Humble and Hungry

In this episode of the Leading Edge Podcast, we engage in a riveting conversation with Paul Jones, Athletic Director at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California. With his extensive athletic experience and ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Jones offers his unique perspective on cultivating grit, resilience, and mental fortitude among student-athletes. He discusses the vital role of a servant leader in creating a supportive and secure environment within his athletic programs while maintaining a culture of accountability. Insights offered by Jones serve as an invaluable resource for other coaches and athletic directors looking to empower student-athletes to excel, both in sports and their future endeavors. Tune into this episode for an enlightening discussion on fostering grit, resilience, and mental toughness in high school athletes.READ MORE Leading Edge Content with Paul Jones HERELEARN MORE about Paul Jones HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Join us on the Leading Edge podcast as we welcome Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and now a renowned speaker, author, and leadership consultant. Bechler shares his insights on positivity and coachability in leadership roles. He passionately discusses the importance of empowering others to lead. Whether you're an experienced leader or a newcomer, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. READ MORE Leading Edge Content with Jamy Bechler HERELEARN MORE about Jamy Bechler HERETwitter: @CoachBechlerInstagram: @BechlerLeadershipFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

In this episode of The Leading Edge Podcast, we were joined by Heather Macy, Head Basketball Coach at Greensboro College and innovative Founder of 2 Feet In Coaching. Coach Macy discusses the importance of realizing your potential to balance physical and mental health. She shares her expertise on strategic recruiting practices and building a successful program while putting your athletes and team first. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from a seasoned expert in the field.Editors Note: Heather Macy has since taken a new and exciting opportunity as Head Basketball Coach at Barry University.For more information on Coach Heather Macy and 2 Feet In Coaching:2 Feet In Website:  www.go2feetin.comTwitter/Instagram: @2feetincoachingEmail: heather.macy@greensboro.eduREAD MORE Leading Edge Content on with Coach Heather Macy HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Join Ryan Friedline, Director of Game Presentation and Fan Engagement at The University of Arizona, as he shares his insights on creating electrifying sports event experiences. In this episode, Ryan Friedline emphasizes the importance of fan engagement in shaping unforgettable events.  Friedline believes that students' contributions to athletic events create a vibrant and unique campus culture, and leaders should empower student collaboration in events whenever possible. Explore what it takes to craft a dynamic sports event, and learn how athletic departments can leverage student culture to create lively and exciting events and enhance community on this episode of The Leading Edge Podcast.READ MORE Leading Edge Content on Ryan Friedline HERE LEARN MORE about Ryan Friedline HERETwitter: @FriedlineRyanInstagram: @Ryan.FriedlineFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online 

Join Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach turned bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, and professional speaker, as he shares his invaluable insights on becoming an exceptional teammate. In this episode, Lance Loya delves into the significance of defining team roles and nurturing strong connections to shape a team's culture. Learn from his experiences and expertise to apply being a good teammate in different settings, and elevate your personal and professional relationships to new heights. READ MORE Leading Edge Content on Lance Loya HERELEARN MORE about Lance Loya HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Don Showalter, Head Coach and Director of Coach Development for the USA Basketball Youth Division, emphasizes the importance of good leadership fundamentals that transcend across all sports and activities. Coach Showalter stresses that success doesn't come naturally and takes effort and time. He believes that, as leaders, we must give ourselves and our programs breathing space, and stick to our process. Tune into the Leading Edge Podcast to hear insightful tips on successful leadership from Coach Don Showalter.READ MORE Leading Edge Content on with Coach Don Showalter HERELEARN MORE about Don Showalter HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Dr. Richard Woodruff, Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator at Stockton Unified School District and Commissioner of the Central California Esports League, discusses the value of esports teams on high school campuses, the concept of integrating digital and physical selves—particularly as it pertains to young people and their use of social media and video games—how to start an esports program, what we can learn about burnout in student-athletes from esports, and more!For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

As President and CEO of Triple Threat Leadership, Dr. Scott Grant is revolutionizing the way coaches and program leaders help students become confident adults.Utilizing personal branding exercises to first define mission, vision, and values, his process prepares student-athletes to approach social media as a tool for empowerment. His strategies offer invaluable insight into how to put one's best foot forward both online and off. “Doc G” also has extensive knowledge on NIL (name image likeness) and advises student-athletes, parents, and coaches navigating their way through the opportunities and pitfalls of today's sports landscape.LEARN MORE about Dr. Grant HERE FOLLOW Dr. Scott Grant on twitter HERELEARN MORE about Triple Threat Leadership HERE LEARN MORE about NIL HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Joe Pellertio is a Leadership Development Strategist for Capturing Kids' Hearts®, an organization that “equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.”His path as an educator, coach, and leadership mentor has supercharged his expertise and perspective on making a difference with your group. Joe is also the creator of The ReChoice Podcast, where guests share valuable insights and explore how to embrace new perspectives and commit to them. LEARN MORE about Joe HERE LISTEN to Joe's Podcast “ReChoice” HERE LEARN MORE about the Capturing Kids' Heart Organization HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Kevin Broene is a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most recently added “company founder” to his list of titles, all of which has given him an incredible perspective on what it truly means to be a good leader for students.In 2017, Broene founded Grit Leadership, a leadership evaluation software that anonymously surveys thousands of coaches everywhere, giving Broene a birds-eye view of the coaching field. With this data at his disposal, coach Broene has found areas where he and his fellow leaders can improve.LEARN MORE about Kevin at www.gritleadershipea.comREAD Kevin's article on Leading EdgeFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Since finding the sport of competitive weightlifting in 2016, Catherine Nye has earned impressive accolades ranging from junior and senior world champion titles to be named the 2019 International Weightlifting Federation Lifter of the Year. As of this week, she can add Olympic Silver Medalist to the growing list, her perfomance at the Tokyo Olympic Games earning her the highest medal the U.S. has won in the sport in over 20 years. This conversation was originally recorded a year before her historic silver metal performance and provides insight into her physical and mental preparation, her thoughts on what makes a great coach and athlete relationship great, as well as covers the details of her path from gymnastics to sport sampling and ultimately, finding her passion for weightlifting.The Snap Raise podcast  interview impactful thinkers and doers to help coaches, educators, and leaders to build a program that makes a difference Snap raise believes every kid needs a champion and the snap raise podcast exists to fuel those champions. VIEW the original webinar recording here.FOLLOW @katerineenye on in here.LEARN MORE about Snap! Raise here.

