What does it really take to become a great leader?

In this powerful conversation, Nan Carney-DeBord takes us through her remarkable journey from coach to athletic administrator and the first woman at Denison to lead an athletic department.

Along the way, she shares hard-earned lessons about authenticity, mentorship, resilience, relationships, and building a culture where people can thrive.

Nan explains her philosophy of servant leadership and introduces the five Ps that have guided her career: Pride, Passion, Purpose, Perseverance, and Process. She also reflects on the evolution of women's sports since Title IX, the challenges women have faced in athletic leadership, and why today's women can lead with their own authentic style.

This episode goes beyond sports. It's a conversation about how to build resilient teams, navigate adversity, develop meaningful relationships, and lead with purpose.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, administrator, student, or aspiring leader, Nan's message is simple: leadership isn't about you, but it's about the people you serve and the culture you create.

Keywords: Leadership, Women in Business, Sports, Curiosity, Humility, Confidence, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Team Building, Personal Growth

Key Topics:

• Leadership qualities developed in youth through sports
• The role of humility and service in effective leadership
• Strategies for building confidence as a woman of color
• Creating buy-in and alignment within teams
• Differentiating your business in a competitive market
• The value of curiosity and asking great questions
• Handling conflict and diverse opinions in the workplace
• Risk-taking and career growth stories
• The meaning of being a 'maven' and leading with expertise
• Advice for young women aspiring to leadership'

Takeaways

• Humility and service are some of the best qualities of a great leader.
• Asking great questions and listening are key to understanding and innovation.
• Confidence is a continuous process built through preparation and humility.
• Diversity of thought and background enriches teams and drives success.
• Taking risks can be a catalyst for career growth and new opportunities.
• You matter—your voice, experiences, and background are valuable.
• Authenticity and owning your unique perspective are powerful in leadership.
• Continuous learning and curiosity are essential for staying relevant.

Keywords: leadership, emotional intelligence, trust, authenticity, coaching, self-awareness, vulnerability, growth mindset

Key topics

• Trust as the foundation of effective leadership
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership success
• The importance of authenticity and self-awareness
• Lessons from sports that translate into leadership
• The challenge and opportunity of giving and receiving feedback
• The impact of leadership on organizational culture
• The process of letting go and embracing change
• The significance of kindness and empathy in leadership

Takeaways

• Trust is the currency of change and high-performing teams.
• Authentic leadership is rooted in self-awareness and confidence.
• Sports teach valuable leadership lessons like conflict resolution and giving feedback.
• Leaders should focus on what they can control and influence.
• Building trust requires curiosity, empathy, and understanding individual values.
• Leadership development is an art, not a science, with no one right way.
• Letting go and grieving are essential steps in growth and change.
• Consistency in self-improvement and curiosity drives effective leadership.

Content Type Interview

Primary Goal: Inspiration and Leadership Development

Summary: Coach Mo shares her journey from athlete to college coach, emphasizing the importance of confidence, teamwork, and resilience. This episode offers valuable insights for young athletes and aspiring coaches on how to succeed and find joy in their pursuits.

Keywords: coaching, leadership, confidence, teamwork, athlete development, college sports, resilience, personal growth

Key Topics

• Coach Mo's journey from athlete to college coach
• The role of confidence in athletic and coaching success
• Building a strong team culture based on unity and joy
• The importance of resilience and handling adversity
• Lessons on leadership and influence from a championship coach