WaveCapital's Guest Speaker Series on Relationship Building in a Team Environment

por Garrett Boorojian

Temporada 5

Garrett Boorojian and former Executive Assistant to U.S. President Ronald Reagan (Post—Presidency), Senior Consultant at The Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, Keynote Speaker, Book Author — “The President Will See You Now," Peggy Grande

Garrett Boorojian and Peggy Grande discuss relationship building in a team environment. Peggy speaks fondly of her time as former President Ronald Reagan's Executive Assistant to Reagan's Chief of Staff and then directly Reagan's Executive Assistant during the first 10 out of the former President's 15 years of his post—presidency. As a recent college graduate from Pepperdine University, in 1989, Peggy embarked on a unique and an incredible journey that led her to be an integral part of the former President's inner circle of staff members and assistants who served on behalf of the former President — managing his office's communications strategy while planning and coordinating his public and private events and meetings at home and abroad. From a relationship building in a team environment perspective, they, including Peggy, were several of the former President's closest confidants and became like family members to him and former First Lady Nancy Reagan. Peggy, for the majority of her 20s and early 30s, became a widely—recognizable figure in American politics by working alongside one of the greatest American presidents and leaders of the 20th century and in American history. On my podcast, Peggy discusses her book, "The President Will See You Now," and highlights consequential events she witnessed, lessons she learned, and wisdom she gained in a post—presidential capacity as former President Reagan's Executive Assistant. Peggy also talks about her love and devotion for America; what makes America a great nation of "We the People;” former President Reagan's and former First Lady Nancy Reagan's impacts on America as well as Peggy's and her family's lives; and Peggy's own family's support of, and influence on, her career. Furthermore, from sports, media, and business perspectives, Peggy explains the significant influence former President Reagan had in these realms as a youth, as a young adult, and as a President — always exuding confidence and courage as a natural born leader and team builder of relationships. Former President Reagan grew up as a Democrat in Illinois and evolved as a Republican in his later years in California. He supported former U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman from the early 1930s through the early 1950s. Yet, during U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Administration, once Reagan left his Hollywood acting career behind and served as a two—time President of the Screen Actors Guild, his political preference already shifted toward conservatism as a Republican. It was in the late 1960s through the mid—1970s when he made a national name for himself as Governor of California and then in the 1980s on the world stage as President of the United States. From former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher to former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney, from Pope John Paul II to Mother Theresa, Peggy greatly admired how former President Reagan was widely revered by his contemporaries around the globe. The former President passed away after a long and hard—fought battle of Alzheimer’s disease on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93 in Los Angeles, California. Even 20 years after his passing, former President Reagan’s calls for strength, peace, patriotism, and unity still reverberate both near and far — and his legacy will never be forgotten. Peggy Grande's Professional Roles / Academic History: Executive Assistant to the 40th President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan — Post Presidency (1989 — 1999) Author of "The President Will See You Now" Keynote Speaker Project Manager Executive Consultant Leadership Trainer Political Commentator Pepperdine University — Bachelor's Degree, Communications and Business

T5 · E44

10 jun 2024

59:42

Garrett Boorojian and President and CEO of the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation (founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry), Christopher Helfrich

Garrett Boorojian and Christopher Helfrich discuss relationship building in a team environment. During his conversation with Garrett, Christopher speaks about his close friendships with Stephen and Ayesha, his passion to help the Currys lead and grow their Eat. Learn, Play. Foundation, their need to expand its footprint, and their desire to never stop impacting numerous Bay Area children’s lives from nutrition, education, and condition (exercise) standpoints. Christopher's Professional Background: President and CEO of Stephen and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation CEO of Starlight Children's Foundation Head of Nothing But Nets Campaign at the United Nations Foundation Director of Development and Marketing at Public Citizen Associate Director at The Fund for Davidson / Director of Development at WDAV Public Radio at Davidson College Director of Development at KRTU Jazz Radio at Trinity University

T5 · E43

15 may 2024

50:09

Garrett Boorojian and 4x Emmy–Award winner, former ESPN Producer and Coordinating Producer, Program Director at the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University, Gus Ramsey

