How Leaders Lead with David Novak #133: Bill Farish, Founder of Woodford Racing and GM of Lane’s End Farm – Invest in your industry
Just in time for this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, today’s guest is Bill Farish.
He’s the founder of Woodford Racing and the general manager of Lane’s End Farm, one of the world’s premier thoroughbred breeding farms.
Their horse Charismatic actually won the Derby in 1999. And just last year, their horse Flightline won the 2022 Breeders’ Cup by a record distance.
This conversation will give you a rare, close-up look into the world of horse racing.
But it will also give you a close-up look at a REALLY special leader.
For all his success and world-class reputation, Bill is an incredibly humble guy with the heart of a genuine caretaker.
He loves his work. He loves his horses – his athletes, as he rightfully calls them. He loves to see the people he hires succeed. And he’s trying to leave his industry better than he found it.
It’s the kind of quietly outstanding leadership that we don’t always see elevated or showcased, but it teaches us SO much about what it really looks like to lead well.
Plus, he gives us HIS pick for the horse he’s backing this weekend, and you do NOT want to miss that!
You’ll also learn:
- Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about horse racing, ownership, and breeding
- The #1 thing you need to do as a leader to create alignment and ownership
- One hiring practice that can help you attract great talent (but it has a downside, too)
- Practical advice for working in a family business
- What it was like to host the Queen of England at his farm
Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:
The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go
Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day
Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.