Glue Guys
Glue Guys
Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta are coming together to cut across the worlds of sports and business and dissect the subtle art of making others better. Glue Guys explores the qualities that make individuals become better leaders, teammates, and humans alongside a trio with those same ambitions. In each episode, you’ll hear candid conversations on themes and life lessons drawn from their own high-stakes experiences. From strategies for effective teamwork to personal stories of success, the podcast covers a broad range of topics relevant to anyone looking to make an impact in their respective fields.
Episodes
Mentioned books
27 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 4min
Mandell Crawley - From Chicago's West Side to Morgan Stanley's C-Suite - [Glue Guys, EP.48]
Mandell Crawley, Chief Client Officer at Morgan Stanley, reflects on his incredible journey from the West Side of Chicago to corporate leadership. He opens up about overcoming loss and the values his grandparents instilled in him. Crawley highlights the power of authenticity and vulnerability in the corporate world while navigating trust and resilience. The discussion emphasizes balancing purpose with profitability and the crucial role of mentorship, offering invaluable insights for anyone striving to succeed in their careers.
11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
Fidji Simo: Meta, Instacart, & OpenAI journey [Glue Guys Classic]
Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart and soon CEO of OpenAI Applications, transforms her journey from a fishing family in France to a tech leader. She passionately discusses how her humble beginnings shaped her leadership style and the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks. Fidji shares insights on fostering human connection in tech, the significance of mentorship for women in the industry, and embracing vulnerability while navigating challenges. Her commitment to continuous learning and creating a supportive environment highlights a refreshing approach to leadership.
15 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 27min
Chris Webber - Building a Legacy - [Glue Guys, EP. 47]
Chris Webber, NBA Hall of Famer celebrated for his exceptional passing and playmaking, reflects on what it means to build a lasting legacy. He discusses the pivotal role of culture and teamwork over individual accolades. Webber shares his emotional journey during the draft process and emphasizes the crucial impact of 'glue guys'—the unsung heroes in the locker room who foster team cohesion. With insights on mentorship and passing the torch to younger players, he inspires a deeper appreciation for the bonds that elevate a team's success.
18 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 58min
Dawn Staley - The Championship Mindset - [Glue Guys, EP.46]
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and three-time Olympic gold medalist, shares her remarkable journey from North Philadelphia to coaching greatness. She discusses her new book, her 'dream merchant' philosophy, and insights on leadership and modern parenting challenges. Staley opens up about the dynamics of player-parent relationships in the NIL era and reflects on lessons learned from her 2024 undefeated championship team. The conversation highlights resilience, effective communication, and the importance of mentorship in sports.
79 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
The "Learn Fast" Philosophy Used by Elite Teams - [Glue Guys, EP.45]
Dive into the intriguing world of learning and adaptation in sports. Discover how Mark Zuckerberg's 'learn fast' philosophy can transform elite teams. Explore the fascinating differences between innovations in football and basketball, reflecting on adaptability challenges. Listen to personal stories of overcoming injuries with ambitious goal-setting. Understand the psychological impact of vocalizing commitments and the powerful role of familiar activities in recovery. Learn about the complexities of life after sports, highlighting humility and the continual pursuit of growth.
36 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Seth Wickersham - Inside the Elite Quarterback Mind - [Glue Guys, EP.44]
ESPN's Seth Wickersham, a senior writer and bestselling author, joins to discuss his new book, "American Kings." He dives into the unique world of NFL quarterbacks, revealing how Tom Brady's self-affirmation techniques shape his mindset. The conversation also highlights family dynamics in quarterbacking, particularly with Arch Manning, and the pressures during the draft process. Alex Smith shares his personal struggles, while the group contemplates evolving QB roles and the intense scrutiny facing these athletes as they balance performance and expectations.
23 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 16min
David Anderson - From NFL Slot Receiver to Sports Data Revolutionary - [Glue Guys, EP.43]
David Anderson, a former NFL slot receiver and founder of Breakaway Data, shares his intriguing transition from the gridiron to sports data analytics. He discusses the mental toughness required for his position and the evolution of sports tracking. Anderson advocates for athlete data ownership, emphasizing its importance for player empowerment. The conversation delves into the complex dynamics of team chemistry and the role of 'glue guys' in fostering collaboration, highlighting lessons that apply both on the field and in the business world.
75 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
Eli Manning - Pressure, Leadership & Showing Up - [Glue Guys, EP.41]
Eli Manning, the former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, shares his insights on leadership, fatherhood, and the pressures of youth sports. He opens up about growing up with the expectations of being Archie Manning's son and the emotional challenges of retirement after a remarkable career. Filled with entertaining family stories, Eli discusses sibling dynamics with Peyton and Cooper, the importance of mentorship in sports, and how humor shaped his family. His reflections on teamwork and loyalty reveal the values that made him a dependable quarterback.
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
The Mercenary Dilemma - [Glue Guys, EP.42]
Former athletes and a venture capitalist explore loyalty versus transactionalism in sports and business. They debate the motivations behind players' decisions to chase championships or paychecks. Personal stories reveal the emotional weight of team allegiance and its impact on fan relationships. The conversation expands to how professionals in various fields face similar loyalty dilemmas, stressing the importance of balancing individual talent with team dynamics. Unpacking these themes sheds light on the delicate interplay of ambition, mission, and cohesion.
17 snips
May 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Pablo Torre - Finding Your Voice in Sports Media - [Glue Guys, EP.40]
Pablo Torre, an ESPN journalist and host of "Pablo Torre Finds Out," shares his fascinating journey from aspiring lawyer to sports media icon. He discusses finding his authentic voice and the importance of storytelling and curiosity in journalism. Pablo dives into the evolving landscape of sports commentary, balancing serious analysis with entertainment. He also reflects on mentorship and the significance of pursuing personal fulfillment over mere metrics in media. A thought-provoking conversation on the essence of sports fandom and authenticity awaits the listeners!
