Winning by Treating People Right with Gene Keady, Former Purdue University Basketball Coach

“If you're honest with people, they can trust you.”

Purdue University’s all-time winningest coach Gene Keady never over-complicates his leadership philosophy. He sticks to the basics—be honest, treat people right, and work hard. This is the first of our two-part March Madness miniseries on Be Worth* Following, and in this episode Coach Keady shares why the work that’s done on the court is more than just about a game, it’s about life. As you listen, you’ll learn what traits inspire others to follow you, whether you’re in a boardroom or a locker room.


Show Notes

Transcript of the episode

Additional Resources:

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • If you’re honest with people, they can trust you and you can’t be successful without trust.

  • Work hard and treat people right, it’s simple.

  • The goal should always be to play the game the right way.

Things to listen for:

[02:08] Leaders who influenced Coach Keady

[04:14] Who taught Coach Keady how to run a program

[05:34] Trying your best

[06:06] “Check your hole card”

[07:36] A leader’s responsibility to teach

[09:45] Helping those you lead reach new heights

[11:48] Taking ownership of mistakes

[14:52] “If you’re honest with people, they can trust you.”

[16:49] Life is bigger than basketball

[18:01] Stand-out moments from Coach Keady’s career

[19:29] Leading with humility

[22:52] Playing the game the right way

[24:51] Tim’s Take