He went on to earn advanced degrees from Harvard, Stanford, and Vanderbilt en route to attaining two decades of C-Suite experience at Home Depot, 24-Hour Fitness, USAA, AutoNation, and now Keller Williams’ parent holding company KWx.
Along the way, Carl has done his share of listening and learning and, of course, leading great teams. In the podcast, he says the leader’s role, simply, is to make others better.
“Leaders can let you fail, but not let you be a failure,” noted Carl. “I’m fortunate I have 13 CEOs who have either worked with me or for me who are now running companies. I’m thankful because it shows they trusted me to see their potential and put them in the right position to be successful.”
In this episode, Carl discusses how leaders can prevent their teams from turning one mistake into two and explains why he gives his team “permission to fail.”
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.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.