Leader Manager Coach Podcast

Welcome to the seventh instalment of Rob's incredibly insightful series on the coaching wisdom of Leo Tolstoy, and how you can apply it to the leadership, the management, and the coaching elements of life.This time round, we're discussing the importance of remaining grounded, the futility of revenge, why we should all nurture our own sets of values and virtues, and why faith and wisdom are the most important goals in life.KEY TAKEAWAYSRemind yourself on a consistent basis to remain grounded - Things can upset and destabilise you, so remember to remain grounded, even in the wake of success.Remember that there is no competition - There is only one you. There is only one journey. If you decide to compete in any arena, then remember to remind yourself that your journey is unique.The journey is always internal - No matter the circumstances, the power to adjust and respond is yours.Beware of revenge - Be careful about allowing your emotions to take you on a journey that causes you to take retribution. Your time is

‘Although you might  have a liking and desire for something the mind needs to be conditioned for it'Rob is talking with Granville Cousins a practising Yoga teacher with over 40 years practice experience and 20 years as a teacher. They discuss Granville's journey from working as a joiner to changing course completely to learn and teach yoga. They have shared yoga practice in the past when Rob was a student of Granville's and this is a heartfelt episode where they share their understanding and learning across the years and recall entertainingstories about the challenges of yoga including the importance in the early days of having a car that could negotiate a steep hill! KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's about being aware of the potential of where the path can lead if you devote yourself to it.When I made the decision, it was clear to me it was the right thing to do.If you feel you have a mission and there are those around you who will support you then you should go for it.My dad was a great mentor watching me,

In this episode Rob shares the stoic philosophy promoted by Ryan Holiday in his book, ‘Ego is the Enemy'Ego is what drives us with no regard to others whilst humility will influence the way you appear to other people, the way you interact with others and the way you learn.There are many facets to ego and it manifests itself as part of our lives daily. Rob explores the ways to take control of ego and view life within the frame of reality and understanding to be a better leader and manager. KEY TAKEAWAYSEgo is what drives us to get whatever we want without regard to othersBut there are many other facets to ego, it manifests itself as part of our lives everydayIt's vital to be in control of yourselfPeople are prevented from achieving what they can achieve and getting to where they want to be because they are not prepared to put in the work.You must be prepared to do the work and everything changes when your definition of success is being the best you can beWhen you understand yourself, your strengths

Rob has been exploring the chapter ‘Managing Yourself' in Ryan Holiday's book, Ego is the Enemy.In this episode, he takes the learning about management and explores the impact successfully being able to manage yourself has on the skills of being able to effectively manage others.People will only follow and look to someone if they believe they can manage them effectively and those who master managing themselves are the individuals who potentially become great and good leaders of others. Listen in and find out more. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe only way to become a successful manager is to first master managing yourself.Management is a phenomenal skill that often people think is easy to do.People think that being knowledgeable in a certain area means you will be a good manager but this is not true.If you can't manage yourself you will not be a good manager of anyone else.Discipline, rituals and self-control are all required for managing ourselves effectively.What is it in your daily life that needs adjusting?Man

Day to Day Inspirational Living in Dhaka In this fascinating episode, Rob shares a taste of what it's like living in Dhaka and doing what he loves. He gives a view on day to day life working with the national youth team and on the many fascinating aspects of being part of a different culture.The city of Dhaka is a place that is a stark contrast to the lake district hamlet he has have come from and the city is one that is continually on the move.As a part of the team building something that will have an impact and make a difference  Rob reflects on the process of building a national team in a country where people grab their opportunities and are willing to work to make a difference to their futures. KEY TAKEAWAYSOur training ground is an oasis that stands next to a factory complex.There are ladies who are there when we arrive and when we leave and their sole responsibility is to pick weeds and bad grass from the rest of the grass.We practice functional plays, set pieces and all the elements that

What are your key fundamental values?  They will guide your decision making on a daily basis It's vital you understand what affects you, your thoughts and actions and in this episode inspired by Leo Tolstoy's calendar of wisdom Rob shares more curated wisdom and reflects on how it can be used to guide life and provide contentment and fulfilment in the busy modern world. This thought-provoking episode will help anyone, anywhere reflect on the true importance and impact of what we do and how we think.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The futility of endless work Working, day after day is better if we can adopt a balanced way of life that provides us with sufficient time for recuperation and recovery so that we can deal with the challenges Attitude An approach to a life of humility, learning, an open mind and be the eternal student Every single day, we use those qualities to become more involved individuals making our lives better, and being able to be better

Rob is interviewing Kent Teague, successful Texan businessman who always wanted to own a football club. His dream and ambition has been realised as the owner of Leyton Orient Football Club and in this episode, he shares his journey and aspirations for the club moving forward. They discuss the skills and qualities that Kent has used so effectively to build a successful career as a businessman and the importance of knowing what you are good at and working within a diverse team to build success. Kent is passionate about Leyton Orient and shares why he splits his time between the UK and America so that he can be a part of the journey of Leyton Orient as a family club who are part of the community. This is a fascinating insight into why owning a club is truly all about being a part of it at a grassroots level, listen in and hear more.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Business In business, I have very specific strengths, and those strengths are particularly strong.  I have the ability to thin

