David Novak 0:04 

Welcome to How leaders lead where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world, I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader. That's what this podcast is all about. Today's guest is Larry Fitzgerald, who played 17 seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game. He's also an incredible philanthropist, investor and businessman. It's funny, when we think about leadership, often what comes to mind for us is the person who's up in front of the crowd, who's leading the meeting, calling the huddle giving the big speech. But when you listen to Larry Fitzgerald, you remember, not all leaders are flashy and vocal and upfront. Our best leaders are often the ones who just quietly go about their work with excellence. And they earn their role as a leader by setting an example that other people just want to follow. In this conversation, we talk about how Larry grew up, how he prepares for games, how he is navigating social justice issues, and now how he's developing as a businessman. And in every scenario, Larry just quietly exerts so much influence for good on the people around him. It's the perfect reminder that great leaders lead by example. So here's my conversation with my good friend, and soon to be yours, Larry Fitzgerald.

Well, everyone has their own style and their own way of leading and today's guest, Larry Fitzgerald is just one of those quiet, unassuming leaders who leads by example, Larry has taken his platform as a Hall of Fame, NFL receiver to make a real difference not only on the field, but in the communities he serves. Larry, thanks so much for taking the time to be with us. Glad to be with you. Mr. Novak. You know, speaking of examples, you know, I learned that you delivered meals to Banner medical healthcare workers in Phoenix during the height of the pandemic. Tell us about that experience.

Larry Fitzgerald 2:20 

Well, there's so many women and men who put their lives on the line during this pandemic, to try to serve the people who are ill, and in fighting for their lives. And we have a restaurant in Phoenix and we wanted to do our part to serve our community there. So we brought meals to hospitals, we brought meals to frontline workers who were at home with their families. And you know, we wanted to try to do something nice, you know, for the people who, you know, are going out of their way staying away from their families doing unthinkable things to keep our community safe. And you know, that was the precipice behind it.

David Novak 2:55 

Well, you got now you got training camp ready to open up? Do you think the NFL is doing everything it should do for to get ready for Coronavirus?

Larry Fitzgerald 3:03 

Well, you know, the thing that's difficult is we really just don't know a lot you know, early on it was the heat was gonna kill you know, the virus and the numbers will go down. And, you know, you know, how everybody's immune system is affected differently. I mean, there's so many things we just don't understand and know about it. And I'm hopefully optimistic that you know, we'll be able to play the season and be able to get through it without a hitch. I think everybody's watching the NBA and Major League Baseball and, and NHL to kind of pick up on tidbits we can do to you know, make our system more efficient, make sure people are healthy and we're doing everything that we can to protect the environment and people watching the game because I mean a reality. People want sports they want to be able to sit at home on Saturdays and Sundays and watch their football you know, it's kind of America's favorite pastime. We want to get out there and play

David Novak 3:56 

question you know, this is your last year Larry and has Coronavirus. You look great physically, obviously you always do but just what about the mental aspect of Coronavirus? Do you think it's going to affect the players?

Larry Fitzgerald 4:07 

Well, I think the thing that affects you is just the uncertainty. I mean, when you go into a season normally, you know there's there's nobody wondering do you think we're gonna be able to play this season? Are we gonna be able to practice together with 22 guys in the field? Are we gonna be able to sit in meeting rooms with 90 Guys and address team issues and policies and things of that nature. So all of those things kind of weighing on your mind. Normally when you go into training camp is just pure excitement. You're looking forward to getting back to work being around your teammates working on one common goal of winning championship this year is so different. There's so many things you know, we have older coaches and we want to make sure this these guys are safe and you know, I mean there's there's so many things you're thinking about and concerned about. And you said is it gonna be my last year so like, I don't know that for a fact, you know, I'm still kind of waiting to see. That's what I thought I never I never like to say anything's last. You know, I don't like to have that mindset.

David Novak 4:58 

You know? I know all football hope to stick around for a long time. Certainly do it. There's no question about that. You know, Larry, I also understand you just went on the board of directors for Dick's Sporting Goods. You know, I know that management team, you know, Ed stack. Lauren Hobart, just fantastic people. What do you hope to bring to the party there?

Larry Fitzgerald 5:18 

Well, it's a fabulous company, it's already really well run. The upper management at stack and his leadership group has done a fantastic job thus far leading the company through through so much uncertainty like many others in retail has been hit primarily hard, because you know, brick and mortar people just aren't getting out into the stores, but they've really done a great job to, you know, to lead and find ways to be able to be productive and stay relevant in the current market. And, you know, I being a sportsman, I feel like I have a great understanding of sports equipment that's necessary for people to go out there and do their jobs and compete at a high level. And I think that we'll be able to offer a lot, but also be able to bring some enthusiasm for the youth and some different set of eyes to the company. But I'm there to learn. And I have a lot of wonderful people that I can learn from there. You've done extensive work with them. And Mr. Stack and his group are interested in growing and getting better. And that's why guys like yourself, come in and talk to the leadership team. So they can improve holistically on and improve because you have to, you have to find ways to continue to change and develop new alternatives to compete in an always changing environment.

David Novak 6:29 

Well, you're, they're lucky to have you, you'll do a great job. Thank you. You know, I want to hear about how you grew up. I know you grew up in Minneapolis, but what brought you and your family to Minneapolis.

Larry Fitzgerald 6:41 

So my mom and dad, both their families. My mom was born in New Orleans and her family moved up to Chicago and my dad's family from Natchez, Mississippi and they moved up to Chicago from there. My mom and dad ended up meeting in high school, they dated in high school and they do college mom wants to depart. My dad went to Indiana State and once they graduated from college, ended up getting married in 78. And they moved to Minneapolis. And as my brother and I were born. We had a fantastic upbringing. Besides regular old middle class family, you know, we weren't rich by any stretch of the imagination. But you know, we always had clothes on our backs and a hot meal in our belly, went to good schools, my parents made a lot of sacrifices for us to be able to go get a private education. And, you know, it was really good for my brother. Now we ended up both getting scholarships to go to college and play football. And, you know, it was it was great. My dad's a journalist in Twin Cities area has been doing it for 40 plus years, and my mom was before she passed away was in a nonprofit business. And, you know, it was a really unique upbringing, you know, so with my dad, we would grow up and be around great athletes, Michael Jordan, Kirby, Puckett, Kevin Garnett, you name it. And then on the on the, on the mother's side, we will be around passing out pamphlets for people to, you know, learn more about HIV and AIDS and cancer and, and so it was a it was a really great upbringing, and it was full of excitement and great learning experiences.

