Recently, my guest on “The CEO Show” was Chris McCormick, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Champion.
His reputation with some in the media is that of a brash and overconfident athlete that can make others bristle.
My experience was exactly the opposite.
Yes, Chris McCormick is confident. I have not met a world-class CEO or a world class athlete that does not have confidence in themselves and their abilities. Yet he was also amazingly thoughtful, articulate and gracious. The former accountant with a degree in Economics from New South Whales combines a one-two punch of a big heart and a smart head every time he races.
In addition to taping the radio show, Chris kindly agreed to come an hour early for a reception with local triathletes. He arrived on-time, spoke individually with every person in the room, signed autographs, and was genuinely interested in the comments of others. After the show, he stayed at least an additional hour, which was unplanned, generously and genuinely engaging anyone who wanted to speak with him.
One of the telling moments during the radio show interview was when I asked him about the seemingly prevalent drug use in professional cycling, which seems not to have impacted professional triathletes. His response, “We’re not rich, mate.” No, triathletes – even world champion triathletes at the top of their game for a decade like Chris McCormick - are not “rich” financially. He is rich, however, in the love of his sport, his respect for others, and his willingness to speak out and put himself to the test every time he toes the line. His American counterparts in professional baseball, football and basketball could learn much from him.
World champion – absolutely. But Chris McCormick has something else going for him – he has a world of class.
His reputation with some in the media is that of a brash and overconfident athlete that can make others bristle.
My experience was exactly the opposite.
Yes, Chris McCormick is confident. I have not met a world-class CEO or a world class athlete that does not have confidence in themselves and their abilities. Yet he was also amazingly thoughtful, articulate and gracious. The former accountant with a degree in Economics from New South Whales combines a one-two punch of a big heart and a smart head every time he races.
In addition to taping the radio show, Chris kindly agreed to come an hour early for a reception with local triathletes. He arrived on-time, spoke individually with every person in the room, signed autographs, and was genuinely interested in the comments of others. After the show, he stayed at least an additional hour, which was unplanned, generously and genuinely engaging anyone who wanted to speak with him.
One of the telling moments during the radio show interview was when I asked him about the seemingly prevalent drug use in professional cycling, which seems not to have impacted professional triathletes. His response, “We’re not rich, mate.” No, triathletes – even world champion triathletes at the top of their game for a decade like Chris McCormick - are not “rich” financially. He is rich, however, in the love of his sport, his respect for others, and his willingness to speak out and put himself to the test every time he toes the line. His American counterparts in professional baseball, football and basketball could learn much from him.
World champion – absolutely. But Chris McCormick has something else going for him – he has a world of class.