The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried) and Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware (UD) recently honored Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic and founder of the Raymond Entertainment Group, with the 2024 Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In a private dinner and award ceremony at the Wilmington Country Club, Raymond was celebrated for his unique, fun-based approach to entrepreneurship, as well as his commitment to fostering enhanced individual leadership in others by sharing his experiences and perspective.
The evening also recognized UD alumnus and former Siegfried Fellow Nasir Young with the Siegfried Student Award for his entrepreneurial mindset and admirable courage in facing uncertainty and forging his own distinct path.
Honoring individual leadership that inspires
Horn Entrepreneurship grants the Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership to recognize individuals with outstanding contributions to advancing the understanding and practice of entrepreneurial leadership. Previous winners include Lee Brower, Kaihan Krippendorff, Dan Sullivan, Verne Harnish, and Michael Gerber.
Dave Raymond is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author who broke new ground as the original Phillie Phanatic and transformed the sports marketing industry with his innovative approach to the art of mascots. He then founded the Raymond Entertainment Group, reimagining brands for Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and universities and launching the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond his work with mascots and branding, Raymond’s dedication to teaching how fun can fuel genuine well-being is what truly sets him apart. In his keynote, The Evolution of Happiness, Raymond inspires others to embrace joy as a tool for lasting fulfillment, health, and productivity.
Additionally, the 2024 Siegfried Student Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership was presented to Nasir Young, UD alumnus and second-year graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. With dedication and confidence, Nasir relentlessly and admirably pursues work that he finds meaningful. Currently, he is completing his master’s degree in clinical social work, as well as supporting K-8 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“If you’re really curious, you can learn a lot from what other people have experienced in life,” said Rob Siegfried, CEO and Founder of Siegfried, encouraging guests to internalize and be reflective about the awardees’ remarks.
Preceding the award ceremony, select Horn Entrepreneurship students and special guests heard from UD professors, Dave Raymond, and Rob Siegfried in an educational workshop. Attendees learned how to prepare themselves for an unpredictable future – sure to include both success and failure, both happiness and life’s brutalities – by building their character ethic today.
Learning from leaders and unlocking success with character ethic
When faced with a future characterized by uncertainty in an ever-changing world, how do you define the path to success? In an empowering workshop prior to the 2024 award dinner, Horn Entrepreneurship students, including those in the Siegfried Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellows program at UD, explored character ethic as the answer.
UD’s Dr. Johann Ducharme kicked off the workshop with a presentation on leading change, being nimble, and cultivating character, asking students to consider how they could prepare for situations that have not yet happened and then urging them to synergize their intentions with their actions.
“Change is an essential part of leadership,” said Dr. Ducharme. “But there are things that you can do in the here and now to prepare you for an unknown future.”
Dave Raymond, joined by UD’s Nat Measley, further investigated the idea of character ethic as a universal key, a one-size-fits-all solution to unpredictable and not-yet-defined challenges. Specifically, the duo delved into two traits that have defined Raymond’s individual leadership and entrepreneurial journey – gratitude and kindness.
“If you pay attention to when you suffer and show gratitude, it’s where you learn the most,” explained Raymond, reflecting on how his unwavering growth mindset led him to success and happiness he never would have imagined possible.
“When you strengthen your character ethic, you will become a better individual leader,” echoed Rob Siegfried as he closed out the workshop by sharing insights on his life’s path and personal achievements. “Listening to others and maintaining a positive mindset – that’s everything.”
More information about the Firm is available at siegfriedgroup.com.
About The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried)
Siegfried is an entrepreneurial leadership organization that provides financial executives with a powerful combination of leadership advisory, talent delivery, and financial advisory services. Through this strategic bundle of services, leaders and financial decision makers can better clarify the best path forward and we can assist them with getting their most important work done right. For over 35 years, we’ve worked with our clients to deliver more than just success.
Our higher purpose is to help people transform themselves into better leaders to exponentially improve their lives.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