David Novak 8:04 

You know, Larry, I loved your New York Times op ed about Minneapolis, not being the hometown you grew up in. And your plea for racial justice after the George tragic George Floyd incident that happened in Minneapolis, you know, tell us about that article and why you wrote it and how you went through the process of a variety of like, it's very thoughtful,

Larry Fitzgerald 8:26 

but like most Americans were were really appalled by what I witnessed that to the tape and the actions of, you know, that police officer who was who kneeled on his neck for that time, and, you know, being a Minneapolis native, you know, you just have a wide array of emotions. You know, I was, I was shocked, you know, I was embarrassed, you know, I was upset. You know, I was looking for justice. You know, you go through this, this weird, emotional swing. And, you know, I wanted to get back home and kind of get the pulse of the land, I wanted to go talk to some city councilmen, I wanted to talk to the police officers that I knew in the city, I want to talk to the clergy. You know, I wanted to be able to get to speak to some people that, you know, were on the ground and really could affect change. And once I was able to do that and take my notes, you know, I could accurately accurately depict what I was truly feeling. And, you know, that's what I did not want to take my time, I didn't want it to be a knee jerk reaction. You know, I didn't want to be one of the folks that picks up the phone and sends out a tweet without thinking it through. And the New York Times gave me a great opportunity to do that. And I'm very privileged that I was able to write it in, you know, I got, you know, different perspectives from different people. You know, some people thought I was too soft on the police or I wasn't you know, Adam enough about what I felt should be done and you know, so it was really what I was hoping for God conversation started and that's what I think we need to do because It's impossible for a black man to understand what it's like to be a white man or a white woman. And it's impossible for a white person to understand what it's like to be an African American or, or Latino or Jewish person. I mean, these are things that only you can understand by getting to know the people in our communities and actually having those tough conversations that might be a little uneasy.

David Novak 10:21 

Yeah, you really talked about the importance of listening. Yeah. Yeah.

Larry Fitzgerald 10:24 

And for anybody to understand anything, you have to listen, there's no way, you know, if I was, you know, trying to understand about, you know, restaurants and, you know, learn about, you know, the brand, if I didn't understand only way for me to understand, we'll be able to have dialogue with you and say, Mr. Novak, hey, can you teach me this? Can you help me understand that, and that's a conversation that we all need to have doesn't matter what the subject matter is, we do the do a better job of communicating with each other.

David Novak 10:52 

I agree. 100%, you know, and, Larry, you know, I understand that you and your son actually participated in the protests up in Minneapolis? How old is your son? And what was that like for you?

Larry Fitzgerald 11:05 

Devin is 12 years old, he's going into seventh grade this year. And I was really, really, I didn't really push the facts on him. Obviously, he's, he's on Instagram, and all these different media platforms. And, you know, he sees what goes on, he hears it. And what I really liked to see was curious about it. He wanted to know that why why would that police officer do that? And how was that possible in the United States of America when the police are here to protect us, right. And I said that when you can't judge all police by this one incident, you know, this is the actions of one man is not the entire police to force this is one person who, who did something that he was not coached, or to do it. And he took it upon his own self to do these things. And I think it's important that we understand that. And also, he wanted to go down and see the site where it happened. He wanted to feel the energy he wanted to go out and, and do the peaceful protests in March. And so, you know, as a father, I was really, really happy that he was so socially conscious about what was going on. And not only that, but he wanted to, he wanted to see what his own eyes and experiences. And so, you know, I just I like to think that we're on the right track.

David Novak 12:13 

Sounds like a very smart, happy, smart, young man, that that age is fantastic. You know, what's your advice to any any one of us who might want to get involved in social issues,

Larry Fitzgerald 12:27 

I will say, find a cause that that is near and dear to your heart. Find companies and organizations that support those endeavors that you that you want to be involved in. And you know, when I was young, I didn't jump right into it. I know, my mother was involved in it. But I want to watch other guys like Emmitt Smith, who, who's already had a non for profit, and was doing great things in the community and learn from people who for me figured out the mistakes they made ask the right questions. And this way, I'll be able to do what I'm doing more streamlined and be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that happened. So that's kind of what my approach was, I think everybody has a responsibility to serve others that they think that is, that's what we all should be doing in our gift to the world is what we do for for our fellow man. And it doesn't matter what the race or religion, you know, is just doing the right thing. And if we all have that simple mindset, you know, our world will be a much better place,

David Novak 13:23 

the balance of elite athletes, leaders with their having, you know, self confidence, and that you gotta have in balancing that with humility. How do you do a big guy? Well,

Larry Fitzgerald 13:36 

it's not easy when you're in a leadership position, you know, when you're running a major company, and everybody's telling you, you know, how good you are. And, you know, the stock price is this or, you know, you have 100 yard game and, you know, you feel like you're on top of the world, it's very difficult to be able to manage those emotions, but you have to understand that as as a leader, and leader, not only in your building and your organization, but in your in your community, you have a responsibility to be able to do things the right way, because there's, there's people younger employees that are looking at you for man, I wonder how David's going to respond to this or, you know, is fit is going to, you know, change the way he does a business based on these results at work. And you have to always be aware of that. So it's a delicate balance and one that as I've gotten older, I've done a better job of managing. It was it was tough initially, for me. But you know, as I started to get a little older, you know, it became a little bit easier because I understood what I understood more about myself, you know, when you're 22 years old, and you're first having your a little bit of success, got a little bit of money in your pocket, it's tough to manage, but at 36 now with with three young kids and you know, seeing that hourglass turned over on me from a professional standpoint, and that's different things in life for me to pursue. You have to humble yourself to be able to you know, make sure you're ready for those changes.

David Novak 14:56 

Now, when did you first realize that you wanted to become an NFL player err, and did you have a leader early on that really helped you realize that you had the potential to do just that?

Larry Fitzgerald 15:05 

Well, my dad had a radio show with Dennis green, he was a Minnesota Vikings coach there. And it gave me the opportunity to become a ball boy. And I think that that experience in itself really was an eye opener for me, because I think every kid kind of has aspirations to be a professional athlete, but you only get a chance to see that professional athlete perform in their arena, you get to see him on the basketball court on the baseball diamond on the football field, but, but what they do, when they're not playing is really what separates them from being pedestrian being good or being great. And the great players always did more than what they were required to do. And I think that's applicable to anything that you do in life. And it really was kind of my, my aha moment as a youngster to be able to see that work ethic.

David Novak 15:51 

You know, I know you went to Valley Forge Military Academy before you went to the University of Pittsburgh. Why did you go there? And what was the biggest leadership lesson you learn there?

