Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Seattle Seahawks General Manager on Talent, Teamwork, and Tough Conversations | John Schneider

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Apr 30, 2025

Join John Schneider, General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks, as he shares his journey from rural Wisconsin to NFL leadership. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, values, and humility in decision-making, especially under pressure. Schneider reflects on resilience, the evolution of collaborative leadership, and the cultural dynamics of team sports. He offers valuable insights on maintaining team morale after losses and stresses the significance of clear communication and empathy in both sports and personal relationships.

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INSIGHT

Foundations: Faith, Work Ethic, Toughness

John Schneider values faith, work ethic, and toughness as foundational to his leadership style.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin shaped his commitment to hard work and resilience.

ANECDOTE

Persistence Lands NFL Opportunity

John relentlessly pursued an internship with Ron Wolfe, calling him on a holiday and driving five hours for an interview.
This determination launched his career in NFL management.

ADVICE

Lead with Humility and Vision

Embrace humility and shared vision; no one has all the answers.
Encourage open communication and collaborative leadership rather than top-down control.

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What does it take to build one of the most respected teams in the NFL — and lead it with heart, grit, and humility?

This episode is a special one. Recorded right in the heart of Seahawks territory in Seattle, I got to sit down with my friend, John Schneider, General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

John has spent over a decade helping to build one of the NFL’s most competitive and consistent franchises—leading through authenticity, values, and a deep commitment to excellence. Having worked closely with John for nine seasons, including two unforgettable trips to the Super Bowl—I can share that he leads from the front. Nothing contrived, nothing manufactured. He leads by being himself and by caring about his teammates.

What you’re going to hear in this conversation is a masterclass in leadership — grounded in football and deeply relevant to life. We talk about how John developed his values growing up in rural Wisconsin, the work ethic he learned from his dad, and the toughness he inherited from his mom. He shares how faith and humility anchor his decision-making, even when the pressure’s on and the spotlight’s bright.

As you listen, I invite you to reflect on how you respond when things don’t go as planned. And how might a clearer, more values-driven approach shift the way you lead—in sport, in work, and even at home?

Let’s dive in with the GM of the Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider.

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Links From the Show...

Ben's Fund. They help people with autism reach their full potential through financial aid and access to support services. https://www.bensfund.org/

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