Culture Builders

When your athletes start playfully mimicking your go-to phrases, it’s not a sign of disrespect—it’s a win!

In this video, we dive into four actionable ways sports administrators can truly support their head coaches and create a thriving coaching culture. It’s more than just stepping in during conflicts or tough seasons—real support starts long before the pressure hits! If you're an athletic director or administrator who wants to enhance the success of your coaches, this video is for you! We’ll cover: Supportive Conversations: Don’t wait for the end-of-season review! Learn how to have meaningful, growth-oriented check-ins throughout the year. Building a Coaching Community: Coaches shouldn’t be working in silos. Discover how fostering a collaborative environment helps coaches grow and face challenges together. Providing Practical Training: Go beyond compliance and offer training that equips coaches with the skills they need to navigate the complexity of their roles. Hiring a Coach for Coaches: Why over 40% of Fortune 500 companies invest in coaching for their leaders—and why your head coaches deserve the

In this video, we explore a key lesson from George Washington's leadership journey, inspired by historian David McCullough’s reflections on the first U.S. president. Washington’s ability to face challenges as they were—not as he wished them to be—set him apart. His presidency laid the foundation for a lasting republic, marked by innovative decisions like the peaceful transfer of power and the two-term limit. But what made Washington’s leadership truly transformative? It was his ability to grow beyond his military background and evolve his mindset for the unprecedented challenges of governing. This video delves into the difference between learning and growing as a leader, drawing from Adult Development Theory. Growth requires more than knowledge—it demands a shift in perspective and the willingness to develop deeper self-awareness. We also reflect on leadership practices that lead to true transformation, inspired by experts like Brad Stulberg, Amanda Blake, Shaka Smart, and Dr. Michael Gervais. From journali

Welcoming new or returning players to the team can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be!

Tony Bennett, one of the most transformational coaches in sports, recently retired, citing the unhealthy state of the game and college athletics. He isn’t the only one—Nick Saban, the legendary seven-time National Champion, also stepped away for similar reasons. Both coaches built their success on long-term player development, strong relationships, and team-first values, but the current system seems to reward transactional mindsets over transformational growth. In this video, we explore why these greats are bowing out and what the rest of us can do to fight back against the shifting landscape of college sports. From reframing sports as a privilege to fostering a team culture focused on service and others, these insights offer a way forward for coaches committed to transformational leadership. Want to help your players shift from self-focus to other-focus and build a strong team culture? Learn more about impactful initiatives like "Teaming Up with Teams" and how they can transform both your team and the comm

Building a successful team starts with a bold, compelling vision that goes beyond wins or money. It should answer: What do I hope everyone will experience as part of this team?

Being a great athlete can set you up to be a great coach, but sometimes, your own success can hold you back.

If your athletes played as well together as your coaching staff does, how would your team perform?

Read online at TOCculture.com In this episode, we dive into the true price of leadership—the willingness to risk it all for what’s right. Using bold examples from President Jimmy Carter’s controversial decisions, we explore how great leaders, from coaches to politicians, are willing to make unpopular choices for the greater good. Whether it’s standing up for your values or navigating setbacks, leadership requires boldness, sacrifice, and the courage to be fired every day. Are you leading with your mission or just playing it safe? Tune in to discover what it truly takes to be a fearless leader. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/culturebuilders/support

In this episode, we dive into a timeless story about two legendary authors, Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, and their profound conversation about contentment, success, and knowing when you have "enough." Heller’s wisdom offers a powerful reminder that in a world driven by constant achievement, the real prize is contentment. We also explore how UCLA coach John Wooden, with ten National Championships under his belt, recognized the growing expectations that come with success—and why he chose to abandon society’s scorecard. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or anyone chasing goals, this episode will make you rethink what success really costs and why finding satisfaction in the present is key. Learn why comparing yourself to others can be a dangerous trap, the hidden costs behind winning, and how true fulfillment comes not from acquiring more, but from realizing what you have is enough. #Success #Contentment #KurtVonnegut #JosephHeller #JohnWooden #Coaching #Mindfulness #Podcast #MentalHealth #TrueFulf

Every coach has experienced those practices where, within just a few minutes, you realize it’s going to be a rough day. No matter how much you encourage, urge, or even beg your team, their effort, focus, or attitude remains poor. By the end of practice, you’re left questioning whether anyone improved at all—you feel like you’ve wasted the last hour of your life. In these moments, it’s easy to blame the players. But remember: You get what you tolerate. What you permit, you promote. If you see something below standard and do nothing, then you’ve set a new standard. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/culturebuilders/support

In a recent conversation with Shaka Smart on the Coaching Culture Podcast, we delved into the importance of his morning routine. The idea that you can’t just roll out of bed and expect to be your best self struck a chord with me. It echoes Ryan Holiday’s paraphrase of the philosopher Seneca: “Virtue consists of two parts: the study of truth, followed by conduct. If there is a third part, it would be admonishment and reminders—the process of reviewing, reflecting, and creating rules based on our experiences.” Review. Reflect. Create rules. This is the process through which we build our character. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/culturebuilders/support

Binge-watching won’t fix burnout, but a walk in nature just might!

Coaching isn’t just a job—it’s a meaningful, fulfilling, and yes, sometimes challenging journey.

One of my biggest regrets as a young coach? How I treated referees.

Conflict is inevitable, but how you handle it shapes your team's culture and reveals your leadership.

Playing time: It’s more than just minutes on the field.