Larry Fitzgerald 16:00 

Well, I was pretty immature, you know, when I was 16 years old, I didn't have the, the Academic Prowess that I needed to be successful in college. And so I really wasn't ready to go to college. And so my parents decided that Valley Forge Military Academy was going to be the right move for me. So I spent a year and a half there. And it's one of those places that I hated from day I got there, to the day I left. But the people that I met there, the leadership, the discipline that I got there from not only the other students, but the faculty there, it was so so important, it was a monumental year and a half for me and I went in as an immature child, and left as a as a man, ready to be able to go in and focus and be able to, you know, go chase my dream in college. I mean, I remember my first semester in college, I had a 3.4 GPA, I was able to focus on my academics focus on my studies and have a social life all at the same time. And I got that discipline understanding from my experiences at Valley Forge. And no, there's no way I would be here. If it wasn't for that year and a half there.

David Novak 17:05 

You know, you call me from the very beginning you call me Mr. Novak. I've heard you be around other people and that they're older than you you call a Mr. You know, and I've told you don't call me Mr. Call me David, could you insist on doing that? What what is it that makes you take that approach because you really do show a lot of respect to a lot of people. And some people like me who don't deserve it.

Larry Fitzgerald 17:26 

No, my parents for I mean, I have friends my mom and dad friends, I never even knew their first name. They were just Mr. or Mrs. or aunt or uncle like I it's just always a respect factor that you have to adapt, you have to show in. And also the military background. I've a lot of family that's in the army. My grandfather served and received a Purple Heart for his service and, and and Korea. And so I always just have a great respect for the people that have come before me and kind of blazed the trail made my made my journey a little easier.

David Novak 17:58 

Well, it's it's always interesting to hear that because I think everyone meets you respect you so much. Now, when you came into the NFL, you are the youngest player on the team, and also the youngest player in the league. What advice can you give to people on how to make the best possible start, when you're just getting started, and you're working with more experienced and older people?

Larry Fitzgerald 18:19 

I think the first thing I did is I just came in and I kept my mouth shut. I didn't say much to anybody. And I identify pretty quickly who guys I should be following. I think, as young people, you have to be able to see qualities that great leaders possess. And you have to be identify those and you watch them. And my guy was Emma Smith, and Miss Smith is the all time leading rusher in the National Football League history. And he was just completed his 16 season with my first year. So everything emitted from the food he ate, the way he dressed the way he took notes, the way he treated people, how he looked men in their eyes, when he was talking to him, he gave you a firm handshake, how he led sometimes get known guys and how he put his arms around other guys, he had an innate ability to be able to get the best out of people. And I just watched him for a whole year. And I emulated everything he did. And, you know, he was a great, great leader for me, you know, as a 20 year old coming into the league, how to manage my money, how to treat his wife how to be with his children, you know, invite a meal for Thanksgiving meal when I didn't have any family like all of these things. I just took these mental notes of how he conducted himself. And I just wanted to pattern myself after after, you know, essentially the greatest running back to ever play. And so that was a tremendous example. And I think anybody who's getting in I don't care if it's an entry level position at a at a company. I mean, just, there's people that you know, they take pride in what they do. They they're punctual, they, they just execute to a higher level than everybody else. And he's one of those guys who was great leader for me.

David Novak 19:51 

You know, Emmitt Smith, if I recall, he won dancing with stars. you emulate what he did. Is that in your future?

Larry Fitzgerald 19:59 

I got to I got to left. Dances my high school prom and I'm okay with.

David Novak 20:05 

Well, Mallory that now the tables have been turned. And you're one of the oldest players on the team, you know? And so how do you look at your leadership obligation to rookie like Kyler Murray?

Larry Fitzgerald 20:18 

Well, I think it's a great opportunity for me to help my organization and help my team because you know, guys like calendared, Miss Lee talented, but they just don't know the ropes yet. And the sooner and faster they can learn the ropes and learn how to study and be professionals and do what's expected of him as leaders on that team, the faster our team will be better. And so I think that's my job now. And I really relish the position that I'm in, be able to have that opportunity to impress upon these young people the importance of you know, just being good citizens in the community, representing themselves in their family, studying and taking care of their bodies, and is always doing the right thing when nobody's looking. You've stayed

David Novak 20:58 

on the same team, and you've actually caught I read this you've caught touchdown passes from 12 Different quarterbacks, which is a record in and of itself. What learnings Can you share on how to adjust to new teammates and new leaders because that happens in business all the time you have somebody come in that you're now getting different plays called for you?

Larry Fitzgerald 21:17 

Well, I think I've kind of become accustomed to it. I've had like nine position coaches and a different coordinators and almost 20 Different quarterbacks over my career. And I think it's a real skill to be able to get to know somebody pretty quickly understand their personality, the things that they like that they dislike, and be able to work with different people doesn't matter what their color their skin is, what religion, what background they come from, you know, I think we all can work for one common goal, if that was what we desire. And I wouldn't write my script any different. I think that I've learned a lot about myself over the last 1617 years having to deal with so many different changes. And you know, and I think it's a part of me that I really, actually have come to appreciate.

David Novak 22:01 

Have you thought about the process you used to make that happen?

Larry Fitzgerald 22:04 

Yeah, I'm not a complainer. Right? So I think that's one thing I see a lot of young guys do. They're always they want instantaneous success, like you didn't you just walk in the door, and you can just be the best. Now, that's not how it is, you know, a building is not built overnight, you know, you have to take certain steps every single day to be able to be great and great is something that is fleeting, you know, you have to chase it every single day when you're hurt, and you're sore and you're tired. And I really respect and admire that process. You know, the guys who have come before me, great business leaders. I mean, it's it's a it's it's painful. Sometimes it's it's, it's tough, you know, when things are not going your way, but you learn a lot about yourself when you're able to push through and come on the other side.

David Novak 22:47 

You know, you've you've been around a lot of coaches, what do you think it takes to be a good coach in sports and business?

Larry Fitzgerald 22:53 

Well, I think the biggest thing is you have to you have to be honest, I think people can see through nonsense. And if you're trying to mislead people, you have to be honest, you have to have a clear plan. There has to be guidelines and regulations in place, it has to be order, it can't be a free fraud, it has to be direction, you have to be able to be smart enough to be able to reprimand people who are not toeing the line. But you also have to be compassionate about the things that are going on in people's lives. Somebody might be going through a divorce or a custody battle with their kids, you have to be compassionate. And to be compassionate, you have to know the people that you're around, you have to invest in them, you have to let them know that you care. And people don't. They don't understand how important it is to be able to make that commitment to individuals and, and make relationships deeper than just surface.

