The Strength In Numbers Podcast
The Strength In Numbers Podcast
Podcast Description
Coaching is more than just X’s and O’s—it’s about the principles, philosophies, and mindset that shape great leaders. Building on the ideas from the book "Strength In Numbers," this podcast brings together top coaches from across the sports world (and beyond) who are driven to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
Through in-depth conversations, we’ll explore how elite coaches think, operate, and make decisions for long-term success. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this podcast is your mentorship playbook—helping you be your best while building a career that lasts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as coaching philosophies, personal development, and the importance of feedback and accountability. Episodes include discussions on daily self-audits with Connor Agnew, transitioning coaching roles with Dave Nedbalek, and the motivation behind the podcast launch, providing a comprehensive approach to long-term success in coaching.
Coaching is more than just X’s and O’s—it’s about the principles, philosophies, and mindset that shape great leaders. Building on the ideas from the book “Strength In Numbers,” this podcast brings together top coaches from across the sports world (and beyond) who are driven to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
Through in-depth conversations, we’ll explore how elite coaches think, operate, and make decisions for long-term success. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this podcast is your mentorship playbook—helping you be your best while building a career that lasts.
Doug Crandall, VP and Head of Teaching at the Referent Group, joins the show to break down the ideas behind his newest book, Building or Diminishing. Doug previously taught leadership at West Point, where he won the Excellence in Teaching Award, and has co-authored four books before this one.
We dive into the core premise of the book, that with every action we're either building or diminishing the people around us, and unpack Doug's four leadership archetypes: builder, driver, cheerleader, and belittler. We explore what separates a driver or cheerleader from a true builder, and why holding a high standard and pouring into your people aren't opposing forces, they're both required.
We also talk about the authenticity and vulnerability it takes to lead this way, and why this conversation is one that can genuinely shift how you show up in your day-to-day interactions with the people you lead.
You can grab a copy of Doug’s new book right here: https://a.co/d/05tz2oRR
🔗Check out more from Doug 👇 Building or Diminishing | Doug Crandall
This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.
Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.
👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:26 Doug's Path from West Point to the Referent Group
05:36 Breaking Down the Four Leadership Archetypes
09:00 Holding a High Standard While Building People Up
14:39 What Pulls Builders Back Toward Driver or Cheerleader
21:02 Concrete Steps for Moving from Driver to Builder
25:54 Keeping Athletes in the Moment vs. Pulling Them Forward
28:52 Leaders Cast a Larger Shadow Than They Realize
35:22 Leadership as an Accumulation of Small Moments
41:09 The ”Never Met a Bad Cadet” Story
45:03 The Pygmalion Effect and the Danger of Judging Intent
49:51 Building a Builder Culture Across a Team or Program
52:08 Balancing Vulnerability as a Leader
58:10 The One Lesson Doug Hopes His Kids Take From the Book
01:01:35 When Doug Feels Closest to His Purpose
Disclaimer
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