Why Emotional Intelligence Beats Raw Discipline in Leadership with Dr. Barry Davis

Dec 12, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Dr. Barry Davis spent 38 years as a college baseball coach before stepping away to write, speak, and consult on leadership and emotional intelligence. In this episode, he opens up about the personal challenges of transitioning from "coach" to a new identity, the evolution of young athletes over four decades, and how his own coaching style transformed from authoritative to emotionally intelligent. Barry shares candid insights about parenting in the age of technology, the importance of self-discipline and excellence in everything we do, and why creating a safe environment for failure is crucial for developing resilient leaders. His new book, "Old Dog New Tricks: The Power of Leading With Emotional Intelligence," tells the story of a volatile coach who must learn to lead differently—a story that mirrors Barry's own journey from a hard-nosed coach to someone who now prioritizes emotional connection, intentional listening, and creating spaces where people can thrive.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - Creating Safe Environments for Growth and Challenge
(00:01:00) - Introduction and Barry's Coaching Journey
(00:03:00) - Challenges in Establishing Routine and Family Connections
(00:06:00) - Transitioning Identity from Coach to Speaker
(00:10:00) - Three Core Values: Self-Discipline, Excellence, and Fulfillment
(00:15:00) - Athletics as Training Ground for Life Skills
(00:19:00) - Excellence in the Small Things
(00:23:00) - Evolution of Young Athletes Over Four Decades
(00:30:00) - Parenting Philosophy and Creating Safe Learning Environments
(00:33:00) - Best Parents Stay Outside the Circle
(00:37:00) - Finding Your Own Path and Motivation
(00:39:00) - Writing "Old Dog New Tricks" and Emotional Intelligence
(00:43:00) - Where to Find the Book and Connect

Links And Resources:

Website: https://drbarrydavis.com/
Dr. Barry Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbarrydavis42/
Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-santiesteban-64326340/
Hector Santiesteban on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hector_podcast?lang=en

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!