Leaders Under Fire in Sports

Most of us love the spirit of the World Cup, but event is overshadowed by greed, corruption, and a widening gap between rich and fans. Doug Logan, the former MLS commissioner and soccer insider, exposes how this global spectacle has become a costly, corporate-driven spectacle that threatens the very soul of the game. In this eye-opening episode, Doug shares his intimate knowledge of how FIFA’s greed, systemic corruption, and unchecked capitalism have transformed football into an exclusive playground for the elite. He reveals how ticket prices have soared to astronomical levels, turning a sport meant for the masses into a luxury […]

In this episode of Leaders Under Fire in Sports, Bob Boland interviews Ken Belson, author of ‘Every Day is Sunday,’ which explores the evolution of the NFL over the past 30 years. They discuss the leadership styles of former commissioner Paul Tagliabue and current commissioner Roger Goodell, the existential crises faced by the league, particularly the concussion issue, and the dynamics among NFL owners. The conversation also touches on the future of the NFL in the context of streaming and changing fan engagement.

Avoiding the milk under the fridge in leadership can cost you everything. Are you ignoring small problems that fester into crises? Leaders often choose silence over action, thinking it’s easier to ignore small problems, until they blow up. The real challenge? Addressing issues early, even when it’s uncomfortable. Dr. Jeremy Piasecki reminds us: Real leadership is about cleaning up the milk, not just hiding it. When we overlook small signs, we’re setting the stage for bigger disasters. So, next time you see spilled milk, ask yourself: Are you going to clean it up or just leave it there under the […]

We’ve all been there. Stuck in the chaos with no playbook. But what truly makes the difference? It’s how leaders respond after the black swan hits. Think about Penn State, FIFA scandals, US Figure Skating, or even your favorite professional sports league. How they handle the fallout can make or break the organization. The keys are transparency, owning mistakes, and avoiding the kicking the milk under the fridge mentality. That is how you clean up before the mess grows.