Kathy Delaney-Smith is an iconic figure in collegiate sports, famous for having the most wins in the Ivy League for both men’s and women’s teams. She spent 41 years as the Head Coach of Harvard University’s Women’s Basketball team, leading them to 11 Ivy League titles and 15 appearances in the NCAA postseason tournament. Kathy is not just a successful coach but also a dedicated advocate for gender equality in sports, playing a significant role in Title IX advocacy. Her guiding principle, the “Act As If” philosophy, has motivated and empowered many young women, both on the basketball court and in their roles as leaders.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Kathy Delaney-Smith shares her non-traditional leadership style and experiences shaping her approach
- How Kathy figured out what makes her a leader
- Why Kathy prioritizes damage control and care for players after a tough practice
- The importance of building relationships between players and coaches
- Techniques to motivate individuals in achieving something
- How to address conflicts within teams and foster a positive environment
- What Kathy thinks about her former players who are now trailblazers in their industry
- What can leaders do to create a collaborative and inclusive environment in sports?
- Kathy reveals the title of her upcoming book
In this episode…
Navigating the challenges of leadership and inclusivity in competitive fields like athletics is no small feat. What can we learn from a coach who has not only set records but also pioneered new paths in sports equality?
According to Kathy Delaney-Smith, a trailblazing figure in college basketball, the answer lies in building strong relationships, embracing non-traditional paths, and advocating for equity in sports. Kathy believes her unconventional approach to coaching and leadership led to her becoming the winningest coach in Ivy League history. Her philosophy extends beyond basketball strategies, focusing on empowering young women, championing gender equity, and nurturing resilience and inclusivity both on and off the court.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, Corinne Milien speaks with Kathy Delaney-Smith, the legendary Harvard Women’s Basketball Coach, discussing her impactful career and advocacy in athletics. They talk about Kathy’s unconventional coaching journey, her effective team-building strategies, the role of sports in fostering leadership and inclusivity, and her ongoing commitment to championing women in sports.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Kathy Delaney-Smith: Website | LinkedIn
- NIL Empower 3.0
- Laura Barnard on LinkedIn
- BREAKTHRU Brands
- Allison Feaster on LinkedIn
- Seimone Augustus
- Sylvia Fowles
- Lindsay Whalen
- Billie Jean King
- Laela Sturdy on LinkedIn
- Jessica Gelman on LinkedIn
- Tammy Battaglino on LinkedIn
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
In the dynamic world of sports and entertainment, managing a successful business is about more than just the bottom line — it’s about the people who make it happen.
WRK is your go-to partner for people-powered HR and staffing solutions, designed to overcome your toughest workforce challenges.
From fostering employee engagement through positive employee relations to developing future leaders with their Leadership Development programs, WRK‘s services are designed to maximize the performance of your team and ensure a vibrant, inclusive work culture.
This isn’t just HR — it’s HR reimagined.
Go to www.letsdowrk.com to learn more.