EP207 - Ex-Nike Director Exposes the High Cost of ‘Winning’

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler Dickerhoof welcomes former Nike executive and author of Worthy Wins: Pointing Your Life Toward What Matters Most, John Olinger, for a powerful conversation on purpose, loss, and redefining success. As Nike’s Global Brand Director for Kobe Bryant, John led one of the most emotional campaigns in the company’s history following Kobe’s tragic death. But behind the dream job and high-level wins was a deeper tension—between achievement and alignment, performance and people, career and calling. John opens up about what Kobe’s legacy taught him, why most leaders are chasing empty goals, and how personal tragedy forced him to reassess everything. From boardrooms to burnout, he shares how ambition can quietly wreck relationships—and how small, consistent actions can build a life that actually matters. Together, they unpack the cost of climbing the wrong ladder, the trap of tying identity to success, and the power of taking a pause before it’s too late. If you're feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure what really counts—this conversation is a reset. Follow John: https://www.instagram.com/johnolinger/ https://www.john-olinger.com/ The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Why the dream job isn’t always the dream 03:18 How a tribute to Kobe became a life-altering moment 07:53 Climbing the right ladder starts with the right building 13:42 What Kobe’s post-NBA life revealed about true wins 18:27 The true cost of chasing the wrong wins 21:39 If it’s worth it, it’s worthy 25:04 How to know when it’s time to leave a great job 29:38 What makes someone a great leader? 35:39 How personal struggles affect workplace performance 38:24 Two ways personal chaos shows up at work 43:40 What do you want your corporate obituary to say? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof welcomes former UNC head coach, bestselling author, and leadership coach Matt Doherty for a raw and riveting conversation about failure, identity, emotional intelligence—and what it really takes to lead at the highest level. Matt opens up about the meteoric rise and public unraveling of his coaching career—from AP Coach of the Year to an unceremonious exit at the University of North Carolina. He unpacks the crushing weight of public scrutiny, the trauma of losing his dream job, and the deeply personal journey that followed: a leadership awakening forged through pain, introspection, and radical accountability. Through his signature storytelling and unfiltered honesty, Matt reveals the brutal gap between being a great tactician and being a great leader. He shares the hard lessons he learned the hard way—why high performers often fail as leaders, how culture will always outlast strategy, and what happens when you don’t mine for the truth inside your organization. From the emotional blindspots that wrecked his staff culture to the power of 360 reviews, Matt offers a masterclass in self-awareness and organizational transformation. Together, they explore why knowing yourself is the first step to leading others, how to turn trauma into a leadership tool, and why the most dangerous thing a CEO can do is stop asking real questions. If you've ever felt the sting of failure, the weight of being in charge, or the hunger to lead with more clarity and compassion—this episode will shake you up, build you back, and remind you that rebounding isn’t just possible—it’s the whole point. Follow Matt: https://www.dohertycoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coachmattdoherty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmattdoherty/ https://twitter.com/DohertyMatt The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:17 From Notre Dame to UNC: The Journey and Fallout 04:28 How One Misstep Turned Into Public Shaming 06:33 What Coaching Basketball and Running a Business Have in Common 10:03 Why Talent Alone Won’t Save a Broken Culture 15:08 How Great Players Handle Feedback Differently 20:04 Don’t Confuse Competence With Leadership 27:44 Every Leader Needs a Truth Teller 32:14 Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor—It’s a Red Flag 38:05 Learn How to Get Lazy 40:57 The Hard Truth About High-Speed Leadership 43:59 The Best Leaders Serve—Not Score Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with serial entrepreneur, marketing agency founder, and former Division 1 soccer recruit Lindsey Huettner for an unfiltered, energizing conversation about leadership, business, identity—and the high-stakes human side of running a company. Lindsey opens up about her journey from turning down a D1 soccer scholarship for love, to rebuilding her life and launching a successful creative agency from a Starbucks table. She shares the gritty truth about entrepreneurship: the financial shell games, the emotional toll of managing people, and the turning point that came when she stopped leading like a boss and started leading like a human. From learning to pay herself first to firing with empathy (and not firing during COVID), Lindsey pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a values-driven business—and how embracing vulnerability changed everything. Together, they explore the cost of ignoring your instincts, the messy middle of leadership evolution, and why building a business that fits your life—not the other way around—might be the boldest thing you can do. If you’ve ever questioned your management style, struggled with delegation, or wondered whether it’s possible to lead with both strength and softness—this episode will show you that it absolutely is. Follow Lindsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyhuettner https://www.instagram.com/lindseyloufromkalamazoo/ The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:55 How 'Letters from Lindsay' started in the pandemic 03:11 Mastering the financial shell game as a founder 06:54 What no one tells you about starting a business 10:06 “I never laid anyone off—even during COVID” 13:10 From soccer star to soccer mom 17:05 How to lead with compassion without losing clarity 22:08 You don’t get to have a bad day as a founder 27:06 The double standard in leadership styles 30:30 From divorce to entrepreneurship 35:18 “How Starbucks helped me build my network” 40:53 