The CEO Project Podcast Lessons from Banana Ball: How to be the First, Best and Only
What if banana ball held the secret to building a business culture that fans can't stop talking about?
This episode takes you inside the world of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has turned baseball upside down by creating banana ball, a fast-paced, joy-filled experience that keeps fans lining up for more. And the lessons go way beyond sports. You'll see how putting customers first, eliminating friction, and daring to innovate can transform your own organization just like it did for theirs.
In this episode, you'll discover:
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How banana ball grew from one small experiment into a nationwide phenomenon.
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Why "fans first" thinking is the mindset shift every leader needs.
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Practical ways to build culture, spark innovation, and scale without losing your edge.
Press play now to learn how the bold moves behind banana ball can inspire you to reinvent your own playbook for success.
Check out:
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09:45 – The birth of banana ball on the road Tyler explains how a small test in one city turned into a touring phenomenon that now sells out stadiums across the country.
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21:10 – Fans first in action Discover the creative ways the Savannah Bananas removed friction—like all-you-can-eat tickets and fan-caught foul balls counting as outs—that made banana ball unforgettable.
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47:30 – Scaling culture while scaling teams Tyler shares how the Bananas are building a Championship League, expanding teams, and keeping "fans first" at the core as they grow nationwide.
About Tyler Gillum
Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who's dedicated his life to helping others believe in themselves and chase their biggest dreams. His mantra, "Bet on Yourself" isn't just a phrase, it's how he lives, leads, and speaks. From growing up on the rodeo circuit to leading the Savannah Bananas as Head Coach, his journey has been built on resilience, vision, and servant leadership. He has seen firsthand what happens when you bet on yourself, and more importantly, what happens when you help others do the same.