Michael Stott on Servant Leadership, Club Culture and Why Trust Still Matters Most

ABOUT MICHAELMichael Stott, CCM, CCE, is a partner with The Triumph Group and a respected leader within the private club industry with more than 30 years of experience in club management and leadership. Beginning his career as a caddie and Evan Scholar, Michael went on to serve as a GM for more than three decadesbefore transitioning into executive search, leadership advisory and consulting.Known for his servant leadership philosophy and strong people-centered approach, Michael places a significant emphasis on trust, accountability and culture. He believes that great leadership begins with humility, consistency and a genuine investment in the success and well-being of others.Through his work with The Triumph Group, Michael helps clubs identify and develop strong leaders while guiding organizations in building healthy cultures that support both staff and member experience. His perspective is rooted in the belief that leadership is ultimately about service, integrity and positivelyimpacting the lives of others.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTJoin us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Michael Stott, CCM, CCE, partner with The Triumph Group and longtime private club leader, as he shares lessons learned from more than three decades in club management, leadership and mentorship.Drawing on experiences that range from his early days as a young GM trying to “make everyone happy” to advising clubs and placing leaders today, Michael reflects on the importance of trust, accountability and servant leadership in building strong organizations.In this episode, Michael discusses why culture is one of the mostimportant assets within a club, how leaders must protect and support their teams and why hiring the right people is critical to long-term success. He also explores the connection between employee experience and member satisfaction, emphasizing that exceptional service can only happen when staff members feel respected, empowered and valued.Michael shares thoughtful insights on leadership development, difficult conversations, consistency in service and the role mentorship has played throughout his life and career. His perspective offers a compelling reminder that leadership is less about authority and more about serving others with humility, integrity and purpose.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATIONIn this thoughtful discussion, Michael shares leadership insights shaped by decades of experience in club management, mentorship and organizational culture. You’ll hear:Why leadership is about making thoughtful decisions, not trying to please everyone How trust is built through care, competency and consistency Why mentorship and accountability are essential for leadership growth How strong club culture directly impacts both staff engagement and memberexperience Why hiring the right people is one of the most important leadership responsibilities How protecting staff creates healthier and more successful organizations Why consistency matters in delivering exceptional member experiences How servant leadership helps leaders build stronger teams and cultures Why difficult conversations are necessary to maintain standards and accountability How humility, faith and personal values can shape leadership philosophy Why great leadership is rooted in service, integrity and genuine care for others Throughout the conversation, Michael reinforces that leadership is not about titles or control, but about positively influencing people, protecting culture and helping others grow. His reflections offer valuable lessons for leaders both inside and outside the private club industry.