On April 1, 2025, I hosted the second Steve's Corner session
in the Olympia Theater on the 7th floor of the Serena Williams building. This
time, the focus was Coaching, and I had the privilege of speaking with Nike’s
I.T. Leadership team.
The Event
Jen Hill and Jeff Rich invited me to share insights with
their global leadership team of over 300 leaders. Around 40 attended live on
campus, while others joined via Zoom across various time zones.
Coaching Through Bill Bowerman’s Lens
To illustrate coaching, I highlighted Bill Bowerman—Nike’s
co-founder and my track coach at Oregon. Bowerman disliked being called a
coach, preferring to be known as a teacher—a teacher of Competitive
Response. His philosophy emphasized resilience, adaptability, and
thoughtful preparation, lessons more relevant today than ever.
I shared a picture from my first day as an Oregon freshman
when Bill Dellinger summoned me to his office. Little did I know it would be
filled with icons: Jim Ryun (world record-holder), Steve Prefontaine (my mentor
and friend), and Phil Knight (Nike’s visionary). That moment marked the start
of my journey shaped by extraordinary teachers.
Key Takeaways
Coaching is about more than tactics; it’s about teaching
life skills that endure beyond competition. Bowerman believed in tailoring
guidance to individual needs, fostering independence, and instilling a
relentless pursuit of excellence. His lessons remain foundational to Nike’s
culture.
The Impact
The session resonated deeply with attendees. Feedback was
overwhelmingly positive, with one participant describing it as “an hour of
culture that was much needed.” It reaffirmed the importance of coaching—not
just in sports but in leadership and life.
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