Emma Hayes, a trailblazer in women's football and the current head coach of the U.S. national team, shares her inspiring journey with hosts Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman. She delves into the importance of authentic leadership and emotional well-being in coaching, especially under pressure. Hayes opens up about personal trauma, including the loss of a twin, and discusses the unique health challenges women athletes face. Reflecting on her Olympic experiences, she emphasizes the need for systemic changes to better support women's sports and their performance.
Emma Hayes emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and human connection in coaching, highlighting these as essential for player performance and well-being.
She candidly discusses the unique pressures and scrutiny she faces as a woman in a male-dominated sport, advocating for greater awareness of women's issues and leadership experiences.
Deep dives
Emma Hayes' Leadership Approach
Emma Hayes discusses her journey as the head coach of the US women's national football team and how she approaches her leadership role with a focus on culture and expectation. She emphasizes the importance of not being intimidated by the high expectations that come with coaching such a prestigious team and sees these challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. By employing creative strategies for communication and training, she aims to reinforce trust and unity among players. This focus on collaboration allows her to galvanize the team effectively, even under the pressure of expectations and past disappointments.
The Role of Executive Coaching
Hayes highlights the significance of having an executive coach to guide her through the demands of leadership, especially during high-stakes moments like international tournaments. She shares that this coach provides valuable insights not directly related to football, like facilitating human connection and emotional intelligence, which she believes are often overlooked in coaching. The relationship allows for a safe space to reflect on her leadership style and decision-making. Hayes notes that such coaching is something she will continue to value and believes every leader should consider to enhance their skills.
Human Connection Over Statistics
Emma Hayes expresses concern that the current trend in sports focuses heavily on statistical data and neglects the essential human aspects of coaching and player performance. She argues that the mental and emotional struggles of athletes, such as trauma and resilience, are vital components to their performance, often overshadowed by purely quantitative analysis. By prioritizing human connections and understanding the holistic well-being of her players, she fosters an environment where they can thrive. This approach, she believes, is crucial for the growth of women's sports, which often still operate under outdated paradigms inherited from men’s sports structures.
Challenging Gender Norms in Leadership
Emma Hayes candidly addresses the unique challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated sports environment, including casual sexism and the scrutiny that accompanies her high-profile role. She reflects on how the expectations placed upon her differ significantly due to her gender, noting that the pressures to succeed are compounded by societal attitudes towards women in leadership positions. Hayes emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of women's experiences within sports, particularly regarding health and performance. By sharing her story and advocating for greater awareness of women's issues, she aims to empower future generations of female leaders in sports.
Emma Hays, former Chelsea manager and current head coach of the U.S national women’s football team joins Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman to discuss her illustrious career, winning Olympic gold, what a real leader is and the physical differences between the men's and women's game.
She also touches on her time at Chelsea and details about coping with loss and the impact mental health has played on her in the last few years in this bonus episode of The Sports Agents.
Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides
Senior Producer: Adem Waterman
Video Producer: Sam Trudgill
Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland
Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network
Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global
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