‘Trust, love, commitment’: Esteemed business leaders and former Notre Dame football student-athletes reflect on how to be champions of hope at Walk the Walk Week event

January 29, 2026 - 03:32

On Monday, two distinguished business leaders and former Notre Dame football student-athletes, Tracy Graham and Byron Spruell, shared their insights on cultivating hope during a keynote address. The conversation centered on the foundational values required for impactful leadership both on and off the field.

The executives articulated that the core tenets of trust, love, and commitment are not merely personal virtues but critical professional competencies. They detailed how these principles, forged in the discipline of collegiate sports, have directly informed their approaches to guiding major corporations and fostering resilient teams. The dialogue emphasized that authentic leadership requires a consistent dedication to these values, creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive.

Attendees gained perspective on translating athletic discipline into business excellence. The former student-athletes provided concrete examples of how a mindset focused on collective success over individual accolade builds sustainable success. Their message reinforced the idea that being a champion in any arena ultimately depends on a commitment to serving others and upholding a standard of integrity that inspires hope and action in every team member.