From the NFL to the C-Suite: Rich Scanlon's Journey of Calculated Risk-Taking
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In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane sits down with Rich Scanlon, Chairman of Sendible and a former NFL linebacker turned successful SaaS CEO. Rich shares his extraordinary journey from the football field to the boardroom, revealing how lessons in discipline, accountability, and high-stakes decision-making shaped his leadership style.
Tune in as Rich opens up about:
- Transitioning from professional sports to business
- Why athletes and military vets make great hires
- The power of clarity, trust, and transparency in leadership
- His biggest hiring mistakes—and how to avoid them
- How to make bold decisions without perfect information
- Why every CEO needs a personal outlet (and yes, the gym counts)
This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, unexpected laughs, and a whole lot of honesty. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned executive, Rich's story will challenge how you think about leadership, risk, and what it really means to build a winning culture.
Timestamps:
- Introduction and Welcome - 0:00
- Rich Scanlon's Background and Journey - 2:15
- Transition from NFL to Business - 5:30
- Decision-Making and Risk-Taking - 12:45
- Accountability and Team Dynamics - 18:20
- Career Development and Flexibility - 25:10
- Maintaining Engagement and Trust - 32:00
- Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts - 40:15
- Conclusion and Call to Action - 45:00
11 episodes