David Novak 23:42 

Would you ever consider being a head coach yourself and your future life? And if so, is there a particular coach that you try to emulate?

Larry Fitzgerald 23:50 

Well, I've had a number of really, really good coaches, and it'll be tough for me to pick out one guy that I would say I would like to emulate, because they're all so unique, but effective in their own way. And for me, I don't think I could ever do it. It's just the require so many hours. I mean, those guys were in the building at 545, six o'clock in the morning, don't leave until 1011 o'clock. I mean, they don't see their kids and their wives, you know, but a couple times a week, I said it's a really tough life. And you're dealing with some hate cases, sometimes, you know, guys who are not necessarily intrinsically motivated to, to get better on a daily basis and have a lot of distractions off the field. And so it's not as easy as you would imagine, you know, having to deal with 2223 2425 year olds, you know, guys that are millionaires and don't like to be told what to do on a daily basis. It would be the easiest job.

David Novak 24:42 

Now, you and Quan Bolden were the most productive tandem of receivers ever in the NFL to play on the same team that you both caught over 100 passes in 2005 And again, that's on the same team. Do you have a story you can share with us on how you guys actually made it work and What you learn from each other, I could see how you could both want the ball all the time, even more than those 100 passes.

Larry Fitzgerald 25:06 

Oh, yeah, I mean, when I first got there I was 20 years old Nkwanta year before with the NFL rookie year, he had caught 100 passes and 13 110 touchdowns a year before I got there. So I knew that if I wanted to play that, he was the guy that that everybody was looking to. And so like I said, I kept my mouth shut. I just worked every single day to get better and improve on my craft. And the best thing that could have happened to me is I went to a team that had a guy who was great with me, because it pushed me I was able to push him. And other thing about him is he was highly, highly competitive. And he was an emotional leader, the toughest guy I've ever played with, I remember story in 2007, where he actually had his jaw broken, was not completely unconscious. When I got to him, there was blood coming out of his ears, blood come out of his mouth and blood come out of his nose. He was motionless. And I remember him putting them on on the stretcher and, and taking them back to the locker room. And two weeks later, after 20 screws in his face, he would back out there playing football and caught two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers and ran it ran a linebacker over to score touchdown. And I just said, Man, this is not human. I mean, this guy is one of the toughest guys I've ever been around. And one of the most compassionate and giving individuals also he was he was NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner, you know, a few years back. And so he did everything the right way and being able to have a leader that was around my age that I could emulate and, and learn from and also compete with, really kind of sharpen my tools also. And so, you know, I was very blessed to be able to play with Anquan for this seven years that we played together. And, you know, it was it was a phenomenal relationship when we had it there.

David Novak 26:48 

Did you have a real collaborative relationship with him? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, we're

Larry Fitzgerald 26:51 

still extremely close to this day. He has an event right here in Palm Beach that that I go to every year that that serves his community Pahokee where he grew up, it's probably about a 60 miles to the west of here. And you know what he does in that humanity, what he continued to do for the South Florida areas is really respectable. And, you know, we're pretty like minded in terms of our service and, and what's important to us in his world.

David Novak 27:17 

Good. You know, you played for Kurt Warner as your quarterback, and I understand he really challenged you to be great. How so? And what did you learn from him as a leader?

Larry Fitzgerald 27:26 

Carter was tough on me. When he got here. My second year, I was 21 years old. You know, I was very talented. And Kurt told me when he got here, I know this is what you're used to playing. And guys just throwing the ball up to you and you can go make a play. I don't play football like that. I play precise football, you need to be where I needed to be at all times. You need to be accountable. I don't want any deviation from the routes. You know, if it's supposed to be a five step I wanted to be five step I don't want to seven. I don't want to three, I needed to be precise. And this is the way Isaac Bruce was doing it. This is the way Tori Hall was doing it when I was in St. Louis. And this is the way I need you to do it. And so he really challenged me to refine my my skill set. You know, I was getting by on just raw athleticism. I was bigger, faster and stronger. I could jump higher than most of the guys I was competing against. And he really wanted me to be proficient at route running. And without courage. There's no way I would have taken that next step because he challenged me every single day. Yeah, that was a great catch, Larry, but the route was porous, you could improve on the on the top of that break. And you'd eventually catch that ball and run as opposed to getting tackled on it. So he was always pushing me and harping on me about the little things to him to improve. And I used to find it really annoying when I was young. But you know, looking back, it was the best thing I could have ever had that somebody cared enough about me to not let me just be good because he saw greatness in me. You

David Novak 28:44 

know, it doesn't matter what vocation you're in. Being an avid learner is a trait of all the greats. How do you stay on top of your game? And how do you keep learning?

Larry Fitzgerald 28:54 

Well, I mean, I'm always picking the minds of great players, you know, Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin and James Lofton and some of the greats I'm always in contact with these guys. Hey, can you watch this and tell me what you think about this? And what can I improve on on this and and I'm always trying to get feedback and and then I go to you know, guys that I really admire in business and I talk to them about things that make them successful. You know, I'm constantly trying to learn the mind is is a muscle and it gets stronger and stronger the more you utilize it, the more you information you feed it and I'm just I'm a student of life I would say I love to build learn and about new cultures and people and and things that make you know individuals great and successful without us that's really what makes me go you know,

David Novak 29:42 

the quarterback is generally regarded as the team leader and or the CEO and football. How do you lead when you're in a skill position, which is similar to being a functional leader in a business like running marketing or running HR and you poured into the CEO and I know he didn't report to the quarterback but you're in this To position the quarterbacks generally the acknowledged leader, how did you see your role in that skill position?

Larry Fitzgerald 30:06 

Well, the thing I think is biggest difference between like corporate and athletics is sports as a meritocracy, the leader doesn't need to be spoken about doesn't need to be anointed. People will follow who they feel should be followed. And guys have always gravitated to me because, you know, the way I work the way I carry myself, how I go about my business, I never had to give a rah rah speech or asked to be voted for a captain. Naturally, you know, when you're out there working and you see, well, that guy is working a little bit harder than everybody else. He's, he's doing this a little bit different. He's going the extra mile here, man, he really focuses he takes notes in there and, and they don't never have to be spoken about never talked about, you just start seeing God's doing the things that you're doing and eating the things that you're eating, and dressing the way you're dressing is just I've noticed that in sports, and you know, it's something that that is unique in our game, in athletics, because you know, a lot of it has never even spoken about

David Novak 31:05 

in 2011. Larry, you you signed an eight year $120 million contract, he became the fifth highest player in the league. When do you get that kind of money? And it's locked in, you know, how do you keep from getting complacent? And do you have any tricks that you've used to really stay hungry?

