Hey there,
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to watch the Iowa Women’s Basketball team take on USC in a packed arena. But the most powerful moment wasn’t the game itself—it was Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement.
During the ceremony, someone (Lisa Bluder? The athletic director?) said something that stuck with me:
“There will never be another Caitlin Clark. There will never be another 22. That jersey is now retired.”
And that got me thinking…
Leadership: Your Jersey Retirement Moments
As leaders, we often get caught up in the daily grind—meetings, decisions, putting out fires. But how often do we pause to consider the legacy we’re building? Whether we realize it or not, our leadership leaves a mark.
Your team won’t remember every email or meeting, but they will remember how you made them feel. Did you seem to care? Did you empower them? Encourage growth? Create a space where they could bring ideas forward without fear? Or, the opposite?
Caitlin Clark’s jersey is retired because of the impact she made on the court. As a leader, your “jersey retirement” is the way people talk about you when you’re not in the room. The kind of leader you are today shapes the stories your team will tell about you in the future. What will your leadership legacy be?
Life: The Ripple Effect We Leave Behind
This idea isn’t just for work—it’s for life, too. There will never be another you—not as a parent, sibling, friend, or community member. The impact we make in our families and communities is our personal jersey retirement.
Caitlin Clark’s mission is to inspire young athletes to dream big, work hard, and make a difference. But what stood out to me most is how she stays steady in that mission, no matter the opinions, criticism, or distractions. That, to me, is a powerful reminder: There is only one you.
So, what’s your ripple effect? What do you want your jersey retirement—your legacy—to look like?
Big or small, the impact you make today matters.
P.S. We just bought a treadmill, and my 22 towel is about to get some serious use. Ha!
Hit reply and let me know: What’s one small way you’re making an impact this week?
Out there happening to the world,
Lisa
Feel free to hit reply anytime to share your stories, ask questions, or celebrate your latest win—I’d love to hear from you!