Creating a Culture for Others to Succeed with “Unsung Hero” Warde Manuel

“One of the things I emphasize to my staff is that I want you to tell me when you think I’m wrong. I want you to tell me when you think we should do something else.” Warde Manuel 

Denise talks to Warde Manuel, Director of Athletics for the University of Michigan since 2016. Manuel has won too many awards to list, but of all his accomplishments he’s most proud that the student athletes under his leadership excel academically and on the fields of play. Rather than take credit for all his accolades, including six NCAA national championships during his three-year tenure at University of Connecticut, Manuel recognizes those around him have helped determine his success. 

Manuel puts the students first. For that reason, the most difficult situation he’s had to face in his entire career, was the death of a student by suicide. When students are away from their families, Manuel says, “We are the caretakers.” Facing the fact that he couldn’t help with counseling or coaching is heart-breaking for him. It’s this aspect of his character that drives him to connect with students to ensure they know how much he cares. “Nothing,” he says, “is more important than a person’s life.” 

Manuel sites four key secrets to confidence: (1) Preparation, (2) A great support system, starting with his wife, (3) A great staff at work, and (4) Humility. As a leader he’s been able to skillfully navigate what is a highly emotional field—sports. When the scoreboard doesn’t come out in your team’s favor, Manuel says a lot of people will want to tell you what to do, so you need the confidence to believe you know the best way forward. 

Stay tuned to learn what Manuel would say to his younger self—and his only regret in a career that he finds joy in each day. 

Being from New Orleans, it’s not surprising that Manuel loves southern soul food. However, he reveals an unusual fact about a career he chose NOT to pursue, which would have changed the course of his life forever. 

Aside from winning moments in Detroit’s storied sports history, Manuel’s favorite thing about the city are the people. “The people of Detroit are amazing,” the city’s biggest asset. 

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Warde Manuel is University of Michigan’s Donald Shepherd Director of Athletics since 2016, overseeing 31 teams, more than 950 student athletes, a staff of 400 and a budget of $197 million. Prior to coming to Michigan, Manuel was the Director of Athletics at University of Connecticut. Manuel was a two-sport athlete, playing football under Bo Schembechler at University of Michigan where he earned a BA as well as his MA and MBA. Manuel has served on several national and athletic conference committees and boards and has won numerous awards. A native of New Orleans, he and his wife Chrislan have two children, Emma and Evan. 

 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents. 

 

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