Leadership Without Yes Men: Jay Paterno on Values, Pressure, and Reinvention

A Swift Kick in the Ass host John Curren sits down with Jay Paterno — author, former Penn State coach, and son of legendary coach Joe Paterno — for a powerful conversation on leadership, mental health, and rebuilding your life after public adversity. Jay breaks down why great leadership starts with personal values, consistency, and the courage to admit mistakes. He warns that leaders who surround themselves with yes‑men become disconnected from reality — "like puzzle pieces that never fit together." They explore the mental health pressures facing coaches and leaders in an always‑on, social‑media‑driven world, drawing on themes from Jay's novel Blitz. Jay also shares how being sidelined from coaching due to a high‑profile news story he wasn't involved in forced him to reinvent himself. A push from his literary agent — "just get on with it" — led him to write a best‑selling book about his father and launch a new career in writing and broadcasting. Topics include: Leadership without ego The danger of yes‑men Mental health in high‑pressure roles Reinvention after public adversity Writing, storytelling, and legacy Jay's upcoming leadership book