Win More, Live Better

This episode explores the famous story of Muhammad Ali’s stolen red bicycle and how one painful childhood moment became an unexpected spark in his journey toward greatness. We break down why adversity often shapes drive, what research shows about performers who turn hardship into fuel, and how purpose evolves as identity evolves. You’ll also hear how athletes like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Simone Biles have channeled their own sources of motivation.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

This episode dives into what happens when the role you’ve built no longer matches the life you want. If you’ve ever felt a pull toward a different future, this one’s for you. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Today I’m joined by Cody Royle who spends his days coaching some of the top head coaches in elite sport.Cody is a former head coach of Canada’s men’s AFL national team. He’s the author of three books (Where Others Won’t, The Tough Stuff, and Second Set of Eyes) and previously hosted the leadership podcast Where Others Won’t, where he explored how great teams and leaders actually thrive. In this conversation, Cody pulls back the curtain on the emotional reality of coaching at the highest level. He shares a story of a terrible tragedy that reshaped his understanding of leadership and was the catalyst for him to write The Tough Stuff. We talk about why the real burden on modern coaches isn’t “expectations” but the weight of caring. Cody also walks through his four-part “Coach Craft” model and introduces the idea of “coaching free” as the coach’s version of flow. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:27] — How Tragedy Led to "The Tough Stuff" Book[8:56] — The Emotional Gap in Coaching[11:34] — Asking For Help[16:30] — Becoming a Coach for Head Coaches[20:58] — The Real Weight of Leadership[25:03] — Distributing the Weight of Leadership[27:20] — Reframing Time Away from Kids[30:59] — From Playing Free to "Coaching Free"[35:25] — Three Questions Every Coach Should Answer[39:36] — Short-Term Results and Long-Term Transformation[43:44] — The Four Crafts of Coaching[50:15] — Why Coaching is Still in Third Gear[57:16] — Learning From Other Environments[1:06:51] — Coaching is for Elite Leaders TooMore Resources from Cody:To learn more about Cody's coaching, email newsletter, and books, I'd encourage you to check out his website here: https://www.codyroyle.com/More Resources from Zach:For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

This episode explores how one of the NFL's all-time best wide receivers, Larry Fitzgerald, extended his greatness by inviting some of his top competitors to train with him one offseason. We'll discuss the curiosity that helped him excel and his proactive approach to learning, even while at the top of the NFL. This episode is a guide for anyone who wants to stay hungry after success. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Some teams are overflowing with talent yet never reach their ceiling. S today's episode explores John Maxwell’s “Law of the Lid” principle and how a leader’s personal growth directly shapes the ceiling of their team’s potential. Through stories like Mike Norvell’s developmental approach at Memphis University and coaching trees from legends like Tara VanDerveer and Nick Saban, we break down how leaders either raise or restrict the impact of those around them. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Discover how Sam Brannan became the Gold Rush’s first millionaire by selling supplies instead of mining. Learn about leveraging opportunities instead of just working harder. Explore the power of anticipation as a key to separating elite performers from the rest. Gain insights on creating systems that provide lasting advantages. This insightful discussion provides practical tools for coaches and leaders, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and strategic foresight. Slow down, see what others miss, and find your hidden leverage!

What do you do when your team is struggling? Discover how focusing on individual relationships can reshape a team's culture. Zach shares the heartwarming story of Operation Starfish, emphasizing the power of small, meaningful actions. He dives into the Diamondbacks' challenging season and reveals strategies from an NBA staff's relationship audit. Learn how one-on-one investment in players can restore belief and purpose, ultimately transforming adversity into opportunity for growth.

Explore the concept of defensive visualization, which prepares you for pressure and adversity rather than just success. Discover how MLB pitchers can falter without visualizing high-pressure scenarios. Learn about the signal light framework that helps athletes recognize mental shifts and respond effectively. This insightful discussion encourages coaches to teach athletes not only to anticipate achievements but also to rehearse composure in the face of challenges. It’s a powerful reminder that true calm is cultivated in chaos.

Today’s episode explores a valuable mental model for high performers called “the map is not the territory.” From GPS detours to in-game adjustments, this episode unpacks the art of staying aware, updating your plan in real time and leading with confident flexibility when reality refuses to follow the script. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Every performer faces storms, but knowing how to drop your anchor is key. Personal strengths serve as that anchor, offering stability during challenges. Instead of fixating on weaknesses, it's crucial to lean into what you do best. Zach shares insightful discussions that reveal reliable skills that ground individuals. He emphasizes the importance of routines and healthy effort in steadying performance. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to identify and trust their anchors to navigate turbulent times.