Opening Keynote Address: Over the Wall Thinking

May 24
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (CT)

Pit crews operate in one of the most dynamic and demanding teamwork environments imaginable. In racing, like in business and in life, there are no guarantees. Make one mistake that's too big or at an inopportune time and your day at the race is over - you go home while the race continues on without you.  You must constantly innovate to stay ahead. If you don't have the next improvement ready, and the one after that, you quickly fall behind. Innovation is a process, not an "aha" moment.

Andy Papathanassiou talks about the make-up of highly successful team and the roles of leadership and the individual. He coined the term, "Over The Wall Thinking," to describe his philosophy that focuses on the athletic mindset. It doesn't matter if you know anything about, or participated in competitive sports. It doesn't even matter if you like sports at all. The cognitive building blocks of competitive athletics give each of us the ability to lead a more engaged, successful and happier life.  Over his career, Andy's team building techniques and Over The Wall philosophy have transformed the paradigm of how all NASCAR pit crews operate.

Location: Room 430