How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast

In Episode 124, Paul and Phil discuss their favorite moments and leadership nuggets from our incredible guests in the first half of Season 9 (Graham Daniels, Margueritte Aozasa, Josh Glover, and Skip Gilbert), a glimpse into the great work that Paul and Warrior Way did with different communities in Guatemala earlier this month, some great books that Paul and Phil have read recently, and other topics that hopefully will help you be better in every area of your life. We are certain you will learn something and be challenged by this conversation. What were your favorite moments from the first half of Season 9? We'd love for you to share them in the comments! 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 · Chop Wood, Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great, by Joshua Medcalf · Win in the Dark: Some People 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 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

In Episode 122, Josh Glover, Cal Baptist University Assistant Coach, former player with Chicago Eagles and OC Seahorses, and former coach at Biola University and Westcliff University, talks with Paul and Phil about what he learned from his professional footballing father about life and leadership, how he used football to build relationships in China and other cross-cultural situations, how he has used poignant defining moments to grow his character, some of his great coaches, the importance of self-discovery, ministry in sport, and how he is using lessons from the game in his relationship with his girlfriend. Specifically, Josh discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for football, coaching, and leadership, and how he got to be where he is today (2:50) · Football analogies his father (former professional) used in his home growing up in China and the UK, and what he learned from them (9:11) · How he used football to build trust and relationships when he was growing up in China (14:48) · How he is using his cross-cultural upbringing in his coaching and recruiting (19:53) · His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out (23:17) · Defining moments in his life and how they impacted his development (26:56) · 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 (34:58) · The critical importance of self-discovery (44:28) · His philosophy on ministry in sport (48:08) · His thoughts on the current state of US Soccer, from the perspective of man who has played on three different continents (1:00:40) · How he has used lessons learned from sports in his relationships outside the game (1:03:19) · His recommendations (1:06:10) Resources and Links from this Episode · Care for Children website · "Children of Shanghai" Documentary · 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 · Graham Daniels HSEL Episode · The Holy Bible · The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World, by Brett McCracken · Make Us Dream (Amazon Prime Video) Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

In Episode 121, Margueritte Aozasa, UCLA Women's Soccer Head Coach, former Stanford Women's Soccer Assistant Coach, and former Santa Clara University Defender/Midfielder, talks with Paul and Phil about her incredible first season at UCLA, during which she became the first coach to win a National Championship in her first year as a head coach, what mission and personal "why" drives her to do what she does, building trust with her team, healthy conflict prevention and resolution, how her and her husband "coach" each other, what she was thinking in the final minutes of the National Championship game, whether college soccer has a place in professional and national team player development, and a whole lot of great leadership nuggets. No doubt you'll love this fun conversation with an incredible coach! Specifically, Margueritte discusses: · Her personal story, including how she grew her passion for soccer, coaching, and leadership, and how she got to be where she is today (3:40) · Her transition from Stanford assistant coach to UCLA head coach, and the lessons we can learn from her journey (7:29) · The importance of head coaches mentoring their assistants to flourish in their program and beyond (11:35) · Her personal why/mission statement and how she is living it out (16:43) · How she leads herself and pours into her players' leadership development as a head coach (18:49) · A couple defining moments in her life and how they impacted her development (22:00) · A few coaches that deeply impacted her life, what set them apart, and what life and leadership lessons we can learn from them (28:57) · How she keeps a team full of top players content and at their best when they aren't playing, or even making the travel squad (36:16) · How she builds trust between her and her staff and players, and among the players (40:15) · How to deal with conflict before it gets out of hand and starts impacting the players and team (43:42) · The highs and lows of the current state of soccer in the US (46:35) · The place for the college game in the development of players at the professional and national team levels (51:00) · What she was actually thinking during the final minute of regulation of the National Championship game last year (it just might surprise you) (59:28) · How she has used lessons learned from sports in her marriage and other relationships (1:03:50) · A couple great book recommendations (1:06:01) Resources and Links from this Episode · Margueritte on Twitter - @margaozasa · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Net Gain: Inside the Beautiful Game's Analytics Revolution, by Ryan O'Hanlon · Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds, and Matches, by Carlo Ancelotti

