The Great Coaches: Leadership & Life

Staffan Olsson 11.06.2026 53мин

Our Great Coach on this episode is Handball coach Staffan Olsson.Staffan played 357 times for the Swedish national team and won a silver medal three times at the Olympic Games. In 2005 he transitioned into coaching and over the next 5 years lead Hammarby to 3 Swedish National championships.In 2008 he became the Swedish National Mens coach and led them to the silver medal at the 2012 olympics. He then went on to coach at French club Paris Saint-Germain from 2015 to 2018 where he helped them win the National Championship and place twice in the Champions League. He was inducted into the EHF Hall of Fame in 2024. He is presently the Head Coach of the Dutch National Mens team.1.    Am I leading in a way that is genuinely authentic to me, or am I copying a style that doesn’t fit who I am?2.    How do I respond to mistakes — do I treat them as failures to avoid, or as necessary moments for growth and learning?3.    Do I spend enough time understanding the people I lead as individuals, not just focusing on performance and outcomes?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at thegreatcoachespodcast@gmail.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Montemurro 04.06.2026 48мин

Joe Montemurro is a Football, or as it is called in some places, Soccer coach. Joe started coaching in his late 20’s in the early 2000’s in Australia. He progressed steadily through state league teams before achieving his first international position in Papua New Guinea. He was then appointed to lead Melbourne Victory in 2014 and Melbourne City in 2015 leading them to back to back championships. In 2017, he was appointed Coach of Arsenal Women, and in his first season, he led them to the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the League title in his second season. He then joined Juventus and led them to the treble winning the Supercoppa, The Italian Cup and Serie A. In later years he also won Coppa Italia and Supercoppa. In 2024 he then joined Lyon in France and they won the Premier League.The in 2025 he was announced as the new coach of the Australian National team, the Matildas.What are the few core principles that define how I want to lead or work, and are they clear enough for others to act on without constant direction?How well do I understand the culture of the environment I’m working in, and where might I need to adapt my approach?Which values truly guide my behaviour each day, and how visible are they to the people around me? If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeroen Delmee 28.05.2026 53мин

Our great coach on this episode is Jeroen Delmee. Jeroen is a field hockey coach who first represented his country in 1994. He retired in 2008 with 401 International caps and a 2 time Olympic champion. He then transitioned into coaching working with the Dutch National womens team, the Belgium mens team and then 4 years leading the Frech National team.In 2021 he was appointed as the Head Coach of the Dutch men and led them to gold at the 2023 Men's EuroHockey Championship and the 2024 Summer Olympics. He is the only Dutch sportsperson in history to win Olympic gold both as a player and as a coach. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Game Day Part 2 14.05.2026 38мин

Todays episode is On Game Day and to explore the topic I am joined by Eamon Devlin. Eamon is the founder of Minute9, a consultancy that works with some of the world’s elite teams and coaches in helping them improve their half time talks and preparation. This discussion is so rick in information, and useful to any of us that are leading sporting teams or work teams that have split into 2 parts. You will walk away with ideas on how to improve the way you speak at half time, what people need to get the most out of team talks and how you can present information in a way that will actually change behavior. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com and if you would like to receive our newsletter with 5 ideas to help you improve your leadership, then sign up at: https://thegreatcoaches.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Game Day Part 1 14.05.2026 44мин

Todays episode is On Game Day and to explore the topic I am joined by Eamon Devlin. Eamon is the founder of Minute9, a consultancy that works with some of the world’s elite teams and coaches in helping them improve their half time talks and preparation. This discussion is so rick in information, and useful to any of us that are leading sporting teams or work teams that have split into 2 parts. You will walk away with ideas on how to improve the way you speak at half time, what people need to get the most out of team talks and how you can present information in a way that will actually change behavior. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com and if you would like to receive our newsletter with 5 ideas to help you improve your leadership, then sign up at: https://thegreatcoaches.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Cron 07.05.2026 44мин

Our great coach on this episode is Mike Cron. Mike Cron was a coach with the New Zealand All Blacks for 2017 Games. This includes a stretch where they won 2 Rugby World Cups. He was also part of the team that led the NZ Women’s team to the world cup in 2022. In addition he has worked with the Welsh and Japanese teams and is presently coaching the Australian Wallabies alongside Joe Scmidt.1.   Where am I being “firm” when I actually need to adapt—and what feedback would I need to hear (and accept) to make that change?2.   When I lead or coach, do I rely more on a script or on observation—and what would improve if I became more comfortable with silence and listening?3.   In my team (or work group), where might social loafing be showing up subtly, and what specific commitment can I make so that “it will not be me”?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com and if you would like to receive our newsletter with 5 ideas to help you improve your leadership, then sign up at: https://thegreatcoaches.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Club: World's Best by Ric Charlesworth 30.04.2026 43мин

