What if instead of chasing a seat at the table, you built an entirely new game — and the world fell in love with it?
On today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Cole—founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas and creator of Banana Ball. Jesse has built one of the most extraordinary, fast-growing sports movements by breaking every rule in the book. In an era where attention is the hardest currency, he’s turned baseball into a full-blown entertainment experience — part sport, part show, and all heart.
From selling out ballparks across America to giving foster families standing ovations midgame, Jesse’s vision is driven by one principle: Fans First. He shares the habits and systems behind that mindset — from his “Learn, Change, Plus” culture of constant improvement to the leadership lessons that came from adopting two daughters during COVID. It’s a conversation about leading with joy, embracing risk, and using creativity as a form of love.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to design sold-out experiences by removing friction—and why iteration beats perfection
- Why culture must evolve from “team” to “teammates”
- The simple system that keeps the Savannah Bananas innovating nightly
- Why “winning” is redefined as a remarkable show and shared joy–not just the score
- How Jesse and his wife Emily turned their foster journey into Bananas Foster
- What it means to “play your own game” — in business and in life
This is a masterclass in building something meaningful — not by following the rules, but by following your heart.
“The greatest leaders are the greatest teachers. And when you teach, you learn.”
Resources + Links
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