Chris Partridge has climbed the football coaching ranks quickly while having much success in the past decade. Originally recorded as a webinar for Snap! Raise LIVE, this interview covers his commitment to coaching via relationships, his successful transition from the high school game to NCAA Division 1, and insights into the work ethic he believes in necessary to succeed.In 2010, Partridge took over a Paramus Catholic High School football program that was the 4,250th ranked team in the country. Five years later, after winning a New Jersey state championship and achieving the distinction of being ranked the 4th best team in the country, Partridge left Paramus Catholic to coach in the NCAA. Starting his college coaching career as a recruiting coordinator at the University of Michigan he is currently in his second year as co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss.VIEW the original webinar recording here.FOLLOW @coachcpartridge here.LEARN MORE about Snap! Raise here.

 "Miss Val" is regarded as one of the most accomplished gymnastics coaches of all-time. During her 28 year stretch as head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's gymnastics team, Miss Val captured 7 national championships and an amazing 18 PAC-12 championships.  Originally recorded as a webinar for Snap! Raise LIVE, this interview covers her deep-rooted philosophy on success, her close relationship with Coach John Wooden, and the important work she thinks is ahead for coaches, educators, and leaders.VIEW the original webinar recording here.FOLLOW Miss Val here.LEARN MORE about Snap! Raise here.

Head Coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, Michele Madison, is entering her 15th season as head coach. Coach Madison led Virginia to its first ever ACC Championship in 2016, and ‘Hoos have been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Fresh off of their 2019 NCAA Championship semi-final game appearance, Virginia is looking to earn its third Final Four appearance in as many years this coming season. Michele Madison's other notable accomplishments include: Coach Madison is the only coach to lead three different field hockey programs to the NCAA tournament. She has recruited and coached the only three-time NFHCA player of the year. She is one of two active Division 1 coaches to be a part of US Olympic coaching staffs.Listen as she talks about how she consistently builds teams of the highest calibre on The Leading Edge Podcast.

Sidelined USA, a non-profit organization, exists to reunite permanently sidelined athletes with their passions and inspire them to find a meaningful way forward. The free resources they provide are relevant not only to athletes experiencing loss but, now more than ever, to any individual or program disrupted from the pursuit of their goals.Co-founder Christine Pinalto joins The Leading Edge Podcast to share strategies to help leaders navigate communication and culture in the face of adversity. Read more at LeadingEdge.snap-raise.com or visit their website at www.sidelinedusa.org.

Betsy Butterick (The Coach’s Coach and Communication Specialist) joins The Leading Edge Podcast. An incredible career in athletics has given her a unique and powerful perspective on coaching, leadership and communication as well as exposure to a diverse group of teams and groups. From playing basketball at the junior college, D1 and D3 level to then coaching and assisting programs at Stanford women's basketball, the University of Washington and the Seattle Storm (during one of their three championship winning runs) --- Betsy's has develop as a master communicator and valuable collaborator for players and coaches alike. Please enjoy our conversation with Besty Butterick.Read her Q&A article from this episode here.

Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism focuses on the importance of simplification in finding success and fulfillment-- to drill down on the truly important. His book challenges readers to abandon the mantra of “more is better” and celebrate the trade-off of eliminating the trivial many for the vital few. In this interview he shares practical advice on how to start down the path of essentialism. For more check out the article on Leading Edge.

Coach Hicks of Ann Arbor, MI shares his approach to keeping his team engaged while not meeting physically, how he pushes himself and instilling a work ethic that lasts the test of time.

Coronado Head Baseball Coach, Morgan Cummins shares insights from a lifetime of experience in the San Diego baseball scene, the impact of his mentors and the coaching philosophy he has developed over the years.

In this episode, Head Coach Shawn Dodd shares about returning to coach at his Alma Mater, Eastlake North High School (located outside of Cleveland), dealing with adversity and his coaching philosophy.

Montville High School Cheerleading coach Kelsey O'Conner explains her approach and the importance of consistency and community.

In this episode I catch up with DJ Eidson, Co-founder and COO of Limitless Minds. DJ shares the adversity he faced growing up and how his mom’s phrase “It is what it is.” laid the foundation for his neutral mindset. We talk about teaching athletes to have the right mindset, the importance of modeling it first as a coach, and how the lessons from sports can teach us some of the bigger lessons in life.

In this episode I catch up with Coach Mike Suarez. He is the Head Basketball Coach of Gilroy High School. In the wake a an active shooting, Mike is hoping a winning season can help his community heal. What sticks out to me about Mike is how much he cares about his student athletes. Checkout his team mantra: “In case we die tomorrow, I love you.”