Building a Winning Culture and High-Performing Team in Sports and Business

Overview

Discover the secrets to building a winning culture and high-performing team in this insightful 45-minute podcast episode featuring Paul Adams, Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Braves. Explore strategies for creating a sales culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and continuous learning. Learn why hiring for potential, focusing on strengths, and leading by example are crucial for long-term success. Gain valuable insights on navigating challenges, adapting to change, and leveraging core values to shape organizational culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring professional, uncover practical advice for fostering team excellence, maintaining commitment, and leaving a lasting impact in the competitive worlds of sports and business.

Syllabus

Introduction to Paul Adams – Damon introduces Paul Adams, SVP of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Braves, and sets the stage for a discussion on leadership and building a winning culture.
Building and Sustaining a High-Performing Sales Culture – Paul shares how the Atlanta Braves have built a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning within the ticket sales team.
Hiring for Potential – Paul explains why the Braves hire based on potential and how their minor league-style training system helps develop future leaders.
Focusing on Strengths Over Weaknesses – Paul discusses why he believes in leveraging employees' strengths rather than spending too much time fixing their weaknesses.
Leadership by Example – Paul emphasizes the importance of leading by example and building trust through open communication and hands-on leadership.
Navigating Challenges and Change – Paul reflects on how the Braves’ leadership team adapted during the pandemic, using communication and relationship-building to stay connected with their fans.
The Role of Values in Leadership – Paul talks about how the Braves’ core values—commitment, trust, professionalism, and diversity—shape the team’s culture and guide their decision-making.
Leadership Advice for the Future – Paul offers his final thoughts on how leaders can leave a lasting impact on their teams by investing in people and maintaining a culture of continuous growth.