The Game of Life: Remembering George Raveling

In this special solocast of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor takes us on a personal and powerful journey through the life, lessons, and lasting legacy of legendary coach George Raveling. This isn't about hearing what you want to hear; it's about hearing what you need to hear. Ed shares how Coach Raveling's words and philosophies shaped him as a young boy, carried him through dark times, and continue to guide his leadership and parenting today. Through stories of cassette tapes in a hot car, life-changing camp speeches, and powerful lessons on accountability and resilience, Ed paints a vivid picture of a man who impacted thousands, from athletes to leaders to everyday people, striving to be better.   In Loving Memory of George Raveling - Extract from letter by The Daily Coach On September 1st, the world lost a remarkable person: George Henry Raveling, our mentor, co-founder, and beloved "Coach." He passed away peacefully at 88, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Coach Raveling was born in 1937 in a world that didn't recognize his humanity. Despite the challenges of segregation, he overcame adversity with determination and made a significant impact on countless lives. His legacy is more than just his success in sports and leadership; it's about the people he touched and the transformations he inspired. Coach was a gentle, compassionate, and humble soul. He believed in the importance of relationships over victories. His life was about guiding others, offering wisdom, and caring for people, no matter their background. His approach to leadership was uncommon, challenging the status quo and always staying true to his values. He was a friend, mentor, confidant, and source of inspiration to many. His wisdom and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Although we are deeply saddened by his loss, we celebrate his 88 years of life—years full of purpose and meaning. Coach's story reminds us that it's never too late to pursue what lights up our soul and make a difference in the world. His mantra, "If it is to be, it's up to me," embodies his relentless spirit. Coach Raveling's impact transcends accolades. He was simply a good person who lived fully, helping others along the way. He will be remembered for his resilience, curiosity, love for life, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind. Our condolences and love go to the Raveling family and all who were touched by Coach's life. We will continue to honor his legacy through how we live, love, lead, and treat others. Rest in peace, Coach. You will always be adored and missed.   Our Host Ed is a coach down to the very smallest molecule of his DNA. Whether he's a husband and father at home or working with a client in the business world, he is an energized, passionate, and near-obsessive coach who is fully invested in showing up with all he's got to help you show up with all you've got. His approach insists on presence. He knows no other way to catalyze change except by getting on the court with you, playing side-by-side, and encouraging you to keep pushing, especially when the going gets tough.  In the last 30 years, Ed has developed his leadership skills in both athletics and business. From working as an NCAA Basketball coach at Texas A&M, DePaul NIU, and Lewis University to becoming the Vice President of a national recruiting firm, Ed Molitor has experienced the potential and pitfalls of leadership at every level.  As the founder and CEO of The Molitor Group, today Ed guides emerging and established leaders across biopharma and biotech to apply the proven lessons of coaching in their pursuit of inspiring and driving their team's performance.  Through personalized training, workshops, keynote speeches, his writing, and as a podcast host, Ed seeks to empower individuals and their organizations to achieve victory through a focus on transformation, fundamentals, compassion, mental toughness, and vision. Ed graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Economics where he was a member of the Men's Basketball team serving as the co-captain his Senior year. Before St. Ambrose, he studied business at Creighton University where he played on the Men's Basketball teams which included a 1989 MVC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, NCAA Tournament, and a 1990 NIT Tournament.   What You'll Learn in This Episode "If it is to be, it's up to me." How Coach Raveling's famous mantra instilled ownership, responsibility, and resilience. The importance of telling people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. How leadership is less about wins and losses and more about relationships, impact, and transformation. Personal reflections on parenting, leadership, and carrying forward Coach Raveling's legacy. Why his influence extended beyond basketball shaping culture, mentorship, and even history (including his role in the March on Washington and the creation of Air Jordan).   Resources & Links Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness    Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Coach George Raveling (01:13) The lasting impact of Coach Raveling's lessons (03:34) "If it is to be, it is up to me": The power of personal ownership (05:42) How Coach's teachings shaped Ed's life and leadership (07:53) The role of mentors in personal growth and leadership (10:45) Coach Raveling's influence on basketball and beyond (12:18) Stories from Ed's childhood and the influence of Coach Raveling (14:56) The importance of relationships over wins and losses (16:35) Reflections on mentorship and legacy (18:42) Coach Raveling's role in shaping Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike (21:00) The power of community in leadership (23:06) The importance of mentorship for emerging leaders (25:01) Final reflections on living a life of impact and leadership