I recently went one on one with WNBA player Cierra Burdick. Cierra played for Pat Summitt at Tennessee before being selected 14th overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft. Cierra has since played for five franchises, most recently with the Phoenix Mercury.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Cierra: How did I get here? I think there’s been a lot of contributing factors. If I had to narrow it down, I would say the greatest contributors are my support system, my work ethic, and my faith. Since I was young, I’ve had a support system of family members, friends, coaches and mentors that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Through all the highs and lows of my journey, they’ve remained solid, and I credit a lot of my success to them -- to the village that has been with me every step of the way. 

My work ethic probably stems from growing up in a single-parent household. There were times when I saw my mom struggling, and that motivated me even more to chase my dreams. It also helped that I fell in love with sports at an early age. Since I was five years old, I knew I wanted to play professional basketball. My veins pump passion and competitiveness. Every day is another opportunity to get better and I try to capitalize on that. I want to be the best version of myself in every aspect of my life. The classroom, the court, the community, I just want to make sure I leave my mark. 

Lastly, but certainly not least, is my faith. During high school, I would occasionally attend my grandma’s church and check out the local Young Life happenings, but I think college is when I really started to tap into a greater foundation regarding my faith. It wasn’t one moment or incident that led me to develop a stronger relationship with God. More so, it was a combination of life’s trials and tribulations and thankfully, just having the right people and right resources in my corner. I’m grateful for the growth that I made in my faith during my college career. The concept of “Letting Go and Letting God” has given me immense peace over the years. 

Adam: What were the highlights and best lessons learned from your time playing college basketball?

Cierra: I think sport is life’s greatest teacher. During my four years as a Lady Vol, I grew not only as a student-athlete, but as a person. Playing collegiate sports at any level is difficult, but playing Division I basketball at a national powerhouse like Tennessee is practically a prayer request for uncomfortable growth. In a way, you’re thrown into this ocean of overwhelming demands and expectations and you either learn how to navigate the current or you sink in the surf. The late great Pat Summitt spent decades building a culture and an environment that accepted nothing short of excellence. I’m blessed to have been a part of that, because it prepared me for life more than I ever knew it would. 

I learned how to lose gracefully and to win humbly. I learned to control the controllable: your attitude and your effort. I adopted the five P’s: Preparation, Patience, Prayer, Perseverance, and Positivity. I was a walking testimony to the benefits of trusting the process and continuing to grind. I recognized the importance in putting the team first, in doing the right thing, and always finding ways to give back. 

These weren’t lessons that I learned in the classroom. These lessons were taught first-hand from my coaches and teammates. These were gems that were dug from the ground up during 6am workouts, heart wrenching losses, and grueling schedules. The highlight of my college career wasn’t the SEC Championships or the March Madness victories. No, the real highlights were the people I met along the way and the lessons I carry with me each and every day. 

Adam: What are your most significant memories from your USA Basketball experiences?

Cierra: Of course, there’s nothing more rewarding than having a gold medal draped around your neck while The Star-Spangled Banner is echoing across the loud speaker. Thinking about those moments instantly brings chills to my arms. But outside of the medal ceremonies, I think my most significant memories from my World Championship experiences have happened off the court. I’ve been able to visit places and experience things that otherwise, I would have never had the opportunity to do. 

In 2010, we were in Barcelona when Spain defeated the Netherlands in the World Cup Final. We watched from our hotel window as everyone took to the streets to celebrate the national victory. You could feel the vibrations of the pride and joy that radiated through the masses. It was an unreal thing to witness. In Rodez, France, we stayed at a hotel that was less than 15 steps from the starting line of the 13th stage of the Tour De France. In between practices and games, we got to participate in some of the official Tour entertainment. In Puerto Montt, Chile, we went sledding down a volcano… in July!

As a youngin’, I always knew I wanted to play professional basketball, but I never imagined the opportunities that would be presented to me through USA Basketball and FIBA World Championships. I’ve been able to travel the world, represent the United States of America in international competition, and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences along the way. The moments and memories remain surreal. 

Adam: What are the best lessons you learned from the achievement of becoming a gold medalist?

