An old friend reached out letting me know she’d thought of me when she read of Pat Summitt’s passing. Why? Not because I am a huge Tennessee fan (I am), but because of a quote that used to be on my email signature:
“YOU WIN AT LIFE WITH PEOPLE”
Pat uttered these words during her ESPY’s acceptance speech and they stuck with me. Six simple words summarized Pat’s success with the most wins in NCAA history and my personal leadership philosophy. It’s all about the people; winning, success, championships, business, leadership – people must be at the heart of it.
I’m not a basketball fan, football is more my speed, but Pat was the kind of leader that made me proud to be a Tennessee Vol and a woman. I loved that she chose to coach at Tennessee because the University of Kentucky refused to give her the $5 raise that she asked for. Pat was a tenacious, no permission needed, ask for what I want and I will get it, I will accept nothing less than your best, kind of leader, summarized in 6 words, 1000+ wins, and 8 national championships.
Rest well Pat.
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