Mike Buddie is in his fifth year as the Director of Athletics at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Buddie leads the athletic department's mission to develop leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country, supporting Cadet-Athletes' 47-month experience at West Point. Under his leadership, Cadet-Athletes have achieved four Rhodes Scholars, 10 conference championships, NCAA postseason appearances, and 12 Patriot League Coach of the Year honors.

In December 2023, private funding was secured to begin the Michie Stadium Preservation Project in Spring 2024, expected to complete in Summer 2026, preserving Michie Stadium’s 100-year history. Buddie played a key role in Army's move to the American Athletic Conference for football only in 2024, enhancing the program's opportunities.

In September 2023, Buddie introduced the "Fruits of Victory" strategic plan, focusing on competitive successes, a premier Division I athletic experience, public engagement, revenue generation, and sustainability. He also announced contract extensions for six Army head coaches, including Jeff Monken for football.

AWPAA extended its partnership with CBS Sports Network for Black Knights football home games and continues facility enhancements, including the $95 million Michie Stadium Preservation Project. Buddie, also NCAA Baseball Committee Chair, has built national relationships leading to an extension with Nike and Bowl partnerships.

Before West Point, Buddie led Furman University’s athletics, achieving significant successes, including a balanced budget, major financial gifts, and 26 Southern Conference Championships. Previously, he spent a decade at Wake Forest University. Buddie, a former MLB pitcher, played for the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers.

A native of Berea, Ohio, Buddie and his wife, Traci, have two children, Zachary and Zoe.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The labor of love being done through the Michie Stadium Preservation Project
• The value of authenticity and consistency in leadership
• How Mike’s athletic background instilled a strong work ethic
• The impact of genuine actions and attention to small details
• The importance of constantly seeking knowledge and improving skills
• How clear and honest communication helps build strong relationships and trust
• How having a clear purpose and being driven by it provides motivation and direction
• The value of adapting and responding positively to setbacks and turning challenges into opportunities
• Mike’s mission to create a lasting impact in the lives of athletes through meaningful experiences and memories

Additional Resources:

• Website: goarmywestpoint.com
• Michie Stadium Preservation Project: https://www.michiestadium.com/
• Mike’s LI:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buddie-a464102/
• Mike’s IG: @buddie52
• Books:
  • No Time For Spectators
  • The Obstacle is the Way

Erin “Big” Diehl is a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Author and Keynote Speaker.

Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin created improve it!: a unique professional development company that uses improvisational comedy and experiential learning to sharpen leaders and teams so they can thrive in ever-changing environments, and do it with a whole lot of laughs along the way.

Erin Diehl is a graduate from Clemson University, a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional, and a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theater.

Having spoken on global stages with companies, including Amazon, LinkedIn, McKesson, and the Obama Foundation, Erin has an energy and message to share with the world that creates lasting ripple effects for change. As a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and member of The Chicago Innovation Awards Women’s Cohort, Erin is a living testament to the power of life-long learning, and how working to understand ourselves helps others to do so, too.

Erin is the proud host of a Top 1% Global Podcast, The improve it! Podcast, which you can find anywhere you listen to pods! She is also a first time author to the Amazon Best Seller & Top New Release book: I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy.

Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 35,000 professionals to chicken dance.

When she's not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys walking on the beach with her husband, son, and eight-pound toy poodle, BIGG DIEHL.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of empathy in leadership and relationship building
• The concept of energy in leadership as the capacity to affect others positively
• How combining self-love and selfless leadership can impact culture
• Erin’s 3P’s that led to her becoming the author of Amazon’s Best Seller, “I See You”
• The impact of power skills like vulnerability and compassion in leadership
• The value of exercises and activities in personal and professional development
• How to learn from the experiences of good and bad leaders to improve your own leadership skills

Aditional Resources:

• Website: www.learntoimproveit.com & www.itserindiehl.com
• Podcast: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erindiehl
• Instagram: @itserindiehl
• Book: https://www.itserindiehl.com/i-see-you
• Listen to Previous Episode

Guest Bio:

Pat Carroll is a devoted husband and father of four but also a storied athlete and a respected leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. His journey began on the basketball courts of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he played as a Division 1 athlete.

Pat was a key player on the legendary SJU team that achieved a perfect 27-0 record during the regular season, earning them the #1 national ranking and a memorable run to the Elite 8 in March Madness.

