Leader Manager Coach Podcast

Rob continues his fascinating look at the philosophies of Leo Tolstoy, and the insightful ways in which his teachings can positively impact coaching and mentoring practices.In this episode, Rob discusses the importance of self-knowledge, the power of words, why we should obey the voice of our conscience, and why we should always stand by our own philosophies.KEY TAKEAWAYSEvery journey begins with self-knowledge. We must know ourselves before we can effectively understand our ability to influence.Words have the power to create worlds, change lives and shape those around us. Never underestimate the value of well-chosen language.Knowledge should not be measured in quantity, but quality. Focus your attention on the things that matter and build your library of knowledge around it.Understanding rights and responsibilities is fundamental to societal success, organisational success, and individual happiness and progress. BEST MOMENTS‘If you speak too much, it will be to your own detriment' ‘We need t

Life itself is a journey without a map. We're born, and must find our way through the journey of existence with no predefined blueprint to follow. In this week's show, Rob discusses the multi-faceted and varied journeys we all take, and what commonalities link all pilgrimages through life. KEY TAKEAWAYSWe often find that it's far easier to make important decisions about lives other than our own, but when it comes to our own choices, we hesitate.Those who have goals and aspirations, and who achieve those milestones, understand the importance of willpower and determination. We must always push forward.Love and happiness only come from connections and relationship. Without them, we have no true purpose or direction.You never know when or how your labours will be rewarded. Sometimes they bear fruit in tenuous ways, but effort is always rewarded eventually.BEST MOMENTS‘We don't get a map. We all choose our own course' ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will appear' 'If you think good educatio

Coaching is a pursuit that takes place across many different disciplines. The finest leaders know that knowledge and wisdom are universal.After listening to a marvellous masterclass in the art of coaching from rugby coach, Eddie Jones, Rob is inspired to share some of the finest points of the interview, and the wisest lessons learned, so that you can become the best coach you can be.KEY TAKEAWAYSIf you want to be successful in life, then you have to follow your passion. This requires a knowledge of one's self, and what drives us.People who reach the pinnacle of their field, often do not become the great coaches. The great coaches are usually those who did not reach the top, but who developed drive, desire and resilience from not doing so.Perhaps the greatest skill that any coach can develop is the skill of drawing someone out of their comfort zone.The psychological side of coaching a team is not just in the game, but also in knowing when someone's outlook or mood needs work. It can be as simple as encouraging

Rob talks to young up-and-coming player, Connor Taylor, about life from the perspective of one of football's most promising future stars. KEY TAKEAWAYSPerseverance and dedication are two qualities that Connor was forced to learn quickly in his youth. Setbacks are magnified by youth. Resilience is formed swiftly.As a football player, even in the role of defender, you must have the skills to take chances when they come along. Training and development are vital.The best coaches are the ones who recognise the best positions for players based on their strengths. The best players are the ones who get on with it.Opportunities don't come all the time, but with self-belief, and faith from those who guide, we can make sure the chances are handed to us if we work hard.BEST MOMENTS'Never give up, no matter what happens' ‘If it's your dream to do well in football, then you can't give up' 'There's more to it than just somebody's opinion' 'Nobody's going to let you win' VALUABLE RESOURCES Leader Manager Coac

Rob continues his fascinating look at the philosophies of Leo Tolstoy, and the insightful ways in which his teachings can positively impact coaching and mentoring practices.In this episode, we look at the power of true listening, the importance of detachment, and what it means to “close the gap”.KEY TAKEAWAYSWe are all students, and should embrace the attitude that we are always learning. Humility and curiosity are the gateways to knowledge.The results of any situation are not within our control. Embrace this fact and realise that the only control we have is over the present.Closing the gap means narrowing the space between how we think, how we speak and how we act. It is the alignment of these actions with who we are inside.Power does not come from physical action. It comes from thought and considered action as a result of that thought. BEST MOMENTS‘A student is not afraid to try things and figure out what works, and what doesn't' ‘You are responsible for the process, but you are

