Win More, Live Better

Growth often comes with an uncomfortable period where the demands of what we’re doing exceed our current capacity to handle them. Using the remarkable story of James Lawrence’s 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 states in 50 days, this episode explores the gap between new demands and our current capacity and why we should be careful about deciding too quickly that something isn’t working.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

The moments when you most want to quit may also be the moments where you have the greatest opportunity to create separation. Inspired by a question Chris Bosh learned from Kobe Bryant, this episode explores how performers can create separation when things aren't easy. Drawing on lessons from Randy Pausch’s famous “brick walls” message in his last lecture and my own experience training for my first marathon, we’ll unpack how to stay resilient, navigate setbacks, and keep going when the path gets difficult.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

Not every great performance starts with feeling great. Last week, two of the world's top music artists, Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan, reminded me of the same key lesson that is relevant for elite performers in any domain. In this episode, we explore why feeling your best isn’t a prerequisite for doing your best and what becomes possible when you stop treating your internal state as a prediction of what you’re capable of.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

Mark Gottfried has experienced college basketball from nearly every angle including as a player, assistant coach, head coach, broadcaster, and now as a speaker, mentor, and podcast host.Mark began his coaching career at UCLA, where he spent seven seasons as an assistant and helped the Bruins capture the 1995 national championship. He went on to serve as a Division I head coach for more than two decades at various programs such as Murray State, Alabama, NC State, and Cal State Northridge.Across his head coaching career, Mark accumulated more than 400 victories, won multiple conference championships, led his teams to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, reached three Sweet Sixteens and an Elite Eight, and earned Coach of the Year honors in both the Ohio Valley Conference and SEC.Today, Mark shares the lessons from those experiences with coaches, executives, teams, and organizations through speaking, mentorship, The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, and his upcoming book, The Playbook for Success, which explores his signature "Get It Done" mindset which is comprised of grit, integrity, and desire.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[4:59] — What Matters Beyond the Wins[7:00] — Growing Up Around the Game[9:50] — An Unforgettable Lesson from John Wooden[14:18] — Build Your Inner Circle Before You Need It[18:34] — Coaching Can Be Lonely[23:21] — Who Are You When the Phone Stops Ringing?[29:19] — The 3 Lies That Pull Us Off-Course[34:55] — Why Winning Can Still Feel Empty[44:20] — What 287 Losses Taught Him[49:35] — The "Get It Done" Mindset[56:06] — Pouring Into Others[58:57] — The People Who Have Always Been His "Why"Learn More About Coach Gottfried:Explore more of Mark's current work and resources here.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

In 1943, Edwin Land’s three-year-old daughter asked him a simple question after he took her picture: Why couldn’t she see it right away? Her question helped activate an idea that had been developing in Land’s mind for years and ultimately contributed to the invention of the Polaroid camera. In this episode, Zach uses that story to explore why meaningful growth frequently occurs before it becomes visible and why great leaders help people see the progress they may not yet recognize in themselves.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

What conversation are you currently talking yourself out of? Difficult conversations rarely become easier simply because we avoid them. More often, the frustration, assumptions, and tension continue to build beneath the surface. In this episode, Zach shares some practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations and becoming more skilled at them.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

John O’Sullivan is a former collegiate and professional soccer player, longtime coach, author, speaker, and the founder of the Changing the Game Project—an organization dedicated to creating better experiences for athletes by transforming the way we coach, lead, and develop people through sport.John is also the host of the Way of Champions Podcast, where he and Dr. Jerry Lynch have had nearly 500 conversations with some of the world’s top coaches, leaders, researchers, and performers. He is the author of several books on coaching, culture, and athlete development, including Changing the Game, Every Moment Matters, and The Champion Teammate.His newest book, co-authored with Jerry Lynch, is Captain: The Athlete’s Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader.In this conversation, John and I explore why leadership should be treated as a skill that can be taught and developed, what exceptional captains do differently, and how coaches can create more opportunities for athletes to actually practice leadership. We also discuss the difference between being liked and respected, how to prepare athletes for difficult conversations, why great leaders sometimes lead from behind, and the two qualities John has seen consistently show up across hundreds of conversations with elite coaches.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:00] — Would You Want to Play for You?[8:06] — Leadership Is a Skill, Not a Character Trait[11:45] — Where Have All the Leaders Gone?[15:10] — You Are Always Leading[20:41] — The Qualities of Exceptional Captains[24:17] — Leadership is a Way of Being[29:40] — Great Leaders Are Thermostats[37:30] — Preparing Athletes for the Challenges of Leadership[40:30] — Being Liked Vs. Respected[46:28] — Who Are People Gravitating Toward in Your Culture?[52:36] — You Can't Develop Leaders Without Giving Them The Reps[56:37] — Two Common Traits of Great Coaches[59:27] — Captain + Leadership Development CurriculumLearn More About John O'Sullivan:Purchase John's new book Captain hereExplore The Changing the Game Project hereLearn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

