One of the most notorious streaks in all of professional sports has come to an end. Last night, the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, their first title in an astonishing 108 years, and they did so in supremely entertaining fashion. Down at one point in the series 3 games to 1 to the Cleveland Indians, the Cubs looked destined for another heartbreaking season. However, they battled back, winning three games in a row and eventually taking the best-of-seven series. As if that weren’t dramatic enough, they were tied at the end of 9 innings, and required an extra inning to put the Indians away 8-7.

Considering the enormity of the win, the historic nature of the accomplishment, and the fact that a good portion of the western world was watching, you could forgive Theo Epstein (President of Baseball Operations for the Cubs) for crowing, just a little bit, after the win. After all, this was the second time he’d led a legendary ball club to break their winless streak: in 2004, as GM of the Boston Red Sox, he led that team to their first World Series win in 71 years.

Instead, doused in champagne, physically embraced by Bill Murray, the eyes of the world upon him, Theo Epstein demonstrated the very leadership traits that have contributed so significantly to his past successes: “I just wanna thank everyone who’s ever put on a Cubs uniform or who’s ever rooted for the Cubs. It’s been 108 years of love, support, patience, waiting for a team like this to make it happen on a night like this. You guys are all world champs tonight, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

His words are class personified, and the poise he demonstrates in his genuflection is inspiring.  For that reason it has earned Theo Epstein yet another title, as winner of this week’s Speakers’ Spotlight ‘Speak of the Week’.