What does it take to live above your perceived potential—and help others do the same?

In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Damon Dixon, a lifelong leader whose journey spans Division I athletics, a 33-year Naval career, biotech leadership, and now senior operations at BYU Athletics. Rather than a straight résumé walk-through, this conversation dives into the inner architecture of leadership: identity, vision, faith, perseverance, and service.

Damon shares the story behind his personal “why”—to inspire all he comes in contact with so they maximize their potential—and how that purpose guided him through setbacks, career pivots, and moments where the plan fell apart… only to lead somewhere better.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways

• Living Above Potential: How Damon reframed limitations and outperformed expectations as a 5’8” Division I wide receiver
• Identity Before Outcome: Why becoming the person matters more than achieving the title
• The Navy as a Leadership Laboratory: Lessons in people-first leadership learned over three decades of service
• Setbacks as Redirection: When the “dream job” disappears—and why that may be essential
• The Power of Mentorship: How seeking (and becoming) mentors accelerates growth
• Multipliers, Not Diminishers: Building teams that scale talent, trust, and impact
• Faith + Effort: “Work as if everything depends on you; pray as if everything depends on God.”

👤 About Damon Dixon
Damon Dixon is the Chief of Staff for BYU Athletics, a former Naval officer, Division I football player, biotech executive, and mentor. Across every chapter of his career, Damon has focused on one core mission: helping people perform beyond what they thought possible.

🔗 Connect with Damon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-b-dixon-mba/

🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/6TmCXPsso2g