What can golf teach us about business, leadership, and personal growth? A lot more than you might think. In this special episode of Career Can Do, Chris Sandland, Director of Operations at Faremouth & Company, steps in as our host, Mary Ann. Chris sits down with Joe Bronson, CEO of The Bronson Group and author of books Golf Chronicles, Through The Green, and Pardon Me. 50 Years of Gold, One Hole at a Time. With decades of experience in both the boardroom and on the golf course, Joe shares stories and insights that show how the game mirrors life, from ethics and decision-making to handling setbacks and building relationships.
Joe has played 93 of the top 100 golf courses in the U.S. and even had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing a round with golf legend Arnold Palmer. But beyond the prestige and unforgettable moments, Joe sees golf as a powerful tool for connection and leadership development. Whether he's navigating a challenging par three or a major business decision, the mindset is often the same: know your skill set, take smart risks, and stay focused on the present.
He explains, “In business, just like in golf, emotion can ruin you. You have to keep things in balance, stay disciplined, and respond to the situation in front of you, not the one behind you.”
Chris and Joe also explore how golf can still be a relevant networking tool, even in today’s digital-first world. Joe argues that spending four hours on a course with someone tells you more about them than a dozen Zoom meetings ever could. And he’s seen firsthand how a well-timed piece of advice from someone who believes in you, even a caddie, can shift your entire approach.
Now retired from corporate life, Joe focuses on giving back. All proceeds from his book support youth golf and university programs, including The First Tee, which helps underprivileged kids learn the game while gaining life skills.
If you’re a leader, a golfer, or just someone trying to make good decisions in work and life, this episode offers timeless lessons, and a few great stories, from someone who’s walked both the fairway and the executive floor.
Resources
Joe Bronson on the Web | Buy Joe's Books on Amazon
Chris Sandland on LinkedIn