NFL Legend Fran Tarkenton Interviews Every Hire at 85
UPDATE: NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton confirms he personally interviews every candidate for his companies, emphasizing the critical nature of teamwork in business. At 85 years old, Tarkenton insists on spending at least 15 minutes with each potential employee, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a cohesive work environment.
During a recent interview with Business Insider, Tarkenton highlighted that the same issues undermining team chemistry in sports can plague corporate settings. “If you don’t have the right people, you can’t make it in your business… and you can’t make it in the NFL,” Tarkenton stated, underscoring the importance of interpersonal dynamics in any organization.
Tarkenton shared a pivotal conversation with then-Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, where he advised cutting a talented player who disrupted team morale. “If you have 39 All-Pro players and one problem player, the problem player will take over,” he warned, illustrating the dangers of neglecting team compatibility.
As CEO of his Atlanta-based company, Tarkenton describes himself as a lifelong entrepreneur, starting his journey at just 7 years old with a newspaper route. His extensive career includes playing in the NFL during its formative years and later serving as a commentator on “Monday Night Football.”
Tarkenton’s diverse ventures, from partnerships with IBM to launching his latest AI startup, pipIQ, reflect his relentless drive. His focus is on assisting small businesses in maintaining secure language models, a crucial need in today’s digital landscape.
Over the span of a year, Tarkenton speaks with over 500 candidates, adhering to one of his key business principles: “people have to talk to people.” He believes that collaboration fosters innovation and personal growth, essential for success in any field.
Tarkenton’s hands-on approach to hiring sets a standard in the business world. “I want to see who they are,” he stated emphatically. “If they’re a genius and they’re not the right kind of people, it doesn’t work.”
This commitment to personal interaction and team cohesion serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about individual talent but also about the ability to work well with others. Tarkenton’s emphasis on people skills is a lesson for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive environment.
As the conversation around workplace culture grows, Tarkenton’s insights are more relevant than ever. His approach is not just a strategy—it’s a philosophy that prioritizes human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Stay tuned for more insights from Fran Tarkenton as he continues to redefine leadership in business.
