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INSIGHTS FROM AN OLYMPIAN BY JOHNNY QUINN | @JOHNNYQUINNUSA

Author Archive

The Rise of Ethical Leadership

Monday, January 16th, 2023

Ethical leadership has become a hot topic in recent years, as more and more companies and organizations prioritize values such as integrity, transparency, and social responsibility. This shift in priorities is driven by a number of factors, including increased scrutiny of corporate behavior, the growing importance of corporate social responsibility, and the changing expectations of employees and customers. One major factor driving the rise of ethical leadership is the growing awareness of the negative impact that unethical behavior can have on a company’s reputation and bottom line. In the age of social media, it is easier than ever for customers and employees to share their experiences with a company, and negative news can spread quickly. Companies that are seen as unethical or untrustworthy may find it difficult to attract and retain customers and employees, which can ultimately harm their bottom line. Another factor driving the rise of ethical leadership is the growing importance of corporate social responsibility. Consumers and employees are increasingly looking for companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the world, whether through environmental initiatives, charitable giving, or other efforts. Companies that are seen as socially responsible are more likely to attract and retain customers and employees, which can ultimately help to improve their bottom line. The changing expectations of employees and customers are also driving the rise of ethical leadership. Employees today are looking for more than just a paycheck; they want to work for companies that align with their values and that are committed to making a positive impact on the world. Customers, too, are increasingly looking for companies that they can trust and that they feel good about supporting. In response to these trends, many companies are now focused on developing ethical leadership programs and initiatives. These programs may include training and…

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Reading to be a Better Leader

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

Reading books can make you a better leader for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, reading books helps you to gain knowledge and insights that you can apply to your leadership role. When you read a book, you are exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that can help you to be more effective in your role as a leader. You may learn about different leadership styles, strategies for motivating and inspiring your team, or ways to navigate complex challenges and problems. Reading can also help you to stay current and up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field, which can give you a competitive edge. In addition to increasing your knowledge and understanding, reading books can also help you to improve your communication skills. When you read, you are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary and language structures that can help you to express yourself more clearly and effectively. This can be especially important for leaders, who often need to communicate their vision, goals, and expectations to their team or stakeholders. Reading can also help you to better understand and empathize with others, as it allows you to see the world through the eyes of different characters and perspectives. Finally, reading books can help you to develop your critical thinking skills. As you read, you are required to analyze and evaluate information and make informed decisions. This can help you to become a more thoughtful and reflective leader, who is able to make well-informed and strategic decisions for your team or organization. Reading can also help you to become more open-minded and flexible, as it allows you to consider a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Overall, reading books can be an invaluable tool for any leader who wants to be successful in…

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My Pickleball Gear

Sunday, August 21st, 2022

Have you played pickleball? It is one of the fastest growing sports in America and my goodness it sure is fun! Pickleball is the middle child between tennis and ping-pong, and has a rich history beginning just outside of Seattle, Washington in 1965. For beginner pickleball players, watch these two videos: Video 1: Pickleball rules for beginners Video 2: How to keep score in pickleball? For intermediate / advanced pickleball players, see these three resources: Video 3: How to stack in pickleball? Download stacking cheat sheet (JPEG) Learn your player skill rating (1.0 – 5.5+) Here is my pickleball gear setup (click on each image for a purchase link):

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I Rowed 1,000,000 Meters in 9 Months

Saturday, October 2nd, 2021

  THE FACTS I burned a total of 67,094 calories. It took 175 rowing workouts. The cumulative time rowing was 2 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes. The longest I rowed in a workout was a half marathon (13.1 miles) on August 8th. I rowed 21,107 meters in 1 hour and 23 minutes. The shortest I rowed in a workout was 3,000 meters which took 12 minutes. I did this on multiple days. My average row came in at 5,714 meters per rowing workout. I lost 18 pounds during this challenge. I started on January 2nd and finished on October 2nd (9 months to complete). I typically rowed in the morning, sometime between 6:00 – 7:00 AM. 975,000 meters were completed in my home gym (@JohnnyQuinnUSA, click on Quinn Gym story). 25,000 meters were completed at The Breakers gym. I used a Concept 2 Rower and the ErgData Tracking App to complete the Million Meter Club Challenge. I had an accountability partner, Michael Streight, who will be at 1M soon! I rowed all 1,000,000 meters at a 1:59 / 500 meter pace (or faster). THE STORY I rowed a little bit in 2021. 621.37 miles to be exact, or 1,000,000 meters. To put that in perspective, it takes 664 miles to drive from Dallas, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee. So, I almost made it to Nashville. I probably stopped in Franklin, TN. On January 1st, a friend introduced me to Concept 2’s Million Meter Club and the goal was to row 1,000,000 meters in a year. Quick math says you need to row roughly 3,000 meters a day to finish on December 31st. If I held a 1:59/500 meter pace, that is only 12 minutes of rowing a day. I can commit to that. My quest to row 1,000,000 meters in a year at 1:59/500 meter pace began on…

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My Run on American Ninja Warrior

