Leader U Podcast

Transformational Thinkers with Sara Sheehan: Bridging Athletics & Employment- Leveraging Sports Skills for Professional Success with Rob Lion

Sara Sheehan’s guest in this episode is Dr. Rob Lion, professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University and a speaker and consultant. Dr. Lion has over 20 years of experience with leadership development and improving performance. Sara and Dr. Lion talk about what his method of professional development looks like and how he works with clients in actionable ways. Rob also explains his work with athletic identities and research into transitioning athletes into workplaces with greater ease.


Dr. Lion talks about his newfound drive to embrace more peace in his everyday life through researching Daoism. He strives for greater balance in life. One of the things he discusses with Sara is how achieving more peace and self-awareness in his personal life flows into his professional work and influences it for the positive. Much of his work is in motivating people and Rob dives into how motivation works and what he needs of himself to impart it to others.

Sara and Dr. Lion’s conversation reveals how Rob got involved in his athletic research, what the impetus behind it was, and how he identified and studied the variables that could contribute to athletes struggling when transferred to workplaces. Rob details how the skills athletes possess can work for or against them if not developed correctly for the new environment. Sara explores self-awareness, leadership development, who Rob’s ideal client is, and why he convinces organizations that without doing the necessary work they’re one bad hire away from a problem. The episode is a fascinating and enlightening deep dive into Dr. Lion’s personal and professional life and drive.

Connect with Sara Sheehan:

Linkedin: Sara Sheehan

Website: https://sarawsheehan.com/

Connect with Rob Lion:

Linkedin: Rob Lion

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About The Host

Angie Lion

Chief Soul Officer (CSO) of Black River Performance Management & Host of the Leader U Podcast

“I polish human gems in the workplace and assist them in reaching their full potential”

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