Garrett Boorojian and Gus Ramsey discuss relationship building in a team environment. Gus is the Program Director at the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Gus is also a graduate of the prestigious Rollins College (class of 1989), which is located in Winter Park outside of Orlando, Florida. At Rollins, Gus was the Founding Father of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Gus became a member of the Rollins College Hall of Fame in 2018 for Alumni Athletic Achievement. On the podcast: Gus talked about his close friendship with the late Barry Sacks of ESPN and Barry's tremendous influence on Gus' life. Gus also spoke about his great friendship with ESPN's Tim Kurkjian. The audience will also learn about Gus's time growing up, when he and his father developed a unique friendship with 12x All–Star, 3x Cy Young Award–Winning, World Series Champion, and Hall of Fame Baseball pitcher, Tom Seaver, who played for the MLB's New York Mets for the majority of his professional baseball career. Gus highlighted the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2000 World Series as examples of major sporting events that had significant impacts on Gus' life as well as his employer, ESPN, covering the events. The audience will learn why on the podcast. During the 1973 World Series, when Gus was six years told, he learned a lesson from his father how to show class and good sportsmanship when his favorite team, the New York Mets, lost to the Oakland Athletics in seven games during that year's World Series. At one time, Gus' father was a teacher at the Robert Louis Stevenson School located in the Monterey Peninsula and his mother was the Director of Marketing at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. Gus shares more stories with Garrett about lessons on relationship building in a team environment that are able to be applied in not just the professional sports industry, but in everyday professional life. With respect to Tom Seaver, Gus and another ESPN alumnus, Bill Simmons, had the extraordinary opportunity to play catch and spend time with Tom when they were teenagers. Many years later, circa 2007, Gus and his father were reunited with Tom and his family, sharing stories, and standing in front of Tom's Hall of Fame plaque at a party that was held for that year's Baseball Hall of Fame Induction festivities. Tom was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1992 but, like his fellow Hall of Famers, they were all able to enjoy the festivities as already inducted members. Sadly, Tom passed away on August 31, 2020, at the age of 75 – His memory lives on in the Ramsey family and in millions of others throughout the baseball world. Gus' Professional Career History: – Program Director – Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University – 2017 to Present – Talent Coach at GusRam Productions – 2016 to Present – Coordinating Producer at ESPN – 2000 to 2015 – Producer at ESPN – 1994 to 2000 – Producer at WESH–TV (NBC-affiliate in Orlando, Florida) – 1990 to 1994

T5 · E42

2 may 2024

1:14:41

Garrett Boorojian and Senior Manager of Research at the Big Ten Network (BTN), former Senior Researcher at ESPN, Harold Shelton III

Garrett Boorojian and Harold Shelton III discuss relationship building in a team environment. Garrett and Harold are former ESPN colleagues who worked together on the ABC / ESPN College Football Live studio production team during the 2011 college football season at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Garrett was the in–studio production assistant while Harold was one of the in–studio researchers for the nationally acclaimed show. They worked with on–air talent, producers, and directors on 13 Saturdays from 12:00pm to 1:00am EST. Originally from Michigan, Harold is a Michigan State University graduate whose first job out of college was working as an Usher for the MLB's Detroit Tigers. From there, he became a Senior Researcher at ESPN. Subsequently, he joined Big Ten Network where he currently holds the title of Senior Manager of Research. During Harold's years as a youth, he was a ball boy at the University of Detroit. Sports, its facts and figures that help people tell stories about what's happening in all phases and aspects of games, and the significance of each of these sporting events, have always been parts of Harold's life as a sports research analyst. He has a passion for sports, research, and telling stories of nationally and internationally televised games through the stats and information that Harold uncovers and gathers in his everyday professional career. Hundreds of millions of sports fans across the country, and around the world, who have watched ESPN and Big Ten Network sports programming for the past 17 years, and counting, have enjoyed Harold's world–class work as an expert research analyst of sports stats and information. Harold's Professional LinkedIn biography reads the following: "With over 17 years of experience in sports broadcasting, journalism, marketing and information, I am a Senior Manager of Research at Big Ten Network, where I lead the research coverage of all Big Ten sports, ensuring relevance, balance, accuracy, and timeliness. I have generated over 500 research packages consisting of more than 25,000 pages of research data while covering about 2,500 college games, and led a team of 5 professional sports researchers." His biography continues: "I am passionate about delivering engaging and insightful content that attracts and scales sports audiences, using data–supported analysis, market research, and storytelling. I have built strategic relationships with analytics and advanced stats providers, created, voiced, and produced digital and social media content, and recruited on–air talent and producers for Fox Sports and Big Ten Network. I am also a certified leader and mentor, having completed the Premiere Leadership Management Development Program issued by Fox Corporation. I am driven by ownership, accountability, results, and continuous improvement, and I thrive in fast–paced and ambiguous environments."

