Note from our Podcast Producer Savannah Gallagher: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Warrick Dunn’s charity, Homes for the Holidays, we are “rewinding” to one of the first episodes we recorded with the former NFL running back and Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient.
So much has happened since we first released this conversation. Warrick has now given homes to more than 200 single parents, and Don began sharing Warrick’s story to audiences all around the world as part of his keynote speech that teaches the 10 Elements of Well-Told Story. Don takes each audience member through a journey from their scribbled-down ideas to a place where they can tell their story in a way that provides lasting impact and deeper relationships.
You are in for a treat. This conversation between Don and Warrick is one of my favorite episodes because of his candor and hilarious Bobby Bowden impression! Enjoy this rewind episode of Corporate Competitor Podcast!
Warrick Dunn was only the 22nd player in the National Football League’s history to carry the football for 10,000 yards. That fact is even more amazing if you know that Warrick is only 5 foot 8, 178 pounds. As impressive as that is, his life story is better.
Warrick was born to Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer. Two days after Warrick’s 18th birthday, his cell phone rang. His mother had been shot and killed in a robbery at a bank, and he became the man of the house. What he did next is, what I’d argue, makes him one of the greatest champions with whom I’ve had the chance to work.
He built his career on hard work and meeting challenges head-on: First from his mother, then from Florida State Football Coach Bobby Bowden, and finally from Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Tony Dungy. In this episode, you will learn about Warrick’s football journey and the legacy he created with his charity, Homes for the Holidays. Today, more than 500 children woke up in a home they are able to call their own because of the work of Warrick Dunn.
After joining the Falcons’ ownership group, Warrick returned to school to get an MBA because he wanted to ensure his credentials matched his business acumen. As several of his opposing linebackers have said over the years, who’s going to stop him?
You Will Learn
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14:00 How to overcome adversity.
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17:30 The importance of surrounding yourself with people you can learn from.
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18:00 The moment Warrick realized his impact on the community.
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30:00 A business leaders’ most important trait.
Resources:
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Connect with Pam Rauch on LinkedIn.
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Site Selection Magazine just named Florida Power & Light Company one of its top utilities in economic development for 2022.
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FPL Care To Share® helps families in hardship keep their lights on. Learn more!
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