Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast #390: The Law of Big Mo with Don Yaeger (Part 1)
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Apr 2, 2026 
Don Yaeger, bestselling author and longtime sports journalist, chercheurs the power of momentum in teams. He recounts a Super Bowl spark that launched his research. Short stories and research reveal how to spot opportunities, celebrate small wins, and train teams to seize momentum. Practical, energetic takes on creating contagious belief and hiring people who lift others.
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Momentum Is Widely Believed But Poorly Understood
- Most people believe in momentum but cannot define it, and losing momentum drives 72% of employees to look for other jobs.
- Don Yaeger surveyed 4,000 workers and found belief in momentum is high but understanding and management of it is rare and costly to retention.
How The Patriots Comeback Sparked The Research
- Don Yaeger used the 2017 Super Bowl comeback to ask how a moment becomes momentum and launched an eight-year study.
- Tom Brady's unexpected 14-yard scramble and sideline leadership sparked belief that turned a near-certain loss into a comeback.
Train Teams To Spot The Spark
- Keep your team’s antennae up for opportunity by practicing situational awareness and running regular 'what if' sessions.
- Buzz Williams reviews random game clips and quizzes players on time, score, and momentum to train noticing the spark.