T5 · E41

29 feb 2024

1:04:11

Temporada 4

Garrett Boorojian and FOX Sports College Football Analyst, College Football Hall of Famer, 2x Super Bowl Champion at the NFL's New York Giants, former ESPN and ABC College Football Analyst, former Hewlett-Packard Executive, Gary Reasons

Garrett Boorojian and Gary Reasons discuss relationship building in a team environment. Gary is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He won two Super Bowls, 21 and 25, as a member of the NFL's New York Giants. Gary played for legendary coaches, Bill Parcels and Bill Belichick, as one of the top linebackers for the Giants in the 1980s and early 1990s. Unintentionally, Gary was a part of the harrowing sack (along with his former Giants' teammates' Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson) that ended former quarterback great and fellow College Football Hall of Famer Joe Theismann's NFL career. In 2018, a similar injury that's compared to Joe's happened when J.J. Watt sacked veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Alex returned to the NFL and was awarded NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2020. Along with two Super Bowl wins, Gary retired with 87 career starts, 10 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, and three and a half sacks in nine total regular seasons. In five total postseasons, Gary had nine career starts, three interceptions, and one sack. Gary talked to Garrett about his upbringing in Crowley, Texas, his collegiate football career at Northwestern State University in Louisiana as the first three–time All–American in Division 1–AA / FCS history, his time living in the New York Metropolitan area and winning Super Bowls 21 and 25, how relationship building defined his playing career on his way to winning those two Super Bowls for the Giants, the evolution of league rules and player safety in the NFL, and his post–NFL career as a businessman in the medical industry where Gary consults on, invents, and provides healthcare insurance solutions to companies' employees and the senior population across America. Gary also spoke about the acronym YES (Y = Why, Expectations, and Structure) on how to achieve success in any group or organization. He explained how YES made the Giants a successful team. Gary finally discussed what he learned as a player and part of a team from both Coaches Parcels and Belichick, and how much his family means to him. Gary and his wife Terri have been married for 40 years. They have three children, Nicholas, Randi, and Lacy, and two granddaughters.

T4 · E40

10 feb 2024

1:02:39

Garrett Boorojian and former COO, President, Vice Chairman, Alternate Governor, and Minority Owner at the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, former Director of Business / Legal Affairs at Jordan / A Division of Nike, Inc., Fred Whitfield

Garrett Boorojian and Fred Whitfield discuss relationship building in a team environment. They reconnected after 17 years in 2022, and a short time later in 2023 had an in–depth conversation about the importance of building relationships on Garrett's podcast. Garrett explained in the Bonus Episode of his podcast that his time spent with Fred, Michael Jordan, and Seth Bennett, at the Hooptee Celebrity Golf Classic – 2022 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2005, had a very profound impact on his life. Garrett identifies this event as the bridge between his teenage and adult years – a defining, pivotal breakthrough. During his time at Hooptee, Garrett also met other professional legendary sports icons such as Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Paul, Dré Bly, Alonzo Mourning, Greg Anthony, Richard Dent, Kenny Smith, Stephen A. Smith, Charles Oakley, Ron Harper, James Brown, and the late-Joe Morgan. When Garrett met Michael and some of his closest friends, it was only a little more than two years after MJ's last NBA game with the Washington Wizards, and a year before he became involved as a minority owner of the NBA's then–Charlotte Bobcats franchise. Michael eventually became majority owner of Charlotte's NBA franchise (Hornets), and Fred became a minority owner of the team. Seth, who was Fred's first hire in the organization, currently serves as the Hornets' Chief Marketing Officer. Garrett reconnected with Seth after Garrett moved to Charlotte in 2014, and was in attendance when Michael received his Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year Award at the then–Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte in 2015. Fred received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Fred's and Michael's close friendship goes far back to their early years in North Carolina, and their relationship evolved as Fred became one of MJ's trusted confidants and business associates. When Garrett first met Fred, he was the Director of Business / Legal Affairs at Jordan / A Division of Nike, Inc. As a 17–year–old, Garrett was thankful that Fred made the opportunity possible for him to be surrounded by professionals from all walks of life, from Delta Airlines and PepsiCo, Inc., executives, to world–class professional athletes and sports broadcast journalists. Unbeknownst to Garrett at the time, but two years later at 19, he would become a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after his freshman year at UNC Charlotte. Like Michael, Garrett is a proud Tar Heel. Since this interview aired, ownership and executive related changes occurred in the Hornets' organization. Citing his and his mom's health issues, and the need to prioritize more time with family, Fred recently moved on from the Hornets. This happened after Michael resumed his status as a minority owner of the franchise. Fred accomplished monumental success at Nike, with the Bobcats / Hornets; and as a notable business leader, social advocate, and philanthropist in North Carolina – including in its largest city, Charlotte. The world is a better place because of Fred's positive, life–changing impacts on humanity. Hornets Sports & Entertainment President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield Departing Organization | NBA.com Garrett remains in contact with Fred and Seth, and every now and then reflects on the wonderful memories made at the 2005 Hooptee in Greensboro.