Monday, May 24th, 2021

One cool thing about American Ninja Warrior (ANW) is they film during the night. When you film at night, it has more of a ninja feel, I suppose.​ ANW had three new wicked obstacles and it was awesome! You can watch my run to see if I made it to the warped wall. I also want to note, I never thought I would be on a TV show. I found being open to exploring unexpected opportunities makes life more fun and meaningful. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself on a TV show soon. Are you open to exploring unexpected opportunities?​ Ready. Set. Go!​

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How to Read 30 Books in One Year

Friday, March 12th, 2021

Reading a book can certainly be a struggle when TV shows, movies, and social media compete for our time and attention. Reading the right book(s) can make you smarter, help improve your decision making and be a great source of entertainment. As I study people who are successful in business and life, I look for common denominators. I found that many successful people are avid readers; regardless of industry, upbringing, demographic, etc. Leaders are readers. Here are three ways to help you read more: 1. Have multiple books going at the same time This keeps you in the flow of reading as your mood changes throughout the day/week/month. I am typically reading three-to-five books in different genres. I move around between: business, christian inspirational, documentary (biography), finance, and leadership. Find genres that you’re interested in and keep a book open in each one. This way you don’t miss a day or reading, regardless of your mood. 2. Set a realistic daily goal My daily goal is to read at least one chapter a day. Most books are 12 chapters long. Therefore, if I read one chapter a day, I can successfully read 2+ books a month. The key is to keep it simple. One chapter a day is a reasonable request in this ever-busy world that we live in. 3. Hardcover books + E-books + Audiobooks I used to think there was a battle between which format would win out. Instead, I changed my perspective and took advantage of using all three ways to consume content. Hardcover/paperback books: there is something special about having a tangible item in your hand. The crispness of the page turn, the ability to highlight and write in the margins (unless you’re a Type A which means you want the pages to stay nice and…

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My TEDx Talk on the Olympic Mindset

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Most people struggle with carrying a positive mindset. There is a strong pull to focus on negative things which can be overwhelming. Quite frankly, a negative mindset is down right debilitating. It sucks your dreams, goals and aspirations right out of you…​ I did a TEDx Talk on Understanding the Olympic Mindset to help win the mindset battle. It’s a relief to know there are easy and practical steps to protect and strengthen our mindset.

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My Morning Routine: Simple, Consistent, Effective

Friday, March 20th, 2020

In studying ultra-performers—successful men and women across industries—I’ve noticed consistent patterns. Not only are they avid readers, but most also have a solid morning routine. The secret? Keep it simple and consistent. Here’s how I start my day: 0:00 – 15:00 MINUTE MARK Cold Plunge: The moment I get out of bed, I head outside for a 3-minute plunge (up to my neck). Talk about a wake-up call—my goodness! It’s intense, but the benefits are undeniable. (Dive into the science behind cold plunging here) Hygiene: I brush my teeth (obviously!) and shave. A clean shave isn’t just camera-friendly for my video emails—it’s also wife-approved (Amanda). Win-win! 15:00 – 30:00 MINUTE MARK Priority Time (Part 1): I start my day with The Bible Recap, reading/listening through the Bible in a year. In about 8 minutes a day, TBR delivers a highlight reel of each day’s reading. This daily habit transforms my heart and mind and sets the tone for the day. Morning Brew: I’m not a coffee guy. Instead, I drink: 20 oz of water 1 scoop of caffeine (Spark, Watermelon) 1 scoop of electrolytes (Rehydrate, Mango Pineapple) This combo fuels me with clean energy and optimal hydration. Priority Time (Part 2): While sipping my morning drink, I spend time praying to the God of the Bible. Statement of Faith – What I believe How to Pray Guide – A simple resource The Gospel in 60 Seconds – The core message 30:00 – 45:00 MINUTE MARK The Remnant News: To stay informed, I read The Remnant News, a quick, biblically grounded source on current events. If you want factual news with a faithful perspective, subscribe here (it’s free). Email & Social Media: I intentionally avoid checking email or social media before my Priority Time. Otherwise, it turns into Time Suck Time….

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Eat Breakfast Like a Champion

Sunday, February 28th, 2021

As a U.S. Olympian, former pro football player and business owner, I am always looking for ways to increase my performance and production. The foods we choose to eat have significant power in impacting our performance and production, along with our day-to-day and long term health. What we eat, done correctly, can be a game changer! During my first season in bobsled, I was traveling and competing in Europe with Team USA and had the chance to meet Dr. Scott Stoll who was on the 1994 U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team. Dr. Stoll is a member of the Google FoodLab, serves on the advisory board at Whole Foods for their healthcare clinics and served as a member of the Whole Foods Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Stoll is the Chairman of the board for The Plantrician Project. He is also the author of Alive! which I would recommend. Dr. Stoll was with us for a few weeks on the bobsled tour helping out as a doctor on staff and I was determined to question him until I knew the industry secrets. What does it take to become an Olympian? How important is food for peak performance? Which foods will help get me there? He gave me the answers to the test and I am here to pass them on. His family had been following a plan for years; they were delighted with it and it all starts with breakfast, as every good day does. With the mentality that this smoothie is the correct blend of all I need to perform to my peak and it tastes good! This is the kick off to the day that fuels my greatest mindsets. So every morning, I pull out my blender and make the most powerful breakfast known to man! Blueberries (1/4 cup)…

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