THE LOWDOWN

"High Performance comes from the mindset of it cannot be done alone."Today's guest is Max Lankheit, Head of Performance & Innovation at the Philadelphia Union. Working across the Bundesliga, MLS with a stint in MLB, Max has over a decade's worth experience in sporting performance.Finding his true passion in building and leading teams, Max joins us on the show today to share some principles guiding his style of leadership and as to how to effect change in organisations across a variety of realms.A timely and inspirational listen, there are lessons in Max' message for everyone. Listen to find out more including;- Principles for change management when already successful?- High Performance as a collective mindset not an individual action.- The difference between leadership and management?- Creating an environment where innovation thrives.- Reflecting as a leader day in, day out to stay on the right path.Timestamps;00:00 - 06:54 - Intro06:55 - 11:01 - High Performance11:02 - 19:15 - St Pauli19:16 - 27:56 - Leadership27:57 - 42:34 - Philadelphia Union42:35 - 50:50 - Evolution50:51 - 54:22 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In 1995 Bruno Costa was a budding 15 year old intern departing home with the aim of working in professional football.What ensued has been a story of movie like proportions taking us from the Amazon rainforest to Silicon Valley featuring a supporting cast of Brazilian legends.Amid political turmoil and public scrutiny in his early years as a leader Bruno has succeeded in helping proliferate the Brazilian of young talent and spearhead several projects to International, Olympic, Continental and Domestic success.Now in his role as Director of Scouting & Recruitment at the San Jose Earthquakes he joins us to open up candidly about his story.Listen to find out more including;- The trials and tribulations working as Chief Scout for the Brazilian federation.- Learning to lead as a 26 year old Technical Director at Fluminense.- Recouping $100m+ in sales over a 3 year period at Fluminense.- Building the 4 year project which ended in Brazilian gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.- How San Jose Earthquakes protect player & coach pathways through fit & alignment?- Altering identification practices in the MLS to acquire undervalued talent.Timestamps;00:00 - 12:39 - The Journey12:40 - 17:00 - Mentors17:01 - 33:23 - Leadership33:24 - 41:07 - Fit & Alignment41:08 - 1:05:09 - Pathways1:05:10 - 1:08:15 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"There is no point in being a creative when you are fearful."Today I am joined by the magical Pat Nevin. The former Scottish international who amassed 850+ appearances playing for the likes of Chelsea, Everton and Tranmere.Known widely today for his work in broadcasting Pat was a player beyond his time and an influential figure in his playing days.His latest book "Football & How to Survive it" is a memoir regarding the second half of his playing career and into the boardroom. From the boardroom at Motherwell to dealing with Cantona's kung-fu kick as PFA Chairman.This game will try to change and test you however Pat continued to preserve the true essence of"loving it for the purity of the art". An inspirational and equally timely listen.Listen to find out more including;- Feeling an outsider in professional environments and surviving it.- How college nearly scuppered a move to Chelsea in the 1980's?- Pat's novel idea for dealing with fame?- Would such longevity be possible without a strong sense of identity beyond the white lines?- Keeping your self worth as a player intact amid a never ending turnover of managers.- Dealing with Eric Canton'a kung-fu kick as PFA Chairman.Timestamps;00:00 - 05:57 - Intro05:58 - 09:57 - Childhood09:58 - 15:34 - Overcoming Fear15:35 - 26:17 - Chelsea26:18 - 32:45 - Longevity32:46 - 49:16 - Boardroom49:17 - 52:01 - Broadcasting52:02 - 1:04:14 - Football & How to survive itGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Over 25 years ago Marc Nicholls arrived in the US from the UK with a suitcase and aspiration to coach in football full time. All these years later he is held in high regard as one of the most esteemed player and coach developers on the North American continent. Wearing many different hats he soon became aquainted with the North American game and his work was recognised being named U.S. Soccer Academy Coach of the Year twice preceding his move to the Seattle Sounders to become their Academy Director.As he climbed the leadership ranks at Seattle Sounders and Charlotte he always retained the belief in providing talent with a pathway. Now located in the "spiritual home" of US Soccer he serves as Technical Director for the Columbus Crew leading their "One Club" project.Here we dive into everything from the MLS' continued rise, how to best maximise returns on academy prospects, the work that goes into protecting player pathways and so much more.Listen to find out more including;- Creating a culture of development at the Seattle Sounders.