T4 · E39

10 ene 2024

53:26

Garrett Boorojian and Book Author — “Steve Kerr: A Life," and "Kingdom on Fire: Kareem, Wooden, Walton, and the Turbulent Days of the UCLA Basketball Dynasty,” and sports journalist, Scott Howard–Cooper

Garrett Boorojian and Scott Howard-Cooper discuss relationship building in a team environment. Scott Howard-Cooper | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com) Scott's next book is arriving in the Spring of 2024: "Kingdom on Fire: Kareem, Wooden, Walton, and the Turbulent Days of the UCLA Basketball Dynasty." Garrett interviewed Scott about his latest book, "Steve Kerr: A Life," that was published back in 2021. Steve Kerr is a 5x NBA Champion Player (Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs) and 4x NBA Champion Head Coach (Golden State Warriors). Steve is one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History. "Steve Kerr is a perfect example of relationship building." – Scott Howard–Cooper, Author of "Steve Kerr: A Life." Scott and Steve have known each other since the 1980s. Scott explained to Garrett how "relationship building... came to fruition with this book." How Scott pitched his book about Steve to his publisher: "It's the story of a guy with a unique career but a fascinating life." Scott talked to Garrett about the social issues that Steve cares about, Steve's father's tragic passing, and how all of those factors have had a monumental impact on Steve's life – Hall of Famers Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich have, and the late Hall of Famer Lute Olson had, also impacted Steve's life. Scott said that Steve had an interest in being a head coach as early as high school and college. As Scott stated: "He thought that was his destiny." Scott explained that Steve never thought he would have an NBA career as a player last as long as it did in comparison to what Steve originally contemplated when he first started his NBA career. Scott said that Steve lacked confidence in his playing days but was able to overcome that obstacle. Scott also talked about Steve's close relationships with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and John Paxson – Steve admired John's role on the team. Scott said that Steve's infamous fight with Michael in one of their Bulls’ practices, ironically, brought them closer together as friends. Scott pointed out that Michael saw a unique quality in Steve that Michael also saw in himself, but didn't see from other Bulls' players, which was a lack of fear. Steve was very competitive and wasn't afraid of Michael's intensity and tough personality. Scott discussed Steve's thought process regarding becoming the head coach of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, instead of the NBA's New York Knicks. Steve's experience as the General Manager of the NBA's Phoenix Suns validated his interest to be a head coach instead of continuing as a GM. Scott highlighted Steve's strengths as a coach, such as his "attitude" and "preparation" amongst other attributes. By writing his book, "Steve Kerr: A Life," Scott's professional relationship with Steve dramatically changed due to the fact that Steve was not happy the book was about his life. Scott said Steve's concern about how the Warriors would view Steve, especially in the locker room, once Scott's book was released, never materialized into a problem. Scott added that Steve winning another championship proved that he, meaning Steve, was still held in very high regard despite Scott's book. Scott closed with his professional career, the legendary John Wooden and the UCLA Basketball dynasty, and that "awareness" is essential to relationship building too.

T4 · E38

12 dic 2023

1:07:01

Garrett Boorojian and 1995 ACC Rookie of the Year award winner, former NBA Player, former Associate Head Coach of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, current Assistant Coach of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, 2024 NBA Cup Champion, Greg Buckner

