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
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Urban Meyer: Selfless Teams [Glue Guys Classic]
Urban Meyer, a legendary college football coach with 17 championship titles, shares his insights on building cohesive teams and the mental health challenges in sports. He reflects on his journey from a competitive coach at Utah to a figure navigating the pressures of success. The conversation dives into the importance of selflessness and trust within teams, alongside the rigorous training philosophies that foster resilience. Meyer also discusses his transition into philanthropy, emphasizing the emotional complexities of change and the value of personal relationships.
47 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 24min
Susan Li - Meta's CFO on Building a Fast Learning Culture - [Glue Guys, EP.53]
Susan Li, the CFO of Meta and one of the youngest Fortune 100 CFOs, shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant to a tech leader. She talks about joining Facebook when it was still smaller than MySpace and the cultural nuances she faced along the way. Susan emphasizes the importance of fast learning, mentorship, and the sacrifices made by her parents. She reflects on the power of books in shaping her identity and the crucial role of 'glue people' in her life, illustrating how relationships fuel both personal and professional growth.
82 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal - The Obsessive Craftsmanship Behind Acquired - [Glue Guys, EP.52]
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of the Acquired podcast, dive into their fascinating journey from side project to thriving business. They discuss their explosive audience growth and unique preparation rituals that drive creativity. The duo shares insights into their meticulous research process and the evolution of their storytelling. They also explore their shift from venture capital to podcasting, and how quality—and authentic delivery—is key in today’s podcasting world. Expect engaging anecdotes and valuable reflections on building a successful brand!
50 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
The Competitor's Paradox - [Glue Guys, EP.51]
The conversation kicks off with Scottie Scheffler's candid moments from a press conference, questioning the meaning of success in golf. The hosts dissect his vulnerability, contrasting it with the relentless drive of icons like Michael Jordan. They delve into how fatherhood reshapes an athlete’s identity and competitive edge. The discussion highlights prioritizing passions over accolades and the impact of focusing on internal growth rather than external measures of success, ultimately shedding light on what truly drives elite performers.
87 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 59min
Earning the Right to Take Risks - [Glue Guys, EP.50]
Risk-taking is an art, and the discussion dives into how to assess when to go for it versus playing it safe. With insights from the NBA and venture capital, they explore how to earn the right to take risks while avoiding financial pitfalls. Listeners learn why standing still can be the riskiest choice of all. Personal stories delve into navigating career changes, the psychological barriers of loss aversion, and the importance of viewing identity beyond job titles. Plus, practical tips on embracing calculated risks and the art of storytelling make this a thought-provoking listen.
32 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Steve Kerr - Leadership Lessons From a Glue Guy Career - [Glue Guys, EP.49]
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and a nine-time champion, shares insights on leadership and mindfulness. He recounts experiences with legends like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry, emphasizing the importance of joy and vulnerability in high-pressure situations. Kerr discusses overcoming anxiety, the significance of gratitude, and how 'glue guys' foster team unity. He reflects on coaching as a mentorship journey, merging competition with collaboration, while highlighting the lessons learned from personal struggles and the transformative power of resilience.
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.
17 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.
