Debbie Laskey's Blog: National Cheerleading Week and CHEERLEADERS FOR LEADERS

Were you a cheerleader in high school or college? If yes, then you probably know lots of cheers. But if not, then you might not realize just how important the cheer team can be in creating excitement for fans in the stands.

Celebrated the first week of March every year, National Cheerleading Week is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of cheer athletes to the world of sports. The holiday was started in 2005 by Linda Lundy, a former coach, choreographer, and judge.

According to NationalToday.com, "Cheerleading combines gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, all wrapped up with poise and grace. It also requires week-long, sometimes, months-long intense training to put on a great show. Cheerleading requires agility, strength, flexibility, stamina, and an active mind to learn new routines. National Cheerleading Week recognizes this fact and is dedicated to bringing the spotlight to the hard work and dedication of these athletes. On November 2, 1898, a medical student named Johnny Campbell, in the spirit of the game, started cheering with the words “Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-U-Mah! Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Minn-e-so-tah!” It worked magic, and the team won. This cemented his place as the world’s first cheerleader. Although the sport is female-dominated today, it wasn’t until the 1920's when women started joining the University of Minnesota, and by the 1940's, as a result of men going to fight in World War II, that women began joining in large numbers."

And now, let's pivot from the history and importance of cheerleading to an article I read recently entitled, "The 10 Cheerleaders that Every Female Leader Needs" by Deborah Grayson Riegel, a keynote speaker and consultant who teaches leadership communication for Wharton Business School and Columbia Business School and is also a regular contributor for Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, Forbes, and Fast Company.

I'm highlighting Riegel's article for two reasons today: first, in recognition of National Cheerleaders Week that takes place during the first week of March each year; and second, in recognition of Women's History Month, an observance dedicated to the accomplishments and achievements of women in history that are often overlooked that takes place during March each year.

According to NationalToday.com, "In 1980, the National Women’s History Alliance championed for the holiday to be observed, and it was backed by President Jimmy Carter, who issued the first proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. Since 1987, the month-long observance has been observed annually in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia."

Riegel began her article, "Wendy. Leslie. Michael. Ellen. Priya. Ben. Every female leader needs a support system to thrive – and those names represent (a subset of) my support system. I’m talking about our own personal cheerleading squad – the unsung heroes who have our backs, lift us up, and help us soar to new heights in our careers. Our personal cheerleaders are the folks who boost us emotionally and practically – without a risk of pulling a hammy. So, who are these magical beings, you ask? Let me break it down for you with 10 types of cheerleaders every woman needs in her corner."

Riegel provided details about 10 types of cheerleaders, and I'm going to share my five favorites below:

THE MENTOR MAVEN

According to Riegel, this person helps navigate the twists and turns of leadership by providing a wealth of experience in a specific field.

THE SPONSOR SUPERSTAR

According to Riegel, this person sings your praises behind closed doors and also opens doors to game-changing opportunities.

THE CONNECTOR CHAMPION

According to Riegel, this person understands your goals and proactively (that is very important!) makes relevant introductions.

THE FEEDBACK FRIEND

According to Riegel, this person helps you see your blind spots to grow as a leader. "They're the Simon Cowell to your American Idol audition - but nicer."

THE VISIONARY VALIDATOR

According to Riegel, this person is forward-thinking and believes in your potential. This person challenges you to take risks and seize opportunities.

When asked to explain the reason for writing the article, Riegel told me, "I wrote it because women need different kinds of support at different times, and being intentional about who's in your corner makes all the difference. Based on my work with thousands of women leaders, I've seen firsthand how the right cheerleaders help women bounce back from setbacks and keep aiming high."

For more details about the full list of ten, you'll have to read the entire article (link below). My applause and gratitude to Deb Riegel for writing this worthwhile and memorable post. I hope it inspired you today!

Lastly, here are three more leadership tips from a recent leadership conversation I had with Deb leading up to the publication of her new book, AIM HIGH AND BOUNCE BACK:

* Employees rise or sink depending on expectations.

* Three characteristics of a consensus-builder are: empathy, diplomacy, and reading the room.

* Women should play on the "women's team," but they must also play on other teams to be truly collaborative.

Debbie Laskey's Blog

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

National Cheerleading Week and CHEERLEADERS FOR LEADERS

THE MENTOR MAVEN

THE SPONSOR SUPERSTAR

THE CONNECTOR CHAMPION

THE FEEDBACK FRIEND

THE VISIONARY VALIDATOR

SHARE THIS: In 1954, the Baltimore Colts rewrote history as the first NFL team to introduce cheerleaders. #FunFact #CheerleadersForLeaders #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Four US Presidents were cheerleaders in college: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush. #FunFact #CheerleadersForLeaders #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. ~Shirley Chisholm #WomensHistoryMonth #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: The world needs women at every table where decisions are being made. ~United Nations #WomensHistoryMonth #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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