Mick Unplugged: David Pollack | Standards Over Feelings: David Pollack's Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Hosted by Mick Hunt

Introduction to David Pollack

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt welcomes his esteemed friend and accomplished athlete, David Pollack. David is renowned not only for his illustrious football career—marked by multiple SEC Player of the Year awards, All-American honors, and a first-round NFL draft pick—but also for his profound commitment to faith, family, and leadership. Mick sets the stage by highlighting David's multifaceted achievements and his unwavering dedication to being a man of God, a devoted father, and a supportive husband.

David's Spiritual Journey

David opens up about his spiritual awakening, sharing that his path to faith wasn't nurtured in his household despite having supportive parents. Instead, two pivotal events steered him toward Christianity:

1. The Church Invitation ([03:03]): David recounts how a neighbor invited him to a church lock-in event. Initially resistant, his curiosity was piqued by the promise of staying up all night and engaging in sports activities. This experience introduced him to the concept of God for the first time.

2. Influential Mentor ([03:23]): In high school, David's physics teacher, Mark Watson, became a significant influence. Mark's calm demeanor, visible faith (evidenced by a Jesus sticker on his computer), and his practice of playing praise and worship music between classes left a lasting impression on David. This mentorship not only deepened his faith but also inspired him to emulate Mark's genuine expression of the gospel.

David emphasizes the importance of both the invitation to faith and the example set by others in fostering his spiritual growth. He shares, "A simple invite got me in the door. And then I had a teacher named Mark Watson, who was so chill and so even. Calm, cool, nice... That was my junior year. That summer we had to read 200 pages for outside reading for English. And I went to my English teacher, and I said, hey, I'd like to pick the Bible." ([03:23])

Leadership Philosophy: 50, 40, 10

One of the central themes of the episode is David's "50, 40, 10" principle, a strategy he developed to maximize personal and professional growth:

• 50% - Showing Up: David asserts that half of success is about consistent presence and a positive attitude. "You can outdo 50% of the people in this world by showing up more, showing up with a good attitude, showing up ready to rock and roll." ([00:04])

• 40% - Preparation and Strategy: The next 40% focuses on outthinking, outpreparing, and outorganizing the competition. David compares this to building mental reps, much like studying football game tapes, which enhances instinct and strategic thinking.

• 10% - Exceptional Commitment: The final 10% distinguishes those who push beyond the norm. This segment encompasses unwavering dedication, resilience, and the willingness to sacrifice for long-term goals. David passionately states, "There is no elevator to the penthouse, bro. We taking the steps." ([09:51])

Mick highlights the profound impact of this framework on both personal development and business leadership, noting how it differentiates those who are truly committed from the rest.

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Failure

David shares candid stories of his setbacks and how they've shaped his resilience:

• High School Challenges ([26:43]): Despite his dreams of an NFL career, David faced rejection in high school when he didn't make the varsity or JV teams. Feeling stuck, he quit, only to be mentored by Coach Eddie Shaddocks, who saw potential in him. This turning point led to significant personal growth and a rekindled passion for football.

• Career Setbacks ([26:41]): David openly discusses being fired from ESPN, emphasizing that failure is an integral part of success. He believes that "you don't have the success without the failure," using his own experiences to illustrate the importance of perseverance and learning from adversity.

• Injury and Recovery ([35:29]): A severe injury—breaking his neck—ended David's NFL aspirations abruptly. Instead of succumbing to despair, he used this period for rehabilitation and spiritual growth. David reflects, "What's inside of you? What's next? Am I going to quit? Am I going to roll over? No." ([35:29]) This mindset fostered a deeper relationship with God and a renewed sense of purpose in his personal life.

Career in Football and Transition

David delves into his football journey, highlighting his versatility and adaptability:

• Positional Changes ([19:37]): At the University of Georgia, David transitioned from fullback to defensive tackle, and then to defensive end within a year. These shifts demanded immense adaptability, discipline, and resilience. He credits Coach Van Gorder for recognizing his competitive spirit and guiding him toward a defensive role where David could excel.

• Leadership on the Field ([22:08]): David discusses the evolution of his leadership style, moving from a harsh, confrontational approach inspired by his coaches to a more empathetic and understanding method. Fatherhood played a crucial role in this transformation, teaching him to care deeply about individual team members and understand their unique motivations.

Personal Growth and Influence

David emphasizes the significance of understanding and connecting with others to be an effective leader:

• Influence Over One Person ([22:08]): "If you have influence over one person, you're a leader." This insight underscores the idea that leadership isn't confined to titles but is reflected in everyday interactions and the ability to positively impact those around you.

• Parenting and Coaching ([24:54]): Through coaching his children and interacting with young athletes, David learned the importance of personalizing his leadership approach. He realized that understanding individual personalities and motivations is key to inspiring and guiding others effectively.

• Standards Over Feelings ([16:49]): David reiterates his commitment to maintaining high standards regardless of fluctuating emotions. "Standards over feelings... knowing that I got a guy that, like, when that dude checks in, man, he's the same..." This philosophy ensures consistent performance and integrity in all endeavors.

Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, David shares his upcoming ventures:

• Children's Book: David is authoring a children's book titled "The Dumb People Are on Defense," which encapsulates his message of perseverance and the "three H's"—It's hard, it's hot, and it hurts. The book aims to teach children the value of resilience and setting achievable goals.

• Speaking Engagements ([34:18]): David is actively participating in the speaking circuit, eager to share his experiences, lessons learned from failure, and strategies for personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the importance of communication and connection in leadership roles.

Mick concludes the episode by expressing profound admiration for David's authenticity, resilience, and ability to inspire action. He urges listeners to embrace their "because"—their core driving force—as David exemplifies through his life and teachings.

Key Takeaways

1. Consistent Effort: Success is rooted in showing up consistently with a positive attitude and readiness to work hard.

2. Strategic Preparation: Outthinking and outorganizing the competition through diligent preparation is crucial for achieving goals.

3. Exceptional Commitment: Going above and beyond, even when faced with adversity, sets true leaders apart.

4. Embracing Failure: Setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning, essential for long-term success.

5. Empathetic Leadership: Understanding and caring for individuals fosters stronger, more effective leadership.

6. Personal Growth Through Adversity: Overcoming challenges strengthens character, faith, and personal relationships.

Notable Quotes

• “You can outdo 50% of the people in this world by showing up more, showing up with a good attitude, showing up ready to rock and roll.” — David Pollack [00:04]

• “Standards over feelings... knowing that I got a guy that, like, when that dude checks in, man, he's the same.” — David Pollack [16:49]

• “When you show up, you show up with excellence. When we show up, we’re going to punch that clock and we’re going to make sure we fit the standard.” — David Pollack [16:49]

• “I will not go to bed without these three things done. Like this is going to get done.” — David Pollack [35:29]

• “If you have influence over one person, you're a leader.” — David Pollack [22:08]

Listen to "Mick Unplugged" to delve deeper into David Pollack's transformative journey and uncover strategies to elevate your personal and professional life through the principles of Modern Leadership.