In his senior year, Pat’s hard work culminated in being named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and the Big 5 Most Outstanding Player. That season, he led the nation with an impressive 135 made 3-pointers and set the record for the all-time leader in career 3-point field goal percentage in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Transitioning from the adrenaline of basketball to the fast-paced world of pharma and biotech, Pat has become a Commercial Director at Inizio Engage. His expertise now drives team development, sales strategies, and innovative practices in the industry.

Pat is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience, regularly contributing tips and best practices on LinkedIn, where he also indulges in his love for the art of shooting—both on the court and in business strategy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of trust and vulnerability in building high-performing teams

• The importance of preparation to ensure readiness for any situation

• How trust is a key component of a successful team, both 'earned trust' and 'given trust'

• The importance of clear roles and responsibilities within a team

• How overcoming adversity as a team can lead to a stronger, more cohesive unit.

• The importance of learning and teaching every day as a means of personal and professional growth

• How success translates from athletics to business, particularly in terms of preparation, teamwork, and performance

Additional Resources:

• https://inizioengage.com/

• Pat’s LinkedIn

• Pat’s X/Twitter

Sarah Wirth is the President of Ecsell Institute and the Amazon best-selling author of "The Coaching Effect." With over 20 years of experience in employee assessment, leadership development, executive coaching, and customer service, Sarah has a proven track record of driving growth and excellence.

She began her career as a talent analyst, coaching leaders in diverse organizations, and later led a consulting firm to a 65% revenue increase. As Vice President of Client Services at Ecsell Institute, she boosted client retention to over 94% before becoming President in 2019.

Sarah is passionate about leadership and its impact on team performance, bringing an analytical approach to high-performing sales leaders. She is a sought-after presenter for global executives from top companies like Mercedes Benz, Estee Lauder, and Ritz Carlton.

Holding a B.A. from the University of Nebraska and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, Sarah combines her legal expertise with her leadership insights to drive innovation and success at Ecsell Institute.

What You’ll Learn on this Episode:

• The significance of understanding and improving leadership behaviors

• What the Coaching Equation is and how it drives performance

• The importance of creating complexity for growth and development

• What are the four key coaching activities for effective and high-impact coaching

• The impact of building strong and trusting relationships with team members

• How the practice of leadership helps leaders increase their self-awareness

• The significance of ongoing career discussions and feedback in fostering growth and improvement

• Why leaders should take time to understand their team member's career goals and personal interests

Additional Resources:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn

• Learn about Ecsell Institute

• The Coaching Effect Book

Mike Sarraille is the founder and CEO of Talent War Group, Legacy Expeditions, ATTA, and head of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Nation.

Mike is a two-time best-selling author, globally ranked leadership speaker, documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur, and extreme adventurer.

He is a former Recon Marine and Scout-Sniper, and retired US Navy SEAL officer with 20 years of experience in Special Operations, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command.

What you’ll learn on this episode:

• Leadership lessons from Navy SEAL training principles
• The importance of mental toughness and discretionary thinking
• The importance of discomfort for character development and overall growth
• How accountability in teamwork drives individual growth and collective excellence
• How shared hardship and adversity can help to build trust and strong relationships
• The impact of prioritizing preparation over execution to build resilience and readiness
• Dive into Triple 7 and how it honors the legacy of service and sacrifice of U.S. and Allied troops

Additional Resources:

About Mike:

• www.mikesarraille.com
• Linkedin: michaelsarraille
• IG: @mr.sarraille
• Twitter: @mjsarraille
• Facebook: Mike Sarraille

Get Mike’s Books:

• The Everyday Warrior
• The Talent War

About Triple 7:

• www.legacyexpeditions.com
• Click here to watch Triple 7 Trailer
• Click here to purchase tickets!
• TRIPLE 7 PREMIER SCHEDULE:
  • May 11: New York City, NY
  • May 13: Tampa, FL
  • May 14: Austin, TX
  • May 15: Dallas, TX
  • May 16: Los Angeles, CA

William A. Lumpkin (Will) is a devoted husband to Layla, a proud father to Ailey, Sage, and Liam, and a purpose-driven leader with a passion for delivering significant impact through high-performing teams.

Will serves as Vice President of Sales at Agios Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA, where he leads a team dedicated to providing disease education and access to first and best-in-class solutions for underserved patient populations affected by chronic hemolytic anemia.

Prior to Agios, William was Head of New Product Strategy and Business Development at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Chief of Staff to the Chief Commercial and Global Operations Officer, and the Commercial Integration lead for Alexion into Astra Zeneca rare disease. His innovative solutions earned him Guiding Star and Excellence Awards.