Priorities shift when life gets busy 43:27 What COVID taught us about work and life 47:17 The power of delegation in leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof chats down with Joanna Lohman—former U.S. Women’s National Team soccer player, author, speaker, and faculty member of Limitless Minds—for an honest and deeply moving conversation about identity, failure, and the quiet power of showing up as your authentic self. Joanna shares her raw journey from chasing greatness as the next Mia Hamm to redefining success on her own terms—after getting cut from teams, losing every championship she played in, and earning just $15,000 a year as a pro athlete. Together, they unpack what it means to lead from the shadows, the overlooked value of role players in teams and organizations, and why impact doesn’t require the spotlight. Joanna opens up about navigating life as a queer athlete, building resilience through adversity, and the transformative moment that made her realize she didn’t need to be the greatest to be great. They also dive into what real authenticity looks like in leadership, how to meet the demands of the moment without losing yourself, and why letting go of comparison might just be the most liberating decision you’ll ever make. If you’ve ever felt like you were on the outside looking in—or like your contributions didn’t count—this episode will remind you just how powerful your role really is. Follow Joanna: https://joannalohman.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalohman/ https://www.instagram.com/joannalohman15/ https://www.facebook.com/joanna.lohman The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:16 “Impact” as the word of the year 10:26 Too many leaders make it about themselves 13:20 Why some players feel completely worthless 16:25 You don’t have to be the star to be the leader 19:49 Authenticity starts with defiance 23:44 Toxic Authenticity vs. Healthy Authenticity 27:56 Gen Z isn’t the problem 32:57 The small moments that shape a confident kid 36:42 Own how you feel beautiful 42:16 Pushing against societal expectations 50:37 Trans Rights, Women’s Sports & the Search for Fairness 1:01:40 Does inclusion come at the cost of opportunity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler sits down with Scott Danner—CEO, entrepreneur, performance coach, and host of The High Performance Life—for a raw and powerful conversation about breaking out of the boxes life puts us in. From leaving a stable Fortune 500 career to building a company that redefined his industry, Scott opens up about the cost of playing small and what it really takes to pursue purpose over comfort. Together, they unpack what it means to live with a winning mentality—not just in business, but in marriage, parenting, and leadership. Scott shares why your inner circle might be holding you back, how to know when it’s time to leap, and why mentorship is the real shortcut to success. They also discuss the danger of “possession without purpose” and how creating generational wealth starts with a mindset shift, not just a business plan. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or called to something more, this conversation will give you the clarity, courage, and practical wisdom to take the next step. Follow Scott: https://scottdanner.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_zYDRBiJmLuVlwcCi3qzQ https://www.linkedin.com/company/scott-danner-freedom-street https://www.instagram.com/scottwdanner/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/authorscottdanner The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:32 Why energy matters in the room you're in 05:05 Leaving a 15-year career to pursue a bigger purpose 08:00 Choosing regret vs. choosing risk 15:01 Why your circle might be holding you back 17:09 What if your parents don’t get your dream? 24:00 Build your business like you’ll sell it one day 25:31 Generational businesses can become toxic 27:42 College is no longer the golden ticket 35:18 Are you holding back without realizing it? 37:15 How a winning mentality transforms relationships 41:01 Teach kids the power of winning, not just playing 43:44 Losing can be a win 46:37 Embrace risk for growth 49:35 How to overcome fear and take the next step forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler sits down with Morgan Marie—storytelling coach, consultant, and radio personality—to explore the transformative power of sharing your story. From her early days as a local news reporter to her current work empowering leaders and entrepreneurs, Morgan reveals why storytelling isn’t just a communication skill—it’s a leadership strategy. Together, they dive into why people hesitate to tell their stories, how vulnerability creates stronger teams, and why “boring” stories often hold the most power. Morgan also unpacks the emotional roadblocks women entrepreneurs face, and why showing up as your full self at work is the new standard for authentic leadership. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply learning to trust your voice, this episode will give you the tools—and the permission—to tell stories that connect, convert, and inspire. Follow Morgan: https://coachmorganmarie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganmarum The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Why storytelling makes you more memorable 02:55 What holds people back from sharing their story 04:34 Your “boring” story could change someone’s life 06:37 Everyday stories matter more than you think 10:17 Real leadership starts with vulnerability 12:01 Why stats don’t sell 13:44 Why women get deeply attached to their work 17:12 Female entrepreneurs lead with heart 19:37 The power of having a ‘story toolbox’ 23:05 Great leaders make you feel seen 24:51 Healed leaders build stronger teams, not followers 26:12 Simple values create powerful storytelling 27:44 How a mistake on live TV helped Morgan connect with her audience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles—leadership experts and co-authors of Make Work Meaningful. Together, they unpack the 3 Cs of meaningful work—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—and how leaders can apply them to create trust, purpose, and engagement at work. They explore why Gen Z is opting out of leadership, how remote work and AI have reshaped workplace values, and what it truly means to “walk the talk.” Wes and Tamara also share personal stories that shaped their leadership lens—and offer practical tools for anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. Follow Wes: https://www.wesadams.