Stephen Vogt | Major League Manager, Cleveland Guardians | "Leaders don't get bad days."

In this episode of the Win More, Live Better Podcast, Zach sits down with Stephen Vogt, manager of the Cleveland Guardians and a former 10-year Major League Baseball veteran and two-time MLB All-Star.

Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007, Vogt spent years grinding through the minor leagues before making his big league debut in 2012. Over the next decade, he built a reputation as one of the most respected catchers in the game known not only for his performance, but for his leadership inside the clubhouse.

During his playing career, Vogt suited up for several organizations including the Rays, Athletics, Brewers, Giants, Diamondbacks, and Braves. Not long after hanging up his cleats, Vogt transitioned into coaching, joining the Seattle Mariners staff in 2023 as a bullpen and quality control coach. In November of 2023, he was named the 45th manager in Cleveland Guardians franchise history, becoming one of the youngest managers in Major League Baseball.

Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:
[5:53] — When Stephen Knew He'd Coach

[8:51] — Leadership Behind the Plate

[12:03] — Failure, Empathy, and Perspective

[16:49] — Transition from Player to Manager

[21:00] — The Emotional Weight of Coaching

[23:36] — Building Your Own Leadership Style

[26:14] — Self-Doubt and The Inner Critic

[30:30] — Three Non-Negotiables for the Team Culture

[35:06] — Warning Signs for Culture Drift

[39:29] — Creating Space for Truth-Telling

[44:01] — Building the Right Staff

[47:36] — The Power of Curiosity

[52:17] — Deleting Social Media to Protect Your Mind

[54:08] — Win Today

[55:48] — Learn the Lesson, Leave the Event

[58:29] — Support Behind the Scenes

[59:40] — Being Present as a Father

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