Wherever you go, your attention goes with you. So why wouldn’t you deliberately train it? In this episode, Zach explores how training attention can strengthen other mental skills, why calm isn’t necessarily the goal of meditation, and what it means to develop greater stability in the moments that matter most.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

How do you respond and adapt when you confront conditions you didn't prepare for? In this episode, Zach shares the remarkable story of a world-renowned pianist who was forced to perform on an instrument that was far from what he expected and created something extraordinary by adjusting the way he played. Through lessons from music, Roger Clemens, and a professional hitting coach, Zach explores why adaptability begins with accepting reality, focusing on what remains available, and trusting your ability to improvise.Learn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.

Josh Steinbach is the head volleyball coach at Villanova University, where he is entering his 20th season and has become the winningest coach in program history with more than 300 career victories.Before arriving at Villanova in 2007, Josh's coaching journey included stops at San Diego Mesa College, Penn State, University of Cincinnati, and Wright State. During his time at Villanova, Josh has earned BIG EAST Coach of the Year and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year honors while building a program that has consistently competed at a high level on the court and in the classroom.In this conversation, Josh reflects on his shift as a leader from controlling to trusting, why relationships ultimately matter more than X's and O's, the importance of empowering and mentoring other coaches, and why he wants his players to leave Villanova saying, “I wish I could do that again.”Josh also opens up about navigating adversity away from volleyball, modeling vulnerability as a leader, rediscovering the joy in coaching, and his recent “learning renaissance” that has shifted him from entering the gym with all the answers to showing up with better questions.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[7:40] — Why Experience Made Him Less Controlling as a Coach[11:03] — The Assistant Coach Who Taught Him to Let Go[15:16] — Developing Future Head Coaches[21:18] — Finding Your Own Coaching Voice[26:40] — The North Star for Villanova Volleyball[31:49] — Coaching From Joy Instead of Relief[37:40] — Being Vulnerable With Your Players[46:34] — Why Leadership Has to Be Adaptive[48:41] — Inside His "Learning Renaissance"[55:06] — Why Mentoring Others Makes You Better[58:41] — What Josh Is Most Proud OfLearn More About Zach:Zach's Email -- [email protected] a seat at the Game Changer's Advantage Event on Sept. 4th here.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.

Why do some lessons stick with us for years while others disappear almost immediately? In this After the Whistle segment, Zach builds on a lesson from his conversation with Maryland Basketball's Josh Chambers about the role emotion plays in learning. Zach discusses why information alone isn't always enough to create engagement or change and how emotion influences what captures our attention.Learn More About Zach:Subscribe to my free newsletter here and stay up-to-date on upcoming in-person events and new resources.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

In this From the Other Side of the Mic episode, Zach joins Colin Jonov on The Playbook podcast to discuss the paradoxes of leadership, the role of identity and values in decision-making, and how preparing for adversity, not avoiding it, helps people sustain excellence over time. They also discuss the hidden costs of ambition, balancing professional success with the responsibilities of family, and why the best leaders don't simply chase results, they model the behaviors and character they hope to inspire in others.Learn More About Zach:Subscribe to my free newsletter here and stay up-to-date on upcoming in-person events and new resources.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here..  

The words leaders choose to recognize often become the behaviors people repeat. In this episode, Zach distinguishes between the three types of recognition: Compliments, praise, and feed-forward. He explores how great leaders not only acknowledge success, but also provide the clarity people need to continue growing.Learn More About Zach:Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

Most leaders focus on becoming someone others can trust, but far fewer ask an equally important question: Am I willing to trust others? In this episode, Zach explores the often-overlooked distinction between being trustworthy and being trust willing through the remarkable story of Charles Blondin's historic tightrope walks across Niagara Falls. Learn More About Zach:Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

