EP167 - Building Champions On and Off the Field: Transforming Athletes into Leaders with Robby Emery
In this episode of the Impact Driven Leader Podcast, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Robby Emery, the Director of Character Development for the University of Michigan football team.
Robby shares insights into how empathy, faith, and leadership shape his work with athletes, coaches, and staff. From the trenches of college football to the sidelines of life, Robby dives into how leaders can balance vision with action, build character, and inspire those around them.
Meet Robby Emery
Robby Emery is a pastor with close to 25 years of experience serving his local community. In addition to his pastoral work, he has contributed significantly to serving as a special advisor to the Michigan Football team and executive assistant to head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Currently in his ninth season, Robby serves as the Director of Character Development for the University of Michigan Football team, where he focuses on instilling values of integrity and teamwork in players and staff.
Beyond his professional roles, Robby has coached and mentored executives both nationally and internationally. He is known for his ability to inspire and motivate individuals across diverse backgrounds. Robby works with Beloved Brands as the director or personal and character development. Beloved Brands is a company focused on building, incubating, and growing franchise brands. Ultimately creating brighter futures for the community.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Intro
02:05 Michigan-Ohio football rivalry
07:30 Balancing rivalry and respect in college sports
09:25 How Robby joined the University of Michigan Football Program
11:17 Building consistency and strength through shared adversity
13:36 Encouraging players to push through adversity
16:09 Stepping back to see the bigger picture as a leader
24:25 Challenges of recruiting youth athletes
31:59 Creating a team culture that focuses on character over talent
36:45 How football polishes future leaders
43:00 Preparing athletes for life after football
46:48 How do you know what you do matters?
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Robby:
https://www.instagram.com/robbyemery/
Where to find Tyler:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdickerhoof
https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/
https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader/
https://twitter.com/ImpactDLeader
About the Impact Driven Leader Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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