Former BC Lion speaks about leadership

Despite the controversy in recent weeks, a former Lion quarterback shares his insight into the importance of leadership, finding your passion, and how attitude makes all the difference.

By Katie Lawrence

“Leadership is the capacity to influence people though inspiration, motivated by a passion, generated by a vision that comes from a sense of purpose for our lives. In other words, you can lead people when you inspire them.”

That was the main message of Casey Printers’ speech on Sept. 22 at Kwantlen’s Surrey Campus, a part of Get Involved – Give Back week.

The B.C. Lions quarterback, who’s been doing motivational speaking for over nine years, spoke to a crowd of 40 people about being a leader and what it takes to become one, using pop culture and his football career as references.

He spoke of how attitude paired with mentality can help anyone become a leader, as well as having purpose, conviction and passion.

“The first thing that you must have [to become a leader] is purpose… When you find you purpose, you have a conviction for it. Once you realize your purpose, you must be convinced of it. Once you’re convinced of it, you will start to have a passion for it… Because I have that passion, I inspire the people.”
Printers also spoke of what inspires him on and off the field.

“I find inspiration in people that work their tails off. And there’s a couple guys on our team that work consistently hard and they motivate me: teammates, coaches. Like, our coaches get in at 4 a.m. That motivates me…. You don’t come in at 4 a.m. if you don’t want to win.” [Editors note: the interview and speech took place before Printers dismissal.]

A Runner Exclusive: Former Lions quarterback – Casey Printers

Runner Contributor, Katie Lawerence, recently caught up with Casey Printers, former Lions quarterback, to dicuss inspiration, motivation, and overcoming life’s big obsticals

Katie Lawerence – How long have you been speaking?

Casey Printers – I’ve been speaking for, wow, like nine years now.

KL – What got you started?

CP – In high school, I was with a group called PAL, Peer Assistance and Leadership, and we would go around and talk to elementary school kids. So, I would just be around talking and I’ve been doing it ever since.

KL – What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your life?

CP – When I got released from Kansas City, that was a very hard thing for me. Overcoming it was tough, and I had to work at it. Not necessarily physically, but the psychological side of it, because when you get released and somebody says you’re not good enough, it weighs on you, subconsciously. So I had to attack my mindset, and how I can overcome myself, which is the biggest obstacle.

KL – Who’s been your biggest supporter?

CP – Family. I’ve got a ton of family members. They inspire me, they motivate me, they help me to keep pursuing what I choose to do.

KL – Is there anything else you’d like to add?

CP – Kwantlen University is awesome! It’s been a great experience here, and I’ve enjoyed myself. The people are nice and friendly and I’m an honorary Eagle.