A Playbook for Maxing out Life

Whether it's turning back to find a lost hiker in the Himalayas or showing up to his first job as a banker with long hair and the wrong attire—which prompted counseling from his supervisor—life presents hurdles. Todd has had his share. Maxing out life is all about how one responds. You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you react, and that makes all the difference.

Todd Stansbury’s Tenets for Leading Through Change

Lead with Singular Purpose

Deeply embrace what you have been called to do and keep the needs of those you serve as your north star for every decision.

“Go Where the Puck Will Be”

Prepare for the pivot by thinking beyond today and taking smart risks. Marry innovation and expertise (not just your own) to stay ahead of what’s next.

Embrace the Culture

Identify the essence of each organization to unite your team around a shared culture and purpose, fostering pride and connection to their roles within a larger mission.

"Embrace the pivot by looking beyond the present and taking strategic risks while leaning into your values and what makes you unique. By playing to your strengths, you can not only adapt to change but also lead it.”

— Todd Stansbury

Maxing out life isn’t just about how you lead; it’s about how you live—embracing the pivots and having the courage to confront your fears to create a life well-lived, beyond anything you could have imagined for yourself.

  • Circumnavigated the world with his wife mid-career

  • First in his family to go to college, transitioning from hockey to football

  • Balanced a high-pressure career while prioritizing being a caretaker

  • Got knocked down and got back up, both on and off the field

Todd Stansbury is a pioneering force in collegiate athletics, championing holistic development for student-athletes, alumni, and the campus community.

His focus on the whole student-athlete, through athletic resources, wellness, technology, and support services, fosters individual success and athletic achievement. A true advocate for using sports to transform lives, he remains a leading figure in intercollegiate athletics.

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Maureen Tremblay Assistant AD, Student-Athlete Development

Accomplishments On and Beyond the Field

Driving Innovative Financial Solutions

The $90 million Student-Athlete Sports Performance Center at Georgia Tech represents a groundbreaking initiative focused on improving student-athlete performance. This project stands out as the largest donor-funded capital endeavor in the university's history, successfully raising nearly $176 million—40% more than the goal—highlighting a robust dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience. 

Expanding Engagement

Nearly doubled the University of Central Florida (UCF) donor base, and exponentially grew the Annual Fund +29% – the highest in UCF history.

Stansbury's approach to leadership is characterized by a commitment to redefine success on, and beyond, the scoreboard. His award-winning initiatives emphasize the importance of fostering personal growth for student-athletes by shaping character, skills, and values for meaningful long-term success.

Innovative Expansions

The $150 million fundraising effort for the Oregon State football stadium expansion was a remarkable team accomplishment. This initiative featured an innovative premium seating experience "The Terrace," designed to honor alumni contributions to the state’s food and beverage industry. 

Empowering Student Experiences

Implemented award-winning programs to develop and empower student-athletes through community service initiatives, such as the NCAA's day off for Election Day and international experience opportunities, while improving graduation rates to record levels at institutions like ETSU and Houston.

Award-Winning Programs

Created award-winning programs at Georgia Tech, such as JumpStart Jackets and Jackets Without Borders. This innovation is mirrored in initiatives like UCF's Knights without Borders, First Round Draft Choice Program, and Georgia Tech’s 5th Street Bridge Program, all designed to enhance student development and engagement.