Sean had been his high school’s all-time leading scorer— a record he held for more than three decades— but his decision to be the “little fish in the big pond” and go to Syracuse paid off. He knew he would progress far more rapidly when competing against bigger and better, even if that meant less playing time than he might have received at a smaller school.
Today as Arrow’s Chief Operating Officer, he leads a team of 20,000 employees across more than 300 locations worldwide with the same scrappy mindset. He is committed to lifelong learning. “The further you go, the less you know,” Sean explained, “The more willing you are to reach out and learn from others, the better off you will be.”
In this episode, Sean explains how that curious culture inspired Arrow to modify a Corvette, empowering a quadriplegic former IndyCar race driver to drive again using only his head’s motion. Through Sean’s story you will learn how to activate the company culture document that hangs in your office so that it becomes more powerful than just wall art.
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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