What if the biggest competitive advantage your team has isn't your talent, but the systems you build around it?In this episode, I'm joined by Josh Chambers, the Director of Process for the University of Maryland men's basketball program. Josh has spent more than a decade helping build elite college basketball programs alongside one of the game's most respected coaches, Buzz Williams. His journey has taken him from serving as a student manager at Virginia Tech to working with Hall of Famer George Raveling in strategic planning, founding his own creative and recruiting company, and then returning to a coaching seat alongside Coach Williams.Today, Josh's role extends far beyond basketball strategy. He helps design the systems, processes, and environments that shape leadership, player development, recruiting, communication, and team culture, which making him one of the few people in college athletics whose full-time focus is helping an entire program become more intentional.In this conversation, we discuss:What a Director of Process actually does and why every organization can learn from it.Why "culture is how you live, not what you say."The difference between intention and execution and how great leaders bridge the gap.Leadership lessons from Buzz Williams and Hall of Famer George Raveling.How to intentionally design systems that improve performance and strengthen culture.Why elite teams obsess over inputs instead of outcomes.The mindset shift that helped Josh stop "giving away days."Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:52] — Josh's Journey[10:14] — What is a Director of Process?[13:48] — Clarity and Urgency Drive Actions[17:41] — Solving the Gap Between Intention and Execution[22:58] — Consistency Starts With a Clear Mind[25:33] — Leadership Lessons from Buzz Williams[30:42] — Lessons from George Raveling[35:45] — Culture Is How You Live[40:17] — Creating Alignment in Year One[45:57] — Obsess Over Inputs[50:50] — Using Emotion to Build Culture [58:28] — Stories That Stick[1:06:01] — Developing an Abundance Mindset[1:18:32] — The Team That Matters MostLearn 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.

Would you rather find out what you’re capable of or spend your life wondering what might have happened if you tried? In this episode, we explore British mountaineer Mo Anthoine’s idea of “feeding the rat” which is a symbol for our human desire for testing limits and deliberately choosing meaningful challenges that stretch your current capacity. Learn More About Zach:Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

Why do some of our best performances feel almost effortless? Using Josh Kerr's recent world record in the mile, this episode explores a hidden paradox of peak performance: The harder we try to force greatness, the more likely we are to create the very interference that holds us back. You'll learn why flow can't be manufactured and how to gain control by knowing what not to control.Learn More About Zach:Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

Reading a book is one thing, but actually applying and living its ideas is another. This episode isn’t a list of my favorite books per se, but it is a reflection on eight books whose lessons continue to influence my coaching, leadership, parenting, and perspective years after I turned the final page.Learn More About Zach:Secure your free seat for my upcoming live masterclass session here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

You won’t always control which thoughts enter your mind, but you can control what you do next. In this episode, Zach uses an unexpected moment during a rainy run to explain two ways we can respond to unhelpful thoughts: Change their content or change our relationship with them. Learn how athletes, coaches, and leaders can redirect unproductive self-talk when possible and continue taking purposeful action when the thoughts refuse to change.Learn More About Zach:Secure your free seat for my upcoming live masterclass session here.Download my free Win More, Live Better Leadership Playbook here.Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here.

Many of the most important investments we make don't produce immediate results. Drawing from a childhood memory of preparing firewood with his dad and a quote from musical artist John Mayer, in this episode Zach shares how small daily efforts accumulate over time and why consistent preparation creates the confidence to perform when it matters most.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 meaningful dream comes with fine print. Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, entrepreneur, or simply pursuing an important goal, the journey will almost certainly take longer than expected, require greater sacrifice, and test you in ways you never imagined. In this episode, Zach draws inspiration from the recent MLB and NBA drafts and explains why understanding the "fine print" for your dream can help pro athletes (and all of us) pursue excellence.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 teams that perform under extraordinary pressure when failure isn't an option?This week, I'm joined by Dr. Suzanne Bell, an organizational psychologist, internationally recognized expert on team effectiveness, and Lead Scientist of NASA's Behavioral Health & Performance Laboratory at Johnson Space Center. Dr. Bell leads research focused on helping astronauts and mission teams thrive in some of the most demanding environments imaginable, studying everything from teamwork, leadership, communication, behavioral health, sleep, and adaptability to support NASA's future lunar and Mars missions. Dr. Bell has also spent decades researching high-performing teams and advising organizations on how to build environments where people can consistently perform at their best.In this conversation, we explore why a team of experts doesn't automatically become an expert team, what coaches and leaders can learn from NASA about communication and feedback, how great leaders translate vision into daily behaviors, and why readiness, recovery, and self-care are essential ingredients for sustained high performance.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[4:24] — The Psychology of Space Travel[8:08] — Core Problems for Space Travel[11:59] — Expert Teams Aren't Automatic[15:29] — How Astronauts Live and Work Together [18:52] — Your Team Becomes Your Family[21:58] — Common Breakdowns for Teams[26:33] — Great Teams Are Designed[32:00] — Quality Communication and Feedback[36:37] — Inside NASA's Mars Simulation[47:59] — Self-Care Makes Better Leaders[53:10] — Creating Effective Support Systems[56:06] — Translating Vision Into Daily BehaviorLearn 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.

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