Michael Cheika, the renowned rugby coach who was recently appointed Head Coach of the Lebanon men's rugby league team, explains that providing a safe environment for athletes is a good starting point when addressing social issues. "One of the huge things with coaching and leading is creating a balanced environment for players to perform in," he tells co-hosts Matthew Stone and Steve Gera. "Not ignoring anything and not going over the top; understanding exactly where the balance is." The management of social issues for the greater good of the team is just one of the questions posed on this edition of At Home With Leaders, which is brought to you by our Main Partners Keiser. Also on the agenda were: - The potentially overlooked importance of tactical skill acquisition [17:00]; - Balancing tactical structure with the need for creativity within a gameplan [20:00]; - Why it is important for a team to clarify what is meant by 'risk taking' in competition [25:30]; - Cheika's recent switch from rugby union to rugby league [29:00]. Steve Gera: Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfgera) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegera/) Matthew Stone: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stone_Sport) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstone22/) Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Jill Ellis (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-jill-ellis/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.

"What are we trying to achieve and why?" asks Mo Bobat, the Performance Director of the England & Wales Cricket Board. "In essence we're all problem-solvers and there's enough research out there to suggest that homogenisation of thought and ideas probably isn't a great way to problem-solve." Bobat is steadfast in his belief that teams with broad in skillsets and experiences are the best-equipped to tackle performance problems. He explored the power of diverse thinking in this latest episode of the Leaders State of Play Series, which is brought to you today by Elite Performance Partners (https://eppartners.co.uk/) [EPP], a search, selection and advisory firm working across elite sport and specialising in performance. Bobat, who in November hosted our EPP Webinar exploring the rise of the specialist-generalist in sports performance (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/epp-webinar-why-the-specialist-generalist-model-creates-the-best-chance-for-winning-and-development-in-high-performance/), was joined in conversation by Leaders' Matthew Stone and EPP Founding Partner Dave Slemen. The trio delved into: - Practical steps teams can take to break down silos [3:00]; - Setting the optimum conditions for people to succeed [9:00]; - The importance of hiring staff that complement your existing team [17:00]; - Identifying 'impact areas' when building a performance strategy and the tools and tactics for achieving measurable impact [27:00]; - Embracing the individuality of your people by forging social connections [34:00]. Dave Slemen: Twitter (https://twitter.com/DaveSlem) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidslemen/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidslemen/)Matthew Stone: Twitter | LinkedIn Further listening: The Leaders State of Play Series - Owen Eastwood (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-the-leaders-state-of-play-series-owen-eastwood/) Listen and subscribe today on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Overcast, or your chosen podcast platform.

"When you go through change," says Jill Ellis, "a lot of it is continuing to talk about culture and the team-first environment you create, but it’s also about building in strategies to make this team feel that every single person is important and every single person matters." The two-time Fifa Women's World Cup-winning coach - who also won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Leaders Sports Awards - appeared on the latest edition of At Home With Leaders, where she delves into the transition that the US women's national team [USWNT] undertook between the 2015 and 2019 tournaments. Ellis, who currently serves as the Development Director of US Soccer, also talked to co-hosts Matthew Stone and Steve Gera about topics that included: - Establishing a higher purpose with the USWNT [7:30]; - How knowing your team sets the tone for its evolution [16:30]; - Identifying and using the strengths of her support staff [19:30]; - Her approach to risk-taking at both college and international level [29:00]; - Setting the narrative, roles and expectations of both players and staff during periods of transition [31:00]. Steve Gera: Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfgera) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegera/) Matthew Stone: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stone_Sport) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstone22/) Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Terry Francona (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-terry-francona/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.

