As a team conditioner, Donny doesn't just talk the talk; he will walk the walk and earn the players respect. Most teams would struggle to find this influence and have their group follow where the support staff need them to go, to prepare for a long season.
Reading Donny's feedback, you get the sense he sees himself as a motivator amongst the group, and not elevated above them. His use of the term 'men' when speaking of the group, speaks volumes of the high regard in which he holds the squad he works with.
I get the sense he learnt a lot of this during his time in the services, where you will sink or swim depending on how you hold yourself amongst the group, particularly in a leadership role.