Spencer Fearn has devoted himself to developing the next generation of football players, despite the fact that he also spends a significant portion of his life in developing himself in areas such as UEFA licensing and even a business master's degree.Spencer joins the conversation to discuss the importance of not just instilling the values of the game into his young charges, but also of equipping them for life in general. KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's important to develop skills other than football in young players, so that even if they miss out on the very limited opportunities available in the game, they'll have the necessary talents to find other, meaningful pursuits.We need to accept that mistakes are natural. All mistakes are lessons learned. The learning comes from recognising the error and taking the value from it.The great coaches and leaders must hold themselves to the same values and standards that they wish to instil in others. We cannot hope to maintain or nurture respect, when we do no adhere to the stan

The effects and implications of lockdown are widespread, and are taking a serious toll on not just the economy, but our mental health. Human beings are social animals, and to be quarantined away from each other is not a natural state to find ourselves in.This week, Rob candidly examines the effects of the lockdown on his own wellbeing, and discusses how we can use our strength of will to see ourselves safely through to the other side.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe principles that guide us into being the best that we can be, are transcendent of any niche or interest. They are the founding values of humanity itself.The denial of physical contact, and the proximity of those we love the most, is an act of rebellion against our very physiology. The effects of lockdown are far more damaging to our psyche than we may realise.There has been a large chasm in the understanding of how this will affect those who are more vulnerable than others. This has led to anger and frustration in the lack of leadership on show.Holding the tension

This week, Rob examines the ground-breaking, monumental work by author Jed C. Davies, 'The Philosophy Of Football: In Shadows Of Marcelo Bielsa', and the fascinating, if sometimes uncomfortable questions it raises about the state of the modern game. KEY TAKEAWAYSFootball is a game of opinions; that's what makes it the “beautiful game” in the first place. It is a game of endless variables that can be interpreted differently depending on the philosophy of the player or coach.The philosophy framework itself can be broken down into four major components: technical, tactical, underlying principles, and overarching philosophy.Scanning is an ability that is not utilised enough, but when used effectively, it can transform and greatly increase the power of your team, making a phenomenal difference.Structure is crucial to the functioning ability of anything. You cannot build a car from the heaviest materials and expect it to move quickly. Each component of a team needs to be considered carefully in ord

In the ninth part of his fascinating look into the teachings and wisdom of Leo Tolstoy, and how it can enhance your coaching abilities, Rob talks about the importance living life to its fullest, why we need to take care of our spirits as well as our bodies, and the power of a word well chosen. KEY TAKEAWAYSOnly as we grow older, and realise that days spent are days lost, can we truly realise the need to avoid diversions and laser-focus in upon the things that truly matter.The power we wield is not upon the past. We can only be effective upon the present moment, and thereby influence our future.It is vital for us to take time to replenish the spirit by removing ourselves from distractions and confusion. By not doing so, we allow our souls to become cluttered.The only person who can truly judge us upon our actions and decisions, is ourselves. Peace of mind lies in the fact that we are ultimately responsible.BEST MOMENTS‘Fill your boots and profit from it' ‘It's only as you get older that we rea

Stuart Watkiss is a an ex-footballer turned professional coach, who's spent a significant part of his life in developing Bangladesh's players of tomorrow.Stuart's journey through life has been one of resilience, challenge and fortitude. As he discusses in this week's show, these are qualities he has taken from his story, his personal challenges, working hard to transfer to the hearts and minds of successive generations.KEY TAKEAWAYSAn apprenticeship in football is a tough life. From a young age you need have a mind-set that can allow you to install routines, and you do need to make many sacrifices.Young players these days should receive a comprehensive education in not just the game itself, but also the disciplines that have turned boys into men.Success comes through discipline and sacrifice, but ultimately, we must never trade our lives and happiness completely, in exchange for moments of victory.We must make sure we live up to each day's potential. We can never turn back the clock and alter the mistakes or

