440: What Every GM Needs to Hear About Family, Culture & Empowerment w/ Desi Speh

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14d ago 36:05

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In this episode, we chat with Desi Speh, COO at Desert Highlands in Arizona.

A guy who’s quietly redefining what club leadership can look like.

Desi’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his impact is undeniable.

From turning valet service into a culture-defining moment (ice cream cooler included 🍦) to mentoring staff into leaders, his philosophy is simple: lead from the heart, empower your people, and always keep perspective.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

Why empowerment beats micromanagement (every time)
How to build a culture where even the dishwasher feels ownership
How Desi’s failed marriage made him a better GM, dad, and husband
The one piece of advice that changed his leadership forever
And why sometimes, the best ideas come from valet

Whether you're managing a club or leading a team, this one’s packed with real-life takeaways you’ll want to implement immediately.

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Chapters

1. Meeting Desi Spey of Desert Highlands (00:00:00)

2. From History Teacher to Club Manager (00:04:29)

3. The Power of Mentorship (00:09:38)

4. Family First Leadership Philosophy (00:18:11)

5. Building a Culture of Empowerment (00:24:24)

6. Balancing Career and Family Life (00:31:21)

7. Final Thoughts on Leadership (00:37:21)

447 episodes

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