One of the hallmarks of the Larsen Leaders Academy is our mentor program, where upper-class Larsen students mentor our first-year students. Most good leaders can point to mentors in their life who have made a difference. One of my mentors over the years was my former football coach at Notre Dame, Coach Lou Holtz. He led our 1988 team to a 12-0 record and a national championship.
Coach Holtz passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 89. Before his passing, I was blessed with an opportunity to talk with him one-on-one and was able to ask him about leadership and establishing a winning culture.
Coach Holtz preached three rules as a foundation of a winning culture: trust, love and commitment. Think of these three rules as a litmus test of sorts for how to ensure a winning culture. For anyone in your organization, ask:
If you answer yes to all three questions, that is a person you can win with. If you answer no to any question, you know which area(s) to work on.
As a leader the same rules apply — we only need to look in the mirror. Do I do what’s right — can I be depended upon? Do I show others that I care about them? Am I committed to excellence, not settling for ordinary, and to becoming the best I am capable of becoming?
A leader who can answer yes to these three questions will have credibility and influence, and others will follow. When 100% or your organization can follow these rules, you will have a winning culture.
Thank you, Coach Holtz, for your lasting impact.
Brad Alge
Managing Director
Larsen Leaders Academy
Here’s a way to enhance your credibility as a leader. People will follow you if they can answer “YES” to each of the following three questions about you:
