Ryan’s Sunday Night Leadership Lessons 🔑 #18 – November 4, 2023
As a former NCAA Division 1 Mascot, Charlie Cardinal, at Ball State University, I had the privilege of embodying the spirit and energy of our beloved Cardinals. Little did I know that beneath the feathers and antics, there were profound life lessons, leadership insights, and non-verbal communication skills that would become my secret superpower to connecting with anyone.
Life Lessons in Every Flap:
Being Charlie Cardinal taught me the power of resilience in the face of challenges. Just like overcoming a tough game, life often throws curveballs. Through those mascot moments, I learned to adapt, embrace change, and keep my wings spread even in adversity.
Leadership Takes Flight:
Managing a team of passionate individuals while wearing a giant cardinal suit was no easy feat. It taught me the essence of collaborative leadership – how to inspire and uplift the team’s spirits, harness everyone’s unique strengths, and lead by example. Those lessons in unity and shared purpose continue to shape my leadership style in the professional world.
Expressing Without Words:
The magic of non-verbal communication was at play every time I interacted with fans, fellow students, and even competitors. My actions and expressions became the language of unity, excitement, and camaraderie. These non-verbal cues are now my secret weapon in networking and building authentic connections.
From the Bleachers to the Boardroom:
The lessons from my time as Charlie Cardinal have seamlessly integrated into my professional journey. The ability to forge connections, lead with empathy, and convey messages without saying a word has empowered me to break the ice, captivate boardrooms, and truly connect with people from all walks of life.
Unlocking the Cardinal Code:
So, next time you see a mascot on the field, remember that beneath that costume lies a treasure trove of skills – resilience, leadership, and non-verbal prowess. These lessons have transformed my trajectory, and I’m excited to continue spreading the wings of success in my professional life.
This was originally published on my LinkedIn account and can be found here.
#leadership
Ryan Stemen, MBA 