Greatness Takes Time with cuonzo martin
We love March Madness at The Aperio. Every March Tim Spiker, a former college basketball player at Purdue and Washington University, hosts conversations with basketball colleagues and coaches who share their leadership experiences from the world of sports.
On this episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, former professional basketball player and college coach Cuonzo Martin—aka “Zo”—shares the life experiences that led to his passion for basketball, coaching, leadership . . . and helping young people in his community.
Show Notes
Transcript of the episode
In this episode you’ll Hear:
Greatness takes time, commitment, focus, and effort.
Pursue the best version of yourself and embrace your uniqueness.
Even the most successful stories are journeys with hills, valleys, and bumps in the road.
Things to listen for:
[03:04] - The leaders that influenced Cuonzo
[04:30] - The influence of Cuonzo’s high school coach
[10:10] - A major event in Cuonzo’s life
[14:10] - Cuonzo transitions to coaching
[15:56] - What became important as a leader
[19:02] - Learning to lead and connect despite differences
[20:05] - Embracing your uniqueness and taking responsibility
[25:06] - Cuonzo’s podcast
[29:33] - The impotence of family
[32:22] - Cuonzo’s writing
[34:32] - Tim’s Take
Additional Resources
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Learn more about The Aperio
The Only Leaders Worth* Following
Connect with Coach Cuonzo on LinkedIn
It All Counts Podcast
Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn't Scare You, It's Too Small, by Mark Batterson
Tim and Cuonzo’s College Basketball Cards
About Coach Cuonzo . . .
Cuonzo Martin is most recently known as a well-distinguished basketball coach but also has a history in the sport as a former player. Currently, Martin is the head coach of the Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team. He commenced his coaching career with Purdue University, his alma mater, as an assistant for eight years. He then obtained his first head coaching position at Missouri State and also spent time with the Tennessee Volunteers at the University of Tennessee before being hired by the Golden Bears. Prior to coaching, Martin grew up in Illinois in the 1970’s and ‘80’s and alongside former professional player LaPhonso Ellis, was voted one of the “100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament” in high school. At 6’6”, Martin went on to play for Purdue University and after doing great things there, was selected in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Martin ultimately only played in seven games throughout his professional career, as he was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as lymphoma. He fought through it with admirable courage before returning to Purdue to finish earning his degree and serve as an assistant coach. Martin’s fought so admirable and overcame his challenge with such grace that the Cuonzo Martin Challenge Award was established in his name to help raise funds for cancer research.