The Game Changer

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of fostering effective communication and collaboration across sports in the NCAA.  As athletic departments continue to expand - in staff size and expectations for holistic student-athlete care -  the separation between various sports, disciplines and departments present unique obstacles that demand innovative solutions.  We’ll hear from NCAA leaders wh...

In this episode of Game Changer from Kitman Labs, CEO Stephen Smith is joined by Renee Kleszczynski from Michigan State University and Josh Rucci from the University of Georgia to discuss their respective approaches to change and transformation and the role of technology, data and analytics in improving the health and well-being of their student-athletes, increasing staff efficiency and success an...

Baylor University is at the forefront of the transformation of student athlete health and well-being. From their vision and organization to their technology infrastructure and day-to-day engagement with student-athletes, Baylor is continuously innovating and evolving their delivery of a top notch student-athlete experience that balances holistic care and performance excellence. In this webinar, St...

In this episode of the Game Changer podcast, learn about the leadership philosophy of Athletic Director Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation at Dartmouth College. With a 20-year career, leading athletic departments at West Point, Notre Dame and more, Mike shares how to break down silos to elevate the care and performance of NCAA athletes. Hear leadership lessons from...

Kitman Labs Performance Scientist Greg Sammons talks with England Rugby’s Men’s Pathway Athletic Performance Manager Robin Eager about the athletic development process for Under 18/Under 20 players, the importance of alignment and long-term planning for optimal physical development, and advice on when and how to use data insights to complement practitioners’ intuition and experience.

Director of Performance Science Darcy Norman chats with University of Colorado’s Adam Ringler, who openly shares best practices and lessons learned from CU’s innovative journey to a University-wide implementation of their strategic vision - a data-driven approach to enhancing the WHOLE athlete and the athlete experience.  

This week, we’re excited to welcome both Michael Cheika (World Rugby Coach of the Year award recipient) and Brad Harrington (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes) as they join Kitman Labs Performance Scientist John Dams in an engaging discussion on creating solid collaboration between performance staff and coaches (despite occasional differences) to maximize performance on a consistent basis. Key insights in...

University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and  Kitman Labs CEO Stephen Smith chat about creating success and driving progress through an interconnected organization and an interconnected approach to managing the WHOLE athlete.  They explore the importance of a strategic plan, getting everyone on the same page, and partnering with the right vendor to execute on the vision and plan. Highl...

In this second segment of a two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith continues his conversation with Chicago Cubs High performance Director Adam Beard who gives advice on modernizing high performance organizations. Other highlights include: Leveraging data and analytics for decision-making Moving faster to success as a team How a partner can support you in thinking fast and slow The yin and yang...

In the first of an exclusive two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith talks with Chicago Cubs High Performance Director Adam Beard who provides highlights from his research on performance, discusses the role of high performance directors, and more. Having worked in the AFL, Olympic sports, international rugby, NFL and MLB, Adam has brought his unique perspective to each organization and shares hi...

NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes’ High Performance Manager, Brad Harrington, speaks to Kitman Labs Performance Scientist John Dams about high performance and shares his advice on how the performance department can more effectively engage with coaches. Key takeaways for this podcast include: Debunking the myth that coaches don’t care about performance; The importance of building a good relationship betwee...

Lively discussion about sports research and the next generation of high performance

In this episode of The Game Changer Podcast, we spoke Dr. Charlotte Cowie, the Football Associations' Head of Medicine. Here's what you'll take away: exclusive insight into the FA’s approach to testing, venue biosecurity and returning to play guidance on the checklist for returning to play by DCMS a look through the FA's Covid-Lens to return to play 

Join us in this exclusive episode, of the Game Changer Podcast where we interview England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Head of Sports Science, Medicine and Innovation, Raph Brandon.  He shares his experiences on:  Tackling the challenges of Covid-19 for International Teams the preparation to return to the international stage  their approach to symptom monitoring and safely returning to play med...

Join us as we gain insight on how top Swedish team, AIK Fotball are overcoming challenges of the Coronavirus and returning to play.

Join experts from around the globe as they share their ideas and approaches for navigating the downtime caused by the novel coronavirus.

In the latest Game Changers podcast, Darcy Norman hosts a fascinating discussion with Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, Head of the Medical Departments at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Celtic FC's Head of Sports Science Jack Nayler speaks with Darcy Norman around some of the key lessons he's learned through pursuing a habit of conscious self-reflection. Key takeaways for this podcast include: Tips on how to embrace complexity and focus on the factors you can control within the elite sports environment Why it's important to encourage a safe psychological environment between depar...

In this podcast performance consultant Ed Lippie shares lessons from his time building a high performance environment within AS Roma.  Key highlights include: How to build a true high performance organisation through the right processes, people and technology Creating a shared vision and transparency around your team's goals to ask critical questions about your current processes, this can then: He...

Part two of Kitman Labs Founder and CEO Stephen Smith's podcast interview with the legendary Michael Boyle. In this podcast, Stephen interviews Mike on his 38 years of working in professional sport, including important lessons and personal philosophies that have enabled him to remain so relevant in today's rapidly changing industry. Key highlights from this podcast include: Mike’s own personal dev...

This episode features legendary performance coach Michael Boyle talking to CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs, Stephen Smith. Key takeaways from this episode include:  The state of performance in the NHL, where it’s come from and where teams need to evolve to next to support their athletes. The unique challenges that coaches and performance practitioners face in the NHL, and what could be done about t...

“Vision without systems thinking ends up painting lovely pictures of the future,” reflected MIT Sloan Lecturer, Peter M Senge. “It leaves no deep understanding of the forces that must be mastered to move from here to there.” Never has this quote been more applicable in the world of business than in the business of sport. In the highly-emotive world of sport creating a vision is the easy bit. Howev...

It is no secret that mindful communication, good relationships and a healthy mindset are powerful tools in any type of business. Yet in the high-pressured, fast-paced team environment of sport they can be hard to master and maintain. In this podcast Performance Scientist John Dams interviews communication expert John Hedley, who works with global business and sports leaders, teaching them to maste...

In this episode Kitman Labs' performance scientist John Dams talks with Hitoshi Ipponsugi, Head of Performance for Toyota Verblitz about the state of rugby in Japan. Key topics covered in this podcast include: The unique relationship between elite sport and the corporate businesses who manage the Japanese Rugby Top Teams. How to develop athletes into elite athletes when they were not fostered in a...

In part 2 of this episode, Founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, Stephen Smith continues to talk with Mike Potenza on how data is being used at the San Jose Sharks. Key takeaways from this talk include: How rule changes in the NHL have consequently changed the physiological demands for players, and therefore talent recruitment. How the San Jose Sharks use Kitman Labs to view longitudinal data of key pla...