A few years ago, we had the privilege of talking with Mike Hamilton, the former University of Tennessee athletic director. He was a very well-respected administrator and leader. More importantly, he was a person of great integrity. Unfortunately, Mike passed away on November 10, 2023 while awaiting a liver transplant. He will be greatly missed. We are extremely thankful for all that he did to make a difference in the world. He left quite a legacy and impacted many people (not just in athletics). Today's episode is a replay of his popular episode from 2017. He told some great stories from the SEC and provided us with great leadership insights. It's well worth your time to listen.

ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES...

Mike Hamilton is the Executive Director of Show Hope, a position that he has held since December 2014. Show Hope is an orphan care and adoption ministry started by Christian music entertainer Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. A man of deep faith, Mike has extensive experience in leadership and development, serving 26 years in intercollegiate athletics at Clemson University, and Wake Forest University. Most notably, he was the athletic director at the University of Tennessee and their $105 million budget. Mike also served on the board for Show Hope, as well as other local, regional, and national nonprofits. Mike is also the CEO and Founder of Winfred-Henry Partners, LLC, which provides athletic consulting. Mike and his wife, Beth, live in the Nashville area and have five children through adoption.

In today's episode, we discuss:

• The environment and pressures of big-time SEC athletics
• Job search advice, including why many coaches get hired or fired
• Ways that Show Hope is impacting lives and making a difference in the world
• The interesting story of Bruce Pearl getting hired at the University of Tennessee

Books, Resources, and Links Mentioned in the Podcast

Mike's Twitter: @MikeHamilton63

Mike's Email: [email protected]

Show Hope Twitter: @ShowHope

Show Hope Website: www.ShowHope.org

Show Hope Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShowHope

Winfred-Henry Partners Twitter: @WinfredHenry1

Click here to listen to Mike's podcasts as he interviews athletic directors

In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies by Tom Peters

Red Teaming: How Your Business Can Conquer the Competition by Challenging Everything by Bryce G. Hoffman

Quench Your Own Thirst by Jim Koch

The Rooster Bar by John Grisham

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Each week, the SUCCESS IS A CHOICE podcasting network brings you leadership expert Jamy Bechler and guest experts who provide valuable insights, tips, and guidance on how to maximize your potential, build a stronger culture, develop good leadership, create a healthy vision, optimize results, and inspire those around you.

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Thanks again for listening and remember that "Success is a choice. What choice will you make today?"

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Jamy Bechler is the author of five books including "The Captain" and "The Bus Trip", host of the "Success is a Choice Podcast", professional speaker, and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. He previously spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and administrator. TheLeadershipPlaybook.com is Bechler's online program that helps athletes become better teammates and more positive leaders while strengthening a team's culture. As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. Follow him on Twitter at @CoachBechler. To connect with him via email or find out about his services, please contact [email protected]. You can also subscribe to his insights on success and leadership by visiting JamyBechler.com/newsletter.