Ever heard of this head football coach named Tony Dungy?
Of course you have, and he's known for his ability not only to win football games, but to be a quiet and effective leader in AND out of the locker room. And on this week's Tips from Trestle, I got the chance to speak with the co-author of his biography and leadership expert, Nathan Whitaker. I get some amazing backstory on Nathan’s time working with the Super Bowl champion coach, as well as deep dive into how indirect leadership can and should have a significant impact on organizations in the industry. As a diehard football fan (Go Cats!) and student of leadership, this was as much fun as one could have on a podcast.
Nathan Whitaker is a motivational speaker, the co-author of eight New York Times best sellers, and a former executive in the National Football League (with a Super Bowl ring). He has spoken to corporations, sports teams, and trade associations across the country and world, including the Miami Dolphins, Duke Business School’s Leadership Symposium, the International School of Bangkok, and has delivered numerous commencement addresses. He holds degrees from Duke University, University of Florida, and Harvard Law School.
A two-sport athlete in baseball and football at Duke University, he played for Steve Spurrier on Duke’s most recent ACC Championship football team. After law school, he spent two years as a law clerk for US District Judge William Terrell Hodges, and then entered private practice. In 1998, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was responsible for the football operations & budgeting, as well as salary cap and player contract negotiations. In 2001, he went to work for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Tampa, he met and worked alongside Tony Dungy, and it was here he earned that Super Bowl ring. Turning his talents to become an author, he helped pen Tony Dungy’s 2007 memoir, Quiet Strength. Since its release, it has become one of the best-selling hardcover sports autobiographies ever, and has over two million copies in print. He also written other books, including: Role of a Lifetime, with James Brown of CBS Sports (2009), Uncommon, with Tony Dungy (2009, #2 NYT Bestseller), The Mentor Leader, with Tony Dungy (2010, #2 NYT Bestseller), Through My Eyes, with Tim Tebow (2011, #6 NYT Bestseller Nonfiction List), and Snap Decision, a novel for teens.
Whitaker currently lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife, Amy, and two daughters, Hannah and Ellie. They have a dog, RickyBobby, and three cats, Hemingway, Fezzik & Scout.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Nathan Whitaker
Website: www.nathanwhitaker.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwhitaker12/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
