From the NFL to the C-Suite: Rich Scanlon's Journey of Calculated Risk-Taking

CEOs Unscripted

In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane sits down with Rich Scanlon, Chairman of Sendible and a former NFL linebacker turned successful SaaS CEO. Rich shares his extraordinary journey from the football field to the boardroom, revealing how lessons in discipline, accountability, and high-stakes decision-making shaped his leadership style.

Tune in as Rich opens up about:

• Transitioning from professional sports to business
  
• Why athletes and military vets make great hires
  
• The power of clarity, trust, and transparency in leadership
  
• His biggest hiring mistakes—and how to avoid them
  
• How to make bold decisions without perfect information
  
• Why every CEO needs a personal outlet (and yes, the gym counts)
  

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, unexpected laughs, and a whole lot of honesty. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned executive, Rich's story will challenge how you think about leadership, risk, and what it really means to build a winning culture.
Timestamps:

1. Introduction and Welcome - 0:00
2. Rich Scanlon's Background and Journey - 2:15
3. Transition from NFL to Business - 5:30
4. Decision-Making and Risk-Taking - 12:45
5. Accountability and Team Dynamics - 18:20
6. Career Development and Flexibility - 25:10
7. Maintaining Engagement and Trust - 32:00
8. Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts - 40:15
9. Conclusion and Call to Action - 45:00