Matt Paknis Leadership Development

Let's reward the courageous who report and shine a light on bullying sex crimes rather than those who keep it in the dark. Realize this is divisive, but very much worth discussing. The facts: Penn State has paid over $100 million in fines resulting from being found guilty for allowing a known pedophile, Sandusky, to abuse vulnerable boys on Penn State property. Also, it is a fact Paterno, PSU's athletic director, vice president, and president were all found guilty, aware of, and complicit in not elevating and reporting Sandusky's crimes. It's a fact I experienced Paterno as a bully when I coached PSU's offensive line as a graduate assistant in 1987-1988. I also experienced Sandusky as a goof ball who had no physical boundaries with junior high and high school players who attended PSU Football camps nor with Penn State players. I addressed him about this, as it made me uncomfortable, and he said: "I just love kids". The facts are Schiano and Bradle...

From Penn State to the State Pen! Light beats darkness. Positive beats negative. Good (honesty, selflessness, self awareness and self criticism) beats evil (lying, selfishness, narcissism). There's hope, healing, and support. You're not alone. It's not your fault. Healing is possible. It's never too late.

Joe Paterno’s self-professed grand experiment, to treat major college football players as regular students, created an impressive legacy of Penn State Student Athletes over his coaching career. Paterno’s public image, highlighted by his blending academic (tweed jackets, ties, oxfords, and khakis) and athletic (white sox and black athletic shoes) attire was embraced by the public. The Joe Paterno I experienced in private as a Penn State graduate assistant football coach was much different. That Joe Paterno was a bully who threatened players and staff, made offensive comments, and twisted bad and manipulative behavior to appear good in the media. Staff and players denounced him. His true behavior, behind closed doors, contradicted his public image. And worse, Paterno’s false appearances, his cognitive dissonance, his power and control, enabled Jerry Sandusky’s evil to flourish. I know. I am a healthy survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). I am a big advocate of what makes tea...

From the lowest depths there is a path to the loftiest heights." - unknown It was an honor to be nominated by Brown University to offer this TED talk on resiliency. Please click the above title to view the talk. I hope you enjoy it and share it with those it might help. If I can help you, please let me know. Peace, Matt

Recent witnessed behaviors showed me the best, and worst, in humans and made me think; "some people are like animals!" A CEO threw a dart at work puncturing a worker's foot. This incident was reported. An organization works like a finely tuned machine, reflecting its owner's pride and drive. The workers are grateful for their boss. A manager threw a baseball at work and hit the head of an executive. This incident was reported. A customer stated the workers and owners at a firm were like family. The customer is happy and demonstrates her satisfaction and loyalty by purchasing goods from this firm for over 20 years and made another, recent, $3-million-dollar order. A general manager slapped a subordinate in the back of the head and made this subordinate cry. This incident was reported. Upon being awarded a new $17 billion contract, managers described, with prideful tears, their respect for those they guide who produce the world's most complex and a...

When I played for legendary Coach Ted Monica and the Madison Dodgers from 1977-1979 Coach was celebrating his 25th year of commanding excellence. Coach Monica arrived at Madison High School two years after my parents graduated. My parents met at Madison High where my mom was a cheerleader and the student body president. My dad played center and linebacker on the football team. He also played basketball and threw the weights in track. By the time I attended Madison, Coach had developed an exceptional program. We never lost a game and we ended our high school playing careers with a record of 33 - 0 - 0 and, like Hoosiers, #1 in NJ's Final Star Ledger Poll our senior year. Tragically, my mom died following her eight year struggle with melanoma and was buried the day before our State Playoff game vs. Orange during this senior season. Orange featured a back named Sammy Seale. Sam went on to play in the NFL for 10 years. The day after beating Orange, we took a special SAT make...

Eagle Scouts, Speakers of the House, 19 Ideal Kids and Counting, Department of Commerce, Ultimate Driving Machines, Ivy League Degrees, Parents, Counselors, Priests, Championship Coaches, Scout Masters. Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. Marcus Aurelius While in college I passed this statue of Marcus Aurelius at least once a day. Many years later, I discovered this quote of his. It resonates with me and applies to many of the horrific stories we are experiencing and reading today. During the past year in particular and throughout my life, in the news and in person, I've witnessed people associated with the above positions, organizations, accomplishments, and status symbols assault, abuse, molest, bully, deprave, and sabotage. These predators project themselves as achievers affiliated with respected and admired institutions. In reality, they are twisted, weak, feeble, spineless, and despicable examples of ho...