Superhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife
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Jun 9, 2025 Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife and former DePaul basketball player, discusses his evolution from athlete to leader supporting transitions for sports professionals. He highlights the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and mentorship in leadership. The conversation also explores the intersection of sports and entertainment, emphasizing risk-taking and innovation. Harris shares insights on fostering leadership skills in youth and the need for resilience in today’s complex world, while addressing the unique challenges faced by former athletes.
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Early Life Shapes Leadership
- Jon Harris grew up in a small house with six siblings, fostering negotiation and leadership skills from an early age.
- His high school basketball coach mentored him, helping him become a team captain despite not being the best player.
From Internship to NFL Role
- Jon landed a job with the NFL's player development program, which started after the 1993 collective bargaining agreement.
- He combined coaching high school teams while earning his master's degree part-time, leading to an in-house NFL role.
Advice Acceptance Varies
- Accept that some athletes may not take advice, and they might fail as a result.
- Maintain best practices and be prepared to give grace when outcomes are not ideal.