Coach Wooden knows I am a basketball junkie, so he says “great player” and I am thinking Bill Walton, Marcus Johnson, or Kareem Abdul Jabbar. But Coach leans in and says, “I’m going to tell you the story of Swen Nater.”
When I tell this story on stage to corporate audiences, few people raise their hand to claim they’ve heard of Swen Nater. In this episode, we will dive into his incredible story and learn a valuable lesson: We will never outperform our inner circle. Swen believes that great leaders are great teachers. He reflects on the teaching principle of John Wooden — You Haven’t Taught Until They Have Learned — and demonstrates how to apply them to our business.
You will learn:
Books mentioned in this episode:
As a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, and 14-time New York Times Best-Selling author, Don Yaeger is one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. From walking into Afghanistan with the Mujahadeen to living with football legend Walter Payton, Don has spent three decades embedded with the world’s greatest "Greats." Now a sought-after executive coach and host of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, he translates the lessons of sports and business legends into actionable strategies for building a culture of greatness.
"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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