Guest Bio: John KesselJohn Kessel is the former Director of Sport Development at USA Volleyball and a global leader in coaching education. With over five decades of experience, John has worked across continents, sports, and age levels to challenge traditional coaching norms and promote research-backed, athlete-centered practices. A true lifelong learner… Read more
David Shapiro is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Previously, he led MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, where he helped shape national policy, advance equity in youth development, and expand the reach of high-quality mentoring. With a background in sports and nonprofit leadership, David brings a thoughtful, grounded perspect… Read more
Guest Bio: Mitch HullMitch Hull is a nationally recognized coach and educator, known for his tenure in wrestling leadership and his deep engagement in coaching development. With decades of experience mentoring athletes and guiding high-performance programs—including his work with USA Wrestling—Mitch brings a wisdom-infused perspective on coaching, stres… Read more
We are excited to release the fifth video for our paid subscribers. Each month, Dustin and I sit down for a 10–15 minute conversation where we dig deeper into the content from our book Coaching & Leading the 21st Century Athlete. These videos dive deeper into our book with more stories, application, and nuance. This […]
One-third of college students struggle with sleep quality issues. This alarming statistic shows how sleep plays a vital role in our wellness and resilience in today’s ever-changing world. My research and personal experience show that poor sleep does more than make you tired—it changes your emotional state completely. Research backs this connection and shows a strong […]
“If you give me a lever and a place to stand, I can move the world.” – Archimedes Most of us share a common drive: we want to make a real difference. We want our work to matter, our efforts to count, and our impact to ripple outward in meaningful ways. But here’s the frustrating […]
In the intricate landscape of modern leadership, professionals often find themselves navigating a deluge of information and competing priorities. The constant search for clarity amidst this noise naturally draws individuals towards straightforward, digestible truths. This inherent human inclination towards simplicity means that “common sense” advice can be incredibly appealing, offering a seemingly easy path through […]
In this episode, Rob is joined by David Shapiro—longtime nonprofit leader and national voice in youth development and mentoring. The conversation covers the complexity of mentoring, how trust is built through consistency, and why coaches must balance results with relationships. David shares stories from his time leading MENTOR and now the YMCA of Greater Boston, […]
Let’s be honest. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling it too. That low hum of frustration, the quiet rebellion bubbling beneath the surface of every ‘find your niche,’ ‘stay in your lane,’ and ‘be original’ mantra thrown your way. You’re a coach, an entrepreneur, a visionary – and frankly, you’re tired of trying […]
After 30 years in leadership—from military command to Wall Street pressure to building five companies—I’m making a change. Not to my approach, but to how I talk about it. I’m done with the buzzwords. Done with the generic promises. Done pretending that what worked in 2015 still works today. Because here’s what I’ve learned: The […]
