Author: Don Yaeger

Tua Tagovailoa, Ryan Fitzpatrick, And The Heartbreaking Importance Of Being A Great Teammate

Written on October 23, 2020.

Life is full of plot twists, isn’t it? One moment you are having your Employee of the Month award framed, the next you’re getting knocked to your knees and praying you to keep your job. Imagine putting together a lengthy career that includes long hours at work—in many cases being the first one in and the last to leave. You’re in a good groove, hitting your numbers week after week—pouring more and more value into the...

Lakers’ Legend Kobe Bryant Continues To Shape The NBA Finals…And The Philippines

Written on October 11, 2020.

It is completely appropriate that this might be the year the Los Angeles Lakers became champions again. In the same year, he was due for induction to the Basketball Hall of Fame, a malfunctioning helicopter resulted in the death of Laker legend Kobe Bryant—one of the greatest players ever to wear the purple and gold uniform – setting off worldwide reminiscence worthy of a political or social leader. Here we are...

Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers Reminds Us: Chase Greatness No Matter What Talent Surrounds You

Written on October 5, 2020.

Too often we’ve all have heard – in both sports and business – that a team is only as strong as its weakest link. We are taught that the best teams are loaded, from top to bottom, with the best talent. Often, it is true.

How The Failings Of Big Ten Football Can Teach A Lesson In Leadership

Written on September 25, 2020.

“If you ain’t first, you’re last.” That gem of a quote from fictitious racecar driver Ricky Bobby was a classic moment from the movie, Talladega Nights. Although grammatically incorrect, it is a snapshot of the competitive mindset that drives many in the sports and business world. It’s why there are rarely any commemorative t-shirts distributed to the runners-up. It’s why we never give a premium parking space...

Jeff Henry, ViON President, asks: Do You Practice Harder Than Your Competition?

Written on October 13, 2020.

Jeff Henry ViON President, asks: Do You Practice Harder Than Your Competition? Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 12 [chevron-down] Search Episodes Search by name, company or episode number. Generic...

How The Brady-Belichick Split Could Lead To A Reunion

Written on September 19, 2020.

It was the most talked-about breakup since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s highly publicized “de-coupling.” After nearly two decades and six Super Bowl Championship rings with the New England Patriots and longtime head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady left Boston’s trademark chowder in favor of stone crabs, key lime pie, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For the record, I live in Florida and have tasted my fair...

Rob Davies, ViON Chief Operations Officer, asks: Can You Remain Calm and Disciplined in Stressful Times?

Written on October 6, 2020.

Rob Davies ViON Chief Operations Officer, asks: Can You Remain Calm and Disciplined in Stressful Times? Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 11 [chevron-down] Search Episodes Search by name, company or episode number. Generic...

ESPN: How one USC-Alabama game changed the Crimson Tide, college football

Written on September 14, 2020.

Featuring Don Yaeger Original source article can be found here. Fifty years ago, Sam Cunningham and the USC Trojans ran all over Alabama, helping push the Crimson Tide toward integrating their all-white football team.

Bear Bryant’s Genius Decision 50 Years Ago Shaped College Football Today

Written on September 7, 2020.

If you’re a college football enthusiast, like I am, then this is the most beautiful time of the year (fingers firmly crossed!). It’s when the clash of helmets and shoulder pads gives you a jolt better than doubling up on morning coffee. It’s when rooting for your favorite school becomes an opportunity to witness, in unison, a significant moment that will be remembered forever. This decade is easily linked to the University...