Greg Harden, who helped U-M athletes like Tom Brady, has bestselling book
Carol Cain
Updated 6 min read
After taking the summer off — in part to recharge and, in part to let CBS Detroit focus on getting its local news operation up and running (which is off to a great start) — the "Michigan Matters" show returns this weekend and will air more than ever.
The hiatus marked my first break from television work in over 18 years, and while I continued to fill this space each week for the Detroit Free Press and moderate a number of events in our community, it allowed me a chance to reflect and examine my perspective on work, work-life balance and other life-related issues.
Thus, it seemed only fitting (and ironic) my first guest as the show returned was going to be a man who has made a career of offering perspective and encouragement to literally thousands of people throughout an extraordinary 42-year journey. But the guest, Greg Harden, was under the weather when we were scheduled to tape. Luckily, we had talked earlier by phone (so I could write this column) and I will have him on air at a later time.
Harden retired in 2020 after a distinguished career in the University of Michigan Athletic Department as executive associate athletic director (though he still works part-time as special adviser to Michigan AD Warde Manuel). He’s been doing consulting work for corporate clients and CEOs and is in demand as a motivational speaker by companies across the nation.
From left: Tom Brady, Greg Harden and Desmond Howard at the 2004 Rose Bowl, where the University of Michigan played USC. Harden is credited with impacting the lives of Brady, Howard and countless others.
I have known Harden forever. He is part of a crew of friends who live in Ann Arbor and see each other frequently. (Fear not Spartan lovers: While my MBA is from Michigan, my undergraduate degree is from Michigan State). As a result, despite him being incredibly unassuming and humble, I knew of the impact Harden has had on the lives of scores of young men and women.
Yet, I was still surprised to learn of the depth and breadth of Harden’s impact as shared in his new book, “Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive” (which has quickly risen up the New York Times Bestseller list since its Aug. 15 release.) While his focus has been on student athletes, the principles outlined are applicable in all walks of life for anyone. Harden challenges people to examine their perspective and did so for one of the most successful people in sports.
Greg Harden's new book 'Stay Sane in an Insane World.'
It was the mid-1990s and a young player who played quarterback at the U-M named Tom Brady spent much of his time on the bench his first two seasons as a Wolverine and came to see Harden. He was thinking about quitting and returning home to California. Confident in his ability but frustrated in not getting a chance to demonstrate his talent, Brady had had enough. He talked to Harden, then a clinical therapist who worked in the athletic department to help student athletes.
“I told him to stop thinking about what everyone else believes about him,” Harden told me. “All that matters is what he thinks about himself. If he was only going to get two ‘reps’ (plays in practice), make them the most amazing reps. His job was to understand at some point he would get a shot, and to get his mind right to make the most of them.”
Harden challenged the legendary “TB12” (12 was the number Brady wore in his career) to dig in, continue to believe in himself and not give up. As a result, the phrase “the rest is history” may NEVER have a more definitive or clear example.
Brady went on to win seven Super Bowls — a far cry from his inauspicious start as the 199th player chosen in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He retired last year as the GOAT and possibly the most successful quarterback ever to play the game.
“Greg Harden will always be one of the most influential people in my life,” Brady writes in the foreword of Harden’s new book. “If you’re in a place in life you don’t want to be, it’s up to you to make it better. In the end, your positivity and enthusiasm will contribute to creating the outcome you’re after.”
Harden had a hand in helping countless others, too, including 23-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps and Heisman Trophy winner/ESPN analyst Desmond Howard, who also give Harden credit in the book as he helped each adjust their mindsets as student athletes at the U-M and even after as he remained in contact with them.
The guideposts of encouragement and perspective that leads to success aren’t just germane to athletes and, with more time on his hands, Harden is speaking to businesses and groups and plans to do more while spending time with his wife, Shelia, between their homes in Ann Arbor and North Carolina.
“Whether talking about sports or any other part of life, people are striving to become the best versions of themselves,” Harden said. “What you will learn in the book is to become the world’s greatest expert on one subject — you! Know your strengths and weaknesses and create plans based on understanding who you are, and who you want to be.”
Manuel also took Harden’s words to heart. He was a first team All-American high school defensive tackle from New Orleans and heavily recruited. He chose Bo Schembechler and his Michigan Wolverines in 1986.
The University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel, at left, and Greg Harden at the U-M Sept.16, 2023 game against Bowling Green.
“Greg was there to help me see that my life was going to be amazing, even without a career in the NFL,” said Manuel, who has been AD at the U-M for eight years after leaving his alma mater as associate athletic director and serving as AD at the University of Connecticut and the University of Buffalo the previous 10 years before coming back to the top job in Ann Arbor.
“He gets you to see and believe in your full potential,” Manuel told me this week “And he provides you with what you need to drive your own personal success story.”
Manuel added, “Greg is one of four people who impacted my life and my success. I point to my mom, dad, Bo and Greg Harden.”
There are not a lot of people in folks’ lives that, make them better. Harden makes people better, not just on the fields, court, water or rink but also in life. I suspect a read of “Staying Sane in an Insane World” will make you better, too, as it has for yours truly.
Contact Carol Cain: 248-355-7126 or clcain@cbs.com. She is senior producer/host of “Michigan Matters,” which airs 5:30 a.m. Sundays on CBS Detroit, noon Sundays on WKBD Channel 50 in Detroit and also 8 p.m. weeknights streaming on CBS Detroit. See Denise Ilitch, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and Chris Holman on this Sunday’s show.
