#183 Kevin Hourican (Chair of the Board/CEO at Sysco); "Tough on Topics, Kind to People"

🎙️ Podcast Episode #183 – Kevin Hourican: Tough on Topics, Kind to People

In this powerful episode of Most People Don’t...But YOU Do!, Bart welcomes Kevin Hourican, Chair of the Board and CEO of Sysco, a Fortune 50 global leader in foodservice distribution—and a standout example of what it means to lead with humility, empathy, and grit.

A former All-American volleyball player at Penn State, Kevin shares how the lessons from his 1994 NCAA championship team still shape his leadership today: put the team first, stay calm in pressure, and lead by example—even when you're not the star.

Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes:

• "Be tough on topics, not on people."

• How servant leadership was modeled by his mother, a hospice nurse for 40 years.

• Why self-confidence + empathy are non-negotiables for great leaders.

• How dreaming big and creating belief can transform teams.

• Why it’s critical to immerse yourself in the business if you want to earn trust.

• The importance of managing energy—not just yours, but your team’s too.

• And how leadership isn't a ladder—it's a jungle gym.

Kevin’s humility, clarity, and actionable insights remind us that most people don’t serve without seeking the spotlight, but he does. And he does it to help others be their best.

🔑 Final message:
"Most people don’t believe big enough, think big enough, or dream big enough... but YOU can."

More about Sysco here: https://www.sysco.com/

More episodes here: https://mostpeopledont.com