It’s Not ALL About You with Steve Dils, Principal and Managing Director at Avison Young

Business is a team sport.

Before Steve Dils made the switch to the business world, he had a decade-long career in the NFL. Now Managing Director and Principal at Avison Young, he believes leaders are responsible for their team's wins and losses.

In this episode, Steve discusses how his leadership style is greatly influenced by his athletic career. Listen to hear the lessons he learned from his coaches, including the legendary Bill Walsh. Along the way, you’ll learn what it means to be a caretaker of culture and why catering to star team members is a slippery slope.


Show Notes

Transcript of the episode

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • You’re a part of the equation, but it’s never all about you

  • Hold everyone accountable, even the superstars on your team

  • You can maintain a great culture and be profitable

Things to listen for:

[01:29] “It’s not all about you”

[03:28] How football influenced Steve’s leadership

[06:28] Accountability across the board

[09:36] Lessons learned from Coach Bill Walsh

[12:48] Trusting leaders who want to make you better

[14:30] Steve’s transition from the NFL to business

[19:39] Being a caretaker of culture

[26:12] Steve’s impressive retention record

[28:29] The importance of regularly connecting with your leaders

[30:43] Being physically present as a leader

[31:59] Steve’s guiding leadership principles

[34:49] Tim’s Take