How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast

In Episode 154, we are recasting our episode with Dan Abrahams, Sports Psychologist, best-selling author of four books, Founder of the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show Podcast, and former pro golfer, who talks with Phil about his sports psychology work, his books, and his podcast, the concepts of "Teamship" and motivational climate, extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation, pre-failing, self-leadership, his personal why, how we can coach difficult players by asking great questions, and whether we can recreate the pressure of a penalty kick outside of a match. Specifically, Dan discusses: · His story, his work with Premier League and other football/soccer teams, his books, his podcast, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (3:31) · What excites him about the increase of awareness of the importance of mindset and sports psychology in sports over the past several years (13:53) · In which sport the mental game is more important: soccer or golf (20:04) · The concept of "Teamship" and why it is important (26:49) · The Motivational Climate of a Team, what it is, and what it has to do with a team's culture and burnout (30:13) · Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation, get-to vs. have-to mentality, and how they are related to short- and long-term performance (43:07) · The concept of pre-failing (49:01) · Why self-leadership and a leader's mindset are important (53:13) · His personal why and how it is playing out in his life (59:05) · "Not" coaching difficult players, but teaching them to coach themselves through questions (1:01:23) · How personality styles are related to the sports psychology work (1:05:45) · Whether it is possible to recreate the pressure of a penalty kick in a training environment (1:09:31) · How he uses lessons learned in soccer in his family relationships (1:14:16) · His recommendation, which is very personal to him (1:15:44) Resources and Links from this Episode Dan's Website The Sport Psych Show Podcast Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke's email address Soccer Tough: Simple Football Psychology Techniques to Improve Your Game, by Dan Abrahams Soccer Tough 2: Advanced Psychology Techniques for Footballers, by Dan Abrahams Soccer Brain: The 4C Coaching Model for Developing World Class Player Mindsets and a Winning Football Team, by Dan Abrahams Golf Tough: Practice, Prepare, Perform, and Progress, by Dan Abrahams The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance, by W. Timothy Gallwey

In Episode 153, we are going way back to the first half of our first season and recasting one of our most impactful and most downloaded interviews. In this conversation, Eric Pfeiffer, Founder and Senior Consultant of MPWR Coaching and Collegiate Soccer Player, talks with Phil about emotional intelligence, dealing with insecurities, self-love, permission to fail, the journey of growth, conflict resolution, and much more. Specifically, he discusses: · His story and how his experience playing soccer intersects with other areas of his life and leadership (3:25) · Emotional intelligence and why it is critical to success in soccer and leading others in any area of life (7:36) · How coaching sports organizations is the same as coaching any other organizations (9:47) · Insecurities, how they affect us in soccer and other areas of life, and how we can overcome them in sport and life (14:01) · How self-love is different from narcissism and why the distinction is important to understand (19:06) · Permission to fail and why it's necessary to learn how to embrace failure and fail forward (22:21) · How insecurities and emotional unintelligence manifest themselves in our lives (and on the soccer pitch) and why overcoming them is essential to flourishing in life (25:19) · The journey of growth and phases of development for anything worth doing (30:18) · Creating a culture that celebrates healthy failure (33:27) · What soccer teaches us about conflict resolution and how we can work through conflict together in a healthy way (42:09) · How he uses the lessons he learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (48:39) · His recommendation of a book that impacted his thinking of the intersection of soccer, life, and leadership (53:34) Resources and Links from this Episode · Audio with subtitles available on our YouTube channel (video not available due to technical difficulties) · MPWR Coaching website · Eric Pfeiffer on LinkedIn · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Providence World (to financially support HSEL) · Das Reboot: How German Football Reinvented Itself and Conquered the World, by Raphael Honigstein