"I want to enjoy walking into a building and I don't want a situation where people sit on the same table to only eat with people of a similar status," says Nigel Pearson. The renowned football manager, whose former clubs include Leicester [twice], Hull and, most recently, Watford, is discussing the environment he strives to create for athletes and staff alike when he enters a club. Pearson, who is between projects, found the time to reflect on coaching the modern athlete for the Leaders State of Play Series. Also on the conversational agenda were: - His reasons why clarity in communication requires an understanding of the players' needs [7:00]; - The reality that while you cannot force connections with younger players, compassion and empathy go a long way [9:30]; - Providing safe spaces where players can live shared values and behaviours [16:30]; - Having an open door policy as a manager but being economical with information [23:30]. Michael Caulfield: Twitter | LinkedIn Matthew Stone: Twitter | LinkedIn Further listening: The Leaders State of Play Series – Owen Eastwood (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-the-leaders-state-of-play-series-owen-eastwood/) Listen and subscribe today on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Overcast, or your chosen podcast platform.

Brought to you by our Main Partners Keiser (https://www.keiser.com/). "I don't think I have any perspective or balance," says Terry Francona. "People have asked me before and I don't think I have any. I'm not sure any coach has." The Cleveland Indians Manager is talking to At Home With Leaders about balancing the needs of a team with your personal needs. "Every year it gets harder. I come home and it takes me longer to recharge," adds Francona, who has also expressed his gratitude to the Indians for fulfilling their duty of care with such commitment when he took ill earlier this year. He is recovering well and there seems little doubt that Francona will recharge long before Spring Training and likely far sooner given his hunger and enthusiasm throughout this chat. Francona, now three decades into a coaching career that has taken in two World Series triumphs in Boston, spoke in a similarly honest vein when discussing: - The Indians' efforts preparing coaching staff in newer roles in uncertain times [14:00]; - Managing the expectations of players [24:30]; - Risk-taking and creativity on an MLB field [28:00]; - Players speaking up on social issues [31:00]; - Staying fresh and continuing to evolve as a manager [33:30]. Steve Gera: Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfgera) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegera/) Matthew Stone: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stone_Sport) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstone22/) Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Alex Goode (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-alex-goode/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.

"There was a meta study that suggests that 70 percent of an individual’s behaviour is determined by whatever environment they are in,” says Owen Eastwood. “That was the moment I could see it and that was the first verification of that truth.” Eastwood a performance coach who has profiled a variety of elite teams including the New Zealand All Blacks and Seattle Seahawks, and worked the England men’s national football team. In a wide-ranging chat, Eastwood talks to co-hosts Matthew Stone and Luke Whitworth about why the fundamentals of what makes effective teams haven't changed since human beings were hunter-gatherers 60,000 years ago. Also on the agenda were: - Why our ancestors' insights into group dynamics are as relevant as ever [5:30]; - How an environment can disable your team strategy and vision if you’re not careful [15:00]; - The need to identify stories that create archetypes of the people you want your teams to be [20:00]; - Why genuine diversity stems from an environment of trust, leaders prepared to be vulnerable, and the comfort people feel in order to express ideas [34:00]; - A quickfire round of questions [38:30]. Matthew Stone: Twitter | LinkedIn Luke Whitworth: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Performance_LW) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-whitworth-a4b0a45a/) Further listening: The Leaders State of Play Series - Stuart Worden (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-the-leaders-state-of-play-series-stuart-worden/) Listen and subscribe today on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Overcast, or your chosen podcast platform.

Alex Goode is one of the most decorated players in English rugby union. The Saracens’ fullback - the 2019 European Player of the Year - has won three European Champions Cups and five English Premiership titles with the north London side and amassed more than 300 appearances across 12 years. Goode, who was also man of the match in Sarries’ recent Champions Cup defeat of Leinster, gave co-hosts Matthew Stone and Steve Gera an insight into the mindset of a repeat champion. “I think lesser teams rely on the crowd, teams that I don’t respect that much,” he says of those who might be struggling to come to terms with empty pandemic-era stadia. “For me, that’s a pick and choose mentality - that’s something I would hate to the part of at my club. At Saracens we have always talked about never being a ‘pick and choose’ team.” But it was not always that way at the club, as he describes in a candid conversation that covers: - How that Saracens playing culture has evolved with each success [13:00]; - Assessing new players and what they bring to the dressing room [19:00]; - His reflections on his self-development through the years [24:00]; - Managing anxiety in the build-up to big matches [29:30]; - The question of motivations and from where they originate [32:30]. Steve Gera: Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfgera) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegera/) Matthew Stone: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stone_Sport) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstone22/) Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Gersson Rosas (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-gersson-rosas/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.

