Oddball’s Post

Power in the platform

Belief in Potential: The Power of Authentic Leadership "Belief in potential can drive incredible outcomes, turning challenges into unprecedented opportunities." In an era where the fast-paced nature of business and a quest for quarterly profits often overshadow the long-term vision, the power of belief stands out as a beacon. More than any strategy or policy, it is the belief in the potential of a team, of an individual, that can make the impossible seem attainable. For leaders, the act of believing isn't just about positive thinking; it’s about tapping into the latent energy of every team member, fostering an environment where people feel valued and motivated to give their best. Unfortunately, in many corporations, there's a significant gap between this ideal and reality. The allure of short-term gains, the pressures of share prices, or simply the race to outdo competitors can make some managers forget the most valuable asset of any organization: its people. A practice that's far too common sees leaders employing deceit, making questionable decisions, and prioritizing personal ambitions over genuine growth. Such actions might offer a temporary boost, but in the long run, they undermine trust, motivation, and the overall health of the organization. Middle management can often find themselves stuck in this conundrum, torn between upper management expectations and the realities faced by their teams. This disconnect can lead to mistrust, where managers might feel the need to "cook the books" or present an overly optimistic picture, rather than address genuine challenges. However, it’s essential to remember that true opportunities aren’t just about short-term gains or impressive numbers on a balance sheet. They are about creating lasting value, building relationships, and fostering an environment of growth and innovation. Enter Deon Sanders. His story serves as a refreshing reminder of what's possible when someone truly believes in potential. Instead of taking the easy way out or succumbing to the pressure of the moment, Sanders showcased that belief, paired with action, can yield phenomenal results. To all leaders out there: It's time to reevaluate your leadership style. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and short-term thinking: Invest in People: Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Empower them to be the best versions of themselves. Open Communication: Foster a culture where challenges can be discussed openly, without fear of retribution. Prioritize Long-Term Growth: Instead of just looking at quarterly results, consider the long-term implications of decisions. In conclusion, the most sustainable way to turn challenges into opportunities is by fostering a culture of belief, trust, and genuine investment in potential. After all, in the words of Richard Branson, “Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business.” It’s as simple, and as challenging, as that. #BeliefInPotential

Over the weekend, I was able to celebrate the work of the Indiana University Dance Marathon in 2023 ahead of Indiana’s clash against Penn State at Simon Skojdt Assembly Hall. While I have been transitioning out of my post as the Director of Corporate Relations over the past few months, I wanted to reflect on some of the lessons I learned from my tenure. 1. Relationships Matter - Establishing and nurturing robust connections is essential for effective leadership, especially when working collaboratively with a diverse set of individuals. In my role, this involved 22 other student leaders on the executive council, 7 chairpersons and 60+ committee members on my committee, and a portfolio of numerous businesses from across the nation. Fostering positive relationships with each of these groups is crucial, as it plays a vital role in achieving our common goal of contributing to lifesaving efforts for kids in need at Riley Hospital for Children. The utilization of authentic connections served as a pivotal factor in attaining shared objectives between stakeholders. 2. Be Decisive - Being decisive entails not only making informed and timely choices but also acting proactively based on data. Striking a balance between gathering sufficient information and avoiding prolonged decision-making processes is essential for progress. A decisive leader showcases confidence and clarity in their choices, fostering momentum and direction for the team. This approach not only instills a sense of purpose but also encourages proactive decision-making among team members. 3. Keep The Faith - Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, especially during challenging times, is crucial for leadership. Believing in the mission and vision of your organization can inspire others and help overcome obstacles. Acknowledging the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the course of my tenure on the executive council added depth to this perspective. It was a year filled with both triumphs and tribulations. The journey, however, became meaningful through the unwavering support of my colleagues. Standing by each other during tough times and celebrating victories together forged a strong sense of camaraderie. While the frustrations of unproductive efforts were present, this collective perseverance made every endeavor worthwhile. In the end, the elation of celebrating the accomplishment of raising over $3 million for lifesaving healthcare with my best friends eclipsed everything, making the entire experience incredibly fulfilling. My time in IUDM was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. It made me a better marketer, better leader, and most importantly, a better man. I will always look fondly at my time in the organization and I am incredibly grateful to FORVIS, Allied Solutions LLC, Solution Tree, Graduate Hotels, Mom Water, HospitalRecruiting, Papa Johns, and countless other partners for their generous support over the years. Go Hoosiers and FTK!

