Resilience Through Setbacks: Lessons from Evan Marshall

Resilience Begins with Honesty.

Resilience Through Setbacks: Lessons from Evan Marshall

By Julia LeFevre

When former Major League pitcher Evan Marshall took the mound, most people saw the polished athlete. What they did not see were the setbacks that nearly ended his career.

A 107 mph line drive to the head. Multiple skull fractures. Emergency brain surgery. Months of rehab relearning the basics. Later in his career, torn ligaments and surgeries forced him to begin again more than once.

Each of these moments could have closed the door on his career. Instead, Evan chose to return, to rebuild, and to lead with resilience.

What His Story Teaches Us About Leadership

Resilience begins with honesty. You cannot rebuild what you will not admit is broken.

Resilience strengthens through repetition. Each return from injury gave Evan greater perspective and discipline.

Resilience influences others. Evan’s teammates trusted him not because he was the most gifted, but because he endured and kept showing up.

Evan’s experience is a reminder that resilience is not about avoiding setbacks. It is about finding the strength to continue, to lead, and to keep moving forward even when progress feels slow.

A Next Step for Leaders

If you are leading a team and want to strengthen resilience, begin by creating space for honest reflection. Teams do not grow when challenges are ignored. They grow when leaders model how to face setbacks directly and use them as fuel for progress.

I work with leaders and organizations to apply neuroscience and practical tools that transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and renewed confidence.

If this is the kind of leadership culture you want, let's start a conversation.