Ryan Harris - Super Bowl Champion
Leader to Learn From: December 2021
Ryan Harris, Super Bowl Champion | Keynote Speaker | On Air Broadcaster
December 8, 2021
In our December “Leaders to Learn From” feature, we are honored to introduce Super Bowl Champion, keynote Speaker, and on air broadcaster, Ryan Harris.
Ryan and Margie met as classmates in Leadership Denver in August of 2019. They first navigated a ropes course together at the fall retreat (Ryan enjoyed the ropes course much more than Margie), and later bonded over shared interests in sports, community engagement, and inclusion.
What we appreciate the most about Ryan is his character and impact. Ryan has a unique ability to navigate difficult conversations with ease and inspire others for greatness. Ryan’s authentic communication style models Brené Brown’s research-based “clear is kind” approach, encouraging open and productive dialogue. Ryan never fails to integrate his heart and humor into every conversation, and fosters a safe space for learning, growth, and shared vision.
Outside of work, Ryan is an incredible community leader, donating his time, talents, and financial resources to countless charitable organizations across the country. He is consistently anchored in his core values and commitment to improving his community. Simply put, Ryan is a changemaker in this world.
OUR INTERVIEW WITH RYAN
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
Leaders serve. Your role as a leader comes through providing value for others. Let others lead a meeting, show you trust your team by allowing others to run a pitch. Your success depends on others, if you do not deliver value to them they will never deliver value to you.
One way to do this is to create an atmosphere where your team can fail. You can find failure in every NFL game. Failure teaches us lessons, builds resilience, and builds trust. Most leaders are so afraid of failure they do not let their team fail, let alone give them a process when they do fail.
How would you define your mission or purpose in life?
My purpose in life comes through having fun creating impact that changes the lives of those I connect with. That starts at home with my family, then to the Denver community and beyond.
What has been your biggest professional challenge over the past year, and what have you done to help overcome that challenge?
Managing my work schedule as things return from the pandemic. I learned that pre-pandemic, I was more busy than productive, so the challenge comes in the form of staying targeted and efficient.
What advice would you have for anyone who is trying to navigate their career path?
Find a mentor. Learn the details about your career without anyone teaching you. Fail often and learn from it!
What tips do you have for balancing your work and life, and avoiding burnout?
1. Create space for your break!
It was surprising to me how much people ignore this critical piece of production coming from the NFL where there are half day Fridays and off days every week, with a bye week in the middle of the season.
You need to find out what recharges you, as it’s critical for your success. For me I love surfing, and so I plan a trip each quarter. Whether it fits or not. Reading also recharges me so if I have 5 minutes I will read.
It’s important to have a break you can use in a pinch, and one you can plan. Force yourself to make the time.
2. Create separate income streams
This will increase your value and decrease others’ leverage on you.
3. Plan for Burnout
Mark entire weeks of your schedule as ‘Off’ and do not book any meetings. Remember - you control your time!
Why is it important to you to give back to the community?
My success has roots from the time people gave me when they didn’t have to - teachers, coaches, mentors, administrators, and friends. We have a moral obligation to provide time and talents to those in our community to benefit our future in every way.
What is your favorite book and/or podcast on leadership, and why?
Book: Influence by Robert Cialdini. It teaches you what people actually respond to, how we are wired, and how to challenge perception.
Podcast: Gospel of Fire. Elliot Marshall interviews incredible people with successful stories.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Lead to Win. Include others. Try something new.
Thank you, Ryan, for leading by example, inspiring others, and making our community a better place to be!
About Ryan Harris
Super Bowl Champion, keynote speaker, mortgage broker, and bestselling author Ryan Harris inspires audiences across the nation by incorporating lessons learned in success and failure throughout his 10-year NFL Career.
In 2015, Ryan became a Super Bowl Champion after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos and has also played for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2016.
Beyond the field, Ryan has continued to work to win. Whether as a mortgage advisor, investing, or supporting startups and non-profits, Ryan now aims to make an impact in Denver and beyond.
With his efforts, Ryan was awarded Colorado sportscaster of the year in 2020 (First African American to win for Colorado) and named to Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2021.
These days you can catch Ryan as the Analyst for CBS Digital, Denver 7’s Broncos Country Connected, radio analyst on Notre Dame Football games and Westwood one’s NFL radio Broadcasts, as well as his weekday sports talk show in Denver on 92.5 FM’s ‘Harris Hastings and Dover’.
Outside of work, Ryan volunteers his time on the Boards of Arrupe Jesuit High School, Saint Joseph Hospital, and Economic Literacy Colorado. In his personal life, he enjoys surfing and spending time with his wife and three children in Denver. You can get in touch with Ryan here.
