5. Creating a Winning Identity and Culture That Defies All Odds: Insights From Ken Crenshaw of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Everyday Leader | Authentic Leadership

Hey, leaders! Today, we’re beyond excited to introduce you to Ken Crenshaw, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ken isn’t just shaping athletes—he’s building a culture that defies the odds. Known as the “ultimate team builder,” Ken brings a fresh perspective on leadership that goes way beyond the field.

In this episode, Ken dives deep into his journey, from growing up in a small New Mexico town to becoming a powerhouse leader in Major League Baseball. He takes us back to the impact his high school coach, Ron Becker, had on him—teaching him the value of hard work, resilience, and showing up with purpose. Now, Ken carries these lessons into his work with the Diamondbacks, building a culture rooted in values like trust, accountability, and service.

Ken is all about leading with love, putting others first, and challenging his team to rise to the occasion. This isn’t just talk; it’s how he lives and leads every day. If you’re ready to hear what it takes to build a culture where everyone is bought in and striving to be their best, this conversation is packed with pure gold.

Key Takeaways:

• Define and Live Your Values: Culture doesn’t just happen; it’s built. Define what matters and make sure your team sees it in action every day.
• Lead with Love and Service: Real leadership isn’t about ego; it’s about lifting others up and creating an environment where they can thrive.
• Stand Tall in Hard Times: Culture shows up when things get tough. Leading with resilience inspires those around you to do the same.
• The Power of Shared Purpose: When everyone is committed to the same vision, amazing things happen—just look at the Diamondbacks!
• Final Thoughts and Call to Action:

Thanks for tuning in to hear Ken’s powerful approach to building a culture that lasts. We hope you’re as inspired as we are to bring a little more purpose and service into your own leadership journey. Stick around for more episodes where we keep exploring the everyday choices that make exceptional leaders.

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Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 – Welcome and intro to Ken Crenshaw, “ultimate team builder”
• 1:00 – Ken’s story: Growing up in a small town and learning from Coach Ron Becker
• 3:00 – How early lessons in resilience shaped Ken’s leadership style
• 6:00 – Building a culture that can stand the test of time
• 10:16 – Defining team values and creating a clear mission for success
• 15:00 – Why love and service matter in high-performance environments
• 20:00 – How shared purpose drives the Diamondbacks’ identity
• 25:00 – Closing thoughts on culture, resilience, and leading with intent