 This episode is a recording of our book club. The book we discuss is World’s Best by Ric Charlesworth, the iconic Australian Field Hockey Coach Ric Charlesworth. Ric led both the Australian and Men's Hockey teams to World Cup victories. He also ed the women to an An Olympic Gold. He has also worked in Cricket, Australian Rules Football, is a medical Dr and spent 10 tears as a federal politican. Our discussion is led by Dr David Turner, a Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, If you enjoy todays discussion and would like to join us for a future book club you can contact me on paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Shillinglaw 23.04.2026 42мин

Our great coach on this episode is Bob Shillinglaw. Bob is an American Lacrosse coach. Bob spent 42 years as a college coach, 39 of them leading the University of Delaware Mens Lacrosse team . He has coached 654 games, more than any other lacrosse coach in history, and is one of only 2 to win over 300 games. . Along the way his teams went to the NCAA tournament on 6 occasions and made the final four in 2007. He also led Team USA when they defeated Canada to win the 1999 World Cup of Lacrosse. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Burnout 09.04.2026 48мин

Todays episode is on the topic of Burnout and I am joined for the discussion by Dr Gavin Weeks. Gavin is a Doctor of Psychology and Associate Fellow at Oxford Sayyid Business School and director of innovation and development at the consultancy Thompson Harrison.And Dr Brendan Meany. Brendan Meany is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and His work focuses on implementing high-performance skills to optimize human potential in both sport and the corporate space. He is also the Chief Performance Officer of LiveFirstAI.com, he applies sportpsychology principles that manage burnout and elevate functioning. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie O'Sullivan 02.04.2026 47мин

Our great coach on this episode is Eddie O’Sullivan Eddie played Rugby at provincial level in Ireland and started coaching after becoming a PE teacher. He would go on to coach Rugby for 35 years and counting across the USA, France and Ireland. This journey has led his to coach at 5 Rugby World Cups and to win three triple crowns leading Ireland. That Irish team won 50 tests under his leadership and climbed to the #3 world ranking. In recent years he has been  Technical Advisor to Brown University and Notre Dame in recent years and currently consulting with a number of Major League Rugby franchises in the US. Q: What role does leading innovation play in my leadership?Q: Am I too unemotional as a leader?Q: Is the idea of one voice at a time, the right idea for my organization?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Aloisi 19.03.2026 37мин

Our great coach on this episode is John Aloisi John Aloisi is a former Australian professional soccer player and now head coach.He enjoyed a 20-year career across top leagues in Europe and Australia, becoming the first Australian to play and score in La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A.Internationally, Aloisi earned 55 caps for the Socceroos, scoring 27 goals, and represented Australia at the 2006 World Cup, three Confederations Cups, and the 2004 Olympics.After retiring in 2011, Aloisi transitioned into coaching. He managed Melbourne Heart, Brisbane Roar, and since 2021 has led Western United, guiding them to their first A-League Men Championship in 2022. And it left me with these questions to reflect on:Do I verbalise gratitude enough?How can I better refine failure for my team?What mental strength training can I instigate for the team? If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Bird 05.03.2026 42мин

Our great coach on this episode is Samantha Bird. Sam is a Netball Coach. As a player she represented England but retired at 24 after a knee injury. She then carved out a long career as a lawyer working with the London Metropolitan Police. In 2005 the United Kingdon Netball Super League was formed and Sam started as an Assistant with the London Mavericks. She became the team head coach in 2014. In 2016 she was appointed as the head coach for the new franchise the Severn Stars. In 2019 she then became the Head Coach of the London Pulse leading them to the treble of the Super League title, Super Cup, and NPL tournament in 2025. 3 questions the interview with Sam challenged me with were:•Is my organization the type of place where people know somebody will have their back if they are having a bad day?•Am I engaging with me mentors enough to frame challenging questions of myself•Am I calling out example of ambition and bravery enough?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mickey Arthur 19.02.2026 51мин

Mickey Arthur is a cricket coach.Mickey has coached 4 of the 12 test cricket playing nations in the world. South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Key highlights from his career include leading the South African team to be number one in all cricket formats. Coaching the South Africans when they scored a record 438 in a One-Day International against Australia. And Taking Pakistan to number one in the T20 and test format while also winning the Champions Trophy with them. He was the first non-Australian to coach the Australian Test team, and has been the head coach for Jamaica in the Caribbean Premier League, the Karachi Kings in Pakistan and the Rangpur Riders in Bangldesh. He is presently the head coach of the Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the Rangpur Riders.Q: I don’t use non-negotiables as a leader and it made me wonder whether I should?Q: This challenged me to consider whether there are times that I overtalk as a leader?Q: This made me reflect on who I should be challenging more in my team?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Connection 05.02.2026 26мин

Todays podcast is on the topic of Connection. And to explore the topic and the impact it can have on team performance I am going to use audio from 10 of the 214  Great Coaches we have interviewed on the podcast. Their voices will complimemnt and amplify each other and at the end of this episode my hope is that you have a few ideas on how to improve the connection in your own sporting, work or community groups.·     What are you doing when you are apart, to prepare for the times when you will come together?·     What can you do to be more authentic with each other?·     How can you share more information about yourself with each other in a way that deepens your understanding of what drives each of you?·     How can you use daily, small moments to stay connected?·     What more could you do to understand the linkages between the people who support you? If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anders Torstensson 29.01.2026 57мин

