The Art Of Coaching

Latest Episodes:

E176 | When Positive Thinking Doesn't Work Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

Positive thinking is overdone and often ineffective when applied to the messy realities of life and leadership.

I’m not saying there isn’t a use for it but rather that we should rethink when and to whom we recommend it. Why? Positive thinking can lull us into a false sense of security, make us overconfident and keep us from taking action when we need to.

What if instead of judging thoughts as positive or negative we measured them in terms of how productive they are? What if we embraced feelings of anxiety and nerves because it means we care and/or are pushing our limits? On today’s show we will tackle these questions and many more.

Also, we were thinking… Why is it that we look for physical asymmetries in athletes and clients, but we don’t measure them in our learning or communication? People are the ultimate performance variable so if we aren’t assessing gaps here, aren’t we missing a huge piece of the puzzle?

The Apprenticeship, a two day interactive workshop specializing in how to deal with people, power dynamics, hard conversations and the messy realities of life and leadership is aimed at closing that gap. Check us out at one of the following cities:

We’d also like to thank our world class sponsors:

SAGA: the world’s first wireless BFR cuffs (Brett20 = 20% off)
VersaClimber: the world’s toughest low-impact workout
Momentous: world’s cleanest, best tasting performance supplement (Brett25 = 25% OFF)

Follow me on social media:

Via Instagram: @coach_BrettB

Via Twitter: @coach_BrettB

Subscribe to my YouTube channel here

Learn More About My Courses, Clinics, and Live Events At: www.ArtofCoaching.com

E175 | Nikita Emtsov: The Hero's Journey Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

“Where there’s a journey, there’s sacrifice” - Nikita Emtsov

It has always been our goal that listeners hear themselves in the guests we interview on this podcast because it’s only when you relate to a person that their story and message resonates and moves you to action.

Nikita Emtsov is a perfect representation of the professionals in the Art of Coaching community and in this episode you’ll hear his raw depiction of the challenges (from self-acceptance and mental health struggles to finding a unique niche and vocation) we all go through in pursuit of our own hero’s journey.

Nikita is a Russian-born, Toronto-based strength coach and certified personal trainer. Having pursued a plethora of creative vocations over the last 15 years—some of which have included stage acting, filmmaking, songwriting, and graphic design—he has faced plenty of challenges finding his place in the world before developing a passion for weightlifting and- ultimately- coaching.

After finding a multitude of unexpected mental health and creativity-related benefits in his pursuit of strength, Nikita has made it his mission to help other creative storytellers get physically and mentally stronger and make training part of their own Hero's Journey.

We discuss:

Ways to balance perfectionism and creativity - are they truly at odds?
Why we should use storytelling to script our own “hero’s journey”
How to listen to and utilize our internal voice for good
Methods for relinquishing control and embracing uncertainty

Connect with Nikita:

Via Instagram: @nickemstov

The clock is ticking on 2021 Apprenticeship dates. We only have a few spots left at each location. Don’t delay, book your spot today! (Rhyming unintentional)

Upcoming Apprenticeships:

E174 | Christina Myers: Rethinking How We Approach Coaching Female Athletes Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

It’s time to rethink how we approach coaching female athletes. Understanding and appreciating nuances in their physiology and psychology is one thing, treating them as a “special population” is another. So which differences should we attend to and which just aren’t true?

Today we’re joined by Christina Myers, a strength and conditioning & gymnastics coach who’s changing the game when it comes to the training of female athletes and redefining coaching styles traditionally expected of women.

Christina owns a private sector strength & conditioning company and serves as both head strength and conditioning coach and head coach of a high-level competitive gymnastics program in Birmingham, Alabama. She took a non-traditional route to the strength & conditioning profession and uses this experience to mentor undergraduates and young coaches in the field. Christina holds a masters degree in Strength & Conditioning (MS Applied Exercise Science, S&C Concentration) and regularly guest lectures for undergraduate and graduate programs catering to potential strength coaches.