- Protecting player pathways as the league grows into becoming "a league of choice".- Altering strategy to remain competitive with the best of the league.- How to be strategic and maximise your return on academy prospects?- How his leadership style has had to evolve between clubs?- Columbus Crew "One Club Project" and inside the club's recent evolution.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:00 - Intro04:01 - 09:05 - USA09:06 - 15:00 - Seattle Sounders15:01 - 24:54 - Strategic Gap24:55 - 32:23 - Columbus Crew32:24 - 41:40 - Leadership41:41 - 44:06 - MLS Future44:07 - 46:09 - Advice Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"I believe we can teach people anything but we cannot teach them culture".Sharona Friedman is the President of the Global Institute of Sport (GIS).Now partnered with UCFB, Sharona was part of the team that launched the world's first football university. In the space of 11 years it has grown from 53 - 3,000 students with multiple campuses in the UK such as Wembley and the Etihad. Furthermore it has staged summits worldwide including the likes of New York, Toronto and Melbourne. Sharona and her team have been relentless in their efforts turning GIS into a global leading educational institution.On the back of their recent Melbourne summit it was apt time to interview Sharona and learn more about the secrets behind GIS continued success. In a changing world how have they managed to stay on top and more so continue to innovate? What started as solving an initial supply and demand problem has transformed into an entire eco-system dedicated towards bettering the education of sporting professionals worldwide.Listen to find out more including;- The reasons behind UCFB's early success?- Solving the accessibility issue of third level education.- Navigating change and GIS' plans to "remain ahead of the puck"?- The legacy of the recent Women's World Cup?- Authenticity and building long term relationships and partnerships. - How students can future proof their careers in the game?Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 12:49 - UCFB12:50 - 16:12 - Culture16:13 - 21:38 - Accessibility21:39 - 30:01 - Evolution30:02 - 42:50 - Women's World Cup42:51 - 47:14 - Partnerships47:15 - 53:26 - AdviceSharona's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonafriedman/GIS; https://gis.sport/

"Stop listening, start talking"IMG Academy is one of the world’s most prestigious sports, performance and educational institutions located in Bradenton, Florida. A unique campus allowing students to continue their studies alongside pursuing mastery in their chosen sport has already allowed many student athletes to fulfill their dreams of attaining a sports scholarship at university.And who better to take us inside it's doors than Director of Personal Development; Dr. Duncan Simpson. Previously Head of Mental Conditioning on campus, Dr.Duncan is responsible for creating the best conditions possible for the person behind the athlete to flourish. Here he shares his thoughts on topics such as mental toughness, the buy-in process regarding mental skills training, and the importance of training focus at the high school level.A fantastic episode steeped in gold, learn more as to how Dr.Duncan and his department continue to set their students up for the best possible success in and outside of sport. Listen to find out more including;- Dr.Duncan's view on "the game of life"?- How a high challenge, high support environment is not enough and teaching students the art of asking good questions.- Where athletes most commonly become stuck?- Teaching teenagers that they are part of a broader community and that they are not isolated individuals.- The five skills most crucial for prime mental performance?-How to train focus on an individual and team level?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:46 - Intro03:47 - 10:06 - Lifelong Success10:07 - 17:52 - Athletic Department17:53 - 22:10 - Inner Voice22:11 - 32:17 - Mental Performance32:18 - 36:27 - Self-Talk36:28 - 44:38 - Self-Growth44:39 - 46:55 - AdviceDr.Duncan's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/

How does someone find their way into football via studying consciousness, dopamine systems and magic mushrooms? Today's guest is Jes Buster Madsen, Head of Research & Development at FC Copenhagen.One of the most innovative and productive academies in world football constantly striving for percentages in understanding and shaping the next frontier of youth development. What begun as a passion to explore the finer edges of how reality is experienced has evolved to a commitment to understanding "the pandora's box of football". One of the most inspirational podcasts recorded to date painting a very optimistic picture as to how youth development will evolve. Without question it cements the view of how sports can be used as a tool for understanding the big questions in life.Listen to find out more including;- A broader view of game intelligence.- The prerequisites for making decisions on a football field.