#40: Turina Bakken is always looking out for the underdog

<p><a href="https://www.theonlineclarion.com/news/2016/11/16/meet-madison-college-provost-turina-bakken/">Turina Bakken</a> is the Provost at Madison College and a long-time competitor, coach, commentator, and leader in a variety of sports contexts. Turina also holds multiple academic degrees, including a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Educational Leadership &amp; Policy Analysis. She’s <a href="https://ourlivesmadison.com/article/school-of-life/">widely respected</a> for her dynamic leadership – and her story is full of rich lessons for coaches and all leaders who aim to promote the good through sport. In this episode, we discussed:</p>

<p>1. &nbsp;Growing up playing multiple sports in a small Minnesota town – including the creative games she would play with her brother.</p>

<p>2. &nbsp;Picking the least talented kids first on the playground – valuing everybody and the contributions they can make.</p>

<p>3. &nbsp;Her father’s influence and his steadfast support over the years – even to the point of purchasing Badgers gear (quite a commitment from a life-long Gopher fan!).</p>

<p>4. &nbsp;How her creativity as a teacher was influenced by her participation in sports.</p>

<p>5. &nbsp;Lessons learned from her grandma – who was elected mayor at age 75 by a write-in vote.</p>

<p>6. &nbsp;Management by wandering around.</p>

<p>7. &nbsp;Playing for a soccer team in France – taking risks, being a “complete and utter outsider for the first time in my life.”</p>

<p>8. &nbsp;Being “a very intentional observer” who “is always on the lookout for the hidden gem, the underdog.”</p>

<p>9. &nbsp;“Authentically being me has helped me gain respect.”</p>

<p>10. &nbsp;Her grandma’s saying, “do it your own wrong way.”</p>

<p>11. &nbsp;Not taking oneself too seriously, keeping a “lightness” in her work, and remaining approachable.</p>

<p>12. &nbsp;“Take yourself off the stage and put the spotlight on other people.”</p>