Join host Ryan Murphy as he explores the connections that shape our world in this episode of One Degree of Separation. Today, Ryan sits down with Rod Handley, the founder of Character that Counts and a man whose career has spanned from division one athletics to executive nonprofit management and professional sports chaplaincy. In a chronological look at his life and career, Rod shares the experiences that shaped his philosophy on leadership, integrity, and the power of personal connection.
Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – The Referral Link: Dan Meers Rod recounts his 36-year friendship with Dan Meers, which began when they both arrived in Kansas City in 1989 as young professionals starting new lives.
- 02:45 – From the Gridiron to the Ledger A look at Rod's time as a college athlete and how the discipline of the football field carried over into his early career as an auditor for a national firm in Seattle.
- 05:30 – Scorekeeping at the 1984 Olympics Rod shares a rare behind-the-scenes story of validating race results at the L.A. Coliseum and physically handing them to O.J. Simpson and Al Michaels.
- 07:15 – Navigating Crisis at the FCA The "bad news, good news" story of how Rod’s auditing background led him to manage a high-profile embezzlement recovery at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
- 10:45 – Management by Walking Around Rod breaks down his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being present, active listening, and staying "out with the people".
- 14:00 – Restoring Trust with Coach Tom Landry Rod discusses the stabilizing influence of legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry, who served as a chairman and helped restore organizational credibility during a rebuilding period.
- 17:15 – Chaplaincy with the Sonics and the Royals Experiences from the locker rooms of the Seattle SuperSonics and the Kansas City Royals, including his personal interactions with Michael Jordan.
- 21:30 – Character, Integrity, and Accountability (CIA) The founding of Character that Counts and how Rod’s team helps leaders and organizations align their private lives with their public personas.
- 24:45 – The Writing Process and Digital Adaptation Rod discusses his journey as an author of over 40 books and how he has modernized his latest series by integrating QR codes for video content.
- 27:30 – The Next Link: Bob Rocket Rod introduces the next guest in the chain: all-American javelin thrower and Seattle businessman Bob Rocket.
