-to-business analogies and lessons Gokey has implemented to keep his widely distributed workforce of 15,000 associates in 23 countries locked onto a common vision and culture. Podcast lessons include:
"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.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.