Cultivating Light Bulb Moments: A Leadership Lesson from Greg Olsen

As leaders, our identity often intertwines with our careers, craft, and titles. These elements shape who we are and how we operate. But when the time comes to ask, What’s next?—to embrace the unknown and take a leap of faith—our identity can feel like an anchor. These moments, though daunting, are where self-discovery leads to profound growth and inspiration.

For three-time Pro Bowler, NFL alum, and decorated Fox Sports broadcaster Greg Olsen, this pivotal question came with his retirement from football in 2020. Football was more than a profession; it was central to his upbringing in Wayne, New Jersey, and the foundation of his identity. Yet stepping away allowed Olsen to grow both as a parent and a coach, while providing the opportunity to redefine his purpose and mission.

That mission?

Co-founding Youth Inc., a platform aimed at helping parents, coaches, and leaders navigate youth sports in healthier ways. “If we can give [them] the tools and resources to make the best decisions for their kids, then mission accomplished,” Olsen explains.

In a recent episode of the Youth Inc. podcast, Olsen shared his joy in witnessing young athletes’ “light bulb moments”:

“I love coaching my own kid, but also everyone else’s kids. I genuinely love seeing these kids...the light bulb go on. That blank stare in the beginning turns into understanding. You can see it on their face—they’re like, I got it. When that sparkle in their eyes happens, it’s the best. I love it.”

Whether we’re leading children on a sports field, employees in a corporate office, professionals in a locker room, or peers in a collaborative project, Olsen’s insight offers a profound leadership lesson: Are we cultivating light bulb moments in those we lead and care for? Or are we leading in a way that is one-sided, robbing those we serve of the chance to experience agency and holistic discovery?

Leadership, at its core, is about people—individuals with real stories, feelings, fears and aspirations. It's easy to get caught up in wins and metrics, but Olsen's journey beyond his playing days serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest impact lies in how we connect with and empower those we lead.

Here are four strategies to spark those transformative "light bulb" moments:

• Listen Actively: Understand the unique challenges of those you lead and meet them where they are.

• Foster Curiosity: Encourage exploration and experimentation. Growth often arises from the freedom to fail and learn.

• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories to reinforce growth and build trust.

• Adapt Your Style: Tailor your communication and delivery to resonate with those you lead.

Greg Olsen and Youth Inc. are on a mission to empower the next generation of athletes, but their work transcends youth sports. It’s a call to action for us as leaders to examine how we lead, teach, coach and inspire. The goal is not to impose our will but to spark deeper understanding, growth, connection and ownership in those we serve.

As Olsen says, “When that light bulb and that sparkle in their eyes goes, it’s the best.” Let this be our mission as leaders—to cultivate more of these moments, no matter the arena in which we lead.

Because at the heart of leadership lies a simple truth: it’s not about us—it’s about the people we care for and the light we help them find within themselves.

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