Coaching Culture with Ben Herring is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy, le...
Paul Tito: Keeping things simple, and the art of confrontations.
TEXT US HERE If you have feedback or requests for the show!Rugby enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike, prepare for a fascinating conversation with Paul Tito, affectionately known in the rugby world as "Fish." A seasoned veteran whose career spans over 25 years, Paul shares his journey from New Plymouth Boys High School to captaining renowned teams like the New Zealand Maori and Cardiff. Discover how his transition from player to coach has been fueled by a commitment to fostering team culture and leadership. With his trademark honesty and humor, Paul offers insights into the challenges faced by structured rugby nations and the enduring importance of camaraderie and genuine connections, even in the age of professionalization.In a world where technical prowess often overshadows human connection, Paul reminds us of the powerful role mentors play in shaping a player's ethos. Through stories of pivotal influences like Andy Slater and Kevin Barrett, Paul sheds light on his decision to remain loyal to his province, becoming a centurion and championing the essence of team spirit. Through humorous anecdotes and candid reflections, Paul highlights how empowering players and encouraging open communication can lead to seamless team dynamics. Embrace the lessons learned from diverse coaching experiences, from France to the All Blacks, and the art of reading the room to bridge cultural divides.From navigating tough decisions in France to embodying authenticity in high-pressure environments, Paul offers a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. His journey, marked by personal sacrifices and a supportive family, underscores the courage required to thrive beyond the mainstream. Tune in for an episode that celebrates the power of unity, accountability, and the often underappreciated art of listening in sports leadership.Support the show
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1:16:52
Johan Ackermann: Faith-Driven Leadership and Team Unity
TEXT US HERE If you have feedback or requests for the show!Renowned rugby coach Johan Ackerman joins us to reveal the secret to building a successful team culture — one that emerges organically from the collective rather than being imposed from the top down. Through his experiences across the globe and his time in the police force, Johan explores how fostering a supportive environment where players contribute to the team's cultural fabric is key. Listen as he shares insights on balancing professional and personal relationships, especially when coaching his own son, and how these elements mold a cohesive and resilient team.Discover how team-building activities like barbecues and shared games can transform team dynamics, break down barriers, and promote mutual respect. Johan explains the process of establishing core values within a team and how these principles can become the backbone of performance and accountability. His stories emphasize the importance of resilience, gratitude, and respect, urging players to define their own identities and motivations, which ultimately drives both personal and team success.Johan's coaching philosophy also intertwines with his strong Christian faith, providing a deeper purpose and resilience in leadership. From navigating the challenges of uniting rival teams in Japan to harnessing the power of laughter and enjoyment during tense playoff weeks, Johan offers experiences that highlight the importance of positive coaching environments. This episode not only sheds light on the father-son dynamic in sports but also underscores Johan's dedication to investing in players' lives beyond the field, positioning him as a coach who truly prioritizes holistic development.Support the show
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1:02:38
Kieran Crowley: Balancing Passion and Pressure in Rugby Coaching
TEXT US HERE If you have feedback or requests for the show!Kieran Crowley, a rugby legend and former All Black, joins us to unlock the secrets of building team culture across borders. Discover how Kieran's journey from New Zealand to Canada and Italy has shaped his understanding of cultural dynamics in international rugby coaching. His stories from the field provide a rich tapestry of insights into the delicate art of managing diverse teams, navigating logistical challenges, and embracing the existing cultures before making impactful changes. Trust and loyalty emerge as cornerstones of his coaching philosophy, offering a masterclass in effective team management.As we traverse through the complexities of international coaching, Kieran sheds light on the nuanced challenges of transitioning from local clubs to national teams. Explore the cultural diversity within New Zealand rugby and the unique hurdles faced in countries like Canada, with its vast geographical spread, and Italy, where internal politics often complicate coaching decisions. Kieran's experiences reveal the contrasting freedoms of coaching club teams in Italy and Japan, where deeper player connections lead to greater cohesion. The episode takes a raw look at the intricacies of maintaining a positive environment amidst the pressures of high-stakes rugby.Kieran also opens up about the emotional resilience required to navigate setbacks and criticism in his coaching career. He candidly shares his coping mechanisms, leaning on trusted colleagues and family when the stress of the job takes its toll. Reflection on his evolution from a successful player to a coach reveals how empathy and a player-focused approach have become integral to his coaching style. Through personal stories and professional insights, Kieran illustrates the balance between passion and demands, showcasing the broader life lessons sports have to offer.Support the show