With a diverse background spanning leadership across functional disciplines, including finance, sales, marketing, and strategy, at Baxter, Baxalta, Shire, and Takeda, Will has demonstrated his ability to build and lead teams that operate with a sense of urgency in service of others. His professional journey began in finance at Procter & Gamble and includes time as a lecturer at UNC Kenan Flagler School of Business.

Will holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University, where he excelled as a four-time letterman, senior captain of the Hoosier football team, and President of the Alpha Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Will and his family reside in Houston, where he remains actively engaged in community leadership roles, including serving on the Hermann Park Conservatory Board and as a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership Forum.

What you’ll learn on this episode:

• The power of purpose-driven leadership
• The impact of values on team building and work focus
• How to connect individual impact to organizational goals
• The significant role of communication and active listening
• Strategies for continuous leadership development and growth
• The importance of authenticity, honesty, and integrity in leadership

Additional Resources:

• William’s LinkedIn
• Agios Pharmaceuticals’ Website >> https://agios.com/
• Learn more about PK Deficiency >> https://www.knowpkdeficiency.com/
• Learn more about opportunities to work with Agios and search their open positions below: https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe03/ats/careers/v2/searchResults?org=AGIOS&cws=37

Anthony Bonifazio is Vice President of Market Development and Reimbursement at Iveric Bio, part of Astellas Pharma Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative treatment options for retinal diseases.

With a rich background in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, he has extensive expertise in launch execution, leadership, and team building. Before joining Iveric Bio, Anthony’s journey included executive roles in Novartis, Santen, and Genentech where he worked for nearly 20 years, starting as a Senior Manager of Commercial Training and Development and growing to the role of Director of Oncology Field.

Anthony's athletic journey is nothing short of remarkable. Inspired by the legendary Bo Jackson, he demonstrated exceptional versatility and dedication by excelling in a diverse range of sports including tennis, golf, soccer, basketball, football, and baseball.

During his time at the University of Arizona, Anthony successfully navigated the demanding responsibilities of football and baseball while balancing academic responsibilities and adjustments to social dynamics of collegiate life at a young age. This is a testament of his adaptability, mental toughness, sharp decision-making abilities and resilience.

Anthony has applied lessons from his athletic background to lead in business. He excels in assembling innovative teams for market access and patient services, particularly in complex environments. He is dedicated to driving success and growth, skillfully navigating through the industry's challenges.

What you’ll learn on this episode:

• The significance of clear expectations and accountability
• The role of mentorship in developing an impactful leadership skillset
• How to navigate innovative ideas and adapt to unforeseen challenges
• The essential value of gratitude in personal and professional growth
• How to craft coaching strategies for improvement through observation and reflection
• How to harness the power of feedback, self-awareness, and vulnerability in leadership
• The significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and open communication in leadership roles

Additional Resources:

• Anthony's LinkedIn
• Iveric Bio - Now part of Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Get the book "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink
• Get the book "Legacy" by James Kerr

Matt Monahan joined Genesys Health as Chief Strategy Officer in 2020 after leading the way as the National Practice Leader of an Insurtech benefits consulting firm. He was responsible for sales, service, and insurance operations for over 500 employers across the United States.

 To know Matt is to be in the presence of an infectious energy. Matt sees the world differently; where others see a dead end, he sees an opportunity to connect, perfect, and solve. Matt isn’t afraid to ask hard questions and challenge the norm, taking pride in disrupting systems before building them back stronger and more successful.

Before that, he spent 15+ years at Aetna and GE, where he held multiple senior leadership roles at Aetna. Matt worked closely to bring innovative solutions to the market.

In a consulting business where service and support are incredibly subjective, regardless of the situation any action he takes is making sure it is the right thing for that person on the other end.

What You’ll learn on this episode: 

• How Matt’s athletic background contributes to his success in business.
• Why it is essential to stay connected to your core values, especially during moments of extreme success or adversity.
• How the ability to connect can significantly enhance communication and teamwork
• How Genesys Health is leading the way in employee and client experience.
• The value in having the ability to pivot and embrace change as an opportunity.
• Why communication is key in every aspect of leadership and day-to-day interactions.
• The influence of Matt’s dad on his ability to form genuine relationships based on respect.

Additional Resources:

•  Matt’s LinkedIn
•  Genesys Health’s LinkedIn
• Genesys Health’s Website: www.genesys.health
• The Benefit Summary Podcast
• Listen to Episode 180