- Building a cognitive model which is football specific.- Which cognitive functions are correlated with future success in football?- What are the future implications on technology resulting from Jes' latest research?- Moving towards a future where academia and elite sport can co-exist.Timestamps;00:00 - 09:51 - Neuroscience09:52 - 15:16 - Intelligence v Consciousness15:17 - 28:16 - Cognitive Potential28:17 - 37:47 - Testing37:48 - 48:52 - Evolution48:53 - 51:42 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Dominic Casciato is the Head Coach of Union Omaha. His continual upward trajectory has been no surprise given his journey to date. Taking calculated risks with an unquivering thirst to learn he is a shining example of a coach who has made successful transition from academy to first team.Thinking outside the box, integrating outside knowledge, learning a second language, coaching all age groups, Dominic has skipped no steps on his journey to first team coach. An inspirational listen and undoubtedly full of gold for coaches to implement in their own environments.Listen to find out more including;- How to be intentional with filling in your development gaps as a coach?- Why wearing many different hats as a coach may come to the deprivation of building your methodology. - How coaching in a second language improved Dom's ability as a communicator?- Building a culture of development at El Paso through an innovative cross border games programme.- How to surround yourself with good role models who cure blindspots?- Nadirs in a season and navigating them in your first managerial post.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:50 - Intro04:51 - 11:48 - Development11:49 - 18:10 - Espanyol18:11 - 23:46 - New York23:47 - 35:51 - El Paso35:52 - 45:06 - Union Omaha45:07 - 46:07 - Advice

Andoni Bombin is the Academy Manager at Independiente de Valle in Ecuador.Formerly the Head of Methodology and long time academy coach at Athletic Club de Bilbao, Andoni underwent a significant apprenticeship at home demonstrating how the values required for a successful career on field were equally transferable to a successful career away from it. Armed with this knowledge and it's proof in a never ending lineage of academy graduates Andoni used these learnings as a platform travelling worldwide to spread the Bilbao gospel. The apprentice has now become the master and Andoni all these years later has proven astute adapting to different contexts, managing expectations and in turn facilitating a knowledge exchange in the likes of China and Ecuador. Listen to find out more including;- Inside the unique culture for development at Bilbao.- The importance of providing players with autonomy in their own development.- How the phases of development align to ensure a constant conveyor belt of talent from academy to first team.- Why a coach cannot begin their journey without the clarity a direction brings. - The huge social purpose driving development at Independiente de Valle.- How IDV facilitate knowledge exchange amongst players and coaches in Ecuador?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:30 - Intro03:31 - 08:05 - Bilbao08:06 - 14:15 - Phases of Development14:16 - 24:53 - Learning24:54 - 29:56 - Pathway Progression29:57 - 36:37 - China36:38 - 48:13 - Ecuador48:14 - 54:14 - Holistic Development54:15 - 1:00:14 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"It took 1 hour to plan but 9 years to consistently implement it".Des Ryan is the Director of Coaching & Performance at Setanta College. Furthermore he was also the Head of Sports Medicine & Athletic Development from 2013-2021.Des is a leading practitioner in the field and is widely regarded for his body of work at Arsenal's academy. With the help of Arsene Wenger, Liam Brady and Colin Lewin, Des helped to build an athletic framework in line with the club's overarching football philosophy.Playing the infinite game of development, Des and his former colleagues still see the fruits of this labour to this very day with a significant proportion of academy graduates moving into first team football in Europe's top 5 leagues.This is truly a great listen as to the impact which an interdisciplinary team can achieve with the right vision, mission and values.Listen to find out more including;- How the football philosophy lives & breathes at Arsenal?- Implementation of the athletic development framework at Arsenal?- Distributing skin in the game to make the philosophy sticky.- How vision and mission align decision making from top down in an academy setting?- Des' tips for innovation and effecting change with limited resources. - Inside the physical development of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 08:58 - Athletic Framework08:59 - 14:54 - "Strong Young Gunners"14:55 - 23:55 - Change23:56 - 32:44 - Culture of Growth32:45 - 48:08 - Inside the Programme48:09 - 52:23 - AdviceArsenal Research Paper; SCJ_Developing-world-class-players_2017.pdf (setantacollege.com)GAA Sports Science Paper; Launch of new Sports Science framework for Gaelic Games (gaa.ie)