In Episode 120, Graham Daniels, Ph.D., Director of Cambridge United, Director of Christians in Sport, and former player for Cambridge United and Cardiff City, talks with Paul and Phil about the "Pray, Play, Say" discipleship/leadership method, his personal why, his incredible testimony of how he came to his faith in Jesus Christ and how one pivotal moment changed the course of his life forever, the critical importance of a Christian identity in elite football, achieved vs. received identity, Service vs. Survival, humility, and a leader who he respects deeply. Specifically, Graham discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for football, coaching, ministry, and leadership, and how he got to be where he is today (5:07) · An incredible story about how he came to his Christian faith, despite one of the "worst evangelists" of all time. (7:59) · His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out (17:38) · Achieved identity vs. Received identity - Identity formation and his Ph.D. thesis on the necessity of Christian identity in dealing with performance requirements of elite football (22:10) · Three things that provide a framework for ministry in sports (39:13) · Safe to serve, not scared and surviving (44:55) · A defining moment in his life and how it impacted his development (47:21) · A leader that sticks out above the rest to him (A Premier League Manager that may surprise you) (58:29) · How he has used lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting (1:05:09) · His recommendations (1:05:55) 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 · Humility, by Andrew Murray · Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

In Episode 119, Paul and Phil discuss their favorite moments and leadership nuggets from our great guests in the second half of Season 8, a sneak preview into Season 9, a glimpse into what the summer is bringing to the Darke and Jobson households, and other topics that hopefully will help you be better in every area of your life. We are certain you will learn something and be challenged by this conversation. What were your favorite moments from Season 8? We'd love for you to share them in the comments! 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 · What Drives Winning

In Episode 118, Andrew Simpson, Mindset Coach, Author of Athlete! I'm Talking to You: 7 Mindset Hacks to Dominate in Sports and Life and The Youth Truth: Coaching & Parenting in Today's Crazy Youth Sports World, and Founder of Player's Fitness & Performance ("PFP"), talks with Paul and Phil about some mindset hacks that can help us develop and rebuild, if necessary, a healthy mindset in ourselves and our athletes, some mistakes that 98% of parents of athletes make, his two books, his personal mission, lessons learned from his athletic career that he is using in his business, a couple mentors who have influenced his journey, and how we can overcome some of the most common mental obstacles athletes face. Specifically, Andrew discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for sports, fitness, and mindset and performance coaching, and how he got to be where he is today (4:15) · A common misconception about mental health and how we can overcome it (8:51) · His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out (10:39) · The mentors who most influenced him and how they impacted him (14:23) · A defining moment in his life and how it impacted his development (18:48) · Lessons he has learned from sports that he uses in his business and coaching (21:35) · Some of the most common mental obstacles athletes face and how they can overcome them and fulfill their potential (23:34) · Social media and the comparison trap (28:48) · How you can rebuild a healthy mindset in a young athlete (31:18) · His two books, why he wrote them, and what he hopes his readers will get out of them (39:29) · Why parents and coaches also need to be focusing on their mental health as it relates to their children/players' flourishing (47:01) · A couple common mistakes that 98% of parents make during their athletes' journeys (49:12) · A couple mindset hacks that can help you and your athletes dominate in sports and life (55:01) · How he has used lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting (1:00:47) · His recommendations (1:03:38) Resources and Links from this Episode · Andrew's Website (can order his books and get the hundreds of dollars of bonus offers here) · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature, by Peter Scazzero · You Win in the Locker Room First: The 7 C's to Build a Winning Team in Business, Sports, and Life, by Jon Gordon and Mike Smith

In Episode 117, Keith Tozer, Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League, Coach of the US Futsal National Team, MISL coach and player in five decades, the first-ever pick in the MISL Draft, and a Hall of Famer in multiple hall of fames, talks with Paul and Phil about what he has learned over the course of his five-decade long career playing and coaching indoor and outdoor soccer and futsal, why all teams should use futsal/indoor soccer as part of their player development, the power of the Geese "V" formation, leading up, his personal why, mentorship, how he has used lessons from soccer in his role as MASL Commissioner. Specifically, Keith discusses: · His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, particularly indoor and futsal, coaching, and leadership, and how he got to be Commissioner of the MASL – and we inadvertently talked about answers to some possible trivia questions as well (2:13) · Why he believes that futsal and indoor are critical to training and should be an integral part of development at all levels (7:01) · His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out (14:21) · The power of the Geese "V" formation and what leadership lessons we can learn from it (16:32) · His defining moment and how it impacted his development (21:01) · How he navigated the transition to coaching from playing, and his stint as a player/manager, and the leadership lessons he learned on his journey (24:00) · How he intentionally sought out mentors as a young leader and what he learned from his mentors (30:15) · The power of leading up (33:46) · A couple of the best leaders he played or coached with, and what set them apart from the rest (33:25) · What he would tell the 27-year-old Keith Tozer if he could go back in time (39:40) · A great story about empowering, servant leadership (41:41) · How he is using lessons learned from the game of soccer in his role as Commissioner of the MASL (46:22) · The good, bad, and ugly of US Soccer, how the MASL is helping to move the game forward in the US (46:26) · How he has used lessons learned from the game in his marriage and parenting (58:12) · His recommendations (59:21) Resources and Links from this Episode · MASL Website · US Youth Futsal Website · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players, by Pat Riley

