How to build Champions

What if we led our teams the way great coaches lead theirs?

I love sports, but especially collegiate sports. Running a business is a lot like running a championship program. The best coaches aren't just calling plays; they’re building systems, developing people, and expecting accountability.

Take a few examples:

🏈 Curt Cignetti (Indiana University) – Took over a struggling team and rebuilt the foundation fast. He didn't just change the playbook; he changed the mindset. People first, execution second. Anyone paying attention, he hasn't lost a game this season.

🏈 Ryan Day (The Ohio State University) – Balances tradition with innovation. He runs a powerhouse like a CEO, protecting the brand while constantly evolving. He expects teamwork and hard work, and, as a result, graduates professional athletes annually.

🏀 Brad Stevens (Butler University/Boston Celtics) – Built a team at a small 5,000-person school that went to the NCAA tournament Final Four back-to-back and nearly won. Propelled that into an NBA career. Moved from coach to executive, proving leadership scales. He wins by recruiting for character as much as talent and by trusting data and instincts. As a Bulldog myself, I know he knows "The Butler Way".

Each of these leaders shows what great business leaders do:

** Reset culture when needed. And this means starting with the players and the coaches.

** Balance short-term wins with long-term systems.

** Recruit people who fit the vision and are willing to do the work to execute on that vision.

** Use data to empower, not replace, human leadership.

Whether you're running a company, a sales team, or a startup, ask yourself:

 Am I just calling plays… or building a legacy?