We cover:

Considerations for training female athletes
Strategies for working with highly intellectual & perfectionist individuals
How to identify and eradicate psychological abuse in sport
Why we should lean into non-traditional coaching styles

Connect with Christina:

Via her website: https://www.liftheavyprincess.com/

Via her Instagram: @lift_heavy_princess

We discussed some heavy stuff on this episode. Remember, if you need someone to talk to or want to report any type of abuse - please go to https://uscenterforsafesport.org/.

Also, give some love to our sponsor: SAGA Fitness, makers of the first wireless automated training BFR cuffs of their kind. Fancy science aside, this tool reduces the time and intensity required to build muscle, gain strength and/or come back from injury. They’re a way to workout more efficiently and calibrate to individual needs without having to buy really expensive equipment. Use code BRETT20 for 20% off your order!

E173 | Q&A Friday: Addressing Hot Topics & Sticky Conversations Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

We’re coming at you with a special BONUS episode! On today’s show, Brett is joined by Ali for a casual Friday conversation in which they answer your most difficult questions, talk about what they’re nerding out on and share their take on current events.

On today’s episode:

How to approach conversations about race, gender, & politics as a leader
Programming essentials for youth athletes
Strategies for working with someone you just can’t stand
Ways to create passive income
NFT’s and Cryptocurrency

If you want your question answered on our next casual conversation Friday, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter - artofcoaching.com/begin and be on the lookout for our next Video Ask request!

Other resources mentioned today:

Connect with us @aoccoaching on Instagram!

E172 | Mark Fisher: How to Approach Conflict, Chaos & Conversations Remotely Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

We’ve heard the leadership cliches, read the business books and tried the various morning routines but something’s still not clicking...

We can try to work harder and hope our efforts don’t go unnoticed... or we can flip the script, become a unicorn and work with ninjas.

No seriously, just ask Mark Fisher.

Mark is an international speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur. He and his “non-sexual life partner” Michael Keeler founded Business for Unicorns in 2016 and have since worked with many of the leading fitness studios across the US, the UK, and Australia. Past non-fitness clients include Sony Music, Sylvan Learning, Novus Surgical, and Security Scorecard. He is also a proud alumni speaker of TEDxBroadway.

In addition to consulting through BFU, Mark is the co-founder of Mark Fisher Fitness, one of the most unusual gyms in the fitness industry. MFF operates a physical location in midtown Manhattan and a fast-growing online “virtual” location. MFF was recognized as #312 on the 2015 Inc. 500 fastest growing companies in America, as well as one of Men's Health's "Top 20 Gyms in America."

Obviously, Mark has made it his mission to approach both business and fitness in a unique way meaning this episode is anything but ordinary. Today we cover:

Why you should welcome and foster healthy conflict in your organization
When and why you should give away power as a leader
Managing by metrics when the important things aren't easily measured
How to effectively bring emotion into the workplace

Connect with Mark:

Via his various websites:

Mark Fisher Fitness: https://markfisherfitness.com/

Business for Unicorns: https://www.businessforunicorns.com/

Personal Page: https://www.markfisherhumanbeing.com/

Or Via Instagram:

Mark Fisher Fitness @mffclubhouse

Mark Fisher (Personal) @markfisherhumanbeing

Today’s episode is brought to you by: a hard truth.

No matter how good you are at what you do, how hard you work or much you want to help others, none of it will make an impact if you don’t know how to reach your audience or communicate your message in a way that resonates with the people that need you and the work you provide the most.

The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of making a mistake or hearing someone grumble. We all have skills and value we can provide and though I know it doesn't feel that way to those of you who are perfectionists- there are people out there who need what you do.

That’s why we created our online course, Blindspot. It will help you build your brand and business the right way by turning what you know into what you do. It will help you identify your core strengths and how you can provide the most value to others, then systematize that in a way that allows you to get it to your audience so you can stand out without selling out.

Go to artofcoaching.com/blindspot. Returning soon 👀

E171 | Gabe Polsky: In Search Of Greatness Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

The greatest athletes, inventors, artists and minds have something in common…

Of course they all have incredible work ethics, support systems and above average talent and luck- but those qualities don’t differentiate the great from the very best.

In truth- there is no template for world class performance. So what is it that separates them?