Rob discusses a subject that is key to not just grass roots and youth football, but also to the future of football at all levels: physical competency.No matter which path we choose in football, the game itself demands, at its very foundations, a level of physical competency in order to achieve success. In this week's show, Rob discusses the basic components of competency to which any aspiring player must commit.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe key components of physicality are strength, speed, power and proprioception. All four of these attributes rely on a basic core of ability.Without the required physical prowess, we cannot hope to compete at the highest level among those who have proven that they have these attributes.Agility and speed are the coordination by the body, of turning reaction into ordered physical reaction. The stronger the muscles, the faster we are able to respond.Early training in life is most effective when structured around games. Only when we move on to adolescence should we move into a more regimented

In years to come, we will no doubt look back upon 2020 as not just a time of lockdown and fear, but of great change. Change is perhaps the greatest and most positive effect of the quarantine, with many speculating upon how it will take form in the near future.In today's show, Rob discusses the concept of change itself, and why it must be embraced at every opportunity.KEY TAKEAWAYSWe are the product of an infinite number of incremental changes that have been taking place in our minds and bodies since birth. Change should always be seen as a form of growth.It is only our natural instinct to attach to situations and relationships that causes pain when things change. It's a human design feature, and can never be truly overcome.Often the changes forced upon us are the easiest to accept. By removing the fear over whether change will occur, and simply being forced into change, we come to “positive passivity”Usually, the darkness of despair is the precursor to times of light. Take refuge in the fact that

Rob explains the importance of Hierarchies of competence and why understanding what it actually takes to carve out a meaningful life is key.He explores the changes that have brought not an equality for all but the creation of an equality of outcome. We are all different, all unique but this means to achieve we need to not only value practice but also understand what it really means to undertake and embed it as part of our daily routine.This is a thought-provoking episode listen in, learn and enjoy. KEY TAKEAWAYSA hierarchy of competence is nothing more than the natural competition that humans seem to engage in as a part of a natural course and the rewards system that exists is a natural consequence.There is a drive to equalise everything in this age of equality. There is every reason to work for an equality for all but in doing this we have sought to create an equality of outcome.Promoting equal opportunity is a vision that is about ensuring equal opportunities for individuals to do whatever they wish to

In this very special episode, Rob talks to father-son coaches, Keith and David Meyer, the co-authors of ‘Gold Dust', one of the hottest titles on the market right now due to its practical wisdom and inspiring message of empowerment for all aspiring coaches.Keith and David discuss their thought process behind the book, the ongoing power of their relationship, and the respective journeys that have led them to this point in their careers.KEY TAKEAWAYSAs a player, you can impact the game, which can impact the souls of others. But as a coach, we can make lasting change to people's lives.Writing a book, or committing to any kind of creative project, takes the same will and determination we use in coaching. It is a practice of discipline.Mentors are the key to the unlocking of the cumulative knowledge of generations of creativity. Mentorship and coaching is the only true way of ensuring our ideals stay live. When coaching, we need to look for opportunities to enhance those in our care, and not fix somethi

Self-reflection and study has sown Rob the value of "Finding The One”, the art of discovering the one key player in any team, that can make all the difference.It's the same in life. As Rob explains, finding the one element or key player in any pursuit, be it football, politics or business, can be the difference between stagnancy and supremacy.KEY TAKEAWAYSBangladesh is a nation that's hungry for wealth, success and happiness. But there are many obstacles to overcome along the way to prosperity.We must always utilise our strengths in productive ways. We must channel the skills we have into controlling only the things within our power.The project for this generation is to discover the star of tomorrow; to unearth the one factor that will make a difference to the future in some way.To find the inspirational magic that touches those special individuals, is life's greatest pursuit. We must endeavour to be vigilant in looking for that spark of genius.BEST MOMENTS'They're forced to be married to cricket, but t

