Key Learnings from the Visionary Leaders Forum: Coach Kevin Dresser’s Path to Success

At our recent Visionary Leaders Forum, we were honored to have Coach Kevin Dresser, head wrestling coach at Iowa State University, speak to our leadership group. His message was simple yet powerful. Coach Dresser shared success stories and insights from his impressive career, offering a roadmap to greatness that applies both on and off the mat.

Here are five key takeaways from his talk that left a lasting impact:

1. Know Exactly What You Want
   The first and most important step to success is knowing where you’re going. As Coach Dresser put it, “You have to know exactly what you want.” Whether you’re an athlete aiming to become a state champion or a leader with bold business goals, having a clear vision is non-negotiable. Without it, you won’t push as hard, and your focus will waver. Goals give direction and sharpen your focus—without them, progress is aimless.
2. Have a Plan and Surround Yourself with the Right People
   Once you know what you want, the next step is to create a plan to get there. Coach Dresser emphasized the importance of having a clear strategy and aligning yourself with the right people—your “mastermind” group. Leadership is not a solo endeavor. Whether it’s on the wrestling mat or in the boardroom, the support, wisdom, and influence of the right people can propel you toward victory.
3. Work Ethic Aligned with Goals
   There’s no substitute for hard work. Coach Dresser left no doubt about this: “I’ve never seen anyone successful who is lazy.” Success requires countless hours of training, perseverance, and consistency. Aligning your work ethic with your goals ensures you’re putting in the necessary effort to achieve them. It’s the hard work that creates a coach’s (or leader’s) advantage. You must be willing to outwork the competition.
4. Be Tough Through Adversity
   Tough times will come, and how you handle adversity is often what separates winners from everyone else. Coach Dresser spoke passionately about mental resilience, particularly when things don’t go as planned. “When everything goes wrong, you still have to do it,” he said. His advice was simple yet profound: Get a little better every day, especially when things aren’t going your way. The true test of a person’s character comes when they face losses, not wins.
5. Have Fun Along the Way
   Finally, Coach Dresser stressed the importance of enjoying the journey. Success is not just about achieving goals—it’s about finding joy in the process. He highlighted how you can often tell if someone loves what they do just by how they walk through the door each day. If you’re not having fun, it may be time to reassess what you’re doing. A positive mindset is contagious, and maintaining your “mojo” can carry you through even the toughest challenges.

On Coaching and Leadership
In his closing remarks, Coach Dresser touched on the role of a leader as a coach. He made it clear that feedback, even tough feedback, is essential for growth. “Do you want me to coach you hard?” he asked. If you’re not performing, you should expect your coach or leader to tell you. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones, and sometimes it takes a strong voice to push you beyond your limits.

Coach Dresser’s insights left us inspired and equipped with strategies we can apply in our leadership journeys. As we continue to lead, let’s remember that success comes from clear goals, hard work, resilience, and a bit of fun along the way.

The Visionary Leaders Forum is made possible through a partnership with Principal Financial Network of Central Iowa. To learn more about the Visionary Leaders Forum contact Katherine Harrington at katherine@wdmchamber.org or 515-689-4447.