The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

640: Tony Reno (Yale University Head Football Coach) - Writing a Team Creed, Leaving it Better Than You Found It, Going to Gettysburg, Leadership Retreats, & Winning Championships

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Jun 15, 2025
Tony Reno, the head football coach at Yale University, shares insights on building a winning culture and leadership within sports. He discusses the significance of writing a team creed that encapsulates shared values and commitment. The annual leadership retreat to Gettysburg serves as a powerful backdrop for team bonding and reflection on selflessness. Reno emphasizes the importance of player advocacy in coaching and how personal storytelling fosters connection among teammates. His focus on gratitude underscores the principle of leaving things better than you found them.
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ANECDOTE

McChrystal Mentorship Began Leadership Journey

  • Tony Reno met General Stanley McChrystal early in his Yale coaching career, sparking a mentorship that deeply influenced his leadership approach.
  • Their collaboration led to the development of a unique leadership program centered on the football team.
INSIGHT

Legacy Focus Builds Team Culture

  • The Yale football program emphasizes "leave the jersey better than you found it," fostering growth beyond wins.
  • Senior players mentor juniors to uphold this legacy, creating a culture of continuous improvement.
ANECDOTE

Gettysburg Retreat Builds Leadership

  • A yearly leadership retreat in Gettysburg, led by General McChrystal and other leaders, deeply bonds Yale’s senior players.
  • The battlefield’s history is used as a powerful metaphor for teamwork and leadership challenges.
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