In Episode 152, we are recasting our episode with Keeley Hagen, Colorado State Head Coach, former assistant coach at University of Texas and University of Tennessee, former USWNT, Sky Blue FC, and Atlanta Beat player, 3-time All-American defender at University of Tennessee, and wife, in which she talks with Phil and Paul about what drives her to lead her players with excellence, lessons learned from her playing and coaching career, leadership lessons gleaned from her most influential coach and from her teammates, how she is using lessons from the game in her marriage, how she is using DISC in her coaching at CSU, how she overcame injuries throughout her career, and which Jobson she most fears on the field. Specifically, Keeley discusses: · Her personal story, how he developed her passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching and how she got to be where he is today (5:55) · What is was like to coach against the legend, Paul Jobson, and who is the most intimidating presence in the Jobson household (9:38) · Her personal why and life purpose and how she lives it out each day (12:21) · The DISC training Phil did with her CSU team last summer, how she is using it with her team, and why she thinks it is important for coaches to understand it and use it with their teams (14:28) · Some defining moments in her playing career and what she learned from them (19:54) · How she navigates shying away from adversity and injuries when we know how much our kids learn from overcoming adversity (23:31) · What her injuries taught her about life and her identity (26:45) · Her message to people going through injury recovery (29:03) · Her most influential coach and the life and leadership lessons learned from her (30:10) · Her advice to young assistant coaches in the college ranks (34:34) · Things she is using as a head coach that she only learned because she was an assistant first (38:17) · Players she played with that had the greatest impact on her, and what she learned from them (42:40) · How she has used lessons learned from the game in her marriage (45:48) · Her book recommendations (49:57) Resources and Links from this Episode · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Chop Wood, Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great, by Joshua Medcalf · Win in the Dark: Some think you shine under the bright lights, the bright lights only reveal your work in the dark, by Joshua Medcalf and Lucas Jadin

In Episode 151, Phil and Paul discuss the key moments and leadership lessons from Season 11, reflecting on impactful conversations with guests like Todd Yelton, Lance VanHaitsma, Paul Gizzi, and Jessica Hain, as well as impactful topics such as overcoming personal tragedies, insights from a referee's perspective, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the implications of the recent NCAA settlement and roster size limits on college soccer. The episode also highlights personal updates from both hosts, including summer activities, family milestones, and upcoming projects. Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · "10 Things to Know About the NCAA's House Settlement," Kristi Dosh

In Episode 150, Jessica Hain, Founder of The Fulcrum Center and former Head Coach of Liberty University Women's Soccer, mother, and wife, talks with Phil and Paul about insights from coaching at the collegiate level to international experiences, the significance of faith integration in coaching, and the importance of building trust and relationships within teams. She talks about personal stories of impactful moments and practical advice for coaches looking to make disciples through their coaching. Additionally, Jessica discusses her research, experiences, and how soccer can serve as a tool for personal and spiritual development. Specifically, Jessica discusses: · Her story and athletic journey, including how she developed her faith and her passion for soccer, leadership, coaching (3:48) · Her personal why/life purpose and how she is living it out (11:50) · The importance of women coaching women (12:55) · Her work with the Fulcrum Center and North American Sport Movement, her Ph.D., and how they all work together (18:58) · The integration of faith and coaching (23:43) · The need for the "coffee shop" and the "library" in our coaching (28:08) · The relationship between empathy and Soccer IQ (32:38) · The importance of a training environment that reinforces the lessons you want your players to learn and live out (37:44) · Defining Moments in her soccer career and the life lessons she learned from them (41:29) · Her most impactful coach and what set him apart from the rest (44:15) · A life and leadership lesson she learned directly from playing the beautiful game (49:48) · Things she has read that impacted her thinking on how soccer explains life and leadership (50:53) Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How, Daniel Coyle · The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups, Daniel Coyle

In Episode 149, Phil and Paul change it up a bit and dive into the recent NCAA settlement related to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and its far-reaching implications for college sports. They discuss how the $2.7 billion settlement will impact various stakeholders, including current and future student-athletes, coaches, and universities. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including potential cuts to non-revenue men's sports, Title IX implications, the involvement of private equity firms, and the broader effects on lower divisions and high school sports. They stress the importance of understanding these changes and preparing for the evolving landscape of college athletics. Specifically, Phil and Paul discuss: · An overview of the game-changing NCAA Settlement (4:22) · Implications of the settlement on College Sports in general (7:12) · Impact of the settlement on Men's Non-Revenue Sports (15:49) · How, if at all, Title IX is implicated, whether the settlement's payouts are covered by the statute, and why Paul and Phil believe the execution of the settlement will involve much more litigation (21:31) · Other positions that likely will be required at universities, such as financial advisors, to help the student-athletes navigate these issues (35:55) · How the settlement and NIL will impact the Olympics and the athletes' amateur status (37:09) · How will this settlement and NIL impact High School Athletes (40:17) Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · "10 Things to Know About the NCAA's House Settlement," Kristi Dosh

