Former NFL Coach Don Shula Commends AWMA Members for Efforts to Learn
The National Football League’s winningest coach, Hall of Famer Don Shula, presented the keynote address at the REAL DEAL EXPO’s opening session Thursday morning, commending AWMA members for seeking to learn and improve their ability to perform as business executives and leaders.
"By being here you are trying to be better at what you do, and that’s so, so important," said Shula, the only NFL coach in history to lead his team to an undefeated season and to then win the Super Bowl, one of six in which he was the head coach.
"Success is that peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’ve done the absolute best that you can," he said. "It’s tougher to stay on top than to struggle to get there because you become a target."
Shula urged AWMA members to keep working to improve. "Otherwise somebody out there will be willing to work a little bit harder."
"You are here this morning knowing the challenges that are out there and trying to be the best you can be as an organization," he said, emphasizing the importance of preparation, willingness to adapt to changing conditions ("Some day you might have to call an audible"), consistency, and teamwork.
"Teamwork is what it’s all about," he said. "Teamwork is why you are here this morning."
"Shula is a great individual, a great leader," commented David Dresser, vice president, tobacco purchasing, at Coremark, following the presentation. "He offered good thoughts about how you can do a better job as a leader yourself."