‘It's about meeting yourself and asking have I acted in the way I would have liked to have acted and can I do better tomorrow? How many times have you achieved something but not felt comfortable with it?Rob has taken his inspiration for this episode from the book by Ryan Holiday ‘ The Ego is the Enemy' and focuses on the chapter ‘The Eternal Student'Rob has experienced a stage in his life where he wanted to be recognised and looked for recognition, it seemed to be important but as life has gone on those things have faded away and become less important replaced by the peace that can be found in just being yourself.This is a great episode that will help anyone to look within and understand better how understanding yourself is the most important thing anyone can do as an eternal student. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe external pressures are less important and it's about meeting yourself and asking have I acted in the way I would have liked to have acted and can I do better tomorrow?The important th

‘Real freedom comes from living your own life so you are aligned with who you really are' This is the next part of a series exploring the ‘Calendar of Wisdom' from the great philosopher Leo Tolstoy. Each month Rob is sharing the daily wisdom of Leo Tolstoy and in this episode the wise words range across truth, courage, being in nature and encompass humility, keeping your head, being yourself and taking baby steps on the journey to finding your inner peace. Rob invites you to find ‘somewhere to hang your hat' in this podcast which has something that will resonant with every leader, manager and coach.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Courage - Always remember you can make a decision at any moment in time. Courage more than anything else is about non-conformity and standing up for what you believe. The truth - We can speak the truth kindly and quietly but be committed and courageous and do not be weakened by any opposition. Understand that many answers lie in the natural

Rob looks in depth at the qualities of 2 great managers whose teams faced each other in the Champions League final - Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino. The events that led to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspurs facing each other were phenomenal examples of belief.Both managers share passion, authenticity, humility and vulnerability which makes them attractive to others.It's all about that feeling, it's not about logic it's about emotion, we do things because of emotion, we buy things for the emotion and we do things emotionally.It's why football, sport and life are all so amazing it's all driven by and is about the emotion.Creating your inner citadel is key and filling it is a vital part of your emotional well-being and Rob discusses not only how to create your fortress of fortitude but how you can develop habits and behaviours that will keep it filled in this absorbing episode. KEY TAKEAWAYSWhen you are who you are, you are vulnerable because you are allowing people to see the real you.It is the opennes

In this crossover episode, Rob and Paul Lowe, Successful author and host of the ‘Speaking from our Hearts' podcast discuss how football and some of its iconic legends have made an impact on them.As someone who had no positive role models when he was young Paul looked to the game of football and found amongst others, Brian Clough. In this very honest conversation with Rob, he discusses his journey and the positive influences that made a difference to someone who was looking for a guiding light.This is a great listen, Rob and Paul candidly discuss the beautiful game, the impact of some of the game's greatest managers, coaches and leaders and how we all have to master the game of life. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe power of sport to change people's lives, particularly football is immense.It's a sport that is universal and can change lives.Football can dominate peoples working lives, social lives and all aspects of lifeIs life a game of 2 halves?In the first half, we are busy with life chasing external goals and th

‘Competition attracts us, inspires us, drives us and facilitates many things - its related to being the best you can be'Rob is exploring aspects of fundamental learning that as Leaders, Managers and Coaches help not only us but those we support to take the steps needed to move towards our goals.It's those tiny things that can make the difference along with the understanding that the only person you can truly compare yourself to is yourself using your internal values. There is some great wisdom and learning in this episode listen in and enjoy. KEY TAKEAWAYSLife changes and pushes us in different directions and we respond. In this preparation phase, there is an ever-growing list of things to do.‘Aim for the eagle, bag the pheasant, don't eat crowSet your sights high, have an optimist approach and aim to be the very best you canWhen you reflect on events you may not have achieved exactly what you wanted to but it will be better than if you had taken no action at all.Competition is for losersIf w

‘It can take something like leaving, all be it temporarily, to make us realise who and what is important'  Rob is in the middle of a significant packing up process as he prepares to leave the UK to live and work in Bangladesh. Working for the Bangladesh Football Federation as a National Coach is a great opportunity but involves leaving and in this candid and deeply personal episode Rob explores the process of leaving which involves many things leaving friends, familiarity, comfort and trading the known for the unknown. Leaving is not something that is often talked about, it's linked to departures, going away, emotion and the ultimate departure from this human plane – death but it can also help us realise what's really important the relationships in our lives that make it meaningful and our interdependence.   KEY TAKEAWAYS We cannot do this thing called life on our own it's all about developing independence when we leave our parent or carers side, taking

