Students Take Over: Tower Talk with JonConnor and Samuel

This spring I'm releasing bonus episodes of The Take Home. No new lectures on leadership, instead I'm sharing the amazing podcasts created by the students in my Leadership for Sport Professionals class.

In this bonus episode of Season 5, I'm sharing "Tower Talk" which was created and produced by JonConnor Rule and Samuel Colombowala. Here are their liner notes:

"Tower Talks" is a podcast hosted by JonConnor and Samuel, dedicated to exploring the
insights and experiences of leaders in the sports industry. The podcast's mission is to provide
valuable perspectives on cultivating leadership skills and fostering personal and professional
growth within the world of sports. In Season 1, Episode 1 of "Tower Talks," JonConnor and
Samuel draw on Peter Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice to explore the Situational
Leadership Model and its practical application in sports management. Specifically, they focus on
the importance of the supporting style, which emphasizes stepping while remaining available to
guide and assist—especially when things go wrong. They also reflect on leadership practices
from The Student Leadership Challenge, particularly the concept of "Enabling Others to Act",
which focuses on empowering individuals through trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Marco discusses how he integrates these principles, ensuring that every team member feels
valued and equipped to succeed.

In this episode, JonConnor and Samuel are joined by Marco Ferruzzi, the Director of San
Antonio FC (SAFC). Marco brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from a successful
ten-year professional playing career to key leadership roles in Major League Soccer and beyond.
During this conversation, we explore Marco’s journey in sports management, starting from his
early days as a professional soccer player to his current role at SAFC. We discuss the intricacies
of managing a team, building a winning culture, and fostering a deep connection between a team
and its community.

Marco shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing collaboration,
communication, and trust. Importantly, Marco dives into how he builds a strong team culture by
fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere for players and staff, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued. He highlights the importance of community engagement in creating a deeper bond between SAFC and its passionate supporters in San Antonio, emphasizing that
teams thrive when the community is part of their identity. When discussing leadership under
pressure, Marco shares his decision-making strategies for handling situations, offering valuable
insights on creating a comfort system that surrounds employees, players, and fans when things
go wrong.

As the episode concludes, Marco offers advice to young professionals aiming for a career in sports management. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, a willingness to embrace challenges, and building meaningful relationships in the industry.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for sports enthusiasts, aspiring managers, and anyone looking to improve their leadership skills. Marco’s passion for prioritizing people over results and creating a culture of empowerment is both inspiring and practical for listeners across all fields.

Song: Breaking the Rules, Thesieryj