How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast Playing in Freedom with Kevin O'Brien, Lipscomb University Women's Soccer Head Coach
In Episode 133, Kevin O'Brien, Head Coach of Lipscomb University and former College of Charleston and professional footballer, talks with Phil and Paul about what he learned from playing in college/professionally and coaching at multiple universities as assistant and head coach, how he is living out his personal mission, what it was like to coach the legend, Paul Jobson, why an appetite for learning and note taking are critical for a young coach, why the human element is just as important as licenses, strategy, recruiting, and tactics, a huge mistake he made and how it taught him the importance of authenticity, reverse mentorship, playing in freedom, the importance of being mom or dad (not coach) at home, why all great leaders have an big appetite to learn and develop, and much more. Specifically, Kevin discusses:
· His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching, and how he ended up coaching at Lipscomb University (3:23)
· His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out in his coaching and ministry (6:36)
· The ultimate goal guiding him in his coaching (8:47)
· What is was like to coach the legend, Paul Jobson, as a young assistant coach at Presbyterian College (11:55)
· Advice for younger coaches from lessons he learned as a young coach working up the ranks (13:27)
· How his time playing professionally with the Charlotte Eagles impacted him and taught him lessons about life and leadership (20:11)
· How he partners with his wife in ministry and coaching, and why she has a unique vantage point that helps him in his coaching of women's soccer (23:39)
· A defining moment in his soccer career and how it impacted his life and leadership (28:54)
· How he uses the lessons learned in his defining moment to shape his coaching philosophy (34:31)
· The best coaches he "played for" and what he learned from them (38:08)
· His thoughts on the current state of youth soccer in the US (49:05)
· How he has used lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (55:17)
· His recommendations (1:03:26)
Resources and Links from this Episode
· Lipscomb University Women's Soccer
· Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast)
· Coaching the Bigger Game Program
· Phil's email for DISC Training
· All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur