Win More, Live Better

We’re halfway through the 2026 year. Before you rush into the next six months, this can be a great time to pause and evaluate your year so far. In this episode, I share a personal mid-year reflection on the lessons and questions that have shaped my first half of 2026 and the halftime adjustments I’m making for the back half of the year.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

How do you build a more connected team? According to Hall of Fame NBA coach Mike D'Antoni, it starts with the coaches. In this After the Whistle segment, we unpack why the relationships among your coaching staff may be one of the biggest influences on your team's culture. We also discuss practical ways coaches can create stronger connections, foster trust, and model the kind of culture they hope to see in their players.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

How do you decide what deserves your time and attention when everything feels important? In this episode, Zach explores why identifying your values isn’t enough, you also need to understand how they’re prioritized. This episode offers a practical way to think about your values and ensure your daily choices reflect the life you’re trying to build. Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

Every Independence Day, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest captures the attention of millions of viewers. But few people know the story of Takeru Kobayashi, the six-time champion whose innovative approach forever changed the competition. In this episode, Zach unpacks the leadership and performance lessons behind Kobayashi's success and explains why extraordinary results often come from asking different questions, not just simply working harder.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

Coach Mike D'Antoni is one of the most influential coaches in basketball history.Following a remarkable playing career in Italy that included five championships, D'Antoni transitioned into coaching and went on to become one of the game's greatest innovators. Over a coaching career spanning more than four decades, he served as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets, earning two NBA Coach of the Year awards while helping reshape the modern game through his revolutionary offensive philosophy.This summer, Coach D'Antoni will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary impact on the sport.In this episode of the Win More, Live Better podcast, Coach D'Antoni reflects on the lessons he's learned from coaching Hall of Famers, MVPs, and championship-caliber teams, while sharing insights on leadership, confidence, innovation, resilience, and the human side of coaching.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[4:31] — Driven to Be Great[5:54] — Transferring Confidence to Players[12:55] — Keeping Perspective Under Pressure[16:15] — Finding Your Own Coaching Style[18:35] — Touch Every Player Every Day[20:34] — Leadership Requires Adaptation[23:00] — Betting On Your Vision[26:58] — Conviction vs. Stubbornness[31:50] — Managing the Temperature of the Team[34:34] — Creating Alignment Amongst the Staff[40:05] — Talent vs. Greatness[43:01] — Winning Players[45:38] — Adapting Systems to Your Players' Strengths[48:36] — Helping Role Players Thrive[55:04] — Steve Nash's Separator[57:52] — The Loneliness and Emotional Weight of Coaching[1:02:41] — Advice for Young Coaches[1:06:28] — His LegacyLearn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.You can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Can a story make something worthless become valuable? In this episode, Zach shares an incredible real-life experiment that demonstrates how a simple story transformed ordinary objects into something people valued nearly 30 times more. You'll learn how great leaders use stories to shape perception, strengthen commitment, and help people connect everyday work to a greater purpose.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

How should leaders respond to complaints? In this episode, Zach explores the difference between chronic complainers and meaningful feedback, why complaints often contain valuable information, and how coaches and leaders can use curiosity, empathy, and accountability to build stronger teams and cultures.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Most people don't miss the view because it isn't there. They miss it because they're moving too fast to notice it. In this episode, Zach explores why coaches, leaders, and high performers need more "lookout points" in their lives, intentional moments to pause, reflect, and gain perspective amidst the demands of work and leadership. If you've been feeling stuck in constant pursuit, overwhelmed by what's ahead, or simply moving too fast to enjoy the journey, this episode offers a practical reminder to slow down and take in the view.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Sonny Cumbie is the head football coach at Louisiana Tech University and one of the most respected offensive minds in college football. His journey through the game is anything but conventional.A former Texas Tech walk-on quarterback, Cumbie spent years earning his opportunity before becoming the starting quarterback and ultimately leading the nation in passing yards and total offense during his senior season.Following his playing career, Cumbie competed professionally before beginning a coaching journey that included stops in the Indoor Football League, graduate assistant roles under Mike Leach, offensive coordinator positions at Texas Tech and TCU, and a stint as Texas Tech's interim head coach. Throughout that journey, he worked alongside some of college football's most respected coaches, including Mike Leach, Gary Patterson, Kliff Kingsbury, Neil Brown, and Matt Wells, to name a few.Today, as the head coach at Louisiana Tech, Cumbie brings together lessons from every chapter of that journey. His leadership philosophy blends accountability with connection, high standards with genuine care, and a belief that people perform at their best when they know they matter.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:58] — From Walk-On to Nation's Top Passer[9:50] — Playing the Long Game[14:12] — How to Get Honest Feedback from Players[14:55] — Making 1:1 Meetings Matter[19:36] — The Player Who Changed My Coaching[24:00] — The PromotionTrap[27:18] — Your Mentors Aren't Always Right[31:22] — Lessons from Mike Leach and Mentors[36:47] — From Substitute Teacher to Head Football Coach[42:01] — Head Coach Fatigue[47:12] — Best Team Exercise I've Ever Seen[55:03] — What Matters Most to Coach CumbieLearn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

What if some of the greatest careers in sports history had been judged by their first season? Today's episode profiles some of the early failures and struggles that several top performers faced early in their careers, but also how they responded to them to end up as some of the greatest athletes of all-time. Zach explores why we place so much weight on early results, the stories we tell ourselves after setbacks, and why a rough beginning can be a poor predictor of where we're ultimately capable of going.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

As coaches and leaders, it's easy to assume people know how we feel about them. We assume our players know we're proud of them. We assume our staff knows they're appreciated. We assume our families know we're cheering for them. But support isn't measured by what we feel, but it is measured by what other people experience. In this episode, we explore the power of encouragement, the influence of having someone in your corner, and why one of the greatest gifts you can give another person is letting them know you're cheering for them.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Why do we spend so much time chasing moments we'll only experience briefly? After reflecting on a World Series appearance and lessons from astronaut Chris Hadfield, I found myself wrestling with a simple question: What happens when we become so focused on the reward that we overlook everything required to reach it? In this episode, we explore why our minds tend to fixate on peaks, endings, and achievements and how to find more meaning and fulfillment in the journey itself.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

What if the confidence you’re waiting for is actually on the other side of action? In this episode, Zach explores one of the most common misconceptions in performance and personal growth: The belief that we must feel confident before we act. Zach shares a powerful story from Rory Vaden’s book Take the Stairs and explores why fear is not always a sign that you’re incapable, unprepared, or not ready.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Most organizations and teams don't fall apart suddenly or due to some catastrophic collapse. Typically, things start to break down in more subtle ways and due to small deviations from standards. Drawing on insights from Northwestern Field Hockey Head Coach Tracey Fuchs, Zach discusses how championship teams leverage regular culture audits to evaluate whether their actions align with their values. He also explores research from systems thinking to explain why drift occurs and what leaders can do to prevent it.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Tracey Fuchs is one of the most accomplished coaches and players in the history of American field hockey.As the head coach at Northwestern University since 2009, Fuchs has transformed the Wildcats into a national powerhouse, becoming the winningest coach in program history while leading Northwestern to multiple NCAA National Championships, Big Ten Championships, and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. Under her leadership, Northwestern has become one of the premier programs in collegiate athletics.Prior to her coaching career, Fuchs established herself as one of the greatest players in U.S. field hockey history. She was a three-time All-American and NCAA Champion at the University of Connecticut, the 1987 Honda Award winner as the nation’s top field hockey player, a two-time Olympian, and a longtime captain of the U.S. National Team. She remains one of the most decorated athletes the sport has ever produced and was inducted into the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:22] — Her Unexpected Path to Coaching[6:44] — Solve Problems, Don't Create Them[8:26] — Finding Your Own Leadership Voice[14:55] — Rebuilding the Culture and Program[17:14] — The Hard Is What Makes It Great[20:56] — The Program's Four Core Values[25:42] — Empowering Athletes to Lead[30:38] — Growth Never Stops[35:21] — Looking In the Mirror [38:30] — Measuring Success Beyond Championships[41:20] — Attack, Don't Defend[43:01] — Taking Care of Yourself as a Leader[46:52] — Lessons From Players[49:40] — Fair Isn't Always Equal[51:25] — Advocacy for Women in AthleticsFollow Tracey's Coaching Journey:Follow Tracey on Instragram here.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Country music star Eric Church recently delivered a commencement speech that resonated with millions. In it, he used the six strings of a guitar to explain what creates a meaningful life. In this episode, we unpack that metaphor and explore what it can teach us about ambition, identity, fulfillment, and the different parts of life that make us whole.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

In the 1980s, Van Halen became famous for an unusual backstage request: No brown M&M’s in the dressing room. This request was actually a hidden test designed to reveal whether venues had carefully followed the band’s detailed production and safety requirements. In this episode, we explore what that story teaches us about standards and why tiny details are important to protect as a leader.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

A lot of people struggle to build momentum because they make the starting line feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share the story of my wife’s “five-minute rule” that helped her run every single day for an entire year and why momentum is something we create. We discuss the psychology behind consistency, Greg McKeown’s concept of “Minimal Viable Progress,” and how stacking small wins helps us produce massive breakthroughs.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Today we're exploring John Wooden’s famous “Nine Promises” and why they still matter today. We explore themes like emotional steadiness, relationships, self-talk, personal growth, leadership, comparison, peace of mind, and sustainable success. More than achievement, this conversation is about the internal commitments that shape the quality of our lives and help us win more without losing ourselves in the process.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

How do great performers respond to failure without becoming defined by it? In this After the Whistle segment, Zach expands on a powerful lesson shared by Louisville volleyball head coach Dan Meske: “You have to take more from failure than it takes from you.” With references to Nick Saban and another former guest on the podcast, Amy Morin, this episode is designed to help you learn from and respond more effectively to failure.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Meske, the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of Louisville and one of the most respected coaches in the entire sport.Before becoming Louisville’s head coach in 2025, Dan spent eight seasons as the program’s associate head coach, helping transform Louisville into a national powerhouse. During that stretch, the Cardinals reached multiple Final Fours, appeared in two NCAA National Championship matches, won four ACC championships, and consistently finished among the top teams in the country. In 2022, Dan was named AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year.In his first season as Louisville’s head coach, the Cardinals finished 26–7 while advancing to the NCAA Regional Semifinals. Prior to Louisville, Dan served as head coach at Augustana University, where he compiled a 45–17 record across two seasons and led the Vikings to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.Before that, Dan spent eight seasons at University of Nebraska, where the Huskers compiled a 216–44 record, won multiple conference championships, made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and helped establish Nebraska’s sand volleyball program into a top-10 national program. Dan is also a former standout player at Ohio State University, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national semifinal appearance and earned All-MIVA honors during his collegiate career.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[4:10] — Lessons Learned from Year One as a Head Coach[7:35] — Reflection as a Coach[10:13] — Catching People Being Good[16:23] — Taking Over a Winning Program[20:54] — Growing Beyond Your Strengths as a Leader[25:33] — Joy and Flow State in Competition[30:02] — Core Values[33:03] — Courage and Leadership[43:21] — Turning Failures and Losses Into Lessons[49:01] — Searching for Competitive Advantages[53:49] — Never Stop Learning[58:30] — Family and FatherhoodFollow Dan's Coaching Journey:Follow Dan on Instagram here. Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Visualization is one of the most widely used mental performance tools in sports and performance, but many people use it incorrectly. In this episode, Zach explores why elite performers shouldn’t just visualize success, but also mentally rehearse the adversity, setbacks, and pressure that come with pursuing meaningful goals.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

In this episode, Zach shares the famous parable of the farmer and the runaway horse to explore why leaders and performers often judge moments too early. A loss, injury, setback, or disappointment can feel defining in the moment, but most moments are incomplete stories. This episode breaks down the dangers of binary thinking, emotional overreaction, and attaching permanent meaning to temporary circumstances, while offering a more grounded way to navigate life's circumstances.Learn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

What can a Paris restaurant with almost no menu teach us about leadership and culture? In this episode, Zach shares a lesson from Le Relais de l’Entrecôte and explores why strong cultures are not built by trying to be everything to everyone. Zach explores why leaders often overcomplicate culture by adding more (e.g. meetings, standards, values, options, etc.) and why the better move is often to clarify the main thing you’re serving in your environment.Learn More About Zach:Register for the upcoming free webinar on Monday, May 11th at 4pm (PST) -- Register HereExplore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Most coaches use film to help players improve, but very few use it to evaluate themselves. In this episode, Zach shares why reviewing your own meetings, practices, conversations, or presentations can dramatically improve your communication and leadership effectiveness. Drawing from his own experiences with podcasting and public speaking, he explains how self-review exposes blind spots, reveals patterns, and accelerates growth.Learn More About Zach:Register for the upcoming free webinar on Monday, May 11th at 4pm (PST) -- Register HereExplore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

What happens when you stop trying to suppress emotions and start learning how to work with them? In this episode, I build on my recent conversation with Amy Morin to explore the connection between emotional awareness and mental strength. We discuss emotion labeling and I also share a real-life example on the power of journaling about your emotions from NBA player, Steven Adams.Learn More About Zach:Register for the upcoming free webinar on Monday, May 11th at 4pm (PST) -- Register HereExplore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Amy Morin is a licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, award-winning host of the Mentally Stronger podcast, and an international bestselling author of six books on mental strength, including the globally acclaimed 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.Her work has been featured by major outlets including Good Morning America, Today, Oprah, Tamron Hall, and the BBC. Her TEDx Talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, has been viewed more than 24 million times, and her writing and speaking have helped millions of people rethink what it means to build resilience, manage adversity, and grow mentally stronger.Amy’s passion for teaching mental strength comes from both her clinical expertise and her personal experience. After losing her mother and husband by the age of 26, she began exploring mental strength not just as a therapist, but as someone trying to navigate grief, uncertainty, and life’s most difficult moments herself.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[7:18] — From Grief to Mental Strength[10:50] — The Power of What Not to Do[13:18] — The Myth of Mental Toughness[16:32] — Building Discomfort Tolerance[19:33] — Helping Athletes With Anxiety Before Performance [22:38] — The 3 Components of Mental Strength[26:11] — Stop Giving Away Your Power[28:16] — Controlling What You Can Control[31:45] — The Mental Strength Playbook[34:37] — Emotion Regulation for Coaches[37:24] — Mental Strength Takes Reps[40:05] — Confidence Isn't a Feeling[44:13] — Helping Resistant Athletes[47:41] — Learning to Ask for Help[50:03] — Life on a SailboatLearn More About Amy:Learn more about Amy's coaching, speaking, and books hereLearn More About Zach:Register for the upcoming free webinar on Monday, May 11th at 4pm (PST) -- Register HereExplore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

The expectations you hold for others are never neutral. In this episode, we break down the Pygmalion Effect (also known as the Rosenthal Effect) and the classic 1968 study with school children that revealed how important expectations can be. If you're a coach, leader, parent, teacher, or anyone in an authority position, and you want your people to grow, it starts with what you expect from them (and how you show it).Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

