Learning and Leading from the Back with Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer and Former NASL Goalkeeper

In Episode 123, Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer, former goalkeeper with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and two-time NCAA Division 1 All-American, talks with Paul and Phil about his windy road to leading US Youth Soccer, his thoughts on the highs and lows of the current state of soccer in the US, what he learned from his leadership positions in USA Swimming, USA Triathlon and USA Tennis, and how they helped him navigate the trials of leading USYS during COVID, his thoughts on early specialization in one sport, what drives him, how being a goalkeeper taught him about life and prepared him for his various leadership positions, encouraging goalkeepers to keep playing the position, his most influential coaches, and why it is so important to remember the KISS principle. Specifically, Skip discusses:

· His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to be where he is today – CEO of USYS (3:41)

· How he navigated starting his leadership position in January 2020 and how his experience in other disciplines and leadership positions with other sports helped him through the difficulties of COVID (7:24)

· His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out (12:01)

· His thoughts on early specialization, and a lesson from the world of tennis and Andy Roddick (13:43)

· Defining moments in his life and how they impacted his development (20:39)

· Business and life lessons we can learn from goalkeepers (24:38)

· Why it is important for parents and coaches to not to discourage kids from playing keeper when they enjoy the position (28:46)

· Why goalkeepers need to have a little bit of crazy in them (33:34)

· Some of the great coaches he has played for and a couple whose leadership stick out above the rest, and what he learned from those great coaches (36:36)

· His thoughts on the current state of US Soccer, and what we can do about it (40:36)

· How he has used lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting (1:02:22)

· His recommendations (1:07:19)

Resources and Links from this Episode

· USYS Website

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· HSEL Facebook Group

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Coaching the Bigger Game Program

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Clyde Best HSEL Episode

· 90 Minutes With The King, Tom Mulroy (releasing later this year)

· Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein