University of Minnesota Athletics
Jeremy Foley Shines in Speaker Series
10/7/2022 12:25:00 PM | Leadership U
Jeremy Foley, University of Florida's Athletic Director/Emeritus, joined Gopher Athletics to share his journey into the Athletic Director's seat for a Leadership U Speaker Series event on September 20th. Foley credits much of the University of Florida's success to the leadership throughout the Athletic Department. As Foley progressed his career to the leadership seat, he learned a great deal about the importance of valuing people and leading authentically - a lesson that was threaded throughout the Speaker Series event.
Foley's message was clear as he candidly told a personal story of his own growth as a leader. Early in Foley's career he demonstrated a strong focus on getting the job done, but lacked in valuing people throughout the process. Foley shared that he made it all the way to the number two position in the department by using this tactic. In order to move into the number one seat, he needed to adapt the way he led others. Through self-evaluation and intentionality, Foley created a genuine environment of valuing others that would take Gator Athletics to new heights. This position is where he would become one of the most well-decorated, successful, and respected in the country.
When asked what leadership means to him, Jeremy stated, "Leadership is about taking a group of people and getting them to believe in a common vision and buy into that vision by helping create the culture." He emphasized that leaders are truly the architects of a culture. Florida was able to see the most success when each program and every individual was being intentional about supporting and uplifting one another for the greater good; a united culture.
Jeremy Foley made it his mission at UF to place integrity and honesty as the utmost priorities. When Foley was asked, "How did you navigate one of your greatest leadership challenges?" he stated, "Through transparency. People will respect you more if you tell the truth." Foley emphasized that by leaning into those core values, it allowed him to be authentic. In return, this led to greater respect and connection with members of the department and community. "Core values are not multiple choice."
Jeremy Foley's Speaker Series event provided many valuable insights on leadership and encouraged meaningful reflection. Leadership U is looking forward to hosting more Speaker Series events throughout the 2022-23 academic year.
Jeremy Foley began his career as an intern in the Gator Ticket Office in 1976. He worked his way up the ranks to ticket manager, game operations, and was appointed Associate Athletics Director. Over the next five years, Jeremy assumed a variety of leadership roles before stepping into the Athletics Director position in 1992 where he would remain until his retirement in 2016 - this made him the second-longest tenured Athletic Director among the Power Five conferences. Foley continues to serve in a mentorship role at the University of Florida and shares his experiences and wisdom with many institutions across the country.
Foley's message was clear as he candidly told a personal story of his own growth as a leader. Early in Foley's career he demonstrated a strong focus on getting the job done, but lacked in valuing people throughout the process. Foley shared that he made it all the way to the number two position in the department by using this tactic. In order to move into the number one seat, he needed to adapt the way he led others. Through self-evaluation and intentionality, Foley created a genuine environment of valuing others that would take Gator Athletics to new heights. This position is where he would become one of the most well-decorated, successful, and respected in the country.
When asked what leadership means to him, Jeremy stated, "Leadership is about taking a group of people and getting them to believe in a common vision and buy into that vision by helping create the culture." He emphasized that leaders are truly the architects of a culture. Florida was able to see the most success when each program and every individual was being intentional about supporting and uplifting one another for the greater good; a united culture.
Jeremy Foley made it his mission at UF to place integrity and honesty as the utmost priorities. When Foley was asked, "How did you navigate one of your greatest leadership challenges?" he stated, "Through transparency. People will respect you more if you tell the truth." Foley emphasized that by leaning into those core values, it allowed him to be authentic. In return, this led to greater respect and connection with members of the department and community. "Core values are not multiple choice."
Jeremy Foley's Speaker Series event provided many valuable insights on leadership and encouraged meaningful reflection. Leadership U is looking forward to hosting more Speaker Series events throughout the 2022-23 academic year.
Jeremy Foley began his career as an intern in the Gator Ticket Office in 1976. He worked his way up the ranks to ticket manager, game operations, and was appointed Associate Athletics Director. Over the next five years, Jeremy assumed a variety of leadership roles before stepping into the Athletics Director position in 1992 where he would remain until his retirement in 2016 - this made him the second-longest tenured Athletic Director among the Power Five conferences. Foley continues to serve in a mentorship role at the University of Florida and shares his experiences and wisdom with many institutions across the country.
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