There will continue to be stories like this because: 1) we have an efficient platform 2) you can tie any element of creativity into the fundraiser 3) it’s straightforward and simple 💥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥

VESTED Voices: Mike Pereira As a founder of the nonprofit Battlefields to Ballfields, NFL Sports Analyst Mike Pereira is creating a lasting legacy—one that helps both veterans and the sports community. In this VESTED Voices video, learn what inspired him to start the organization and how he hopes it will grow in the future. Then, read more about launching a nonprofit in the VESTED article, “A Real Game Changer”.

📣 Big News📣 The Premier League's Annual Report for 2022/23 is out now! Beyond showcasing the thrilling action on the pitch, it highlights the profound impact of football on local communities. This impactful initiative is made possible through generous investments from the Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association. Read more on this below 👇 #grassrootssport #communitysport #communitydevelopment #charities #notforprofits #consultancy #sportsconsultancy #PremierLeague #CommunityImpact #FootballForGood #nickyaffleckconsultancy #businessconsultancy

10X In 2022, I transitioned out of my teaching role and transitioned City League into a nonprofit. It was a HUGE leap of passion and I was only able to do it with the support of my partner, Andrew’s, encouragement. I took a 75% pay cut (from a teacher’s salary) to give City League a chance. The first two years are all about laying the foundation, acquiring sustainable funding, building partnerships and spreading awareness. One of the pieces of my vision includes connecting the athletic, fitness and movement related companies, groups and organizations with City League through a Run-A-Thon —Those of us who have been transformed through engagement in sports and want to see that the future generations of St. Louis have the same opportunities. The Run-A-Thon. I had a vision in my head and was determined to bring it to life. Last year, we had 11 runners participate (my friends and running community) and the board chair (Corey Quinn, Ed.D.) brought his family to volunteer to tally laps. It was a grassroots, year one effort. I knew, I just KNEW this event would grow. Last Saturday, City League hosted the 2nd Annual Run-A-Thon event. We had 126 participants and 30 volunteers. Two times more volunteers this year than participants last. The growth of the event was more than 10X. “until you become completely obsessed with your mission, no one will take you seriously. Until the world understands that you're not going away—that you are 100 percent committed and have complete and utter conviction and will persist in pursuing your project—you will not get the attention you need and the support you want.” ― Grant Cardone, The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure It’s no secret, I am completely obsessed with this mission. Kids. School Sports. Growth and St. Louis City. Join me if you connect with the mission, too. Let's 10X again.

The activities we do beyond our careers often have an outsized impact on our lives and shape who we are in a way that often reverberates in our work. If you know me, you know that I am a passionate birder. This hobby fuels my curiosity, attenuates my senses, gets me out into nature, and has connected me to some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. I am a better human because of it, and I recommend birding to everybody. To raise money for the fantastic Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, I (along with some other brilliant birders) compete in the annual Birding Cup! Please consider donating at the link in the comments to support our team in our effort to bring home the cup (it would be our second win, NBD). Also, if you're curious about birding, let me know, and I'll be happy to share tips and tricks and maybe even take you out into the field sometime! Here's a fun bird fact for those who are curious: The chimney swift is a common, swallow-like bird seen in the skies of eastern North America. Once you learn to spot them, you'll see them flying around nearly every day during the warm months in Pittsburgh. What you won't see is one land. They are highly specialized for flight and have very reduced feet (they are part of the clade Apodiformes, which stands for footless forms and also includes the hummingbirds). They cannot land on horizontal surfaces, walk, or really do much terrestrial stuff other than cling to vertical surfaces like the chimneys and hollow trees that they nest in. In fact, when they aren't breeding, they can go MONTHS without landing at all!