Abraham Lincoln

1809 -1865

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president and one of our country's greatest leaders.  He prevented the United States from splitting apart.  He emancipated the slaves.  His leadership style is what set him apart from others.  Lincoln believed in continuously learning, getting his hands dirty, taking the blame for failures, crediting others on successes, and was known for his ability to communicate.  These traits and many others are why he was able to lead the nation through dark times.

Andrew Carnegie

1835 -1919

Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish immigrant who was a key player in the American Industrial Revolution.  Starting as a bobbin boy in the cotton mills eventually leading the expansion within the steel and railroad industries. Carnegie knew what it took to compete at the top level and knew how to innovate companies.  The following web page describes many of his leadership ideologies, click here to view them.  Not only did Carnegie know how to lead, but he also knew how to give back which set him apart from others.  He knew how to invest in the future to leave it better than he found it confirming his reputation as a great philanthropist.

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt Jr.

1858 - 1919

Teddy was the 26th president and is one of my favorite presidents. He overcame many obstacles when he was younger and he did not let them interfere with achieving his goals or dreams.  Teddy knew that hard work was the only way to overcome obstacles in life.  He was an enthusiastic, take charge kind of leader that did so much for the United States and the world.  The following website describes some of his leadership traits that motivated me to read more about him, click here to learn more.  I also recommend reading Teddy's books and biographies.  

Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller

1898 -1971

Lieutenant General Chesty Puller was one of the most revered and beloved marine in Marine Corps history.  After attending VMI, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he worked up to the rank of Lieutenant General.  His military career extended from WWI to the Korean War, during which time he was awarded five Navy Crosses and many other awards for his bravery.  Chesty's ability to lead is what made him a legend beloved by many marines today. By setting higher standards for himself, applying common sense to his actions, having faith in and empathizing with his marines, Chesty became a Marine Corps legend.

Vince Lombardi

1913 -1970

Vince Lombardi is one of the greatest football coaches of all time.  He was also a coach to one of the greatest NFL football teams of all time, the Green Bay Packers, my favorite football team.  In addition, the NFL championship trophy is named after him.  Lombardi was also a great leader and strategist.  He believed in clear communication, accountability and being brilliant at the basics.  He took time to know and coach the players individually, knowing that a one-size fits all coaching strategy does not work.  Lombardi surrounded himself with confident and willing people who wanted to win.  He was able to lead from the front and impacted everyone around him for the rest of their lives, because he was an educator on life.  

Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes

1913 -1987

Woody Hayes was one of the greatest coaches at The Ohio State University (OSU).  During his twenty-eight year coaching career at OSU, he won five National Championships, thirteen Big Ten titles and a total of 205 wins.  Even though he was a well accomplished coach, Woody made a bigger impact on his players and the community by being an educator and a leader.  Woody lead with compassion and set high standards.  Paying it forward was a philosophy that he believed in and also taught his players, such as visiting hospitals around Columbus.  He continued to make a positive impact at OSU and within Ohio long after his coaching days were done.  Today the former and current players still live by his teachings.

James "Mad Dog" Mattis

1950 -

General James Mattis is the most revered marine in modern Marine Corps history.   His leadership style is leading from the front and between the ears.  He is a proponent of education continuing to teach young minds beyond the end his military career.  Marines look up to him because he does not stand down in the face of political correctness.  When he is passionate about something he does not back down and does not compromise his morals or values.  He left a huge impact on the Marine Corps and demonstrated how to balance being a leader, an educator, and a warrior.  General Mattis set the example of being a "consummate professional."  

Archie Griffin

1954 -

Archie Griffin is one of the best football players to pass through The Ohio State University.  He played from 1972 - 1975 and was a three time All-American and most notable for winning the Heisman Trophy twice in 1974 and 1975. His athletic accomplishments are quite long while he played at OSU and followed Woody Hayes' request to pay it forward by staying actively involved with OSU.   He has been involved with OSU's Athletic Department and is the President of the OSU Alumni Association.  He can be spotted around campus and the football program making an impact on the students and the alumni as a person known more for giving back to OSU than for his football accomplishments.