Matt Ward has spent a lifetime becoming one of the world's greatest coaches, and has since gone on to recount his experiences on the written page, as well as playing a huge part in recognising the efforts of British coaches abroad through The British Football Coaches Network.Matt joins Rob today to talk about the highs and lows of his varied career, that have turned him from shy young lad with a dream, to one of the most renowned and fearless leaders in the beautiful game.KEY TAKEAWAYSMuch of any coach's knowledge comes from experience handed down through generations of other coaches, rather than through textbooks. Wisdom comes from interaction.Working with the best of the best inspires us to want to reach that level. Seeing the heights we may hope to reach instils the aspiration to do so.Strength comes through adversity and challenge. By facing our obstacles and fears head on, we develop the muscles that suppress fear and doubt.As a leader and coach, we need to remember that we can only control our own fate.

We're in the middle of unprecedented times, and no matter where we're from or who we are, we're all impacted. For the current generation, the coronavirus has delivered an epoch-shifting way in which we live our lives.Rob examines, in his trademark philosophical way, the effects of the quarantine, and our eventual role in helping humanity to get back on track through leadership and wisdom.KEY TAKEAWAYSNever in living memory, has a world event so truly brought together each member of the humanrace. It's a situation that, despite its negative impact, has united humanity in a common cause.An important part of accepting the current situation is to acknowledge our weaknesses and fears. We are human beings. We are emotional, and we are prone to change. We can't expect the world to go back to the way it was before. Even from the smallest of disruptions, change always follows. Humility and the importance of connection will be the main elements of humanity to evolve following this.Gratitude should be a part of our

As we continue this month our series of discussions on Leo Tolstoy's book and its coaching wisdom, we focus more on introspection which can help us understand what we have in ourselves and eventually in our surroundings. We get so tangled up and give so much attention to unnecessary things that we forget to appreciate our own freedom; the beauty of having peace and unity, the attitude of not giving a single f*ck to anything. Things can change for the better. Start tuning in to the Leader Manager Coach Podcast to know more on how we can lead our team more effectively through Tolstoy's teachings.KEY TAKEAWAYSFreedom – As leaders, managers, and coaches say it: Allow your place to play with freedom. This isn't just physical freedom but also the psychological freedom. Find your zone, where you are free and your true self.Don't ever let yourself regret anything. It's difficult to have haunting what if's in the future. It is the things we don't act upon and do that we truly regret. So, start ticking some off y

Rob welcomes you to another fascinating discussion, this time centred around the concept of risk, and what it means to us as individuals?How much something means to you, in terms of outcome, can determine the level of risk we are willing to take in order to achieve it. But can we influence those factors through mindset or will power? Is this the secret behind the great risks in history, or the decisions made by those we look up to?In this week's insightful episode Rob discusses risk and all its many implications.KEY TAKEAWAYSRisk comes in many forms: financial, business or relationships. What is your risk aversion? How sure can you be that risks are worth taking?The level of risk you are willing to take is directly proportionate to the connection we have between ourselves and the subject of the risk.We spend our entire childhoods being steered away from risk, and our adult lives trying to develop a healthy relationship with it. Only by taking risks and stepping out, can we leave the island of safety.We should

Today Rob talks about adversity in its many forms, and the ways in which we can use the surprising power of negative thinking in overcoming adversity in our lives. It's a tool we rarely ever use in order to face everyday life, but as Rob explains, it may just be the key to unlocking a more positive, productive outlook on life.KEY TAKEAWAYSOne of Ryan Holiday's views surrounding the stoic philosophy is in imagining the worst-case scenarios, as opposed to searching for the positives in all things.Memento Mori means “Remember that we are all going to die”. In the stoic philosophy, they preach that death is inevitable, so we should make every second count.You're going to face an abundance of adversity in your lifetime. The world, in its natural state, is a brutal one. Challenges should not be surprising.There is a peace to be found in the realisation that adversity is inevitable. By accepting that challenges are everywhere, we are able to meet them with grace.Sometimes during adversity, all we can do