E44 GUEST Mel Pender, Olympian, says listening is one of the most important components to success

Two-time Olympian, Mel Pender, is African American, has been subject to subtle and overt discrimination throughout his life in Georgia and in the US military. His autobiography, Expression of Hope – The Mel Pender Story, is peppered with such anecdotes. Dr. Mel Pender is a gold medalist and also a military hero. He competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and is the only living American sprinter who competed in the 100 meters. He returned to the global stage, in 1968, to compete in the Mexico City Olympic Games,  straight from the battlefields of Vietnam and won gold in the 4 X 100 meter. After a stellar military and elite sports career, he held executive leadership positions with the NBA and the NFL. He also spearheaded several successful entrepreneurial ventures. Mel is also a history maker. He is the first Black to become a track and field coach at West Point. However, his ambition and accomplishments may have contributed to the failure of two marriages. In October, he celebrated his 82 birthday. On December 16, he celebrated his 12th year of blissful marriage to Debbie, who co-authored his autobiography Expression of Hope: The Mel Pender Story. In this episode Mel and Debbie share phenomenal insights to the secrets to success, negative self talk, hope and the importance of listening. The Expression of Hope: The Mel Pender Story is available at Amazon. Email Mel & Debbie @ [email protected] Connect with Michaela