According to our guest, Gabe Polsky- an award-winning Writer, Director, Producer and one of the top documentary filmmakers in the world of sports and beyond- the one attribute that separates the elite from the great is their creativity, improvisation and ability to turn disadvantage into strength.

How does he know? In 2018 Gabe wrote, directed, and produced In Search of Greatness— a cinematic journey into the secrets of genius, as told through the greatest athletes of all time. It was released theatrically to critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including a WGA Award.

He also Executive Produced Genius, the 10 time Emmy® nominated TV show on National Geographic about Albert Einstein in 2017. Most recently, Gabe wrote, directed, and produced the feature documentary Red Penguins which premiered to acclaim at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.

In this episode, we learn what it’s like to interview and direct the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Jerry Rice and Pelé and why he’d go so far as to compare their dedication to the craft as neurosis.

Connect with Gabe:

Via Twitter: @gabepolsky

Via IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2126907/

Interested in learning about the film? https://www.insearchofgreatness.com

Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/Search-Greatness-Wayne-Gretzky/dp/B07P5X99P5

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d greatly appreciate it if you left us a review. Like any mom and pop shop, we rely on word of mouth and our online reviews. If you have even just an extra minute- tell us what you think!

Guys, one last thing. If you’re in search of truly superior nutrition supplements- from the very basics to elite performance products- check out our sponsor Momentous. They’ve been with us since the beginning and they are the ONLY nutritional supplement product I work with. Code BRETT25 gets you 25% off your first order and 15% off any future orders!

E170 | Dr. Katie Heinrich: Bridging Science With Society - Making Research More Practical Through People Skills May 31, 2021

Show notes

Why is it that regardless of major, minor or specialty our education system remains obsessed with teaching students the “what” but not the “how”?

If we’re lucky, students leave school prepared with tools of their trade but still missing the skill set to put those tools into action, adapt for changing circumstances and/or convince someone they need that tool in the first place.

Fortunately, some professors (today’s guest included) have recognized this disparity and dedicated their career to correcting it. Dr. Katie Heinrich is a Professor of Exercise Behavioral Science and Director of the Functional Intensity Training Lab in the Department of Kinesiology at Kansas State University. With over 20 years in academia, she’s devoted her time and research to the study of community, mentorship, and people skills - all which she believes are required for making science actionable.

In this episode we cover:

How am I coming across? A guide to metacommunication in 2021
What NOT to do when building a community
Pro’s and con’s of the term “soft skills”
Tips for writing a great email and finding a mentor
How and when to say no without burning bridges

If you’re looking for more resources on how to find and/or to optimize your approach when reaching out to a mentor, check out artofcoaching.com/findamentor. Here you’ll find everything from email templates to strategies for finding the right person for you.

Connect with Dr. Heinrich:

Via Twitter: @kmhphd

Via Email: kmhphd@k-state.edu

Via her website: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/kines/labs/fit.html

There’s a difference between working hard and working smart... for me that means using SAGA’s BFR Cuffs to optimize my training. User friendly and linked directly to my phone, SAGA makes it so I don’t have to waste any time trying to figure out the nuances of pressure and calibration- I just get to work. Quit wasting time and try them for yourself- code BRETT20 gets you 20% off your order!

Upcoming Apprenticeships:

Remember, we offer 1.8 CEUs to all attendees as well as $180 OFF for people who have taken an online course (Bought In or Valued)… that’s IN ADDITION to the $200 OFF we give to those who sign up early.

E169 | Be A Human - Tips For Not Screwing Up Key Relationships May 24, 2021

Show notes

Time is an invaluable commodity and yet we waste it beating around the bush with convoluted communication and messages wrapped in peripheral fluff and unnecessary noise.

Have you ever wondered how much time would we save if we acted like humans and said what we meant?

In this solo episode, we’ll break down several case studies and discuss how to effectively read a situation, manage paraverbals (pacing, pitch, tone, inflection) and have direct, efficient conversations. We’ll also discuss strategies for preventing misinterpretation and being assertive without being aggressive.