One of the most common forms of interference for performers is misinterpreting progress. In this episode, we discuss the bamboo tree and how it symbolizes why growth is often delayed, invisible, uneven, and misunderstood. You’ll learn a helpful perspective shift to stay patient and persistent when results lag behind effort.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

What if your performance isn’t limited by your ability, but by the story you keep telling yourself? In this episode, we break down the powerful story of Bo Eason, a former NFL All-Pro safety who reframed a defining moment from his childhood into a powerful identity that helped propel his career.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

This is a special episode. It marks the one year anniversary of this podcast and offers a reflection on what it’s taken to get here and the role others have played along the way. I discuss why having a coach or trusted voice in your corner can accelerate your growth in ways that are hard to replicate on your own. Drawing on conversations with elite coaches and leaders, I share a simple way to think about the role this person plays and how they can help you see more clearly, stay consistent, and turn insight into action.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

What does it look like to immediately go from one of the most decorated athletes in college sports to leading that same program from the sidelines? In this episode, I sit down with Erin Matson, head field hockey coach at the University of North Carolina and one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the sport.During her playing career, Erin helped lead UNC to four NCAA Championships and five ACC titles, while becoming the all-time leading scorer in both ACC history and NCAA Tournament play. She’s a five-time ACC Player of the Year (the only athlete in any sport to earn that honor five times) and a three-time recipient of the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey.Shortly after graduating, she stepped into the role of head coach at just 23 years old and, in her first season, led the Tar Heels to both an ACC Championship and a National Championship. In addition to her collegiate success, Erin has competed on the U.S. National Team since the age of 17, representing the country on the international stage and continuing to contribute to the growth of the game.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:23] — Being Announced as Head Coach[10:17] — First Message to the Team[17:10] — Shifting From Playing to Leading[22:57] — The "Spinning Plates" Lesson[30:01] — From Survival to Creator Mode[38:27] — Developing Yourself as a Coach[44:40] — Coach Development Drives Player Development[48:54] — Who Is Your Person?[52:04] — Lessons From Elite Leaders[1:00:57] — Pride in the Small DetailsFollow Erin's Coaching Journey:Follow Erin on Instagram hereLearn More About Zach:Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Are you leading to be seen or to help others feel seen? In this episode, we break down the difference between “spotlight” and “lighthouse” leadership. One is focused on perception. The other is focused on service.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

We have a human tendency to try and rush (or get) through certain moments in life, especially when they're inconvenient or not easy. But there's a simple reframe and perspective you can adopt that can dramatically shift how you experience these moments and live a life that's more appreciative, present, and joyful. Today's episode is inspired by the ancient Stoics and gives us a new way to look at our daily experiences so we don't miss moments we might later wish we still had.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

In this special “From the Other Side of the Mic” episode, I join Cindra Kamphoff on The High Performance Mindset podcast to discuss leadership and mindset in the realm of high performance. We also preview the upcoming Virtual Mental Performance Summit (Friday, April 17th) and explore practical ways coaches and leaders can elevate how they think, perform, and show up for others.Learn More About The Mental Performance Summit:You can learn more and register hereLearn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Most New Year’s resolutions focus on what we want to do and achieve, but very few focus on how we need to think. This episode introduces the concept of a “thinking resolution” and explains why your thoughts play a critical role in your ability to follow through on goals and build sustainable habits. You’ll learn how to identify the thought patterns that are holding you back, replace them with more effective ones, and create simple daily reminders to stay aligned with the mindset you need to succeed.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Wilt Chamberlain once improved his biggest weakness (e.g. free throw shooting), but he abandoned it because he implemented a technique that he thought others would ridicule. This episode explores a phenomenon in human behavior known as the threshold theory and why performers may avoid what works due to social pressure. We discuss some of the psychology behind “copycat leagues” form and how coaches can lower the psychological barrier to help athletes perform at their highest level.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

