Coaching Culture

What separates good teams from championship-winning teams? Often, it's their ability to perform under pressure. In this episode, we uncover the strategies used to guide a team to a state title, focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of high-stakes competition. We explore how to address team nervousness, reframe the concept of pressure, and keep athletes focused on the present moment. If...

Navigating the complexities of coaching today's athletes? Join JP, Betsy, and Nate as they answer your burning questions on building strong relationships (even when it's tough!), effectively managing player feedback without losing your mind, realistic self-care strategies for busy coaches during the season, and even share some of their own evolving perspectives on coaching culture. Get rea...

On this week's "Ask Us Anything," the Coaching Culture crew tackles YOUR real-world coaching questions: How do you balance coaching athletes with different levels of dedication to the sport? As a new coach, how do you set higher standards and build a strong culture without a proven track record? What are the best ways to build a powerful team culture when you have limited time and re...

This episode of the Coaching Culture podcast features a conversation with Martin Wilson, a seasoned ski coach, who shares his journey from a reactive to an intentional leader. He emphasizes the importance of athlete-centric coaching, focusing on understanding individual needs, fostering autonomy, and building a strong team culture. Martin’s insights are applicable to leaders in any field, highligh...

In this insightful podcast episode, Martin Wilson, a seasoned ski coach, shares his evolution from a coach driven by ego and reputation to one focused on athlete-centered development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each athlete's unique needs, tailoring coaching approaches, and fostering genuine connections. Martin advocates for prioritizing the athlete's experience and grow...

This powerful episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast illuminates the nuanced dance of leadership, exploring the vital tension between radical responsibility and the art of empowering others. JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson delve into the heart of what it means to lead with both strength and grace, challenging the notion that "extreme ownership" can equate to self-blame. T...

Our guest, Tiffany Gaskell, a seasoned executive coach, emphasizes the importance of asking powerful questions, creating a learner-centric environment, and resisting the urge to provide all the answers. We explore the power of curiosity in feedback conversations, the detrimental impact of blame on learning, and the need for psychological safety to foster open communication. Discover how co-creatin...

In this episode we're joined by Tiffany Gaskell, an expert in performance coaching and leadership development from Performance Consultants. We delve into the fascinating evolution of coaching, tracing its roots back to sports and the groundbreaking work of Sir John Whitmore and Tim Gallwey. Tiffany debunks common misconceptions about coaching, highlighting the power of facilitating self-discov...

Tired of feeling like you're always doing, but never getting ahead? In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, we explore the power of "being" over "doing." Coaches Betsy and JP discuss how to break free from the productivity trap and find more fulfillment in your work by focusing on presence and intentionality. They share practical tips and strategies for integrating...

Join us as we chat with Tracey Leone (Bates), assistant coach of the UNC Women's Soccer team, fresh off their incredible 2024 National Championship victory! We delve into the crucial role of culture in building a winning team, exploring how Tracey cultivates values like hard work, competitive spirit, and joy within her players. From the infamous Cooper run to the evolution of her coaching phil...

Join us as we sit down with Tracy Bates, former UNC and US Women's National Team star and current UNC assistant coach, for a deep dive into her incredible journey in the world of soccer. In this episode, Tracy shares invaluable insights from her playing days, including: The importance of leading by example and fostering a positive team environment. Her evolution as a leader, from youth soccer to t...

Are you a coach feeling the pressure of "walking on eggshells" in today's sports environment? Do you fear parent complaints, athlete accusations, or even investigations? In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun and Betsy Butterick dive deep into the challenges coaches face in navigating a culture of fear and overprotection. They explore the rise of CYA (cover your a...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern Field Hockey Head Coach and USA Field Hockey assistant coach, as she shares her expertise on building a championship culture, fostering trust, and navigating the dynamic landscape of college athletics. This episode delves into the critical role of open communication, empowering coaching staff, and helping athletes recognize the...

In this episode, host Tracey Fuchs reflects on her impactful career as a field hockey player, coach and 2024 National Champion. Renowned for her contributions to the sport, Tracey shares insights into her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with teammates. She discusses her belief that a team's success relies on the collective strength of its members,...

Are your athletes struggling with "stress" and "anxiety"? They might be mislabeling their emotions! 🤔 In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Nick Holton dives deep into the crucial skill of emotional granularity and how it impacts performance, resilience, and even team culture. He challenges the common misconception that everything is "stress" or "trauma"...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts Nate Sanderson and Betsy Butterick welcome Dr. Nick Holton, a consultant and coach specializing in optimizing performance and well-being. The conversation tackles the perception that "kids these days are soft" and encourages a shift from complaining about fragility to fostering anti-fragility in young individuals. Dr. Holton shares insights fr...

🔥 Ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster as a coach? 🎢 In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, we dive deep into the intense world of a coach's emotional journey. From the highs of victory to the crushing lows of defeat, we explore how our emotions are inextricably linked to our team's performance. We discuss: 🤯 The struggles of managing your emotions when the...

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of coaching coaches, whether in youth sports or at a professional level. We discuss the difficulties of providing feedback to fellow adults and the need for patience and relinquishing control as a coach. The conversation features insights from coach developer Rob Mason of Port Adelaide Football Club, who shares practical strategies for fostering a suppo...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, host JP Nerbun is joined by special guest Rob Mason, a full-time coach developer at the Port Adelaide AFL Club in Australia. They explore the importance of coaching for coaches themselves, discussing the necessity of being vulnerable, curious, and committed to learning in order to be coachable. The conversation emphasizes the shift from results-driv...

It’s Part 2 of our live Q&A session with real listeners of the Coaching Culture Podcast with J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick. In the second part we cover questions from a highschool coach who is seeking to gain confidence in giving assistant coaches feedback to foster their growth, a coach needing advice on how to promote alignment between administration and all programs at a...

In this exciting episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick engage in a live Q&A session with real listeners, fostering an interactive dialogue about leadership and coaching. In the first part we cover questions from a first year football coach who is navigating some resistance, a homeschool volleyball coach needing advice on raising the sta...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson welcome back Joe Brown, an athletic director from Colorado, to discuss creating a transformational culture within athletic departments and organizations. They emphasize that while mission statements and core values are important, true culture is experienced through what you feel, see, and hear in an environment. Jo...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of communicating a leadership philosophy within an organization, particularly in the context of sports. We discuss the importance of co-creating a culture that reflects not only a leader's vision but also incorporates the diverse philosophies of team members. Joining the conversation is Joe Brown, the Athletic Director at Niwot High School in Colorad...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of truth within the coaching context. Hosts Betsy, JP, and Nate discuss the common struggle coaches face when athletes claim they want the truth but react negatively when it's delivered. The conversation highlights the differing perceptions of truth between generations, using relatable anecdotes, including a story about a teacher's interaction with s...

In this episode, we explore the critical theme of self-awareness as highlighted by various influential leaders and coaches, including Shaka Smart and Dr. Michael Gervais. Our guest, Dolores Stevens shares insights into the "Above and Below Line" framework developed by Jim Detmer and the Conscious Leadership Group, an organization renowned for its work with top leaders and CEOs. We delve into the t...