The Courage to Listen: How the Indianapolis Indians Turned a Challenge Into an Opportunity with Randy Lewandowski
What happens when an organization is challenged to reconsider something deeply connected to its identity and history? In this episode of Difference Talks, we sit down with Randy Lewandowski, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Indians, to explore leadership, culture, customer experience and the transformative power of listening.
Randy shares the story behind the Indianapolis Indians' brand refresh and the organization's journey to better understand Native American heritage, engage with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana, listen to employees and stakeholders, and ultimately create a path forward that honored the team's history while embracing its future. It's about being willing to hear perspectives that challenge your own, recognizing that you can't please everyone, building genuine partnerships and understanding that meaningful change is a journey—not a finish line.
Randy Lewandowski
Randy is President and CEO of the Indianapolis Indians, a role he has held since 2024 after being named President in 2016. He joined the Indians as a ticket office intern in 1994 and has spent more than three decades rising through the organization’s ranks. In 2024, he was named Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year. Randy is known for his focus on customer experience, employee culture, community relationships, and long-term organizational success.
Key Takeaways
· (16:01) Listening can be more powerful than having the right answer.
· (18:59) You can’t please everyone—and that’s OK.
· (13:36) Challenges can become opportunities for growth.
Join the Conversation: We hope you enjoy this episode with Randy Lewandowski. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!
Where to find more:
https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/team/front-office/randy-lewandowski
https://www.mlb.com/milb/indianapolis
https://www.labov.com/our-work/indianapolis-indians