Larry Fitzgerald 31:23 

Well, I think one of the best things about me and probably will be one of the worst things about me when I'm done playing football is I always look at myself as a project, you know, I could go out and play, catch 10 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. And I look at the tape and I'll say, Man, I could have gotten better here. I was really bad in this block. And I could have broke that tack. All I ever see in myself is is weaknesses and mistakes. And that's all I'd never I'd never really take any joy from the accomplishments, if that makes sense to you. I'm always constantly trying to improve the things that I know I can get better at. And you know, it's a good thing because it always keeps me hungry no matter what. But also when I'm having success. I really can't like bask in it. I can't really take a lot of joy in it. Because I'm always in pursuit.

David Novak 32:13 

That's that's a tough thing. You know, not to take joy.

Larry Fitzgerald 32:17 

Yeah, it is it is. And I've gotten better. And like, as my children get older, I take a lot of joy in seeing them do well. Right. So. So the joy is kind of transfer because I for some reason can't ever take joy in the things that I do. Now I can I can take joy in the successes when my son come home with 100% on his spelling test, or, you know, he's done something really good in math or had a wonderful game, you know, I can feel I can feel proud. You know, it makes me it makes me happy. So I do get it but it just doesn't usually come from myself.

David Novak 32:51 

You know, in business, we all have to get up for big events, big situations, big moments where you got to bring your A game and you you had the most postseason games with over 150 yards and you had a 67 yard touchdown pass and in the Super Bowl. Can you tell us a story of how you personally get up for the big moments? The big games because you have a great track record for doing that.

Larry Fitzgerald 33:14 

Well, Mr. Novak, honestly, the bigger the moment, the more pressure in the game. I think the quieter it becomes for me. You know, I when I'm planning on running, I don't hear the crowd. I mean, literally when the balls in the air I feel like it's in slow motion, everything is just moving slower. And then when I catch it, it everything speeds up. I have an ability to be able to slow the moment down if that makes sense to and I've heard other guys you know reading you know about Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter errs and Wayne Gretzky, the guys who Reggie Jackson, I was just talking to a couple of weeks ago, there's certain guys who are able to be in that moment. How do you do it though? It's not something I've ever worked on or something I've trained myself for. I think it's just an it's an innate ability.

David Novak 34:02 

So if you're telling you if you're in going to the Super Bowl, and you've got your these younger, younger players, what advice would you give them on on how to get ready for that big game?

Larry Fitzgerald 34:10 

Well, just every single day, staying in the moment. You can't work on Monday, you're playing on Sunday, you can't worry about Sunday, because you can't be effective on Sunday, if you don't take care of Monday. And so every single day, I'm just staying completely in the moment. I'm being the best Larry Fitzgerald on Monday. I'll be the best Larry Fitzgerald on Tuesday. I'll be the best Larry Fitzgerald on Wednesday. And if I'm doing that every single day, why wouldn't I be the best on Sunday when I step out on that field and I think when I step on the field it gives me unbelievable confidence knowing that I did all the work already now is this out here is this is this is this is this a show now I put all the hard work in earlier in the week. I know my I know the point that I'm playing against. I know my plays I know the technique I'm going to use. I know the catch, I have the ability to to make the tough catches. I've done all of this all week. Now let's go on and execute and have fun. And so I'm almost fried it's like I'm unshackled once I get out there. And I'm artists with a blank canvas and a bunch of paint. Now let's, let's, let's go to work. That's what I feel like.

David Novak 35:07 

It's fantastic. You know, speaking of the Super Bowl, I understand you were the first player to have your dad be in the press box actually covering you as a sports writer in the game. How did that make you feel?

Larry Fitzgerald 35:20 

Well, I know my dad really enjoyed it. And, you know, seeing my dad's covered every single Super Bowl, since Super Bowl, I think six has been every single one. I know how much pride he takes it and going into Super Bowl and covering it. And, you know, to be able to be there with me, couldn't cheer for me up there in the press box, because you have to stay on neutral. But I know that he was pulling for me and to know that that I had that support Abderrahmane meant a great deal to me.

David Novak 35:50 

What are your obviously very high profile? And with that profile, you know, people are always watching you you come under scrutiny. Was Was there ever a time when you felt like you were unfairly criticized for what you do? And how did you handle that with the media?

Larry Fitzgerald 36:03 

Well, you know, I was not like, I don't do myself a disservice. I don't read any material on myself. I don't watch the local news. You know, I don't do any of that. Because I think when you do, you take too much in when things are going well, and you take it too personal when things are going bad. And I just like to keep myself and I don't want to walk into the locker room and have an interview with a reporter that I know says something negative about me or told me I shouldn't be there anymore. I'm making too much money, any of those things that would make me feel negative towards that person. I don't want those feelings because he's been objective. He's doing his job. I need to focus on my job. And I think too many young people, they're so caught up in the social media and what this person said, and what did what did Harry from Vermont say about like, why does it matter what Harry from Vermont says about your game, only people that should matter? Are your teammates, your coaches, the people that are in the locker room with you? That's those are the opinions of the people that should matter to you. And I think too much just too much noise and too many distractions around guys now. And I try to make sure I control those distractions and I can by not subjecting myself to to hearsay and people that don't matter to what we're trying to accomplish.

David Novak 37:15 

You've said that no matter what obstacles you face, be a finisher. Oh, yeah, that be a finisher. Describe a time when you had to really live that out.

Larry Fitzgerald 37:25 

Well, the biggest and earliest test for me was, you know, losing my mother as a freshman in college, and my mother was in a seven year battle with breast cancer. And she fought valiantly for years, whatever mission twice and came back stronger every time and my mother never once complained. I never heard her say why, Laura, why did this happen to me or This is so unfair, she never, she never did that. And I remember my mom going to chemotherapy, coming home, throwing up in the car, getting us ready to go to football practice sitting out there in the code supporting us every time and and like that just showed me you know, so much, you know, when I was when I was seeing that, and, you know, so whenever I have a sprained ankle, or something's bothering me, I just look back and think about what my mind went through and, and how tough she was, and how she always pushed through and supported us no matter what, you know, makes me think that, you know, I can get through anything. And my mom always was, was one of those people that always talked about that. And, you know, I remember after she passed away, it was my it was in the springtime, you know, I was going through spring ball and I contemplated, you know, not playing ball anymore. I just thought back to all the things that she stood for. And anything that you start, you finish no matter what, what it is, you give a manual word, you always commit to it, you do what you say you're going to do. You have to hold true to those values and, you know, never waver from those things. And, you know, she wanted me to finish my college education. I left as a sophomore, and it took me eight years after I finished to be able to finally get my college degree done. But, you know, those are the type of things that she taught us as young as young people, and that still resonate to me.

