P.J. Fleck

Fleck considers leadership and perseverance through both his coaching and writing, connecting these themes to his personal philosophy encapsulated in "Row the Boat." This philosophy emphasizes resilience and never giving up, which he applies not only in football but also in his work as an author and motivational speaker. Fleck's book "Row the Boat," co-authored with Jon Gordon, achieved significant acclaim, reaching No. 2 on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Meanwhile, his approach to leadership extends beyond the field, as he has also taught a course on leadership at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business.\n\nIn his coaching career, Fleck has transformed football programs by focusing on these core themes. At Western Michigan, he dramatically improved the team from a 1-11 record to a 13-1 season, illustrating his method of fostering a culture of perseverance. Similarly, at the University of Minnesota, he led the Golden Gophers to multiple successful seasons, including a landmark 11-win season in 2019, earning him the Big Ten Coach of the Year award. These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to translate his philosophy into tangible success, benefitting players and the broader community by fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and determination. Fleck's work, both in sports and literature, provides valuable insights into effective leadership and personal development for readers and sports enthusiasts alike.