After the summer break — partly to recharge and partly to allow CBS Detroit to focus on getting its local news operations up and running (which is a good start) — “Michigan Matters” will return and air this weekend Out more than ever.
This hiatus marks my first time away from television in 18 years, and while I continue to fill the void each week for the Detroit Free Press and host many events in our community, it has given me the opportunity to reflect and examine my own perspective About work, work-life balance and other life-related issues.
So it seems fitting (and ironic) that when the show returns, my first guest will be someone who has made a career of providing perspective and encouragement to thousands of people during a remarkable 42-year journey. But when we were scheduled to record, guest Greg Harden was unwell. Fortunately, we had spoken by phone before (so I could write this column), and I would invite him on the air later.
Harden retired in 2020 after a distinguished career as executive associate athletic director in the U-M athletic department (although he still serves part-time as a special advisor to U-M AD Warde Manuel). He has been doing consulting work for corporate clients and CEOs and is considered a motivational speaker by companies across the country.
I’ve known Harden forever. He was part of a group of friends who lived in Ann Arbor and met frequently. (Fear not, Spartan lovers: While my MBA is from Michigan, my undergraduate degree is from Michigan State University). So, as humble and unassuming as Harden is, I know that Harden has had an impact on the lives of many young men and women.
Yet, I’m still amazed by the depth and breadth of impact Harden shares in his new book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World: How to Control Your Controllables and Thrive (which is quickly appearing in New York Times bestseller list) list since its release on August 15th. ) While his focus is on student-athletes, the principles outlined apply to anyone from all walks of life. Harden challenged people to examine their own opinions and became one of the most successful people in sports.
It was the mid-1990s, and Tom Brady, a young player playing quarterback at the University of Michigan, had spent much of his first two seasons as a Wolverine on the bench and Come visit Harden. He is considering quitting his job and returning home to California. Brady was confident in his abilities but frustrated by not getting a chance to showcase his talents, and he had had enough. He spoke with Harden, a clinical therapist who helped student-athletes in the athletic department at the time.
“I told him to stop thinking about what other people think of him,” Harden told me. “What matters is what he thinks about himself. If he’s only going to get two ‘reps’ (performance in practice), let them be the most amazing reps he can get. “His job is to understand that at some point he’s going to Get the opportunity and adjust your mindset to make the most of it. “
Harden challenges the legendary “TB12” (12 is the number Brady wore in his career), continue to persevere, continue to believe in himself, and never give up. Therefore, the saying “the rest is history” may never have a clearer or clearer example.
Brady went on to win seven Super Bowls — a far cry from his unfortunate start as a player in Super Bowl 199.th A player selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He retired last year as the most successful quarterback in history and possibly the most successful quarterback in the sport.
“Greg Haden will always be one of the most influential people in my life,” Brady writes in the foreword to Haden’s new book. “If you are in a situation in life that you don’t want, you should make it better. Ultimately, your positivity and enthusiasm will help create the results you seek.”
Harden has also helped countless others, including 23-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps and Heisman Trophy winner/ESPN analyst Desmond Howard, who also Harden is praised in the book for helping everyone adjust their mindset as a student-athlete. UM and even afterwards he stayed in touch with them.
The guidance of encouragement and perspective that leads to success doesn’t just apply to athletes, but as time goes on, Harden is talking to businesses and groups and plans to do more while spending time with his wife, Shelia, in Ann Arbor and North Carolina.
“Whether you’re talking about sports or any other part of life, people are trying to be the best version of themselves,” Harden said. “What you’ll learn in this book is to become the world’s greatest expert on a subject – you! Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and make a plan based on an understanding of yourself and who you want to become.”
Manuel also took Harden’s words to heart. He was a first-team All-American high school defensive tackle from New Orleans and was heavily recruited. In 1986, he chose Bo Schembechler and his Michigan Wolverines.
Manuel was planning to start his career in the NFL until a career-ending neck injury during his sophomore year at the University of Michigan, and he thought his dream was over.
“Greg helped me see that my life would be exciting even without an NFL career,” said Manuel, who spent eight years at the University of Michigan after leaving his alma mater and serving as associate athletic director. Year. He spent the past 10 years as an associate professor at the University of Connecticut and the University at Buffalo before returning to Ann Arbor for the top job.
“He makes you see and believe in your full potential,” Manuel told me this week. “He gives you everything you need to drive your personal success story.”
“Greg is one of four people who have impacted my life and my success,” Manuel added. “I’m talking about my mom, dad, Beau and Greg Harden. “
There aren’t many people in people’s lives who can make them better. Harden makes people better, not just on the court, court, water or rink, but in life. I suspect reading “Staying Sane in a Crazy World” will make you a better person as well, because it will actually do you some good.
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Contact Carol Cain: 248-355-7126 or clcain@cbs.com. She is the senior producer/host of Michigan Matters, which airs Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on CBS Detroit, Sundays at noon on WKBD Channel 50 Detroit, and Sundays at 8 p.m. on CBS Detroit broadcast. Denise Ilitch, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and Chris Holman will appear on Sunday’s show.