What separates elite performers in high-pressure moments? Preparation. In this episode, we break down how Captain Sully’s 2009 emergency plane landing and Ray Allen’s iconic 2013 NBA Finals shot reveal a core principle: Performance under pressure is a reflection of your preparation. Learn how to train both physically and mentally so you can stay composed, execute when it matters most, and avoid relying on hope instead of reps. Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

If you were evaluated like a financial stock, would your daily habits justify someone else investing in you? Inspired by my conversation with Wake Forest head soccer coach, Bobby Muuss, this episode breaks down how consistency and daily deposits shape how others evaluate (and trust) you. You’ll also learn how to approach each day like a one-day contract and why that mindset can change how you show up.Learn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter here

Bobby Muuss is the head men’s soccer coach at Wake Forest University and one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Division I soccer over the past decade. Since taking over the program in 2015, he has led Wake Forest to the most wins in the country during that span, along with multiple ACC Championships, eight Sweet Sixteen appearances, six Elite Eights, and two College Cup runs.Prior to Wake Forest, Muuss served as the head coach at the University of Denver, where he led the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships, while earning conference Coach of the Year honors. Before that, he spent time as an assistant coach at Wake Forest under Jay Vidovich, contributing to one of the most successful stretches in program history, including a national championship.Muuss has also developed dozens of professional players, including MLS draft picks and national team talent, while earning multiple ACC Coach of the Year honors at Wake Forest.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:13] — Inheriting a Powerhouse Program[11:27] — Finding Your Coaching Identity[17:00] — Leadership Starts with Self-Work[21:29] — The Accountability Gap Today[27:34] — Confidants in the Locker Room [29:32] — Making Meetings Matter[32:52] — "Earn the Jersey" Culture[36:15] — Patience in Development[40:46] — Building Your Coaching Staff[44:58] — Accountability Starts at the Top[47:08] — Coaching Is Lonely[52:24] — Advice for Future Head Coaches[55:56] — Stocks Analogy[1:00:15] — The Impact Beyond the Game and WinsLearn More About Zach:Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

None of us get to choose when difficulty shows up in our lives, but we do get to choose if (and how) we use it. In this episode, we break down why most people waste difficult moments and Zach shares a story from the actor Michael Caine that can shift how we respond to and view the inevitable adversity we confront.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

In the 1500s, mapmakers would sometimes stamp “Here be dragons” on the edges of their maps, which marked places no one had yet explored. In this episode, we explore how that same instinct shows up in modern life when you’re facing risk or uncertainty and why your brain is quick to assume the worst. You’ll learn how to recognize when fear is shaping your decisions and why the ability to navigate uncertainty (not predict it) is a valuable skill anyone should develop.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

Hiring is one of the most important decisions a coach makes, but it's rarely discussed in a public setting. In this After the Whistle segment, we build on insights from Arizona State head coaches JJ Van Niel and Molly Miller, both of whom emphasize that being intentional about who you hire and finding staff who complement you as a leader. This episode explores why "fit" matters more than resumes, how great leaders build complementary staffs, and why your hiring process is a direct reflection of your culture.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

JJ Van Niel’s path to becoming one of the top coaches in college volleyball is anything, but conventional.After spending more than a decade in the financial world (including investment banking and hedge funds), Van Niel made the leap into coaching, bringing with him a unique lens on leadership, systems, and performance. Today, he is the head coach at Arizona State University, where he has quickly transformed the program into a national contender.In his first three seasons, Van Niel has led the Sun Devils to back-to-back Big 12 Championships (which are the only conference titles in program history), while earning Conference Coach of the Year honors each year. His teams have set program records for winning percentage, produced multiple All-Americans, and made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, including regional semifinal appearances.Before Arizona State, Van Niel was an associate head coach at USC, helping guide the Trojans to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and previously served at Utah during one of the most successful stretches in program history. He has also contributed to the U.S. Women’s National Team, supporting Olympic and World Championship preparation through scouting and analytics. This conversation explores the journey behind his success and how JJ’s unconventional background continues to shape the way he leads, builds teams, and develops people.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:21] — Transition from Finance to Coaching[11:03] — Coaching Like A CEO[16:30] — Building a Complementary Staff[27:15] — Learning From Hiring Mistakes[31:13] — Intentionally Building Relationships[38:10] — Weekly Performance Check-Ins[40:52] — The Core 4 Pillars for ASU's Program[48:32] — Growing as a Coach[55:37] — The Courage to Pivot to CoachingLearn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/You can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Most of us have been taught that nerves are a problem we have to solve. The vast majority of advice that gets recommended to manage nerves centers on trying to calm down, but what if I told you that this advice is counterproductive? After winning The Players Championship, PGA Tour golfer Cameron Young described his nerves as useful and how they help him become capable of better performance. In this episode, we break down why your body’s response to pressure is actually designed to help you perform. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety in big moments, this episode will give you a new way to understand it and a better way to use it.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

