The Daily Coach: Sports Leadership Lessons

In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we revisit Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ message to his team at the start of the 2025 season. Fresh off a World Series championship, Roberts reminded his players that reaching the top is never permanent. The real challenge is the daily climb. His focus on discipline, mental preparation, and recommitment to winning one game at a time reveals what it takes to sustain excellence. For leaders in any field, his example shows that greatness comes not from a single summit but from the consistency to keep climbing every day.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 Golden State Warriors’ 2019 Finals loss and the powerful exchange between head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Bob Myers in its aftermath. Both men sincerely believed they had let the other down, offering a rare glimpse into true accountability at the highest level of leadership. Their example highlights three essential components of accountability: self-reflection, apologizing, and repair. This reminds us that setbacks don’t define great organizations, but how leaders take responsibility and grow from them does. 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 Kirby Smart’s reflections on the hidden costs of leadership. After seven seasons at the helm and building Georgia into one of the nation’s elite football programs, Smart reminds us that true leadership isn’t only about victories, it’s about sacrifice. From making difficult decisions that hurt people we care about, to facing criticism and being misunderstood, Smart’s experience highlights three inevitable costs that come with leading at the highest level. 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 inspiring journey of Wyatt Hendrickson, whose path to becoming an NCAA wrestling champion exemplifies the power of mindset, preparation, and trust. From his small-town upbringing in Kansas to wrestling on the biggest stage under Coach David Taylor, Hendrickson’s story embodies Bill Walsh’s philosophy: champions behave like champions before they ever reach the podium. His dedication, humility, and unwavering belief in himself offer timeless lessons for anyone striving for excellence—on the mat, in the workplace, or in life.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 why vulnerability—often mistaken for weakness—is actually a leader’s greatest superpower. Drawing on insights from Dr. Gabor Maté, we uncover how shedding the illusion of invincibility builds trust, fosters growth, and deepens human connection. From childhood defenses to the challenges of leadership, this episode reveals that true influence doesn’t come from perfection, but from authenticity, relatability, and the courage to be seen as fully human.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 a lesson from Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on the true value of keeping your word. From the world of college football recruiting to the promises made by executives and leaders, we explore how commitments have become increasingly fluid—and why that erodes trust, stability, and culture. This episode is a reminder that credibility is built not by bold pledges in the moment, but by honoring the commitments we make and understanding their impact on the lives of those we lead.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 critical difference between being “on the same page” and being truly aligned. Drawing lessons from the NFL’s constant cycle of hiring and firing, we examine why so many organizations set bold goals but still drift off course. From the Pittsburgh Steelers’ turnaround under Chuck Noll to the challenges modern leaders face, this episode is a reminder that alignment is not about shared slogans—it’s about consistent choices, unified direction, and the daily discipline to keep people moving together toward a greater purpose.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 reflect on the careers of NBA coaches Mike Brown and Nick Nurse to explore the inevitable highs and lows of leadership. From being fired multiple times to winning Coach of the Year, their stories remind us that success and failure are rarely as permanent—or as defining—as they seem. The true measure of a leader lies not in outside judgment, but in resilience, humility, and the ability to keep showing up through both peaks and valleys.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 leadership lessons of Apple CEO Tim Cook and the philosophy that has guided him since taking over from Steve Jobs. From setting boundaries with technology to leading authentically rather than as a clone, and remaining open to change when new information arises, Cook reminds us that effective leadership requires both clarity and humility. His example shows that success isn’t about imitation or stubborn conviction, but about evolving thoughtfully while staying true to who you are.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 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.