In Episode 116, Amanda Vandervoort, President of the USL Super League, former Chief Women's Football Officer at FIFPRO, MLS executive, USC President, FIFA Consultant, NYU Women's Soccer Head Coach, and goalkeeper and captain for University of Wyoming, talks with Phil and Paul about the life and leadership lessons she learned over the course of her playing and coaching career, and executive roles in major football/soccer leagues and organizations, the importance of active listening, how an injury taught her an important life lesson, an incredible story of initiative and entrepreneurship from her childhood that every parent and coach will love, her personal why, her love for baking, why it is important for us to understand and talk about our players' personal health issues, including menstrual cycles, and how we can work together to make soccer more accessible to everyone. Specifically, Amanda discusses: · Her personal story, including how she grew her passion for soccer, coaching, and leadership, and how she got to where she is today with the USL Super League (4:10) · Her love for baking and her dream for championship celebrations (6:50) · The importance of leading by listening and watching (8:33) · Working with people in different countries and cultures (10:45) · Her personal why/mission statement and how she is living it out (14:31) · Her defining moment and how it impacted her development (18:03) · An incredible story from her childhood about initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to help her play the beautiful game (22:51) · One of her favorite coaches and how Tai Chi helped win a State Championship (29:12) · Learning different things from different coaches over the course of her career (32:44) · The science of soccer and why we need to talk about, study, and better understand the effects of menstruation, mental health, and other issues unique to girls and women, such as the higher frequency of ACL injuries in women (36:52) · The good, bad, and ugly of US Soccer, how she is incorporating lessons learned from the past decades into her leadership at USL, and how we together can make the game more accessible to everyone (46:26) · How she has used lessons learned from the game in her relationships outside the game (58:12) · Her recommendations (59:04) Resources and Links from this Episode · Amanda's Website · USL Step Up Program · Amanda's Twitter Handle - @vandey01 · USL Super League on Twitter – @uslsuperleague · W League on Twitter - @uslwleague · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · FIFA Website

In Episode 115, Becky Burleigh, Co-Founder of What Drives Winning, former University of Florida Women's Soccer Coach (for 27 years), and Methodist College Hall of Famer, talks with Phil and Paul about the life and leadership lessons she learned over the course of her playing career and her extensive coaching career at University of Florida and Berry College, the story behind What Drives Winning, some great WDW principles, her personal why, a defining moment in her career, and making the most of every opportunity. Specifically, Becky discusses: · Her personal story, including how she grew her passion for soccer, coaching, and leadership, and how she got to where she is today with What Drives Winning (3:03) · Her personal why/mission statement and how she is living it out (9:07) · What Drives Winning's mission and what she hopes people will get out of the great materials WDW produces (10:43) · Two key questions that she asks herself every year and why we should do the same (12:55) · Why she uses DISC model of human behavior in her work and why she believes all coaches should use it with their teams (18:50) · The concept of weak voice vs. strong voice and what we can do about it (26:10) · "Struggle really a biological requirement for greatness" – Really? (28:10) · Her defining moment and how it impacted her development (32:44) · What advice she would like to give her 25-year-old self (38:16) · The importance of finding a "thinking partner" (41:34) · The good, bad, and ugly of US Soccer (46:55) · How she has used lessons learned from the game in her relationships outside the game (53:48) · Her recommendations (48:05) Resources and Links from this Episode · What Drives Winning Website · Uncut Video of the Episode · HSEL Facebook Group · Warrior Way Soccer · Coaching the Bigger Game Program · Phil's email for DISC Training · The Talent Code: Greatness isn't born. It's Grown. Here's How, by Daniel Coyle · The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Teams, by Daniel Coyle · What Drives Winning: Teams, by Becky Burleigh and Brett Ledbetter · "Welcome to Wrexham" (Hulu) · "Ted Lasso" (Apple TV+} · "38 in the Garden" (HBO Max)