Oct. 8, 2025

Is Running Notre Dame’s Campus More Complex Than Commanding a Battalion?

Is Running Notre Dame’s Campus More Complex Than Commanding a Battalion?

Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Blueprints. In this series, we aim to honor veterans who have transitioned from active duty into the built environment. This series is designed to help veterans transition into the built environment by offering a clear understanding of career paths and showcasing the powerful networking opportunities that can facilitate their success. 

Join our conversation with today's guest, Dan Cook, as he shares what his role at the University of Notre Dame entails and why he initially decided to join the Navy. Dan sheds light on the leadership lessons he learned in the military and how he had to adjust his leadership style for civilian life. We also dive into how he approached his transition, what life is like now, and how he balances work and life. 

For all this, plus his prediction on the upcoming Navy/Notre Dame game, be sure to tune in now! 

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   He highlights the responsibilities in his role at the University of Notre Dame.

•   A leadership lesson that has served him well in the transition.

•   Adjusting leadership styles due to changes in the work environment.

•   How Dan approached his transition off of active duty. 

•   What life is like now, his work-life balance, and what gives him joy in this new season.

•   Predictions on the Navy/Notre Dame upcoming game. 

 

Quotes:

“The military taught me as well, when you have a big organization [and] a lot of responsibility, you’ve got to empower your leaders, you’ve got to lead with intent, [and] you’ve got to let decentralized command rule the day.” — Dan Cook

 

“What served me the best in transition is when I finally stopped trying to be who I thought they expected me to be and just was myself.” — Dan Cook

 

“Don’t underestimate how hard transition is.” — Dan Cook

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Cook on LinkedIn

Notre Dame University

Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

MVP (The Movie)

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn