Beyond Wins and Losses: The Leadership Lessons That Endure

What defines a leader’s legacy when the wins and losses fade? In this episode of The Nebraska Entrepreneur, Steve Kanne sits down with legendary Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook to explore the leadership principles that stand the test of time. Cook explains why the most enduring part of leadership has nothing to do with trophies—and everything to do with the people you develop, the confidence you inspire, and the ripple effects created through your example.

Cook shares why leaders today must be intentionally built, not born, and how confidence, clarity, and continual learning shape the people we influence. He also reflects on retirement and how roping and horsemanship became a powerful metaphor for staying challenged, staying humble, and embracing new growth long after the spotlight moves on.

Veteran broadcaster Dave Webber joins the conversation to reflect on fifty years of storytelling and what remains constant about connecting with an audience. His insight reinforces the episode’s core message: authenticity endures, and leadership is measured in impact far beyond the scoreboard.

If you’re building a business, a team, or a legacy, this episode challenges you to think beyond the wins and losses—and lead with intention that lasts.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.
https://twobrotherscreative.com/midwe...

00:00 Introduction & Leadership Themes
00:48 John Cook’s Greatest Legacy
02:26 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
04:20 Retirement, Purpose & Finding New Challenges
06:21 Horses as a Coaching Replacement
07:46 Growth Beyond Your Comfort Zone
09:17 Why Rodeo Athletes Inspire Him
10:04 Introduction of Dave Webber
10:56 How to Share Your Story with Confidence
12:27 Lessons from Watching Coaches Under Pressure
13:40 What Hasn’t Changed About Connecting with an Audience
15:17 The Joy of Good Work & Good Teams
16:47 Impact, Community & Living Your Purpose
18:34 Serving Others through Small Moments
19:54 Final Reflections & Event Closing
21:20 Jamie Bumgardner Joins the Conversation
22:43 Highlights from the Event
24:27 Behind the Scenes at Prime
25:30 Closing Thoughts & Future Vision

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