Garrett Boorojian and Greg Buckner discuss relationship building in a team environment. After Garrett interviewed Greg, since 2024, Greg has been an Assistant Coach of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. Greg and the Bucks won the 2024 NBA Cup Championship when they beat the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Regarding Hall of Fame Basketball Coaches Del Harris and Don Nelson at the NBA's Dallas Mavericks: "We called him (Coach Harris) the professor, right, he was a genius... a match made in heaven. He was a genius on defense and Nelly (Coach Nelson) was a genius on offense." – Greg Buckner, Assistant Coach, NBA's Milwaukee Bucks Regarding the fans in Cleveland about his coaching: "Coach you're doing a good job, and when they say something like that, it makes you smile, laugh a lot, and it makes you understand and appreciate that you're in a great situation, not just in the organization but the city (fans) who really support you, who really has your back, and who really wants you to be successful because they've been there their whole lives. And they live, eat, and breath, you know, Cleveland sports." – Greg When asked if he would like to be a head coach of an NBA team one day: "I think about it every day. Every day, I think about it." – Greg With respect to making a positive impact in the world: "I think my job on this earth is to make this earth a better place than it was before I got here." – Greg Regarding the influence of future Hall of Fame College Basketball Head Coach, Rick Barnes: "I don't know where I'd be without Rick Barnes... Rick was amazing to me when I played... he's an unbelievable man and he knows how to be successful." – Greg With respect to relationship building: "Everybody must understand it's about the bigger picture, right. It's not about you only, and you have to understand that it's about you being a small piece of the success of the whole team. So how do you do that, right, you have to be selfless, you have to be able to communicate with each other, you have to spend time with each other, you have to be willing to understand the other side..." – Greg Greg Buckner's Bio: Greg played for Coach Barnes at Clemson University from 1994 to 1998. Greg was awarded Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 1995. At Clemson, he was a 2x Second-team All ACC player and helped lead Clemson to three consecutive NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. During the regular season, Greg started all 122 games played, averaged 14.4 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, and shot an impressive 50.4% from the floor. Greg is a member of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2005. Greg was drafted in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft and played for five NBA teams: Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. His best NBA game, as a player, was in a 110–82 win on November 21, 2004. As a member of the Denver Nuggets vs. the Dallas Mavericks, in 32 minutes of playing time, Greg scored 28 points, making 10 of 13 field goals. In addition to a 76.9% field goal percentage for that game, he made 50% of his threes and 75% of his free throws. Greg's well–rounded performance also included two assists, four steals, and nine rebounds. His last game in the NBA as a player was in 2009, but Greg returned to the court as a coach in 2011: – NBA's Houston Rockets - Assistant Coach – NBA's Memphis Grizzlies - Assistant Coach – NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers - Assistant Coach, Interim Head Coach, and Associate Head Coach – NBA's Milwaukee Bucks - Assistant Coach

T4 · E37

16 nov 2023

52:58

Garrett Boorojian and former PGA Tour Golfer, former Caddie for Vijay Singh and Webb Simpson, current Caddie for Tom Kim, 1993 NCAA Division I Men's Golf National Champion at the University of Florida, Paul Tesori

Garrett Boorojian and Paul Tesori discuss relationship building in a team environment. Paul Tesori Professional and Collegiate Backgrounds: 25 PGA Tour victories as a PGA caddie since 2000 Caddie from February 2024 to Present Day – PGA TOUR for Tom Kim Founder from June 2010 to Present Day – Tesori Family FoundationTesori Family Foundation – Lending a helping hand, providing hope and healing hearts. Caddie from March 2023 to January 2024 – PGA TOUR for Cameron Young Caddie from January 2011 to June 2023 – PGA TOUR for Webb Simpson – 1x Major Champion (U.S. Open – 2012) and Players Championship – 2018 Caddie from September 2007 to October 2010 – PGA TOUR for Sean O'Hair Caddie from August 2000 to August 2006 – PGA TOUR for Vijay Singh – 3x Major Champion (PGA Championship – 1998 and 2004; Masters – 2000) Caddie from June 2003 to December 2004 – PGA TOUR for Jerry Kelly Professional Golfer from January 1997 to September 1999 on the PGA TOUR University of Florida, Class of 1996 – Member of the 1993 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Team

T4 · E36

8 sept 2023

1:17:30

Garrett Boorojian and Pro Football Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl 20 Champion at the NFL’s Chicago Bears, 100 Greatest Bears, 1983 NFL First Round Draft Pick, Operating Partner at Cressey & Company, Jim "Jimbo" Covert

Garrett Boorojian and Jim "Jimbo" Covert discuss relationship building in a team environment. Jim is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 1985 Chicago Bears franchise of the National Football League that won Super Bowl 20 and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. At Pittsburgh, Jim played alongside my former ESPN colleague and Pittsburgh legend Mark May (also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame) and Pittsburgh legend Dan Marino (who's a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame). I met Jim's legendary Chicago Bears' Super Bowl-winning head coach, Mike Ditka, and one of his former teammates, Richard Dent, who was the Super Bowl MVP that year. (Both Mike and Richard are members of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame). Jim's notable accolades: - 111 Career Games - 110 Career Starts - Six Fumble Recoveries (Regular Season) - One Fumble Recovery (Playoffs) - Super Bowl 20 Champion - Two-time Pro Bowl - Two-time First-Team All Pro - 1986 Offensive Lineman of the Year - 1983 PFWA All-Rookie Team - NFL 1980s All-Decade Team - 100 Greatest Bears of All Time - 1982 Consensus All American - 1995 Walter Camp Alumni of the Year - Pittsburgh Panthers Number 75 Retired

T4 · E35

9 ago 2023

58:22

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