Questions Are Greater Than Answers — Dawn Staley: Branding, Purpose, and Values

What does it mean to build a leadership brand that is authentic, values-driven, and resilient under pressure?

In this episode of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, we explore the leadership philosophy of Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball program and one of the most influential leaders in sports today. Fresh off South Carolina’s national championship, this conversation goes beyond wins and trophies to examine how Staley has intentionally built a brand rooted in clarity, purpose, and unwavering values.

Using insights from post-championship interviews and media coverage, the episode unpacks how Staley’s leadership brand is defined not by flash or volume, but by consistency, trust, and role clarity. We explore how she creates environments where athletes understand who they are, what they’re responsible for, and why their contribution matters—a hallmark of sustainable, high-performing teams.

This episode also connects Staley’s approach to broader leadership lessons relevant to executives, educators, and emerging leaders: aligning purpose with action, living your values publicly, and using leadership platforms to elevate others. Her story reminds us that the strongest leadership brands are not manufactured—they are earned through daily behavior, difficult decisions, and a deep commitment to people.

Whether you lead a team, teach future leaders, or are refining your own sense of purpose, this episode offers powerful reflections on what it means to lead with clarity, conviction, and courage.

Sports Illustrated article

Uncommon Favor book

Pivot Podcast episode

This episode explores leadership, resilience, and self-belief through the wisdom and lived experience of Joslyn Thompson Rule—a Peloton Tread and Strength instructor whose approach to movement goes far beyond fitness.

Based in London, Joslyn brings more than 21 years ofexperience as a personal trainer, sports therapist, and Nike Global Master Trainer, and she’s known for coaching that invites people to meet themselves where they are, not where they think they should be.

Her work emphasizes patience, self-talk, vulnerability, and long-term growth—principles that translate powerfully into leadership and life. In this episode, I reflect on several of Joslyn’s sayings and unpack what they teach us about empowerment, discomfort, and showing up fully.

In this episode, I explain her six JTR-isms (note, I createdthat term) and how they apply to leadership and emotional intelligence theories and practices: --The Words You Speak to Yourself --Calm During Chaos

--Building Strength Slowly

--The 1/3 Theory --12-Week Change--Trying Something New

Link to her book, How to Move It, can be found here

Link to her podcast, Listen Loudly, can be found here

Wynton Marsalis: Leading from the Back

In this episode of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, we explore the leadership philosophy of Wynton Marsalis, the visionary Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and one of the most influential cultural leaders of our time. Marsalis is often seen at the front of the stage, horn in hand — but his true leadership power comes from how he leads from the back: through listening, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuality of every musician in the orchestra.

Drawing from interviews, essays, and critiques of his work, we examine how Marsalis uses jazz itself as a blueprint for leadership. Jazz becomes a living metaphor for shared responsibility, conversation, and democratic expression. At the same time, we look at the tensions and criticisms surrounding his more traditionalist approach — raising questions about innovation, gatekeeping, and the fine balance between protecting cultural heritage and allowing an art form to evolve.

This episode invites you to reflect on powerful questions:

• What does leadership sound like when the leader isn’t the loudest voice?

• How do we preserve what matters while making space for what’s emerging?

• And what can jazz teach all of us — educators, executives, and community builders — about listening, trust, and shared purpose?

Wynton Marsalis shows us that leadership isn’t always about taking center stage. Sometimes, it’s about shaping the space where others can shine.

Links Mentioned in this Podcast:

Wynton Marsalis, Live at the House of Tribes

How Music and Leadership Connect with Reggie Quinerly (Ep. 08)