In Episode 148, Paul Gizzi, So Cal Eagles' Director of Advancement and Japan Ministries, talks with Phil and Paul about his decades-long leadership and ministry journey involving the beautiful game and lessons learned along the way, the importance of playing multiple sports in childhood, cross-cultural lessons learned growing up in Japan, what drives him to do what he does, a defining moment that taught him a very important lesson, important advice to coaches at all levels, and deep, funny, and important stories from his book, God's Fingerprints in Coincidence, and much more. Specifically, Paul discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching (3:48) · The importance of playing multiple sports during childhood (11:01) · Things he learned growing up in Japan that he might not have learned growing up in the US (14:00) · How he ended up with the Orange County Seahorses (now So Cal Eagles) (15:58) · His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out (21:18) · His work with the Seahorses and a book that changed his life (25:56) · Advice to coaches about how they can incorporate their faith into their coaching (31:32) · Some stories from his book, God's Fingerprints in Coincidence, the stories behind the stories, and why he wrote it (40:29) · A defining moment in his playing career and the life lessons he learned from it (57:10) · How he has used lessons learned from the beautiful game in his marriage and parenting (1:00:19) · His recommendations (1:02:43) Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Seasons of Life: A Football Star, A Boy, A Journey to Manhood, Jeffrey Marx · Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald · HSEL Eric Pfeiffer Episode

In Episode 147, Lance VanHaitsma, CONCACAF's Refereeing Technical and Development Manager, former Int'l Futsal Referee, and former Big 12 Referee, talks with Phil and Paul about his story and how he worked up the ranks of refereeing, life and leadership lessons learned from refereeing, the importance of resetting after mistakes and how Lance did it, the law vs. spirit of the law, his thoughts on VAR and its impact on the game, referee abuse and why it is critical that we figure out how to stop it, the importance of players learning the laws of the game (and refereeing), and much more. Specifically, Lance discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, and refereeing, and how he ended up in leadership of CONCACAF (4:58) · His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out (16:33) · The life and leadership lessons he has learned as a soccer and futsal referee, including perspective and enjoying the journey (22:44) · The difference between the law and spirit of the law, and what separates good referees from great referees (31:56) · How we can work to ensure referees don't compound mistakes with make-up calls (36:27) · Some of Lance's tricks he used when he was a referee and some great leadership advice (42:37) · His thoughts on VAR, its impact on the game and refereeing, and its impact on life outside the game (46:55) · Referee abuse, why he believes abuse has increased over the past few years around the world, and an analogy that will definitely make you think (54:52) · How he is using lessons learned from the beautiful game in his marriage (1:06:56) · His recommendations (1:10:58) Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · "The Dynasty: New England Patriots" (Apple TV+) · "Tom Brady, Leadership Lessons" (The Consello Group) · HSEL Brad Miller Episode

In Episode 146, Todd Yelton, Samford University Women's Soccer Head Coach, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his ministry and coaching journey and lessons he has learned along the way, how his wife's death transformed him and his coaching, lessons learned on his team's mission trip to Costa Rica, the integration of faith and coaching, how he uses lessons learned from the game in his life outside the game, and much more. Specifically, Todd discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching, and how he ended up coaching at Samford University over the past couple decades (5:41) · How the death of his first wife changed his perspective on life and transformed his coaching (13:24) · His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out today (23:10) · His trip to Costa Rica with his team, Paul, and Warrior Way, and the lessons he and his team learned from the trip (33:35) · How he incorporates his faith into his coaching and how it impacts his teams' culture (46:54) · How he is using lessons learned from the beautiful game in his marriage and parenting (59:22) · His recommendations (1:05:43) Resources and Links from this Episode · Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast) · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, Tony Dungy · Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand · Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together, Ron Hall & Denver Moore

In Episode 145, Paul and Phil cover their favorite moments from the first half of Season 11, which included some great nuggets of wisdom from incredible coaches and leaders and unforgettable stories that you do not want to miss. Paul talks about his recent trip to Costa Rica with Warrior Way, Samford Women's Soccer Team, and its coach who happens to be our next guest kicking off Season 11's second half, Phil shares about some great upcoming opportunities, and Phil recommends a great new soccer movie that you'll want to check out. Resources and Links from this Episode · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Providence World website · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · "The Beautiful Game" (Netflix)