In this episode of the Leading Edge Podcast, we engage in a riveting conversation with Paul Jones, Athletic Director at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California. With his extensive athletic experience and ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Jones offers his unique perspective on cultivating grit, resilience, and mental fortitude among student-athletes. He discusses the vital role of a servant leader in creating a supportive and secure environment within his athletic programs while maintaining a culture of accountability. Insights offered by Jones serve as an invaluable resource for other coaches and athletic directors looking to empower student-athletes to excel, both in sports and their future endeavors. Tune into this episode for an enlightening discussion on fostering grit, resilience, and mental toughness in high school athletes.READ MORE Leading Edge Content with Paul Jones HERELEARN MORE about Paul Jones HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Join us on the Leading Edge podcast as we welcome Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and now a renowned speaker, author, and leadership consultant. Bechler shares his insights on positivity and coachability in leadership roles. He passionately discusses the importance of empowering others to lead. Whether you're an experienced leader or a newcomer, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. READ MORE Leading Edge Content with Jamy Bechler HERELEARN MORE about Jamy Bechler HERETwitter: @CoachBechlerInstagram: @BechlerLeadershipFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

In this episode of The Leading Edge Podcast, we were joined by Heather Macy, Head Basketball Coach at Greensboro College and innovative Founder of 2 Feet In Coaching. Coach Macy discusses the importance of realizing your potential to balance physical and mental health. She shares her expertise on strategic recruiting practices and building a successful program while putting your athletes and team first. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from a seasoned expert in the field.Editors Note: Heather Macy has since taken a new and exciting opportunity as Head Basketball Coach at Barry University.For more information on Coach Heather Macy and 2 Feet In Coaching:2 Feet In Website:  www.go2feetin.comTwitter/Instagram: @2feetincoachingEmail: [email protected] MORE Leading Edge Content on with Coach Heather Macy HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Join Ryan Friedline, Director of Game Presentation and Fan Engagement at The University of Arizona, as he shares his insights on creating electrifying sports event experiences. In this episode, Ryan Friedline emphasizes the importance of fan engagement in shaping unforgettable events.  Friedline believes that students' contributions to athletic events create a vibrant and unique campus culture, and leaders should empower student collaboration in events whenever possible. Explore what it takes to craft a dynamic sports event, and learn how athletic departments can leverage student culture to create lively and exciting events and enhance community on this episode of The Leading Edge Podcast.READ MORE Leading Edge Content on Ryan Friedline HERE LEARN MORE about Ryan Friedline HERETwitter: @FriedlineRyanInstagram: @Ryan.FriedlineFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online 

Join Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach turned bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, and professional speaker, as he shares his invaluable insights on becoming an exceptional teammate. In this episode, Lance Loya delves into the significance of defining team roles and nurturing strong connections to shape a team's culture. Learn from his experiences and expertise to apply being a good teammate in different settings, and elevate your personal and professional relationships to new heights. READ MORE Leading Edge Content on Lance Loya HERELEARN MORE about Lance Loya HEREFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Don Showalter, Head Coach and Director of Coach Development for the USA Basketball Youth Division, emphasizes the importance of good leadership fundamentals that transcend across all sports and activities. Coach Showalter stresses that success doesn't come naturally and takes effort and time. He believes that, as leaders, we must give ourselves and our programs breathing space, and stick to our process. Tune into the Leading Edge Podcast to hear insightful tips on successful leadership from Coach Don Showalter.READ MORE Leading Edge Content on with Coach Don Showalter HERELEARN MORE about Don Showalter HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Dr. Richard Woodruff, Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator at Stockton Unified School District and Commissioner of the Central California Esports League, discusses the value of esports teams on high school campuses, the concept of integrating digital and physical selves—particularly as it pertains to young people and their use of social media and video games—how to start an esports program, what we can learn about burnout in student-athletes from esports, and more!For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

As President and CEO of Triple Threat Leadership, Dr. Scott Grant is revolutionizing the way coaches and program leaders help students become confident adults.Utilizing personal branding exercises to first define mission, vision, and values, his process prepares student-athletes to approach social media as a tool for empowerment. His strategies offer invaluable insight into how to put one's best foot forward both online and off. “Doc G” also has extensive knowledge on NIL (name image likeness) and advises student-athletes, parents, and coaches navigating their way through the opportunities and pitfalls of today’s sports landscape.LEARN MORE about Dr. Grant HERE FOLLOW Dr. Scott Grant on twitter HERELEARN MORE about Triple Threat Leadership HERE LEARN MORE about NIL HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Joe Pellertio is a Leadership Development Strategist for Capturing Kids’ Hearts®, an organization that “equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.”His path as an educator, coach, and leadership mentor has supercharged his expertise and perspective on making a difference with your group. Joe is also the creator of The ReChoice Podcast, where guests share valuable insights and explore how to embrace new perspectives and commit to them. LEARN MORE about Joe HERE LISTEN to Joe’s Podcast “ReChoice” HERE LEARN MORE about the Capturing Kids’ Heart Organization HERE For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online

Kevin Broene is a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most recently added “company founder” to his list of titles, all of which has given him an incredible perspective on what it truly means to be a good leader for students.In 2017, Broene founded Grit Leadership, a leadership evaluation software that anonymously surveys thousands of coaches everywhere, giving Broene a birds-eye view of the coaching field. With this data at his disposal, coach Broene has found areas where he and his fellow leaders can improve.LEARN MORE about Kevin at www.gritleadershipea.comREAD Kevin’s article on Leading EdgeFor more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online