Curiosity #66 - How to Lead Like a Heisman Winner

(Fernando Mendoza Edition)

Before Fernando Mendoza ever showed up at Indiana, he did something most people do not think to do until after they have already stumbled through a few awkward first impressions.

He asked for photos, names, and positions of every single player on the team.

Then he memorized them.

So when he walked into the locker room for the first time, he was not the new guy guessing his way through handshakes and half-smiles. He knew who people were. He knew where they fit. He knew how to connect.

Later, when Mendoza was invited to a dinner with Hall of Famers, he pulled the same move. Photos. Names. Backgrounds. Highlights. Context.

Not to impress them.
To respect them.

That is not just quarterback behavior.
That is leadership.

🏟 Why This Matters for You

Most people think leadership starts once you are officially “in.”

Fernando Mendoza understood that leadership starts before you arrive.

Preparation is not about control.
It is about care.

When you learn names ahead of time, you are quietly saying:

You matter.
I took this seriously.
I did not wing this.

And that energy changes rooms.

Ted Lasso would recognize this instantly. He shows up curious. He asks questions. He learns people’s stories. He makes connection the priority, not performance.

That is the kind of preparation that builds trust before you ever say a word.

🎯 What This Has to Do With You (Yes, You)

You do not need a jersey, a scholarship, or a highlight reel to play this game.

Starting a new job?
Learn names early. Write them down. Use them.

Interviewing?
Know who you are meeting beyond their job title. One real detail goes a long way.

Networking event?
Look up attendees or speakers ahead of time. Walking in prepared beats walking in loud.

Trying to get hired?
Do what Mendoza did. Show up already invested.

This is not about being impressive.
It is about being intentional.

🧠 This Is the Opposite of “Selling Yourself”

Here is the twist most people miss.

This kind of preparation is not about talking more.
It is about listening better.

Fernando Mendoza did not lead by being the most impressive person in the room. He led by making other people feel like they already belonged.

Ted Lasso would call that curiosity.
We would call it character.

🫶 Stay curious,
— Nick & Marnie
Your tea sipping, name remembering, connection first friends

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: 

Icebreaker time:

Think about the next room you are walking into.
What is one small thing you could learn ahead of time that would help someone else feel seen?

Bonus question:
Whose name could you learn better this week?

📚Beard’s collection:

🌎 This week in Here - There - Every F’ing where 

Over the break Marnie joined an old friend, John Harden, on his Coffee Chat. He asked all kinds of questions about curiosity. Here's his quick take on her answers.

Believe! 

Nick & Marnie

P.S. Happy New Year!