What does it mean to build something that lasts beyond your career?

In this episode of Uncommon Impact, University of Oklahoma Associate Vice President Matt Rom shares lessons on authentic leadership, creating meaningful workplace cultures, navigating change, and investing in people. Although he leads facilities management at one of the nation's largest universities, Matt's insights apply to leaders in every profession.

Our conversation explores:

• Why authenticity is the foundation of trust
• Finding your "North Star" as a leader
• Leading people—not just managing work
• Creating environments where others can thrive
• Why you should tell people how much they've impacted your life
• Building a legacy that lasts beyond your position

About Nathan Whitaker

Nathan Whitaker is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, former NFL executive, Super Bowl champion, leadership speaker, and executive coach.

Learn more:

https://nathanwhitaker.com

Subscribe for new episodes of Uncommon Impact every Thursday.

Uncommon Impact explores the people, experiences, and principles that shape extraordinary leaders and teams.

What is the real purpose of sports?

In this episode of Uncommon Impact, Nathan Whitaker sits down with Kent Maxson, Athletics Coordinator at the American School Foundation in Mexico City, to discuss leadership, culture, and why athletics should develop people—not just produce victories.

Drawing from more than two decades of being involved in athletic programs in Qatar, Kenya, Vietnam, and Mexico, Kent shares how moving between cultures has shaped his philosophy of leadership. He explains why trust, active listening, and meaningful relationships create stronger teams than rules alone, and why great coaches measure success by who students become long after the final whistle.

Whether you lead a business, a school, a team, or a family, this conversation offers practical insights into creating environments where people thrive.

In this episode:

• Why education-based athletics matters

• Building trust before creating change

• Leading across different cultures

• Why listening is one of a leader's greatest strengths

• Helping people discover answers instead of giving instructions

• Why leadership is bigger than winning

About Nathan Whitaker

Nathan Whitaker is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, former NFL executive, Super Bowl champion, leadership speaker, and executive coach.

Learn more:

https://nathanwhitaker.com

Subscribe for new episodes of Uncommon Impact every Thursday.

Uncommon Impact explores the people, experiences, and principles that shape extraordinary leaders and teams.

What makes a leader worth following?

In this episode of Uncommon Impact, Nathan Whitaker sits down with longtime friend Donnie Jones, head basketball coach at Stetson University and former University of Florida assistant coach during the Gators' back-to-back national championship seasons.

Donnie shares lessons from nearly four decades in coaching about leadership, culture, relationships, and why true success is measured by the lives we influence—not just the games we win.

Whether you lead a business, a team, a classroom, or a family, this conversation offers practical wisdom on earning trust, developing people, and building something that lasts.

In this conversation:

• Why connection matters more than communication

• The difference between success and significance

• Building trust in today's fast-moving world

• Coaching star players and role players without compromising culture

• Creating transformational leadership instead of transactional leadership

• Why the best leaders "lead, love, and share"

About Nathan Whitaker

Nathan Whitaker is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, former NFL executive, Super Bowl champion, leadership speaker, and executive coach.

Learn more:

https://nathanwhitaker.com

Subscribe for new episodes of Uncommon Impact every Thursday.

Uncommon Impact explores the people, experiences, and principles that shape extraordinary leaders and teams.

Why Uncommon Impact?

Why do some people leave those around them better than they found them?

Welcome to Uncommon Impact. In this introductory episode, Nathan Whitaker shares the vision behind the podcast and why he believes the most meaningful conversations aren't just about success—they're about significance, character, and the lasting impact we have on others.

Drawing on more than three decades in professional sports, leadership, and publishing, Nathan explains why he created Uncommon Impact: to explore the people, experiences, and principles that shape extraordinary leaders and teams.

Future episodes feature leaders from sports, business, education, and beyond discussing the mentors who shaped them, the lessons they've learned, and the habits that have helped them make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether you lead an organization, coach a team, or simply want to live a life of greater purpose and influence, these conversations are designed to encourage, challenge, and equip you on your own leadership journey.

In this episode:

• Why Nathan started Uncommon Impact
• The difference between success and significance
• Why character matters more than accomplishment
• Learning from conversations with remarkable leaders
• Building a life of influence and lasting impact

About Nathan Whitaker

Nathan Whitaker is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, former NFL executive, Super Bowl champion, leadership speaker, and executive coach. He has co-authored books with Tony Dungy, Tim Tebow, James Brown, and Dave Roberts, and speaks around the world on leadership, team culture, and building organizations that thrive.

Learn more at https://nathanwhitaker.com New episodes are released every Thursday.

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