Jim Hofher Leads with Empower

Jim Hofher, Defensive Analyst for Wake Forest University Football, joins the Lead with Empower Podcast! Jim has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels for 42 years since graduating from Cornell University in 1978, including his time leading the Cornell Big Red Football Program (1990-1997) and the University of Buffalo Program (2001-2005). Jim is an experienced coach and leader who offers tremendous insight relevant far beyond the gridiron. Here are the highlights from our conversation on the Lead with Empower Podcast: 02:30: We welcome Jim to the Lead with Empower Podcast, check-in on him and his family, and hear about the start of the Wake Forest University Football Season. 08:20: Jim highlights leadership and personal development lessons that his athletes can pull from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on life and college football. Jim feels his athletes have: Developed a greater understanding of science and public health Learned to become more empathetic towards people facing challenges Become more conscious of the self-discipline required to live in the moment and take one step at a time to the best of your ability (Controlling the Controllable!) 13:00: Jim discusses the importance of communication in leadership; specifically when dealing with uncertain situations 17:15: We hear about Jim's time as the Quarterback at Xavier High School and Cornell University, as well as the start of Jim's coaching career. Jim shares thoughts on Coach Larry McHugh and his leadership ability and discusses the importance of relationship development in coaching and in leadership. "A good reputation is hard to destroy and a bad reputation is hard to overcome." Jim's reputation was built on a tremendous amount of hard work and the development of trusting relationships. 34:45: Jim talks about the jump from assistant coach to head coach and discusses the importance of being a curious learner as a leader. "Dig deep, be a curious learner, ask the right questions, and get answers for the things you don't know the answers for." 40:15: Jim and I discuss the importance of recruiting athletes with high character, tremendous work ethic, and trustworthiness. "Find the guys you want to be around everyday and who want to be around you and your program." "If a high school student does everything in his power to earn a C, he will succeed." 47:45: Jim shares leadership advice for aspiring college athletes and aspiring coaches. "There is no easy road, it requires initiative." 53:20: We wrap up the episode hearing about Jim's childhood inspiration, student-athletes who have "wowed" him, and a great "non-football" book for aspiring leaders (Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins) Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot