Lead 'Em Up

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom In this episode, we dive into what it really means to fight for leadership on a team, not with words, but with actions, consistency, and courage. Leadership isn't a title you're handed; it's something you earn every day by how you show up, hold others accountable, and protect the standards that define a winning culture. Download the Green Room Player Reflection Template, a simple PDF that coaches can use to have their players reflect on the episode. It's perfect for sparking discussion and capturing key takeaways. Download here: leademup.com/the-green-room-player-reflection-worksheet/

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom Some teammates don't listen. Some challenge your authority. Some drain the energy out of the locker room. But real leaders don't back down, they learn how to lead those who may seem unleadable. Whether you're a captain, aspiring leader, or just the one who cares the most, you'll get real strategies - 4 ways to lead challenging teammates, you'll learn how to bring out the best in players instead of calling out the worst in players, and the critical mindset tools to help you lead through resistance, build trust, and change team culture from the inside out. It's not about waiting for perfect teammates. It's about becoming the kind of leader who can handle anyone. Download the Green Room Player Reflection Template, a simple PDF that coaches can use to have their players reflect on the episode. It's perfect for sparking discussion and capturing key takeaways. Download here: leademup.com/the-green-room-player-reflection-worksheet/

Most people fear the discomfort of change, but what they don't realize is that the true pain often lies in staying exactly where they are. In this episode, we unpack the hidden cost of stagnation, the silent erosion of potential and purpose that comes from avoiding growth. You'll learn why leading others to the valley of despair is actually the motivator that will change the minds of those who overprice comfort and undervalue growth. If you've been stuck, hesitant, or playing it safe, this conversation will challenge your mindset and ignite your next move.

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom What if the key to unlocking leadership potential in your team isn't just about developing others, but about being the kind of person who is a joy to lead? In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked truth: leadership flows best through people who are enjoyable to lead. You'll learn the four traits of these individuals and how cultivating them can create a culture where leadership multiplies. We'll also explore a simple yet powerful question: Where are you today? Challenging, easy, or enjoyable to lead? Your answer could change everything about how you lead, and how others rise around you

Watch the full video here: leademup.com/greenroom You can't challenge someone to be great if you haven't earned their trust. In this episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked truths in sports leadership: before you can lead me, you need to know me. Championship teams aren't just talented, they're connected. They build relationships deep enough to allow for honest feedback, accountability, and real growth. So why do most teams skip straight to “calling each other out” without laying the foundation? In this episode, we will explore the truth that you can't challenge someone to be their best until you've earned their trust, and that trust only comes through genuine connection. This episode breaks down why peer leadership often fails in sports teams and how coaches and players can build the kind of culture where teammates lead each other effectively. Download the Green Room Player Reflection Template, a simple PDF that coaches can use to have their players reflect on the episode. It's perfect for sparking discussion and capturing key takeaways. Download here: https://leademup.com/the-green-room-player-reflection-worksheet/

As a coach, your standards set the tone for your team, but what happens when those standards shift from day to day? In this episode, we explore the impact of inconsistency in coaching: inconsistent call-outs, fluctuating expectations, and the confusion it creates for athletes trying to earn trust and clarity. We will dive into the “demo, drill, defend” strategy that reveals the secret to coaching with consistency and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode challenges you to examine your habits and ask: Are your standards steady, or do they depend on the day?

Coaches often say you learn more from losing than winning, but what if that's not the only way? In this episode, we flip the script and talk about how to build a culture where learning, reflection, and growth happen even in the midst of success. We'll discuss how the best place to learn is through wins, so you're not forced to grow only after a tough loss or rock-bottom moment. Great teams get better while they're winning, and so can yours.

What do you do when your team just doesn't have the talent to match the competition? Perhaps this is when leadership becomes more than X's and O's, it becomes about heart, culture, and character. In this episode, we dive into the mindset and strategies coaches need when they're outmatched on paper. From redefining success to accepting new strategies to make your team work, this conversation is all about how to coach well, even when wins are hard to come by, because some of the most meaningful victories have nothing to do with the final score.

We've all shared this idea, “What am I going to do next year? I taught that already?” Teaching the same concept more than once and wondering if it's even landing is a valid thought. But here's the truth: many coaches suffer from the leadership theory of going shallow on many, and deep on a few, as a result, athletes may never experience the depths of leadership mastery. In this episode, we examine the develop vs. introduce dynamic while exploring the process of evolution through one's ability to focus on a single concept. We'll break down the 5 levels of proficiency that will help you ignite your athlete's path to becoming an elite player-led team. The need to keep going deeper into the Lead ‘Em Up teachings isn't just necessary, it's a huge part of leadership proficiency. If you've ever been in doubt about repeating a concept, this episode will remind you why it matters and how to make every repetition count.

What happens when the leader gets hurt physically? In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of leading while injured. From maintaining credibility and presence to adapting your leadership style, we'll unpack the secret strategies for staying effective, authentic, and resilient in the face of personal setbacks. Whether you're sidelined temporarily or navigating a long recovery, this conversation offers real talk and practical insights for showing up as a leader, even when you're bruised, you're still in charge! Watch the full video here

Coaches often say, “I need leaders to step up,” but what does that really mean? In this episode, we break down the deeper message behind this call to action. Leadership in sports isn't just about being the loudest voice or the best player, it's about accountability, resilience, and making those around you better. We'll unleash a 3-step process for players to be green and build green teammates by practical insights for athletes to rise to the challenge. Whether you're a captain, a bench player, or someone striving to lead by example, this episode will inspire you to embrace the role of a leader inside and outside the lines of the game. Watch the video here

In this episode of the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, we explore the other side of “good.” All kids, good or bad, should receive an opportunity to raise their appetite for leadership. In fact, great leaders don't just accept good players, they empower their good players to grow, lead, and thrive within the program. We'll share 3 powerful reasons why coaches should go all-in on leadership development, especially when they have “good kids.” Also, we will examine a formula for good players to transition to great players. Whether you're a head coach looking for your kids to be great or phenomenal, this episode will inspire and protect coaches from the trap of settling for “good.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of celebrating small wins. Discover how acknowledging progress, no matter how small, can ignite team morale, foster a culture of positivity, and create unstoppable momentum. We'll share practical exercises, real-life anecdotes, and proven strategies to help you turn every milestone into a stepping stone for bigger victories.

In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up Podcast, we explore the art of coaching your coaches. Great leaders don't just develop players, they empower their assistant coaches to grow, lead, and thrive within the program. We'll share actionable strategies to foster collaboration, build trust, and equip your coaching staff with the skills they need to excel. Whether you're a head coach looking to strengthen your team or an assistant eager to step up, this episode will inspire and guide you on the path to leadership growth.

As a leader, you'll always encounter the 1%, those who resist, complain, or disengage. How you handle them can shape your effectiveness and impact. In this episode, we explore strategies to maintain your focus, engage your energy wisely, and avoid letting a small percentage derail your vision. If you've ever struggled with the outliers in your team or classroom, this conversation is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives you won't want to miss!

In this episode, we ask the hard question: Is the way others perceive you aligned with who you truly are, and are you showing up consistently across all areas of life? Discover how to increase the frequency of your influence and ensure your authenticity leaves a lasting impression. Tune in for insights that will challenge and inspire your leadership journey!

Leadership can be challenging and often times our perspective can get clouded as a result all the challenges around us. Enjoy this encouraging episode as you go through the holiday season to help keep your perspective fresh allowing you to live as your best self.

What makes a team magnetic to top talent? In this episode, we discuss the power of a strong team culture through the lens of the NFL's Washington Commanders and their recent surge in success. Join us as we explore how the Commanders' commitment to building a positive, resilient culture has not only boosted their performance but also attracted players eager to contribute. Discover why the right environment is the ultimate competitive edge in drawing talent that aligns with your mission and values.

In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest aspects of leadership: facing defeat and learning from it. Discover how setbacks can be powerful opportunities for growth, resilience, and recalibration when approached with the right mindset. We'll share strategies for turning defeat into motivation, lessons for future success, and stories of leaders who rose above their challenges. Tune in to learn how embracing defeat can lead to your strongest victories yet!

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated questions in sports and leadership: What comes first—winning or culture? Can a team win without the right culture, or does a winning mindset create the culture needed to succeed? We explore real-world examples, share our experiences, and break down how leaders can foster a culture that supports winning and sustains it long-term. This episode will leave you thinking about what really drives your team's potential.

In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast, we tackle the concept of "Development Drift"—the natural tendency to slip back into old habits after a burst of inspiration from training. We explore how true growth isn't measured by perfection but by raising your baseline or "floor" with every new learning experience. Even when drifting occurs, the key is ensuring that you don't fall as far as before. Tune in to discover how consistent leadership development creates lasting impact, helping you and your team elevate to higher levels over time.

In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast, we discuss the leadership lessons inspired by Hurricane Milton. We dive into the traits that emerged during this crisis, including resilience and adaptability. We highlight how leaders step up by prioritizing the needs of others, offering support, and leading with a heart of service. Tune in for valuable insights on how you can apply these lessons to lead your team through any storm.

In this episode, we dive into the power of stepping back and letting others step up. Too often, we over-engage and unintentionally stifle the growth of those around us. Learn how giving people the space to show what they're capable of can unlock potential, build trust, and drive team success. If you're ready to level up your leadership and create a stronger team dynamic, this one's for you!

We are going deep in this episode. This one is only for coaches who are mature enough to handle these truths. Learn how to lead from a deeper level and have the impact that you have on your athletes and organizations stick.

Leadership is a lifestyle. In this episode, we explore why real leadership goes beyond moments where people are watching and becomes a state of constant being. We discuss why leadership isn't something you turn on and off and how the best leaders embody leadership 24/7. From building trust to setting standards, we break down how leaders who are always on create a culture of excellence within their teams. Tune in as we share how to make leadership a non-stop commitment.

In this episode of the Lead ‘Em Up podcast we discuss the game-changing power of consistency in sports. We explore how consistent behaviors, attitudes, and habits create a foundation for success. Join us as we uncover why consistency isn't just a buzzword in sports, and why coaches should continually evaluate how their team is showing up and what competitive level they are at.

Are you aware of the biggest unknown threat to your team? In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up Podcast, we share what that threat is and why you need to address it immediately. Join us as we challenge you to take this threat seriously and provide you with the framework to eliminate it from your team.

In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up Podcast, we discuss what it means to fully embrace your role on a team. Whether you're the star player or a supportive role player, understanding and owning your unique position can elevate the entire team. We discuss practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-life examples to help you maximize your impact, no matter where you stand. Tune in to discover how embracing your role can lead to personal growth and team success!

In this episode of the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, we dive into the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. We explore practical strategies for confronting the fears that hold us back, the benefits of embracing discomfort, and how pushing boundaries can unlock new levels of growth and leadership. Join us as we challenge […] The post How To Leave Your Comfort Zone appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Join us for the “Coach Talk Series” on the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, where we unpack and discuss phrases that coaches have used for generations. From timeless wisdom to motivational mantras, we delve into the meaning and impact of these words on athletes and teams. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and discover how rephrasing […] The post Coach Talk Series Episode Four “We Need To Communicate!” appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Join us for the “Coach Talk Series” on the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, where we unpack and discuss phrases that coaches have used for generations. From timeless wisdom to motivational mantras, we delve into the meaning and impact of these words on athletes and teams. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and discover how rephrasing […] The post Coach Talk Series Episode Three: “How Bad Do You Want It?” appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Join us for the “Coach Talk Series” on the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, where we unpack and discuss phrases that coaches have used for generations. From timeless wisdom to motivational mantras, we delve into the meaning and impact of these words on athletes and teams. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and discover how rephrasing […] The post Coach Talk Series Episode Two: “Everybody's a Leader” appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Join us for the “Coach Talk Series” on the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, where we unpack and discuss phrases that coaches have used for generations. From timeless wisdom to motivational mantras, we delve into the meaning and impact of these words on athletes and teams. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and discover how rephrasing […] The post Coach Talk Series Episode One: “We need leaders to step up!” appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

All athletes are familiar with injuries whether they are minor or major. They all share in their desire to not get injured and every athlete knows staying healthy is key to be successful. Athletes also understand “if” they get injured, they need to work their way back into action whether that's through rest, recovery or […] The post Do Your Players Suffer Leadership Injuries? appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

In this episode, we discuss a common challenge faced by coaches: what to do when their athletes participate in another sport where leadership and character development are not emphasized. How do you prevent leadership slippage from your athletes? How can you get other coaches to buy in? Join us as we discuss practical strategies for […] The post The Continuity Advantage appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of consistently delivering peak performance. We explore what it means to show up at your best, every single time, and how to maintain that high level of excellence. Join us as we discuss strategies for sustaining top-tier performance and the impact it has on your team and personal […] The post Who Gets Our Special? appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, “Coaches Championship Series: The Journey.” In our six-part series, we dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by Coach Sean […] The post Championship Series – The Coaches Journey: #6 – Sean Dooley appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, “Coaches Championship Series: The Journey.” In our six-part series, we dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by Coach Sean […] The post Championship Series – The Coaches Journey: #5 – Sean Kovar appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, “Coaches Championship Series: The Journey.” In our six-part series, we dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by long-time Lead […] The post Championship Series – The Coaches Journey #4 – Kyle Brasher appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, ‘Coaches Championship Series: The Coaches Journey. In our six-part series, we dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by Coach […] The post Championship Series – The Coaches Journey #3 – Kaleb Money appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, ‘Coaches Championship Series: The Journey.. In our six-part series w dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by Coach Eric […] The post Championship Series – The Couches Journey: #2 – Eric Burnett appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Unlock the secrets of coaching excellence with our six-part series, ‘Championship Series: Coaches Edition. In our six-part series we dive into the minds of championship coaches as they share their unique paths to success, revealing the pivotal moments and strategies that led to championship glory. In this episode, we are joined by Coach Chris Woodside. […] The post Championship Series Coaches Edition #1 – Chris Woodside appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

We are thrilled to be joined once again by our friend Andrew Simpson. Andrew joins us in this episode to discuss his new book, “ The Unstoppable Athlete: 12 Keys to Unlock Your Full Potential.” This is a must-list for coaches, athletes, and parents. Our insightful conversation with Andrew reveals how to boost confidence, mindset, […] The post Andrew Simpson appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Details are the separator between good and great teams. Join us in part two with Chick-fil-A's Kaylan Anderson as we delve into the secrets behind how her team consistently separates itself from the competition by excelling in the small details. Join us as Kayla shares how they train their team members to prioritize and care […] The post Kayla Anderson Part 2 – The Details Aren't Small Things appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

In this episode, we are joined by our friend Kayla Anderson from Chick-fil-A, a long-time friend and supporter of Lead ‘Em Up. Join us as we explore the power of deeply instilling the values of CFA into team members. Kayla shares insights on how their team goes beyond just talking about values on day one, […] The post Kayla Anderson Part 1 – The Power of Instilling appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Join us on our latest episode as we unveil the transformative power of Lead ‘Em Up Classroom! In this episode, we share four key ways our program revolutionizes the school experience. Learn how educators across the country are enhancing the relationships on campus, improving student engagement and behavior, bringing new life and energy to the […] The post Four Ways To Transform Your School Experience appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

How do you know if your team's leadership is increasing? In this episode of the Lead ‘Em Up podcast, we're discussing the intricate landscape of tracking your team's leadership journey. We'll unveil the most effective tools and techniques to monitor growth and conduct insightful evaluations. Join us as we explore how to identify strengths, address […] The post How To Track Your Team's Leadership appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Athletic Directors play an essential role in the success of a school's athletic department. We all know leadership wins, but should AD's make leadership training mandatory? Join us for a riveting discussion on whether Athletic Directors should mandate Lead ‘Em Up for their teams. We'll explore the potential benefits of making leadership training mandatory, considering […] The post Should AD's Make Lead ‘Em Up Mandatory appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

Have you ever had athletes fail to step and lead, when you know they can do so? What prevents our athletes from leading when they can do so? Tune in to this fascinating episode and discover the number one thing that prevents our athletes from leading greater. In the episode, we share many helpful tips […] The post The #1 Thing Preventing Our Athletes From Leading Greater appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

We are joined once again by Lead ‘Em Up member coaches Brad Storm and Ryan Winckler. In this episode, Brad and Ryan unpack and discuss the most surprising answer Brad gave at a Live Training we recently hosted at their school. Brad's response cuts right to the heart of why we do what we do. […] The post The Most Surprising Answer You Wouldn't Expect appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.

In this episode, we are joined by Lead ‘Em Up member coaches Brad Storm and Ryan Winckler. Brad and Ryan share how they were able to successfully roll out Lead ‘Em Up at their school. If you've ever wondered what Lead ‘Em Up could look like and what it could do your for school community, […] The post Living Out The Green Team with Erie High School appeared first on Lead 'Em Up.