Some of the most difficult conversations I have with athletes, coaches, and high-achieving leaders aren’t about performance. They’re about the sacrifices they make in this pursuit, especially as it relates to their families. They’re conversations about missed birthdays, missed weddings, time spent physically absent, and the guilt of missing everyday moments that can't be replaced. If you're a high-achiever pursuing your own dreams and ambitions, but struggling with the cost of this in your personal life, then this episode is an invitation for you to remind yourself of what they also gain from your pursuit.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

In this After the Whistle segment, we unpack how self-doubt and the inner critic can shape our performances and the way in which we lead others. Drawing on insights from Cleveland Guardians' Major League Manager, Stephen Vogt, and research from Ethan Kross, you’ll learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts, interrupt mental spirals, and take control of the most important conversation you have each day.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of the Win More, Live Better Podcast, Zach sits down with Stephen Vogt, manager of the Cleveland Guardians and a former 10-year Major League Baseball veteran and two-time MLB All-Star.Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007, Vogt spent years grinding through the minor leagues before making his big league debut in 2012. Over the next decade, he built a reputation as one of the most respected catchers in the game known not only for his performance, but for his leadership inside the clubhouse.During his playing career, Vogt suited up for several organizations including the Rays, Athletics, Brewers, Giants, Diamondbacks, and Braves. Not long after hanging up his cleats, Vogt transitioned into coaching, joining the Seattle Mariners staff in 2023 as a bullpen and quality control coach. In November of 2023, he was named the 45th manager in Cleveland Guardians franchise history, becoming one of the youngest managers in Major League Baseball.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:53] — When Stephen Knew He'd Coach[8:51] — Leadership Behind the Plate[12:03] — Failure, Empathy, and Perspective[16:49] — Transition from Player to Manager[21:00] — The Emotional Weight of Coaching[23:36] — Building Your Own Leadership Style[26:14] — Self-Doubt and The Inner Critic[30:30] — Three Non-Negotiables for the Team Culture[35:06] — Warning Signs for Culture Drift[39:29] — Creating Space for Truth-Telling[44:01] — Building the Right Staff[47:36] — The Power of Curiosity[52:17] — Deleting Social Media to Protect Your Mind[54:08] — Win Today[55:48] — Learn the Lesson, Leave the Event[58:29] — Support Behind the Scenes[59:40] — Being Present as a FatherLearn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/You can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

Mistakes are inevitable in sport, but too often performers get derailed when they allow those mistakes to snowball. In this episode, we explore a key statistic from the best golfer in the world, Scottie Scheffler, called the bounce-back stat. We break down what causes mistakes to spiral and how athletes and leaders can develop the skill of bouncing back quickly.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

How often do you carry something long after the moment has passed? In this episode, Zach shares a powerful parable about two monks that reveals how easily we hold onto unhelpful thoughts. You’ll learn how to separate the event from the story, why release is a skill high performers develop, and how one simple idea ("The Invisible Backpack") can help lighten the load.Learn More About Zach:If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/