“In adversity, young people usually have the answers,” says Stuart Worden. “They’re amazing, they’re extraordinary - if the conditions for their creativity are there for them.” Worden is the Principal of the world-renowned BRIT School, a creative arts and technology school based in south London. Its alumni include artists Amy Winehouse, Adele and Hollywood actor Tom Holland. Unsurprisingly, the school has been a continuing source of inspiration across high performance sport, with teams and organisations looking to tap into their wisdom around the creation of learning environments and nurturing creativity. Worden himself appeared onstage at the 2015 Leaders Sport Performance Summit in London and was the ideal first guest in the Leaders State of Play Series. Speaking to co-hosts Matthew Stone and Michael Caulfield, Worden also offered his musings on: - Kindness and why it brings both a sense of adventure and courage help to develop young people [7:00]; - Why the most striking characteristic of young learners is their fragility [14:00]; - The mistakes that can be made in judging talented young people [27:00]; - Encouraging young people to take risks and not be afraid to fail [33:00]. Michael Caulfield: Twitter | LinkedIn Matthew Stone: Twitter | LinkedIn Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Danny Kerry Listen and subscribe today on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Overcast, or your chosen podcast platform.

What can the NBA's No1 draft pick expect when they arrive at the Minnesota Timberwolves? "One of our goals and focuses in our organisation is not only making players the best they can be but the best people they can be," says President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas. "That involves things that are not only near and dear to their heart but getting to know who those individuals are, being passionate, about their craft and their game is incredibly important." Rosas, who spoke to At Home With Leaders co-hosts Matthew Stone and Steve Gera, also discussed: - Why he thinks the Wolves must reflect their wider community [9:30]; - How the team will build upon their 'franchise cornerstones' Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell [21:30]; - The team's ongoing process of cultural evaluation [25:30]; - Rosas' meetings with the team's prospective new owners [28:30]. At Home With Leaders is brought to you today by our Main Partners Keiser (https://www.keiser.com/). Steve Gera: Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfgera) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegera/) Matthew Stone: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stone_Sport) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewstone22/) Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Danny Kerry (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-danny-kerry/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.

"Since Rio I've been asking myself do the athletes coming into the squad have a different set of values and attitudes and do I have the skills to adjust to that?" Danny Kerry, who has served as the Head Coach of the Great Britain and England men's hockey teams since 2018, is pondering the ways that athletes have evolved and whether he, as a coach, has the skillset to work with a new cohort. He asks himself that question a lot, he tells At Home With Leaders, and while he suggests that he has not always connected with athletes, Kerry has coached at international level for 23 years, with his crowning glory being the gold medal he won as Head Coach with the Great Britain women's team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In conversation with co-hosts Matthew Stone, Leaders’ Senior Product Manager, and sports psychologist and consultant Michael Caulfield, Kerry also reflects on: - Why the lockdown proved to be a 'gift' for Kerry and his staff ahead of the postponed Tokyo Games [5:30]; - Tweaking his training programme to engender resilience and self-efficacy in players [15:00]; - How he helps his players to find fulfilment beyond winning out on the field [22:00]; - The power of a 'self-selecting culture' and developing a 'depth of leadership' [24:30]. Michael Caulfield: Twitter | LinkedIn Matthew Stone: Twitter | LinkedIn Further listening: At Home With Leaders - Gregor Townsend (https://leadersinsport.com/performance/podcast-at-home-with-leaders-gregor-townsend/) Listen above and subscribe today on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-performance-podcast/id1124488318?mt=2), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4EKIUuWYk5SWWqRWRQfw3z?si=epSPBhLdREOwtHiGYJnvEg), Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/leaders/the-leaders-performance-podcast) and Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1124488318/leaders-performance-podcast), or your chosen podcast platform.