‘I'd gone from a club where I didn't know if I had a job week to week to a club at the top end of the championship' In this episode, Rob is talking all things football with Bobby Mimms. Currently, they are both working within the coaching team who are in Bangladesh working with the next generation of football players who will forge a path in the Asian football arena. They take the opportunity of a get together for coffee to reflect on Bobby's professional football career and the changing face of football in the UK along with an in-depth conversation about the work that's involved in moving from playing professional football to a coaching career. Bobby was a professional player during some of the most interesting years in football to date listen in to hear what it was like on the inside.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I played at a time and in clubs where playing a simple game with good players was what made the difference. I was part of a focused, sustained campaign with su

‘Sometimes we are in a space to hear something and sometimes we are not.When we hear it again later on it may be us who have changed and then we hear clearly'Rob has been inspired by The Disruptive Entrepreneur podcast and his interview with Ed Millet to explore nuances and how we achieve balance in the world and are influenced in the way we move through it.We all interact with the world, is it that we need others to believe us or is it that we need others to believe we believe? If you want to understand more about how your mindset and attitudes can be changed by the approach you take to the world and what happens to you when you achieve self-belief then this is a great episode to listen to. KEY TAKEAWAYSNuancesThere are many dichotomies in life where there is no clear answer.Do you take it all upon yourself, incessantly working until you achieve or do you let it happen as the universe wants it to happen?We all come to our own decision about the philosophy we believe or see a balance between the tw

Rob has always been fascinated by how life works and why people do what they do.He is talking about challenging conversations and relationships in this episode and reflects on a difficult conversation he recently had. He explains why these conversations are vital to moving forward and are in reality opportunities to grow, become stronger, develop communication and further leadership skills.In the football arena, there is a change and the mental work is now getting the recognition it deserves. It is the journey of preparation both physical and mental that is fundamental and this is a great insight into why challenges are the best opportunities to evolve and grow. KEY TAKEAWAYSChallenging conversationsSometimes we arrive at a point where facilitating a difficult conversation is the key to moving forward.Instead of  skirting around the issues it is about addressing it head-on and being proactive, brave and courageous organising a meeting and saying the right things, speaking the truth.The movement and

Mr Shahadat is the founder and owner of the Fortis Group a multi-million-dollar corporation. Originally from Bangladesh, he has a strong interest in football and is working closely with the Bangladesh Football Federation to produce the countries first International football academy. He has taken his love of the game and as a significant and successful businessman in Bangladesh is helping lay the foundations for an exciting new chapter in the story of football in this vibrant, welcoming and truly unique country.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I wanted to do something of my own to help my family survive and was ambitious from an early age. I worked in the textile industry for ten years travelling the world and learning all about the industry. There was no production of activewear in Bangladesh and  I started my business as the first activewear manufacturer in the country. Now we employ 25,000 people, have a turnover of 150 million dollars and supply across the world with Germa

Leader Manager Coach has always been about sharing advice and guidance that will shape your own outlook on life. With that in mind, Rob has chosen this week to share a few lessons that he believes can carry anyone along life's rich and varied journey.Success only comes when you put in the “hard yards”, but how do you embrace this extra level of development without becoming overwhelmed?Rob has the answers...KEY TAKEAWAYSBeing a follower means learning humility. We must be humble enough to follow in the footsteps of those who wish to teach us.The most successful people have all done the “hard yards”. They've studied, worked and put in the time, because they know that investing in yourself is the most valuable skill we possess.Changing direction can seem almost impossible. It's psychologically difficult. We can feel as though we are losing what we have already invested into. But don't be frightened of what the world is trying to tell you. Don't be afraid to cut your losses and change dire

‘It's profoundly exciting to be able to access his wisdom  in such a beautiful book' Rob draws inspiration from the ‘Calendar of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy and shares how his wisdom is relatable to the world of leading, managing and coaching the beautiful game. He explores how to make the changes and the potential impact it will have in any life. If you want to understand more about what you can do to achieve fulfilment and joy in life then this is an episode for you.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The 80/20 rule - 80% of your results will come from  20% of your work. Have look at your life and see where your profitable time is. Memento Mori - is a reminder that we have a finite amount of time on this planet in our human form and we should make the most of it. Work -  a fundamental of life and there will be the days when it is tough and challenging but joy comes when we understand that being on the plateau is a part of life. Faith – It's importan

Rob is talking with Willie Donachie, who during his professional footballing career represented Scotland multiple times and was a regular in the Manchester City first team making 347 appearances during his time with the club. Willie has since gone on to be a successful coach working for numerous teams.He is currently a youth coach at Accrington Stanley and also the manager of Montserrat Football team combining these roles with passion and a great deal of travel!In this episode he shares with Rob the practical philosophy, inspiration, motivation and application of full attention that has led him on a fascinating professional journey, this podcast is a must for anyone who loves ‘the game' listen in and enjoy KEY TAKEAWAYSThe beginningBorn in a single end in the Glasgow Gorbals the first son after 2 girls and in this horrible, terrible place I was brought up with the most incredible love.If you get love at that age it puts you in good stead, I've been surrounded by it ever since.You can only build on