David Novak 39:08 

You know, I remember reading a great article that you wrote, and I circulated to my friends. It was all about, you know, the nation needs today. What Sports teaches you explain that? Well, I

Larry Fitzgerald 39:22 

think Sports teaches us so many wonderful things in life, Mr. Novak. You know, I feel like there's the country can be divided at times, you know, politically, racially, there's so many things that that can pull us apart at the seams and the one thing I do love about sports, you look up in that crowd and you see African Americans sitting with Jewish people and you see Jewish people sitting with Protestants, you see Protestants sitting with arrows and images, and nobody's worried about what they look like or, or what God they they serve. All they're looking at is who's playing on the field. What's the score? Can they make a comeback? Can I make the basket can this guy make the catch you think he can get on base and, and it for a moment it brings us all together. And that's what I love so much about sports in business and I see there's there's so many trials and tribulations you go through and his sports is up and down, Evan flows, deficits overcome and, you know, guys get hurt, they come back, you know, Willis reed out of out of the locker room to come back and help your team prevail. There's so many triumphant stories and, you know, in businesses is I think is the same way. I mean, there's there's years of just stock is plummeting, you know, for reasons and is soaring the next year. I mean, it's, it's just all these ups and downs. And as far as I just love sports, and what it teaches you about life, you just never you never you never give up on it, you always have to see there's a possibility for a comeback.

David Novak 40:44 

And you get a cohesiveness with the team that the nation would need. Absolutely, absolutely.

Let's move to your business interests. What are your business interests outside of football now?

Larry Fitzgerald 41:01 

Well, I'm involved in a couple of different things. In I've just recently become a minority owner with the Phoenix Suns. I'm in a restaurant groups, hospitality businesses, travel company, you know, so I have a plethora of outside interests that I that I have. And, you know, football is my main interest. But right now, but I had to do a good job of kind of opening my eyes and learning about life after ball. And I think I've got off to a pretty decent start and surrounding myself with some really intelligent people that I can learn from and kind of run things by and bounce ideas off of. And, you know, I think I'm in my infancy stage as a businessman, but every single day is an opportunity for me to learn.

David Novak 41:44 

You have a business leader who's kind of taken you underneath his wing and really helped you outside of sport.

Larry Fitzgerald 41:49 

I have, I have quite a few guys who who have helped me along the way. But I would say probably the guy on the day to day that that helps me the most is Robert Sarver. He's a, he's the the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns, he started Western lions, banks, and is a great real estate banking man. And, you know, he's been providing a great deal of knowledge and understanding to me over the years and, you know, has really helped me kind of scrub through deals and things that look for things to avoid, and just, you know, some great things that I'll always be able to utilize.

David Novak 42:28 

That's fantastic. It's great to have somebody like that it is, you know, there when you when you live a life of celebrity, you know, your endorsements can be very lucrative. Tell us about the Larry Fitzgerald brand, you know, what does it stand for? And how do you decide who you're going to partner with,

Larry Fitzgerald 42:46 

I think is important, you know, because a lot opportunities that present themselves, but I think you have to be able to be with companies who match your authenticity, right? And I pass up on numerous deals that were very lucrative, but didn't align with with me personally. And I've been very selective in the way I aligned myself, with companies and the companies that I really, you know, I've had the longest standing relationship with the Nikes. And, and visas and Brett's Bridgestones. And, and companies like that Bo's you know, their leadership is fantastic. The men that run those companies are, you know, have the highest moral compass. And, you know, I've learned from those men, and also, you know, the values of those companies in part, and, you know, so I mean, I'm always trying to pick relationships that, you know, that I can learn from as well.

David Novak 43:44 

You know, I follow you on Twitter, and one of 2.2 million followers. But what guidance can can you give to leaders on on how to use social media, and by the way I've looked at your website is spectacular. I mean, it's so professional, and, you know, what's your strategy there?

Larry Fitzgerald 44:03 

Well, I don't know if I, per se have a strategy, but I try to use social media as an as an uplifting way to get my message across. I don't really try to get into any negativity or or hearsay, I'm not into, you know, all of the nonsense is most

David Novak 44:18 

of Larry Fitzgerald message that you want to get across? Well,

Larry Fitzgerald 44:21 

just positivity. I think I think that there can't be enough said about being positive and having a mindset that is open to, to growth. And I think a lot of young people, I see that they're so caught up in more of the negativity on social media that the things that are not necessarily good and I try to stay positive, I try to shed light on people that are doing good things and are serving their communities and making a difference in the lives of others. And so that's really where I tried to stay in my in my zone with social media.

David Novak 44:56 

You said that you have to believe in your ability and the good days and bad days, was there ever, you know, as an athlete, I'm sure you had those moments. But as you move into business, you're probably in more foreign territory, you know, to a certain extent, but you're getting better and better at it and you're learning. Have you ever struggled believing in your abilities in the world of business? Or is that just come kind of naturally for you?

Larry Fitzgerald 45:21 

Oh, yeah, it's definitely been a struggle.

David Novak 45:23 

How did you overcome it?

Larry Fitzgerald 45:24 

Last thing, I'm still trying to overcome it, you know, when I'm sitting in these meetings, and sitting in board meetings and things of that nature, sometimes in the back of my mind, I'm thinking, What can I actually bring, you know, all I've done is catch a football over the last 25 years, you know, how can I, how can I and what I've experienced be applicable to what they're going through in here. And as I've gotten more comfortable, and more knowledgeable, I think there's a lot of things that I can bring to the table, my insight is a little different than most of the people sitting around the table. And I know that I can bring value. And so I think my confidence has definitely grown from when I first started, really taking a greater step to be more of a businessman. And the more knowledge I have acquired, you know, going, studying, going to different business programs and, and getting a better acumen, I think I've become much more confident and what I know and how I can convey my message,

David Novak 46:15 

did you have a defining moment where you said, you know, just like in sports, where you said, Hey, I think I can actually be a player, you know, if you had that defining moment in business, where you say, hey, look, I really belong in this world.