Also in this episode:

Identify what’s keeping you from getting your message across clearly
Understand why humans are comfort and peace seeking survivors
Mokusatsu & Elon Musk: it’s not just about the words
Take Home Tactics: 24 Hour Recall and Half-Life Your Message

It’s one thing to talk about being human, it’s another to actually practice it. In addition to the tactics and strategies mentioned in this episode, join our All-Access Digital Community and interact face to face with other professionals dedicated to improving communication skills!

Also- you’ll hear it in the intro, but make sure you go back and listen again for a special deal that VersaClimber is offering listeners of this episode. That’s all we’ll say for now…

UPCOMING APPRENTICESHIPS:

Find your city then click to join the movement...

Follow me on social media:

Via Instagram: @coach_BrettB Via Twitter: @coach_BrettB Subscribe to my YouTube channel here Learn More About My Courses, Clinics, and Live Events At: www.ArtofCoaching.com

E168 | Clint Pulver: I Love It Here - How Great Managers Optimize Employee Retention May 17, 2021

Show notes

What would managers and leaders learn if they had access to raw feedback from their team? What truths would be unearthed and what leadership styles would rise to the top?

As the “Undercover Millennial”, today’s guest Clint Pulver gives managers a peek behind the curtain in their own organization while gathering data and proposing solutions in order to close the gap between leaders and the lead.

Having experienced literally hundreds of working environments across every domain, Clint is uniquely qualified to help us understand the nuance between leadership and mentorship and discern the pros and cons of multiple managerial archetypes.

We also discuss:

Why managers don’t get quality feedback
How to gain respect as a young professional
What to do when empathy is used against you
Are all employees inherently selfish?

Clint is a professional keynote speaker, author, musician, pilot, and workforce expert. Known as the leading authority on employee retention, Clint has transformed how corporations like Keller Williams, AT&T, and Hewlett Packard create lasting loyalty through his work and research as the Undercover Millennial. He has been featured by Business Q Magazine as a “Top 40 Under 40,” and, as a professional drummer, he has appeared in feature films and on America’s Got Talent. In 2020, Clint won an Emmy Award for his short film Be a Mr. Jensen, which tells the story of how a single moment in time—and one particular mentor— can change the course of a life.

Connect with Clint:

Check out his book: I Love It Here

Via Instagram: @clintpulver

Via Twitter: @ClintPulver

Via his website: clintpulver.com

While you’re here, check out our amazing sponsors:

Momentous: Get 25% off your first purchase with code Brett25

SAGA: Brett20 gets you 20% off your order!

VersaClimber

E167 | Why Humility Can Be Harmful May 10, 2021

Show notes

These days it can feel like we’re being beaten over the head with leadership cliches like “grind in silence,” “be seen not heard” and other preachy rhetoric about servitude...

We’ve been told that good work will speak for itself and that self-promoters aren’t in it for the “right reasons”…

But how do we reconcile these “leadership laws” with the understanding that in order to adapt and evolve we have to be vulnerable and put ourselves (and our work) out there?

In truth- like anything, excessive modesty can be a hindrance. Today’s episode is all about what happens when humility goes too far. Specifically- why not speaking or standing up for yourself can lead to lower self-esteem, career/personal stagnation and poor quality work.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out these other episodes:

We’d also like to take a moment to thank our sponsors: Momentous, SAGA and VersaClimber.

Momentous offers the best supplement line-up out there. Just like our podcast is for all leaders, their products (which range from grass fed whey to natural brain/sleep aids) are for everyone. Get 25% off your first purchase with code Brett25

SAGA offers affordable and state of the art BFR (blood flow restriction) cuffs to keep you healthy and strong no matter your lifestyle. Brett20 gets you 20% off your order!

VersaClimber is still one of my favorite tools for fitness. Simply put, their equipment will always be a staple in my home gym and in my programming.

Finally, if you’re looking for a complete toolkit on how to:

Overcome self-limiting behaviors and beliefs
Identify and clarity your unique offering
Connect with and cultivate your audience
Turn superpowers into tangible value
Test and tweak your live product
Build a values-based brand

Check out our newest online course Blindspot. It’s not open right now, but make sure to get on the list so you’re the first to know when it is!

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