He was a freshman basketball player at Linfield University, a small forward with big dreams — until a new coach arrived who didn’t see the same potential in him that the old one had. Dan McMillan found himself sitting on the bench, frustrated and even angry, until his coach finally sat him down and explained why.
That moment stuck. Years later, as a young employee at The Standard, Dan was passed over for his first leadership role. The disappointment felt familiar. So did the lesson: how I handle this moment will determine my future.
Today, Dan is President and CEO the same financial services company he joined fresh out of college in 1989 and has now led through 15 different roles over 37 years. On this episode of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, Dan sits down with Don Yaeger to teach how to turn disappointment into development.
You will learn:
RESOURCES
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.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.