Want to read along? Download the transcription of this interview here.
In this heartfelt conversation, you will learn how to overcome self-doubt, shorten the life-cycle of failure, and be a brave leader through incredible stories of Dolf’s track and field experience at Harvard and beyond. Athletically, applying these leadership lessons led him to the Pole Vaulting World Championships and the set of American Ninja Warrior. Corporately, his pole vaulting motto “choose to be brave before you start” shaped his two decades of C-Suite experience, including serving as the COO of Diedrich Coffee, COO of House of Blues Entertainment, President of Lucky Strike Lanes, President, and COO of Dave & Buster’s and now CEO of the popular sports entertainment company Topgolf, where he oversees 20,000 employees in 25 countries.
In the first half of Don Yaeger and Dolf Berle’s discussion, Dolf opens up about one of the most emotional moments in his family’s life. In the second half, he reveals the most difficult moment of his corporate life that took place after the September 11th attacks.
Culture is created by design or default. Use these best practices from Episode 1 to DESIGN your company culture.
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4:00 The lasting impact of his Harvard coaches.
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7:15 How to improve your mental strength and courage.
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11:00 How Dolf finds strength and joy in the midst of post-traumatic stress.
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13:45 How to overcome self-doubt.
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15:30 A behind the scenes look into the American Ninja Warrior experience.
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19:00 Dolf’s most challenging moment as a CEO and how he continues to draw strength from it.
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24:00 How to shorten the length of a failure.
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27:00 How to prioritize family and philanthropy in a C-suite role.
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29:00 The little gift he gives to encourage others.
Resources:
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Connect with Dolf on LinkedIn.
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As Topgolf reopens, the are committed to play safely – with all the great experiences, food and drink, music and technology! Find a Topgolf near you!
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The story of Jesse Owens and Luz Long.
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Vaulter Magazine article about self-doubt and frustration referenced in the episode.
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Learn about the Make A Wish Foundation’s Impact.
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Learn more about The Autism Community in Action.
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For additional free resources click here.
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Greg Brenneman
“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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Simon Sinek
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Beth Brooke
“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.”
Rick Hendrick
“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!”
Bill George
“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.”
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