The Transformational Leader

8The Secret Formula: Inner-Work = Outer-Impact

Every answer you are seeking is already inside of you. Look within. Do the inner work.

—Akiroq Brost

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED to learn that football was not my favorite sport as a child, given that I played in college and had the opportunity to play in the National Football League. My dream had nothing to do with touchdowns or tackles and everything to do with bypassing college for a career in the Major Leagues. At 13, while chasing this dream, I experienced a crushing defeat when my traveling baseball team narrowly lost a critical playoff game—with it went our hopes of being champions.

My heart boiled with rage. I was furious at everything and everyone. As a young baseball player, I was a jack of all trades: pitching, playing the outfield, manning third base—I did it all. However, my talent shined brightest when I stepped into the batter's box. There was nothing like the crack of a bat or crushing a pitcher's fastball.

As a power hitter, I regularly hit home runs that sailed far over outfielders’ heads. It was a point of great pride, so I took that playoff loss so hard. During the biggest game of my young life, I failed to perform—going zero for three. My temper, always my Achilles’ heel, made it impossible to brush off a strikeout and head into my next at-bat with renewed focus. Not only had I blown three offensive opportunities, but I also committed two unforced errors that resulted in four runs. With each strikeout and subsequent ...