In the first episode of Season 2 of Miami Lead, Pastor Bill White sits down with Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chair, President, and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, and Managing Partner of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, to talk about what leadership really looks like behind the scenes of a major sports and entertainment organization.
Tom describes his role simply: making countless decisions each day that shape culture, momentum, and long term direction. His operating model starts with people, then process, and finally results. Instead of obsessing over outcomes, he believes the best organizations win by hiring the right people, running strong processes, and trusting that results will follow.
He also shares his career journey, a path shaped less by title, money, or location, and more by where he could learn the most and produce real results. From working in restaurants and learning management the hard way, to corporate leadership and motorsports, to MLB and eventually the Dolphins, Tom emphasizes a theme that shows up again and again: opportunities come when you keep growing, stay curious, and do excellent work where you are.
When it comes to leadership qualities, Tom narrows it down to three essentials: humility, courage, and judgment. Courage to make hard decisions, even when it makes people upset, humility to listen and recognize what you do not know, and judgment to see the big picture while still navigating details and consequences. He points to leaders who protect the team and the brand over personal spotlight and reminds us that strong leadership is not about perfection. It is about learning fast, owning mistakes, and moving forward.
Tom also speaks candidly about staying sharp in a world changing faster than ever. The pace of change is exponential, which means leaders must remain adaptable by reading, learning from others, especially younger voices, and staying open to new ways of thinking.
Finally, Tom shares how faith anchors him through pressure. His steady reference is Philippians 4:6, choosing trust over anxiety, and a simple nightly prayer for his family: to be happy, healthy, safe, and together. It is a leadership posture that carries into every arena of life.
Key Takeaways
- People and process drive results
Strong organizations focus first on hiring great people and building strong systems. Results are the outcome of doing those things well. - Career growth comes from learning, not chasing titles
Opportunities often come to people who focus on growth, curiosity, and producing value where they are. - Great leaders balance humility, courage, and judgment
Listening, making tough calls, and understanding long term impact are all essential leadership skills. - Adaptability is required in a fast changing world
Leaders must stay open to new ideas, continue learning, and listen across generations to stay relevant. - Faith and personal grounding strengthen leadership
Having a strong personal foundation helps leaders handle pressure, make clearer decisions, and lead with stability.
