#186: Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference – Respect your team
May 9, 2024
auto_awesome
Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference and former WNBA President, shares insights on teamwork, leading in high-bureaucracy situations, and advice for women leaders. She discusses challenges in college conferences, revenue maximization in college basketball, and the importance of innovation in sports leadership. Ackerman reflects on her journey from childhood setbacks to sports leadership and highlights the unifying power of basketball in diverse communities.
Fostering team cooperation through respect and support is essential for achieving collective goals.
Matching organizational needs with the right talents and fostering teamwork is crucial for successful leadership.
Balancing work and personal responsibilities, prioritizing presence, and empowering women in leadership roles are key lessons from Val Ackerman.
Deep dives
Building Winning Teams through Respect and Support
Building a winning team involves respecting and supporting your team members. Val Ackerman emphasizes the importance of fostering team cooperation through mutual respect and assistance. By setting the tone of respect and camaraderie, she instills a collaborative mindset within the team essential for achieving collective goals.
Leadership Lessons from Developing Sports Leagues
Val Ackerman draws leadership lessons from her experience in developing sports leagues like the WNBA and the US national women's team. Ackerman highlights the significance of matching organizational needs with the right talents, giving clear directions, and instilling teamwork. Her approach encompasses hiring the right people, providing strategic guidance, and recognizing the need for a cohesive workplace.
Balancing Work and Motherhood
Val Ackerman shares insights on balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of being present when it matters most. She reflects on her decision to prioritize family by stepping back professionally to focus on her daughters. Ackerman stresses the value of being present and knowing when to dedicate time to personal responsibilities.
Advancing Women in Leadership Roles
Val Ackerman highlights her dedication to advancing women in leadership roles within the sports industry. Ackerman underscores the importance of empowering women to pursue leadership positions and advocates for increased female representation. Her unfinished business revolves around continuing to support and elevate women in leadership roles across various sectors.
Promoting Competency and Confidence in Leadership
Val Ackerman emphasizes the significance of competency and confidence in leadership. Ackerman's advice to aspiring leaders centers on cultivating competence and exhibiting confidence in communication and decision-making. By embodying these qualities, leaders can effectively steer their teams towards success.
If you want to accomplish something big, you won’t get very far without a team.
And Val Ackerman knows a LOT about the power of teamwork.
She’s the Commissioner of the Big East Conference and one of the executives behind the iconic “Dream Team” at the ‘96 Olympics. She was also the first-ever President of the WNBA.
And as the new WNBA season tips off May 14th, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit down with Val and get some great insights on how to foster teamwork.
You’ll also learn:
Tips for leading in high-bureaucracy circumstances