Larry Fitzgerald 46:26 

Yeah, so I've taken some executive business courses at Harvard last year, and I was around some of the most bright minds you could ever imagine. And I'm sitting there, and I'm highly intimidated. And I've been playing in big games my entire life. And I've never been that intimidated. And I remember about the second day, I was like, you know, what, I, I can present something, I can bring things to the table here. And there were some points I was making that nobody else brought up. And, you know, so I really started to have some more confidence that I can hold my own in that, in that in that situation, and in that form. And it's all about just like sports, you'd have to have that belief in your ability, you have to have that belief that you you can do and you can achieve and you can accomplish what you set your mind to. And I started to get a little bit more confidence after that last year.

David Novak 47:11 

You know, almost every leader Larry has an epic fail, you know, what was your your your biggest career business failure? And what do you learn from it?

Larry Fitzgerald 47:22 

My biggest fail, definitely would, I would say, I haven't had any, I haven't had any fails. Really, in business, I haven't gotten that in depth in it. But in sports, it would be the Superbowl losing, losing. And, you know, it was still something, you know, it happened 11 years ago, and it's still it's like, it's fresh in my mind to things that I would have done different, you know, how I would have called this play or the way I would have executed that, you know, sometimes it still comes back in my mind, especially during this time of the year when there's Ronda suitable. And, you know, knowing that, you know, the opportunity, you know, may not ever present itself again, it definitely weighs on you pretty heavy.

David Novak 48:01 

How do you how do you work through that, because we all have those, those failures, you know, you had to pick yourself up and you know, but it's still with you, oh,

Larry Fitzgerald 48:08 

it definitely is still with me. And I always say, you know, if I if I get another opportunity to do it, again, I'm gonna do it different this time I'm I'm prepare harder, I'm gonna do something, you know, better and, and make sure that I'm not on that losing side again, and I'm gonna make sure my teammates understand the importance and that this opportunity doesn't come that often. And it may not ever come again, until all these things that I've kind of stored in the back of my mind, you know, to prepare myself for when an opportunity comes again.

David Novak 48:38 

So on a more, you know, uplifting side, what would you see as your biggest business or career success? And what do you learn from it,

Larry Fitzgerald 48:46 

I will say I've always dreamed of being able to have, you know, be able to get into the sports world. And so being able to get into the NBA, which I've always followed in, and admired and really, you know, enjoy watching the game to be able to get into the business side of it, and baila learn about the back side of business, in the sports world is I think, is really exciting for me, and I'm really looking forward to the future. And, you know, getting gaining some more experience and knowledge in that field.

David Novak 49:12 

You know, leadership is all about taking people from me to we nothing big happens by yourself. What do you think would be your greatest example of taking people with you?

Larry Fitzgerald 49:23 

I think a lot of guys, you know, especially my younger teammates, they always asking me about, you know, my community work and, you know, how do I get started and that really, really makes me happy because you know, at the end of the day, people will forget about how many catches you had, how many touchdowns and all the things that really don't matter, but they will never forget how you how you make them feel. And when you're out there in the community and you're serving and you see these young people so happy about getting you know, Christmas shopping that you took them to or new computer labs in their schools are closed drives or backpack things that you've done for for different people are women being thankful for in opera By the medicines for them to deal with their HIV or AIDS, you know, things like that really make a profound impact on you. And to see the young people kind of recognize you for those type of things, I think makes me makes me really, really happy that I'm, you know, working in the right direction.

David Novak 50:16 

You know, I always love watching you hand the ball to the referee, or a teammate after you score, there's no annex. No Captain America celebrations. You know, what do you do that?

Larry Fitzgerald 50:28 

You know, I've always been a big fan of Barry Sanders. And I remember watching him up close and personally, and he never made a show he act like he had been there before. And I always try to act like, you know, this is something that I'm accustomed to doing. I've done it a few times. And I don't want to make a scene. That's, that's, that's kind of my my thought process in it.

David Novak 50:47 

This is all fun, but I want to have a little more fun and do a lightning round of rapid fire questions and answer okay. So what leader do you admire most and why I

Larry Fitzgerald 50:58 

got a chance to play golf with President Obama last year. And you know, second time I got a chance to meet him and I just really admired you know, his intelligence, his his ability to kind of know everything that's going on in the world, you know, from sports, to business, everything, and I really, I really enjoyed that.

David Novak 51:16 

What three words best describe you and why?

Larry Fitzgerald 51:19 

I will say tenacity, commitment, and work ethic.

David Novak 51:25 

What's your biggest pet peeve?

Larry Fitzgerald 51:28 

Having a dirty house?

David Novak 51:31 

If you could trade places for a day with one person, who would it be and why

Larry Fitzgerald 51:36 

does it have to be fictional?

David Novak 51:37 

It can be anybody will say Iron Man. Why Iron Man besides the obvious you already your physical iron.

Larry Fitzgerald 51:48 

I love them because he has a big nice crib and Malibu with the fancy cars and cool jets. But then he goes out and saves the world makes a difference. Yeah.

David Novak 51:59 

Share a random fact about you that few people know that I'm an avid chess player. Great, you know that it's fun. And now I want to shift to something that you've already talked a little bit about and, and I want to talk about your philanthropy. you've visited over 100 countries and done mission trips in Africa, India, Thailand, Philippines, what's your biggest insight from these experiences?

Larry Fitzgerald 52:23 

Well, that no matter where I've gone in the world, when you extend courtesy to people, they're appreciative. It doesn't matter where they're from, what their economical backgrounds are, when you do good for people, they appreciate you. And I think that's the one thing that I've learned through all my travels in humanity is, you know, love is love. And just just love your fellow man.

David Novak 52:47 

You know, you talked about the first down fund and your foundation work there. What's next for that?

Larry Fitzgerald 52:53 

Well, I'm gonna continue to keep growing it. You know, we do two events. Every year, we do a celebrity softball event, usually in late April. And then in late August, I do a sit down celebrity waiter event in between a total of usually raised between 800 to a million to a year doing both of those events. And, and this be able to help me find all the initiatives that I have around the country and reading literacy, and after school programs for children. And I just hope I can continue to do that for the rest of my life because it brings me a lot of joy.

David Novak 53:24 

You know, Larry, you had the privilege of being a great friend of the late Senator McCain. And you actually spoke at his memorial service. What was the most important thing that he taught you?