Cierra: The journey to three World Championships and four gold medals is the culmination of countless hours dedicated to perfecting my craft. The lessons don’t necessarily come in the World Championships. By then, the majority of the work has been done. I think the real lessons come in the daily, monotonous grind leading up the championship. It’s the relentless dedication to growth and preparation that teach you the most about yourself. But if having the gold medal draped around my neck taught me anything, it’s that with hard work, a positive support system, and a lot of faith, dreams really do come true. 

Adam: What are the defining characteristics of an elite teammate?

Cierra: When I think of an elite teammate, I think of someone who is reliable, consistent, competitive, invested, and passionate. She puts the team first and is willing to do anything to get the win. She not only holds her teammates accountable, but she holds herself accountable. She demands excellence in all that she does. She’s a fearless competitor and a great communicator. She makes everyone around her better. 

Adam: What are the most important attributes of a great coach? What made your greatest coaches great?

Cierra: First and foremost, great coaches get their teams to buy in. When a player will run through a wall for a coach, then you know there’s a deep respect and trust that extends outside the playing lines. The best coaches care for their players. Not just the athlete, but the human being. They’re dedicated to preparing their team for more than just a game. The communication is clear, honest, and transparent. There aren’t useless mind games or condescending dialogue. It’s never about power or control, but rather empowerment and encouragement. 

The best coaches emphasize attention to detail. The goals of the team and the roles of the players are clearly defined. They know hours of preparation are standard, and late nights and early mornings are routine. There’s a commitment to excellence that is at the very foundation of the culture they’ve created. Accountability is present across the board, top to bottom. The best coaches are work horses, not show horses. They can demand the most out of their players, because they themselves have put the work in to become great. 

Great coaches know the game, but they also have the mind, heart, and awareness to know people. One without the other is average. When you find the whole package, hold onto them, because great coaches come once in a lifetime. 

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Cierra: In basketball, we talk a lot about “KYP” (Know your personnel). This is imperative when it comes to being an effective leader. Leadership isn’t one size fits all. Teams aren’t an assembly of pre-programmed robots. The team consists of individuals from all different backgrounds, and it’s important for the leader to learn the motivating factors of each individual. Some people may be motivated by challenges, whereas others may prefer encouragement and positive reinforcement. The most effective leaders will take the time to know their personnel and communicate accordingly. 

In addition to KYP, it’s integral for leaders to show they care. It’s been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and I truly believe that. If a leader genuinely cares for its employees’ well-being outside the office, then the employees are naturally more inclined to work harder for their leader. Simply asking how someone’s family is doing or giving a random half-day, can go a long way.  

The defining qualities of an effective leader are similar to the important attributes of a great coach. They both need to be hard workers, great communicators, willing listeners, and fierce competitors. Finding the balance between building a sound foundation, but also being open to taking risks. Striving for excellence, but knowing failure is a part of the progress and growth. Committing to the grind, but seeking joy in the journey. I think these are all signs of an effective and meaningful leader. 

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading and managing teams?

Cierra: My best advice on building, leading and managing teams would be to create a culture that prides itself in doing the right thing. What seems like such a simple concept can go a long way, especially when it starts from the top and trickles down. If there’s a collective understanding of the team’s expectations, morals, and standards, then individuals are aware of what’s acceptable and what isn’t. The greatest organizations, teams, and companies of our time have created a culture and built a foundation that expects and demands excellence in all aspects of the business. Doing the right thing, therefore, is not an option, but a commitment and obligation. 

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Cierra: The single best piece of advice that I ever received was, “Be a good teammate.” I was at the UNC Chapel Hill women’s basketball elite camp and my college recruiting was really beginning to pick-up. I was only a freshman in high school, but I had received offers from nearly every university in the country. Knowing that I was a highly touted recruit with a lot of potential, one of the camp coaches pulled me aside to give me some words of wisdom. As I reflect on that conversation, these are the things that stuck with me: You’re going to have the platform and the opportunity to impact others. What you choose to do with that platform is up to you. People are always watching. How you treat your teammates is a reflection of the type of athlete and person you choose to be. You can be elite on the court, but take pride in being an elite teammate.

Nearly 15 years later, and I can still hear her constant reminder… “CB, don’t forget what I told you... Always be a good teammate.”


Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

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