This post is a tribute. It’s a piece about John Derr, my great uncle. His life deserves a sizable biography, but what connects him to a blog about military leadership are the lessons that emanate from the almost unbelievable path his life took over the course of 97 years.
Uncle John has a boisterous personality, tempered by a conversational demeanor that is personable and warm, which makes his career as a radio broadcaster seem predetermined. Reading any of his three books ignites the feeling that you’ve somehow cornered the most gifted storyteller at a dinner party. And he has plenty to tell!
You’d be hard pressed to find another person alive today who has connected with more stars, heroes, and influencers of the last century. John was a companion to Mahatma Ghandi, shared coffee with Grace Kelly, and discussed defense doctrine with General Joseph Stilwell. He received a Bronze Star in India and was a neighbor to Stephen King in Maine.
Babe Ruth, Rocky Marciano, Margaret Mitchell, Bing Crosby…the list goes on. His presidential engagements include Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and a walking collision with Herbert Hoover. And upon asking Albert Einstein if he played golf, the theoretical physicist replied, “Tried it once. Couldn’t understand it. Quit.”
Another favorite comes from John’s childhood, when he returned from school to find three prominent men sitting on the front porch. Two of the guests, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, had traveled to North Carolina to discuss industry developments with John’s father, who was widely read and well known in the area…and apparently the third man, Thomas Edison, was “bumming a ride back to New Jersey.”
However, it’s in the golf world that Uncle John truly holds legend status. He covered his first Masters Tournament at Augusta in 1935 and returned every year for the next 61 years (69 in all), a commitment that earned him The Masters Achievement Award in 2007. His announcer’s voice and colorful personality brought sports to life on radio long before TV took over. Among those he called his close friends and golf companions are Sam Snead, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.
And perhaps the pinnacle of Uncle John’s accolades was to marry a delightful lifelong companion (Peggy) and raise their talented daughter (Cricket), who is a nationally-ranked equestrian rider.
All Leadership is Influence
To spend time with John Derr is to enjoy a nostalgic journey through his lifetime of ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. Even at 97, John still speaks to groups and the media about his experiences. What’s magical about these encounters is that he imparts lessons and shares wisdom with plenty of humor and honesty. Quite simply, he does what leaders do…he influences.
Although “leader” isn’t the first word we would use to describe a career broadcaster, when I think of his seven decades of influence through the frame of leadership, the relevance is clear.
- Leaders go where others don’t. John broadened his horizons early by joining the Army and broadcasting from all over the world, gaining experiences and connections that would serve him his entire life.
- Leaders connect. Uncle John brings an affable tone to any gathering and builds relationships by connecting people with common interests. He was also never afraid of an introduction, as evidenced by his star-studded encounters.
- Leaders tell the story…and they tell it first. Leaders break the story and define the landscape for their people. In this sense, John’s voice led his audience through the twists and turns of modern golf. John’s most memorable moment was covering Ben Hogan’s British Open win at Carnoustie, Scotland in 1953. The lone American reporter on the course inCarnoustie, Uncle John brought word of Hogan’s win to the stateside fans eagerly awaiting the result. (To listen to that championship interview, click the player below.)
- Leaders are confident. It was at that 1953 British Open that Ben Hogan exhibited a common quality among leaders: confidence. Uncle John had covered Mr. Hogan all day when after a drive from the 16th tee, he coolly said, “John, you can go in and get set up for your broadcast. This tournament is over.” Even with two holes left, Hogan had complete confidence in his ability to bring the trophy home to America.
- Leaders impart lessons. The best leaders are in constant “give mode.” They can’t help but share their narrative and hard-won lessons. Speaking with them is a fulfilling experience that feels like a good return on your time investment, which describes a conversation with Uncle John. He is a fountain of stories that bring his past alive for everyone.
- Leaders endure. John is 97 and continues to speak, write, and influence. That doesn’t happen by accident and it’s not easy for him. But he continues to brighten our lives because “telling the story” is in his character. It’s who he is.
Thanks for sharing the journey, Uncle John. You are one of a kind.
Questions for Leaders
- Is your life a story worth telling?
- How would you have to change your mindset in order to live more memorable moments?
- What could others gain from you if you committed to sharing your narrative?