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1 Follow Tamara: https://tamaramyles.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/ https://www.instagram.com/tamaramyles/ Make Work Meaningful: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533 The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:49 You don’t need a “calling” to find meaning at work 06:32 How leaders create meaning 09:52 Community, contribution & challenge 13:28 Why ‘walking the talk’ matters more than ever 19:12 Leadership is more than a title 23:34 Wearing a mask at work is draining 26:33 What happens when workplaces devalue your background 32:00 The most powerful thing a leader can say 34:32 How being an immigrant shaped their perspective on work 38:35 Are we just iterating on a broken system? 42:20 Humans are meaning-making machines 44:40 How great organizations align with the 3 Cs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Shermin Kruse—globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, author, and TEDx producer. Shermin has helped leaders, organizations, and individuals master the art of transformative empathy, complex negotiation, and authentic leadership in high-stakes environments. They explore how to harness the power of stoic empathy to build trust and connection, even with unlikely allies or adversaries. Shermin shares lessons from her journey growing up under an oppressive regime, her rise in the legal and business world, and how vulnerability and authenticity can drive real influence. Together, they dive into strategies for emotional regulation, avoiding empathy burnout, and why understanding both your own and others’ motivations is the ultimate leadership advantage. Shermin also offers actionable tools for leaders who want to foster stronger teams, negotiate effectively, and lead with both heart and strategy. Connect with Shermin: https://www.sherminkruse.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sher_kruse/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermin-kruse The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Stoic empathy vs. Emotional empathy 09:21 Empathy born from survival 13:49 Is empathy a negotiation tactic? 19:37 How insecurity can make leaders seem strong but disconnected 25:07 Emotional regulation 29:46 Authenticity vs. professionalism 33:07 When appearance becomes protest 42:21 Why do we hide who we really are 48:53 Relationships evolving over time 55:29 Empathy or manipulation? 59:35 Why empathy needs to be in sync 1:03:04 Finding the balance between being an A-hole and a doormat 1:06:41 What can you learn from ‘Stoic Empathy’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Matt Poepsel to uncover the transformative journey that led him from Marine Corps service to becoming a passionate advocate for enlightened leadership. Matt reveals how his relentless pursuit of achievements—from military accomplishments to Ironman races to earning a PhD—ultimately left him feeling empty, until the pandemic forced him into a free fall that changed everything. They explore the profound disconnect between outdated leadership models and today's workforce, particularly as younger generations demand purpose alongside paychecks. Matt shares his unexpected path to ancient wisdom traditions and how these timeless principles can revolutionize modern organizations facing unprecedented challenges. From the "Killer Bees" of workplace fulfillment to the power of purposeful pauses, this conversation examines why fear destroys everything good in organizations—and how authentic leadership begins with genuine self-reflection. Follow Matt:  https://www.mattpoepsel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mattpoepsel/ https://www.youtube.com/@mattpoepsel https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ https://www.mattpoepsel.com/podcasts/lead-the-people The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction  01:27 Joining the Marines 02:05 The military adapted, but leadership models didn't 04:28 Why retirees return to the workforce 07:24 How Millennials and Gen Z Are Redefining Work 11:59 The 2008 Crisis Changed Retirement Forever 15:10 What Is Enlightened Leadership? 19:47 How Nature Reconnects You to Who You Are 22:38 Slow Is Fast: The Counterintuitive Secret to Productivity 25:32 Fear Is What’s Ruining Your Workplace 31:48 Why Every Employee Should See Themselves as a Leader 33:32 The Power of Leading Yourself Before Leading Others 36:56 Are We Still Using the Wrong Playbook for Success? 40:11 Impact of Toxic Work Environments 42:35 Pause Button for Better Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Josh Kosnick opens up about the emotional journey of facing betrayal and loss, and how it became the catalyst for a complete reinvention of his life and leadership. After losing everything he thought he was meant to do, Josh dove deep into the pain and grief, refusing to let himself fall into a victim mindset. Instead, he found a new path—one rooted in service, purpose, and unwavering faith. Josh shares how he embraced his true calling as a leader, coach, and speaker, determined to build something that would not only impact his own life but the lives of those around him. If you're facing tough decisions, dealing with setbacks, or struggling to find your purpose, this episode will hit home. Josh’s journey will remind you that even in the darkest moments, there is light. Connect with Josh: https://joshkosnick.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joshkosnick https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkosnick https://youtube.com/@joshkosnick The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: What we discussed: 00:00 Introduction 02:49 Grief & Betrayal: My Journey  09:42 Lessons Learned  16:52 Reject Victimhood Mentality 22:24 The Art Of Endurance 26:15 I Can Do All Things Through Christ 34:11 Aligning With My Spiritual Self 42:26 Legacy: Rebuilding Myself 50:18 Vulnerability In Leadership  54:56 My Greatest Legacy  57:40 Connect With Josh Kosnick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices