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GBN University Podcast
Discover the path to success in the golf industry with the GBN University podcast. Hosted by Col. Spencer Clouatre, PhD, this educational series delves into leadership, finance, merchandising, and more. Join us on the journey to greatness. Subscribe now for expert insights and strategies.
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GBN University Podcast
Building Lasting Leaders with Warren West | Episode 1207
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Host Spencer Clouatre interviews Warren West, Director of Golf at the Country Club of Virginia, about leadership, mentorship, and career development after West’s 35-year rise from assistant pro to director. West recounts choosing economics, entering the golf industry during the early-1990s recession, and his mentor, that shaped his view that golf is ultimately a people business. They discuss building self-awareness, valuing work ethic and initiative, learning from failure with organizational backing, and mentoring staff by helping them find the right career fit. West explains leading across CCV’s two distinct campuses, maintaining consistent communication in a large organization, gathering member feedback, navigating major construction and course renovation pressures, and emphasizing presence, honesty, genuineness, an ownership mindset, and modeling expected behavior.
Show Notes:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:01 Warren’s Career Snapshot
03:19 Why Economics
05:10 Recession to CCV Break
07:55 Mentor Paul and PGA Path
09:14 Rising Through CCV Roles
11:09 Two Campuses Two Cultures
14:11 Family Roots and Golf Start
17:56 Early Leadership Lessons
21:25 Self Awareness and Assessments
27:15 Guiding Staff Career Paths
29:29 Basics for Young Pros
30:01 Effort Over Talent
31:23 Mentorship Is Two-Way
33:31 Learning Through Failure
36:36 Keeping Everyone Aligned
40:22 Renovations and Member Friction
43:18 Boards and Strategic Governance
44:59 Planning for Downturns
49:02 Growing Into Bigger Roles
53:20 Leadership Habits That Last
59:04 Final Thanks and Takeaways
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