Author: Don Yaeger

David Ross, Chicago Cubs Manager, Joins Us For a World Series Special Edition

Written on October 2, 2020.

David Ross Chicago Cubs Manager, Joins Us For a World Series Special Edition Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 14 [chevron-down] Search Episodes Search by name, company or episode number. Generic...

How A “Next Play” Culture Fuels Big Ben & The Undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers

Written on November 11, 2020.

Imagine turning on your TV for a Week Nine NFL game and seeing a score so bizarre it made you question the expiration date on the leftover sushi you consumed for lunch. I put my reading glasses to the bridge of my nose and, indeed, confirmed the graphics showed the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers were losing 13-0 to the Dallas Cowboys. This despite “America’s Team” being ravaged by injury, dysfunction, and using their...

The Dallas Cowboys: A “Team” In Name Only

Written on November 5, 2020.

The most erroneously used word in sports and business is… “TEAM.” The word team is so loosely thrown around that I often find myself wanting to dig deeper anytime someone uses it to describe their relationship to colleagues.

Kevin Cash’s Critical World Series Decision That Went “Wrong” Was Actually Right

Written on October 29, 2020.

I’m willing to bet there are a number of things most of you would rather do than stare at Microsoft Excel spreadsheets on a daily basis. But what if the data contained in those rows and columns could give you “World Championship” status—or at the very least an edge over the competition? Imagine having a well-documented tally of previous performance results for all employees or co-workers and being able to use that...

Longtime VMWare President Carl Eschenbach: To Grow Your Business, Manage Your 4 C’s

Written on October 3, 2020.

In the world of high tech, Carl Eschenbach’s is a name synonymous with explosive growth. As the longtime president and chief operating officer of VMware, he helped the company go from 200 employees and $30 million in revenue to 20,000 employees and $7 billion. During that sometimes challenging uphill ride to success, Eschenbach developed what he affectionately calls his 4 C’s that he counsels any executive to man...

Tua Tagovailoa, Ryan Fitzpatrick, And The Heartbreaking Importance Of Being A Great Teammate

Written on October 23, 2020.

Life is full of plot twists, isn’t it? One moment you are having your Employee of the Month award framed, the next you’re getting knocked to your knees and praying you to keep your job. Imagine putting together a lengthy career that includes long hours at work—in many cases being the first one in and the last to leave. You’re in a good groove, hitting your numbers week after week—pouring more and more value into the...

Lakers’ Legend Kobe Bryant Continues To Shape The NBA Finals…And The Philippines

Written on October 11, 2020.

It is completely appropriate that this might be the year the Los Angeles Lakers became champions again. In the same year, he was due for induction to the Basketball Hall of Fame, a malfunctioning helicopter resulted in the death of Laker legend Kobe Bryant—one of the greatest players ever to wear the purple and gold uniform – setting off worldwide reminiscence worthy of a political or social leader. Here we are...

Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers Reminds Us: Chase Greatness No Matter What Talent Surrounds You

Written on October 5, 2020.

Too often we’ve all have heard – in both sports and business – that a team is only as strong as its weakest link. We are taught that the best teams are loaded, from top to bottom, with the best talent. Often, it is true.

How The Failings Of Big Ten Football Can Teach A Lesson In Leadership

Written on September 25, 2020.

“If you ain’t first, you’re last.” That gem of a quote from fictitious racecar driver Ricky Bobby was a classic moment from the movie, Talladega Nights. Although grammatically incorrect, it is a snapshot of the competitive mindset that drives many in the sports and business world. It’s why there are rarely any commemorative t-shirts distributed to the runners-up. It’s why we never give a premium parking space...