The Underswell with Derek Sabori

⚡️From Surf to Strategy: Steve Tully on Leadership, Lightening in a Bottle, & Playing Offense with Your Career

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This week, I sit down with Steve Tully, a seasoned executive whose career spans more than three decades in the surf and consumer products industries. From leading at Quiksilver, Roxy, Vix Swimwear, and Neff Headwear to mentoring emerging leaders and coaching executives through pivotal transitions, Steve’s story is one of humility, reinvention, and service.

In this conversation, Steve shares how he built a career rooted in integrity, mentorship, and curiosity — and why he believes surrounding yourself with great people is the real key to success. As a former president-level leader turned executive coach, Steve now helps others navigate their next chapters with clarity and confidence.

📋 In This Episode:

  • For Emerging Leaders: Why emotional intelligence and curiosity matter as much as hard skills — and how to make yourself invaluable on any team.
  • For Mid-Career Professionals: Why reinvention is a lifelong skill and how to “retire to something, not from something.”
  • For Executives & Founders: How personal growth drives organizational growth, and why staying humble and coachable keeps you relevant.
  • For Anyone in Career Transition: Why “playing offense” with your career — building your network, crafting your narrative, and creating a personal board of directors — is key to staying ahead of change.

    • 💬 Memorable Quotes:

    • “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
    • “Decisions are made by those who show up — sometimes that means physically, but often it means mentally.”
    • “Play offense with your career. Don’t wait for change to happen to you.”
    • “When things are going really good, be grateful and humble. When things get tough, make the hard decision — sooner is better.”
    • “Your company isn’t who you are. It’s just where you work.”

      • Listen To This Episode If... You’re a career builder, mentor, or leader who wants to stay adaptable and inspired. Whether you’re seeking your next role, stepping into leadership, or redefining what success looks like, this one’s filled with timeless, practical wisdom.

      🎵 Music by Lidérc 🔗

      Links:

      Steve on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetully/

      SRTully, & Associates - https://srtully.com/

      SDSI, San Diego Sports Institute - https://www.sdsportinnovators.org/

      LCAD, Laguna College of Art & Design - https://www.lcad.edu/

      The First 90 Days - https://hbr.org/books/watkins 

      💬 Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at theunderswell.com/livewithderek

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      The Underswell with Derek SaboriBy Derek Sabori