In this episode, host Randy Lindquist sits down with Tyler Smies, CEO of First Tee West Michigan, to discuss how the organization leverages the game of golf to build character and life skills in youth. Smies shares valuable insights for educational leaders, including how to balance ambitious growth with staff sustainability and why personal stories of impact resonate more deeply than data.
Growth Without "Collateral Damage" Ambition is critical, but it cannot come at the expense of your people. Smies explains why growth must be managed carefully to avoid leaving a "wake" of burnt-out staff behind.
The "Three-Legged Stool" of Sustainability For any district or organization to thrive, growth must happen simultaneously in three areas: volunteers (staff/talent), participants (students), and resources (funding). If one leg outpaces the others, the structure becomes unstable.
Stories Over Spreadsheets While metrics matter, they rarely move minds. Smies shares why individual success stories—like that of the Garcia family—are the most powerful tool for promoting your organization’s impact.
Leading Like a Putter, Not a Driver The best leadership isn't about the biggest, flashiest swing. It’s about reliability. Smies discusses why being consistent and dependable (like a putter) builds more trust than being powerful but erratic (like a driver).
Defining Your "North Star" Does your district have a compelling argument for change? Smies challenges leaders to ask if they are truly the most impactful part of a student's life when they look back on their journey.
"Growth is always going to be at the forefront for us, but we can't leave a collateral damage wake behind us." — Tyler Smies
"If you just do what you say you're going to do, you're probably ahead of 75% of your competition." — Tyler Smies
"Success is ultimately measured through our students... when somebody graduates high school, when they're talking about the most impactful people or programs... is First Tee a part of that conversation?" — Tyler Smies
First Tee – West Michigan: https://firstteewestmichigan.org/
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District: https://www.muskegonisd.org/
Randy Lindquist (Host): LinkedIn
Tyler Smies (Guest): LinkedIn