SODI Programs
SODI’s insight: realization that a competitive edge in sports performance is achieved by most effectively integrating various PARTS into the smoothly functioning WHOLE OF THE team.
While, as examples, sports analytics and sports science can contribute significantly—without appropriate implementation—potential benefits are not realized. Our contribution to achieving a competitive advantage is based on pragmatic, research based, expertise in areas such as:
- Developing an optimum team culture
- Communication with, and motivation of, athletes with pre-game/half time between period speeches
- Creating a sense of “one team” among players from multiple countries and/or varying cultures/values
- Leading a group of specialists, each with divergent expertise and differing perspectives (e.g., in coaching, analytics, sport science, medicine, psychology)
- Overcoming resistance to change
SODI Conferences and Seminar Series
SODI has hosted very successful Sport & Organizational Dynamics Conferences as well as Seminar Series.
In what follows we list the topics and presenters in these programs.
SODC Conference Sessions
Topics/Experts
Team Culture
Mark Shapiro; President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays
Kim Cameron; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Leadership Under Pressure
Shane Battier; former VP Analytics and Basketball Development for Miami Heat
Robert Quinn; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Leading During a Period of Historical Societal Change
RC Bufford; CEO of the San Antonio Spurs
Sim Sitkin, Duke University, Fuqua School of Business
Having a Growth Mindset
Warde Manuel; Michigan, Athletics Director
Maxim Sytch; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Creating Change
Susan Williamson; Sr. VP, Business Operations, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Joel Brockner; Columbia University School of Business
Diversity and Inclusion
Lynn Wooten; President, Simmons University
Mindfulness
Chris Borland; former Linebacker; SF 49ers
Chad McGehee; U Wisconsin Athletics
Leading During Crises
Joe Bohringer; Retired MLB Executive, Assistant GM, Seattle Mariners
Michael Barger; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Having Influence without Formal Authority
Noah Croom; Basketball Agent; Past Assistant GM, Minnesota Timberwolves
Maxim Sytch; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Motivation In Challenging Times
Lucinda McRoberts; Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, USA Swimming
Lyndon Garrett; Boston College, Carroll School of Bus
The Role of the Athlete-Advocate
Chris Borland; former Linebacker; SF 49ers
Robert Quinn; U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Team and Athlete Resilience
Sean Bormet, Coach, Miles Amine; Wrestler; Michigan Wrestling
Richard Wolfe, Executive Education, U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Implementation of Innovation
Oliver Luck; former Commissioner, CEO XFL; Exec. VP, Regulatory Affairs NCAA; AD, West Virginia U.; Bobby Scales; former Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives for Player Development, Pittsburgh Pirates and Director of Player Development, LA Angels
Kathy Babiak; U of Michigan, Sport Management; Joel Brockner; Columbia University School of Business
Dealing with Racial Unrest
Doug Whaley; XFL, past GM, Buffalo Bills
Marcus Collins, U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Leveraging Analytics Without Being Overwhelmed by Data
Sanjeev Kumar, U of Michigan, Ross School of Business
SODC Break Out Sessions
Topics/Facilitators
Athletes and Teams in the “Age of Anxiety”
Dr. Tony King (Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan)
Chris Borland (1st Team All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, University of Wisconsin, NFL Linebacker; SF 49ers; NFL all-rookie team)
Efforts to Measure Team Chemistry: A Fool’s Errand?
Todd Steussie (13 yrs. in NFL; 2 time Pro-Bowl; MBA—Northwestern; Current Masters program—Data Science—Northwestern)
Prof. Rick Cotton (B-School, University of Victoria; has studied effect of relationships among players on team performance)
Religion in the Locker Room—Effects on Team Unity
Dr. Robert Quinn; Professor of Management & Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
Internal Team Competition; Competing for Your Job Every Day; Positive and Negative Effects;
Dr. Stephen Garcia, Associate Professor of Psychology & Organizational Studies, University of Michigan and Dr. Kathrin Hanek, Assistant Professor, Management/ Marketing Department, University of Dayton
Selecting a Team Captain; Alternative Processes, and Desired Traits, of Captains;
Dr. Charleen Case; Assistant Professor of Management & Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
Replacing Injured Players—Organizational, as Opposed to Solely Physical, Considerations;
Dr. Maxim Sytch; Professor of Management & Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
Internal Team Conflict—How to Leverage it into a Positive Force
Dr. David. Mayer; Associate Professor of Management & Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
What I’ve Learned in Business That I Wish My Coaches Knew When I Played
Victor Hobson (college football at the University of Michigan (1999 – 2002); 2nd Round Draft Choice by NY Jets; played 5 years–2003 – 2007; Managing Principal, ASE Global Group)
Prof. Kevin Kniffin (B-School, Cornell University)
A New Frontier in Sport Performance: The Athlete and Mindfulness
Chris Borland (1st Team All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, University of Wisconsin, NFL Linebacker; SF 49ers; NFL all-rookie team)
Prof. Anthony (Tony) King (Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan)
Determining what motivates each athlete, allowing coaches to most effectively inspire
Dr. Lyndon Garrett (Boston College School of Business)
How sport psychology intersects with organizational dynamics
David Plummer (Olympic Gold Medal Winner)