Our great coach on this episode is Anders Tortensson.However this is not just a story about Anders, its also about the triumph of his team Mjallby in winning the Swedish top tier football competition in 2025.Mjallby is a town of 14,000 people with a budget that is only 12% of the richest club in the league, Malmo. Their stadium holds only 6000 people, and many of the players live in flats together and car pool into training.In 2017 they were in the 4th flight of Swedish football, and now after theirn victory they have qualified to take part in the Champions League qualifiers.They are led by Anders. A former school principal and miltary officer who has been involved with the club on and off since being a player there in the 1980’s. In 2023 he became the head coach on a full time, professional basis and has led them to a a championship that many believe is one of the greatest underdog stories in European football.What can I do better to work with people's inner and outmer motivation?How can I use my voice better to convey a sense of calm?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Leadership 04.12.2025 58мин

Todays episode is On Leadership and I am joined for the discussion by 2 great coaches. The first is Mike Dunlap. Mike is a basketball coach who has led teams in US Colleges, the NBA and in Australia. He was also an assistant with the  Milwaukee Bucks when then they defeated the Phoenix Suns to win their first NBA Championship in 2021.The second is Rugby Union coach Franco Smith. As a player Franco represented South Africa as well as playing for clubs in South Africa, Italy, France and Wales. As a coach he has led teams to National Championships in Italy and South Africa and is presently the head coach of the Glasgow Warriors.Q: How do you mitigate the loneliness you might feel as a leader?Q: What philosophy guides you as a leaderQ: What did you do today to lead by example? If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Connolly 27.11.2025 38мин

Our great coach on this episode is John Connolly.John is a rugby union coach who started coaching in the 1980’s. He rose through the ranks and eventually led the Queensland Reds to the Super 6 title in 1992, and then back-to-back Super 10 titles in 1994-94. He then went on to coach in in Ireland, France, Wales and England, before returning to coach the Australian National team, the Wallabies for 2 years.In 2021 John became a quadriplegic. However, he did not let this define him or slow him down and he now uses his energy to raise money for others with spinal injuries.His adventures are captured in his book Bare Knuckles it’s a terrific read and all the money raised from it go to the Perry Cross FoundationQ: What role does pride play in your teams identity?Q: How do you find the balance between single mindedness and being open to new ideas?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dell McGee 20.11.2025 21мин

Our great coach on this episode is Dell McGee.Dell is an American Football Coach.He played for the college powerhouse Auburn before a professional career that included stints with the Arizona Cardinals, and the Detroit Lions.The year after retiring he started coaching as an Assistant at High School level. He eventually became a Hih School head coach and won the 2007 state championship.He eventually went on to join the Georgia Bulldogs as the run game coordinator and running backs coach under Kirby Smart, helping them national championships in 2021 and 2022.After 8 years with the Bulldogs he was announced as the Georgia State Head Coach in 2024. Q: What are the pillars that define your teams’ culture?Q: What are some of the purpose’s that drive the people in your team?Q: How well are you able to regulate emotional ups and downs during tough times?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Great Teamwork 13.11.2025 49мин

Todays episode is on Great Team Work, and I am joined for the discussion by 2 great coaches. The first is Lisa Alexander.Lisa was the coach of the Australian Netball team, known as the Diamonds, from 2011 to 2020. During that time She oversaw gold medal successes at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2015 Netball World Cup, as well as silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 Netball World Cup. And the second is John Kessel John was the Team Leader for the 2000 USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Teams in Sydney, which brought home one gold medal, and for the 2004 USA Paralympic Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team in Athens, which came home with the bronze medal.He is the author of over 12 books, including the IMPACT coaching manual, which is now in its 33rd edition. in 2024, he was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame and today travels around the world talking about coaching, particularly in the youth space.Q: how do you describe great team work?Q: How often do you catch people doing good; versus calling out areas for improvement? If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamilon Mulders 06.11.2025 39мин

Jamilon Mulders is a German Field Hockey coach and former player for the National Team. As a player, he was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2002. He then retired and transitioned into coaching. He progressed through youth teams, eventually leading national youth teams. He was then an assistant for Markus Weise when the German women won the Gold medal at the Champions trophy. He then started to cosch the German women, with whom he won bronze at the Rio Olympics 2016, before after five years, he went on to coach the Chinese women’s national team. After a break from coaching, he returned as interim Headcoach to the Dutch women's national team, with whom he won the World Cup in 2022, and became 2023 again a world champion as an assistant to the German men's team. A silver medal at the Paris Olympia with the German men was the last medal before transition to become a youth performance manager. He is presently the youth performance manager Dutch federation. Q: What routines do you have in place to deliver tough messages?Q: To what extent do you agree with the idea of being a servant to the group as the leader?Q: Has there been times when you have been ‘blind-spotted’ by a goal?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.