5 minute read
The Athlete's Edge
THE SYNERGY BETWEEN ATHLETIC AND BUSINESS SKILLS
BY REGINA DONATO
The playing field and the boardroom may seem worlds apart, yet the lessons learned within athletic competitions often prove invaluable in the corporate world. The routine and structure of sports teach important lessons about consistency, collaboration, and adaptability. Eight Delaware business leaders shared their unique insights and stories from their athletic careers with us, as well as the skills gained from these experiences:
Mark Stellini, principal at Assurance Media, has played ice hockey for 45 years. For him, his athletic career instilled a deep sense of discipline and persistence. The quote from Wayne Gretzky—“You skate to where the puck is heading, not where it is”—guides his daily business strategies. Reflecting on his experiences, Stellini says: “The greatest lesson I have learned from ice hockey is to never give up. If you keep on skating, keep playing hard, and are in the right position, you will get opportunities to score.”
Rick Deadwyler, director of government and industry affairs for Corteva Agriscience’s U.S. East Region, played varsity men’s basketball at the University of Delaware, NCAA Division I, serving as captain and leading his team to two NAC Championships and NCAA Tournament bids. One key lesson he learned is the value of teamwork: “Understanding your specific role and contributing in a harmonizing way that adds value to support a team’s goal is a learned skill.”
Jeff Martino, senior director of the University Partnership Center at Wilmington University, participated in competitive co-ed collegiate cheerleading from 1995 to 2001. He also served as Wilmington University’s head cheerleading coach for nine years, leading the team to five consecutive national championships. His experiences in cheerleading taught him valuable skills like time management. “The rigorous demands of over 15 hours of weekly practice and physical conditioning taught me to prioritize and efficiently manage my time,” he emphasizes.
Desa Burton, executive director at Zip Code Wilmington, excelled in powerlifting at the U.S. Naval Academy, ranking top five at Collegiate Nationals. Burton emphasizes the importance of consistency and ego management, saying, “Consistency is everything; set a schedule and stick to it. Squatting four times your body weight on your first day of training is not realistic, but what you do each day can help you achieve that goal with ease over time."
Dave Tiberi is president of Emergency Response Protocol Security and a former professional boxer. Over his 21-year career, he became the 1991 IBC Super Middleweight World Champion and contended for the IBF Middleweight Championship in 1992. Tiberi’s athletic journey taught him the importance of teamwork and resilience, even in individual sports like boxing. “Although in the ring, it was only me against my opponent, I felt that my trainer, manager, cut-man, sparring partners, and family and friends who supported me were all part of my team.”
Dustin Davis, an employee benefits consultant at Brown & Brown Insurance, participated in college football and track before injuries ended his athletic career. His experiences taught him about discipline and team spirit. He also emphasizes the value of teamwork, saying, "I love being a part of a team. Personally, I think that's why mental health issues have been on the rise. Remote work isolates employees. It’s fun to celebrate the successes together after long hours on the job.”
Chip Rossi, president of Bank of America Delaware, played football and baseball through the college level. Rossi highlights teamwork and commitment as key lessons from his sports career. “My J.V. baseball coach, Jack Holloway, said we needed a catcher, but I had played infield positions for my entire life. Being a part of the team and recognizing the need, I volunteered to catch,” Rossi reflects. “That proved to be the best decision. My love of the game grew exponentially, as every bat and pitch is a game within the game.”
Kelly Basile, vice president of strategic communications at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, has competed in singles figure skating, ice dancing, and synchronized skating, including with the University of Delaware’s nationally ranked team. She continues to compete on an adult synchronized skating team. She shares, “Skating taught me about focus, goal setting, accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and hard work.” Her leadership approach is reflected in her view that, “You can practice empathy while still having expectations. Listening and understanding where a person is coming from is vital when helping them achieve their goals.”