Larry Fitzgerald 53:36 

Well, the way he treated people I'll never forget, one of the times I went out to visit him in Washington, DC, we flew home together. And like most centers, he wasn't flying private. He was on a US Air flight. America West actually was the hub was in Phoenix, and we flew back and every single person, it took us probably 30 minutes to get from the plane, just to get the baggage claim because every single person I wanted to picture and wanted to talk to him. He made time for him, every single person. And it just showed me a lot about his humility, and what it meant for him to be a man of service and, you know, getting to know him and, and his wife Cindy and his family. Um, it wasn't an act that's that that was who he was as, as a human being. And I look back on my relationship with with Senator McCain is one of the better most true relationships I've had. And I was so blessed and fortunate to be able to call him a friend.

David Novak 54:32 

You know, you've had so much public recognition and you've received so many awards, all kinds of awards. I couldn't list them all. You know, what was the most emotional recognition you've received and why?

Larry Fitzgerald 54:45 

I would say to Walter Payton Man of the Year Award was definitely the most humbling that I've ever received because, you know, getting a chance to meet Mr. Paden, his wife and Connie and and his children, Britain. You and Jared and to see what they stood for, and to learn about his story and how he was such a humble servant, and to be able to have an award that embodies everything that he stood for, it meant a great deal to me, you know, we all fall short of his, his, his greatness, but you know, we can all aspire to do it. And, you know, I think that's definitely the one that really sticks out to me, you know,

David Novak 55:25 

you have two sons, and you said, you're committed to be an example of what it means to be a man. What does that mean to you?

Larry Fitzgerald 55:35 

Well, you know, my father, you know, in part, have some great examples for us, you know, when things were going good, and things weren't going so good, he never waver from, how he treated my mother, and how he respected us how we respected other people. And just watching him on a daily basis, how he conducted himself and how he worked, no matter what he had to do to put food on the table and put clothes on our backs and pay for our tuition. He did it and he did it. Well, class and grace. And there's no better example than just being able to watch your father go about his work. And I hope my son's able to watch me from a distance and see, you know, how important it is to do things, you know, obviously to provide for them to but to do it the right way.

David Novak 56:19 

You know, we're about to wrap this up, Larry, because I've got to whip up on you a little bit today. But what are three bits of advice you'd give to aspiring leaders?

Larry Fitzgerald 56:28 

I would say, commit to learning about the people you're around, you know, take take time to get to know what makes them who they are. Because when you invest in people, they'll take the time to invest in you. I would say, be honest, always, there's not always going to life isn't always gonna be peachy, things are not always gonna be perfect. It's not gonna be Hey, Mr. Novak, we won't give you a 10% raise every year. That's not in reality. But you if you're honest with people all the time, I think they will appreciate it. And they will they will go the extra mile for you. And then I would I would say just be kind be it doesn't, doesn't there's no, there's nothing wrong with just being kind to people. And, you know, people will respect that about you, too, if you if you if you can, and you should people. Well,

David Novak 57:15 

we've joked a little bit about it about golf. I know you're an avid golfer, and you've just recently picked it up and you've really become very good in a hurry. You won the AT and T Pro Am already you're already you know, just getting all these this hardware, you know, how did you get into golf? And what does it taught you so far about yourself?

Larry Fitzgerald 57:36 

Well, one of my former teammates, Andre Roberts, who actually played for the Buffalo Bills, the one that got me into golf seven years ago, we were at practice and he was like, Man fits you sitting around not doing anything, you might just come out here and play some golf. So he drugged me out to this, this celebrity celebrity tournament and I play terribly, because I never played before. And but I hit a couple shots that felt great, right? You know, it's a few hours like, man, you know, nothing like a compressed golf ball, you know, you know, you don't I feel it, and I got it in and I was like, Man, I gotta, I gotta have this and, and I just committed to it. I started hitting balls every day and, and I started getting better. And I saw the progress. And I remember you start off like, Man, if I could just break 100, right. And then it's just, if I could just, if I could just break 90, you know, if I could just break at no in it. And I realized that now that I shoot the 70s often, now all I want to do is shoot in the 60s, you know, and never changes you always in pursuit of greatness and, and always chasing it. But the greatest thing about golf is you get a chance to be able to really meet some unbelievable people, you get a chance to learn, you know about what makes a man tick, I think offers the best foreigner interview you can ever have you you see a man's temperament. You see, you know, if that person is honest, you know, if they have integrity, you know, how they, how they handle prosperity, how they handle defeat, you know, all of these things you learn by playing golf and for hours and not to mention, you know, something that you can never beat. Now, you're the best football team, you get a trophy and you win the Super Bowl, but golf is fleeting, you know, today, you might shoot a 75 Tomorrow, you can shoot 95 Is that nothing that stays the same. And I think that that kind of like cared that you would never be able to beat the game, I think keeps you hungry, trying to chase it.

David Novak 59:22 

You know, I want to close with a quote from you that I love which is until the day we are no longer left on this earth. We are not yet finished. There's more to be done more to live for there's still a race yet to be run. What's next for Larry Fitzgerald.

Larry Fitzgerald 59:39 

You know, I want to continue to do some great work on my foundation to serve the people that I've been serving. I want to be a good example for my for my sons. And you know I just want to be an example for young people that that come up behind me that you know, that are aspiring to do whatever they want to do and doesn't matter if it's playing sports or being doctors or lawyers you know, too. Putting yourself in a position to be successful by working hard at it.

David Novak 1:00:05 

Larry, I want to thank you so much for for being with me today. And I also want to tell you just how much you've inspired me. You know your example, the way you live your life the way you give to others, including me and all our listeners, when you've taken the time to share. I think it's such a great example. You truly walk the talk. And thanks for being Larry Fitzgerald.

Larry Fitzgerald 1:00:24 

Thank you, Mr. Mike, I appreciate his honor being on with you.

David Novak 1:00:36 

Well, I think you'll agree, Larry Fitzgerald is one class act. He's one of the most respected athletes out there, and he has earned it, he's the kind of person you just instantly look up to and you want to follow, even if he wasn't that person given the big speech or calling the plays in the huddle. And now it's time for my favorite part of these episodes, where I give you a little personal coaching so that you can develop into a better leader. This week, as a part of your weekly personal development plan. Here's what I want you to do. I want you to think about the person in your life who leads by example, and I want you to just send them a note of encouragement this week. Point out what you specifically appreciate about them. We need to recognize their kind of quiet excellence when we see it. And remember, regardless of your title or role, true leadership is earned. When you set an example of excellence and integrity, people will follow you because you've earned their respect. So do you want to know how leaders lead what we learned today is the great leaders lead by example. Thanks again for tuning in to another episode of how leaders lead where every Thursday you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world. I make it a point to give you something simple on each episode that you can apply in your business so that you will become the best leader you can be