The Daily Coach

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit the story of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino and his relentless pursuit of excellence. From early triumphs to career challenges and a return to St. John’s, Pitino embodies the philosophy that leadership means demanding the best—from yourself and from those you lead. At 72, his passion for coaching and teaching remains undiminished, reminding us that greatness is achieved not by comfort, but by consistent commitment to high standards.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at ⁠⁠⁠https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/⁠⁠⁠. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit Nick Santonastasso’s powerful story from the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Born with Hanhart Syndrome, Santonastasso has redefined what’s possible through resilience, mindset, and relentless determination. His experience with the UAE’s “People of Determination” initiative reminds us that the words we choose as leaders are more than semantics—they shape culture, identity, and possibility. We’ll explore how language can either limit or lift, and why true leadership begins with dignity and humanity.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at ⁠⁠⁠https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/⁠⁠⁠. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his reflections on priorities, family, and what truly matters. Through a heartfelt moment on the show Landman, Jones shares how his greatest success wasn’t in football or oil, but in building a life rooted in connection with his children. His words challenge us to pause and consider: Are we organizing our lives around what’s most important—or letting distractions set our course?Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at ⁠⁠https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/⁠⁠. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay’s candid reflections on leadership, growth, and the hidden cost of living a “curated” life. From burnout to breakthroughs, McVay’s story underscores that our ability to lead others begins with the habits we cultivate for ourselves. We’ll explore why prioritizing rest, authenticity, and self-awareness is essential for long-term excellence and fulfillment.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at ⁠⁠https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/⁠⁠. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit the lessons of Boston Celtics President Brad Stevens and his early years as a college head coach. Stevens’s story reminds us that while ambition and preparation are critical, our ability to regulate emotions under pressure often determines outcomes. From reframing adversity to projecting calm in high-stakes moments, we’ll explore why emotional discipline is one of the most underrated skills of effective leaders.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at ⁠https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/⁠. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at ⁠https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of team performance: connectivity. Drawing on insights from Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and legendary coach Bill Walsh, we explore how personal bonds, shared experiences, and understanding your teammates can transform a group from good to truly great. Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe. 

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit and spotlight the incredible journey of Erin Matson — from four-time national champion at North Carolina to Head Coach of the UNC women’s field hockey team at just 24 years old. Her story reminds us that leadership isn’t about age or tenure, but about passion, knowledge, and the ability to elevate others.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit the value of having a “truth teller” in your corner — someone who offers perspective, accountability, and honesty without ego.From the story of Bill Campbell’s journey from Columbia University’s football coach to legendary Silicon Valley mentor, to Jeff Van Gundy’s role in supporting Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, we’ll uncover why the best leaders surround themselves with voices that challenge, guide, and sharpen them.Join us on September 23rd at 2:30 PM EDT / 11:30 AM PDT for a free live seminar on the Five Lessons the Best Leaders Wish They’d Learned Sooner, presented by Michael Lombardi. The seminar is limited to the first 400 registrants. Sign up now at https://apply.thedaily.coach/daily-coach-seminar-10-2025/. If you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the full recording afterward.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day–for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit the leadership lessons from NHL great T.J. Oshie, who retired in June 2025 after 16 seasons with the Washington Capitals.Oshie’s farewell wasn’t just about championships, highlights, or accolades. It was about one core principle he carried throughout his career — a laminated quote from his youth: “Today I will give all I have, for this moment may never come again.” For Oshie, effort, presence, and heart were the only things fully in his control.These aren’t just lessons for hockey. They’re reminders for all of us as leaders and high performers: to embrace transitions with gratitude, to give our best even on the uninspiring days, and to show up fully — so that when a chapter closes, we leave with clarity and peace, knowing we gave everything we had.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day—for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit the leadership wisdom of Jenny Levy, head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels Women’s Lacrosse program.From taking over a brand-new team at age 24 to building it into a perennial powerhouse with four national championships, Levy has spent three decades defining what sustained excellence looks like. Her team's undefeated title run during the 2024-25 season was a reminder that while culture fuels connection, it’s the standards you uphold that push people to greatness.Culture is how it feels. Standards are what you enforce. Together, they create the foundation for belonging, accountability, and high performance. And as Levy reminds us, great leadership isn’t about choosing one or the other — it’s about holding both with consistency and care.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day—for free. Sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thedaily.coach/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.