S2E2: Cody Royle - Why Coaches Need Coaches

In this episode, I sit down with Cody Royle, a coach to elite head coaches in professional sports and author of three impactful books, including the Amazon bestseller The Tough Stuff. 

Cody shares his journey from coaching Australia’s national Aussie Rules team to mentoring some of the top leaders in soccer, basketball, rugby, and beyond. Together, they explore the emotional toll of leadership, the power of self-awareness, and the profound impact of integrating personal growth into coaching. 

Show Notes

Cody’s Journey:

• From playing Aussie Rules football to becoming a coach at 22
• Transitioning from coaching Canada’s national team to writing The Tough Stuff
• The pivotal moments that led Cody to focus on supporting head coaches.

The Challenges of Head Coaching

• The increasing complexity of managing multi-billion-dollar sports organisations
• Balancing personal growth with professional demands
• Common struggles faced by head coaches, including pressure, identity, and maintaining perspective.

The Role of Personal Growth: 

• Why self-awareness is at the core of effective coaching
• Cody’s approach to coaching head coaches: attunement, presence, and refining existing strengths
• The importance of integrating family life and personal practices into professional pursuits.

Key Themes and Insights:

• The emotional toll of leadership and how to navigate it
• Bridging the gap between elite performance and personal well-being
• How Cody’s work is helping to shape a new generation of self-aware, emotionally intelligent coaches.