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46:44
Steve Hansen: Ego and Authenticity in Leadership
TEXT US HERE If you have feedback or requests for the show!Rugby legend Steve Hansen joins us to unravel the secrets of building an unbreakable team culture. Discover how the invisible thread of shared values can bind not just sports teams but businesses and families too. Steve shares his philosophy that team priorities should always come first, offering practical insights on fostering open dialogue and making tough decisions when individual goals clash with the collective vision. Through his experiences, we learn the importance of living these values consistently from the top down.We take a closer look at the distinction between expectations and culture within organizations, shedding light on how culture nurtures communication, safety, and mutual respect. This episode also highlights measurable aspects of culture—like punctuality and pride in work—and how they signal the health of an environment. Steve's perspectives on cultural dynamics in Japan serve as a fascinating case study, illustrating the delicate balance between tradition and progress and emphasizing the significance of subtle, respectful change.Egos and leadership take center stage as we explore their complex relationship. Steve offers a candid look at how ego, when managed well, can fuel passion and focus but warns against it becoming a barrier to personal growth. We dive into the essence of authentic leadership, where emotional intelligence and adaptability are key. Steve's anecdotes underscore the importance of a leader's honesty and authenticity, framing success as helping others reach their goals and celebrating their achievements, creating a truly rewarding team atmosphere. Join us for an insightful conversation on mastering ego, adaptability, and leadership success.Support the show
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52:05
Eddie Jones: Culture shocks. Environmental learnings from England, Australia and Japan.
TEXT US HERE If you have feedback or requests for the show!What if the key to a thriving sports team lies not just in strategy, but in deeply understanding its cultural fabric? Join us as we sit down with the legendary coach Eddie Jones, who unpacks the essence of culture and leadership in sports. Eddie shares captivating stories from his coaching journey at Leicester, with the Springboks, and the Japanese team, illustrating how recognizing and respecting a team's core cultural values can lead to remarkable growth. Discover how authenticity and player feedback reveal not only individual strengths but also the deeper values that drive team success.As societal norms evolve, so too must coaching strategies. Our conversation with Eddie delves into how shifts from team-oriented to individualistic approaches, especially in places like Japan and Australia, challenge traditional coaching methods. We explore how coaches can adapt to these new dynamics by "walking the floor" to understand team chemistry and identify emerging leaders. Eddie's insights into delegating responsibilities within larger squads underscore the importance of multiple voices in reinforcing team culture, while contrasting motivations of past national pride with today's focus on unity through the sport itself.Leadership and belief are at the heart of Eddie’s coaching philosophy. Drawing parallels to business strategies, he discusses the relentless drive required for success, illustrated by experiences with Suntory and the Japanese team. We examine the role of fear in leadership and its ability to command respect, much like parenting. The art of giving constructive feedback without breeding resentment is another key theme, emphasizing the need for understanding individual player needs and fostering a sense of belonging. Eddie’s candid anecdotes and strategies offer a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in coaching and leadership.Support the show
Coaching Culture with Ben Herring is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy, leadership, dealing with stress, and motivation. Each episode features candid conversations with the world’s top international rugby coaches, who share the personal stories and intangible insights behind their winning cultures, and too their biggest failures and learnings from them. This is where X’s and O’s meet heart and soul, empowering coaches at every level to foster authentic connections, inspire their teams, and elevate their own coaching craft. If you believe that the real gold in rugby lies beyond the scoreboard, Coaching Culture is the podcast for you.
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