Today we are joined by Justin Justin Schuhmacher from Mary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn, NY. Justin shares his experiences and insight of going into year 3 with Lead ‘Em Up. In the episode Justin shares the impact Lead ‘Em Up has had on his athletic program,...
In a recent Lead 'Em Up training our Regional Coach Leon Thurston was asked by a player in reference to our desire to remove "red" character traits, why don't we just remove "red" people, to which Leon gave an inspiring response. Leon's response can serve as...
After their big season-opening win, the University of Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders shared he doesn’t have “Captains.” Coach Prime has “Dawgs” and “Leaders” on his team. In this episode, we unpack this unconventional approach and share what we’d like to see on our...
It's a common statement in sports how some athletes just have "it" - that "it" factor. But what exactly is "it"? Kyle and Adam break down what it means to have "it" and how to get "it".
It's essential in coaching that we communicate clearly to our players but what does it mean to be "clear" - we need to have a "subjective sensitivity" to help ensure we're clear. Adam shares a story of how he recently failed in communication with his daughter and...
Are your players and students holding on to the things you're teaching? If so, for how long? Is what you're teaching out of their mind in an hour, a day, a week, a month? Or is what you're teaching held onto for years to come or even better, for LIFE? As coaches,...
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of coach communication, exploring the delicate balance between delivering motivation and constructive critique. Join us as we unpack the essential ingredients of effective coaching, comparing the use of sugar and salt in...
In today's episode, we are joined by Coach Rachael Simmons, Head Volleyball Coach for Moore High School in Moore, OK. Coach Simmons shares details of how she's transformed her culture during the 4-years since taking over as Head Coach. She goes into details of her...
Whether you're a football enthusiast, a fan of "Quarterback," or simply interested in the essence of effective leadership, this episode promises to inspire, uplift, and provide a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead at a high level. Tune in to this compelling...
In this episode, we discuss in depth the four ways to create your special team culture. We share our VOLT framework which we’ve presented at clinics across the country. If you’re looking to build something special and create a winning culture, this is a must-listen....
In this episode we are joined by Kendall Johnson. Kendall went through the Lead ‘Em Up program as a back to back State Champion at Quince Orchard High School in Maryland. Kendall shares his experience of starting summer training at Duke University, his mindset as he...
In this episode, we discuss the transformative impact of fostering a leadership culture within our teams. We share how to create a culture where people feel empowered to lead, and where leadership is welcomed.
In today's episode, we dive into the crucial question of timing when it comes to enhancing leadership skills and empowering teams. It’s not an easy question to answer. There are many nuances that come into play. Join us as we discuss when is the best time, location,...
In today's episode, we explore why so many people become repeat offenders to their own mistakes. In light of recent public sports news of the 25-game suspension for NBA star Ja Morant who became a repeat offender of his own previous mistakes, we dig in deep as to why...
In this captivating episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast we are joined by former athlete turned inspirational speaker and author, Thomas R Williams. Strap in for an empowering conversation as Thomas shares his unique journey from the football field to the stage,...
What impact does red behavior have in pro sports? In this episode, we discuss a recent clip from Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. In it, Draymond discusses how his incident involving Jordan Poole affected his team and ultimately cost them a shot at...
In this episode, we are joined by Jordan Hawkins, one of the key members of the University of Connecticut Men's National Championship basketball team. Listen in as we delve into the secrets behind their remarkable success. Jordan shares his insights on building team...
In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast, we sit down with Adam Bradley, the founder of Lead 'Em Up, to discuss his successful career transition to Lead 'Em Up full-time. Adam shares his experience, challenges, and insights on taking calculated risks, building a...
In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast, we'll be discussing Lead 'Em Up Classroom, a program designed to help educators develop the leadership skills of their students. We'll explore the benefits of implementing leadership development in the classroom, the key...
In this episode of the Lead 'Em Up podcast, we challenge the traditional understanding of what character means and how it relates to leadership. We explore the idea that character is not just about being a good person, but rather encompasses a range of traits and...
Coaches want to win. Badly. They want the best for their athletes and for the team to reach the ceiling. But what happens when it seems like the coach wants it more than the players? This episode will help coaches raise their player's level of desire and win at a...
Athlete burnout is real. How can it be avoided? In this episode, we share tips and strategies to keep your athletes, highly engaged and avoid the burnout that plagues so many across the country. No matter what level you are at, this episode will help you keep your...
This episode explores the relationship between hip-hop and today’s athletes. We discuss how this genre influences today’s athletes and the impact it has. We’re joined by Lead ‘Em Up regional coach Leon Thurston who provides great perspective and insight as a former...
In this episode, the guys are joined by Lead ‘Em Up Regional Coach Leon Thurston. Leon shares his inspiring story and how he has used it to help today’s students and athletes achieve academic and athletic success. The conversation and insights shared by Leon provide a...
Leadership Councils are a good thing, but there’s a problem with them. What could possibly be the issue? In this episode, Adam and Kyle discuss what the problem is, how to avoid it, and what can be done to get the most value out of a leadership council. If your school...
Trust is essential for team success. Without trust, everything else falls apart. In this episode, Adam and Kyle discuss how coaches can build a high level of trust with their players. This episode is filled with great conversation and practical tips to help coaches...
In this episode, Adam and Kyle are joined by business owner, coach, and author Andrew J. Simpson. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and shares some incredible tips and exercises on how to help today’s athletes thrive. In the episode Andrew shares his company establishes...
How should underclassmen honor upperclassmen? How should upperclassmen respect underclassmen? In this episode we dig into the dynamic all coaches deal with, how to effectively incorporate underclassmen and upperclassmen together on their team. Adam and Kyle give some...
A lot of people want to be “The Man” (the star, center of attention, have the spotlight) but aren’t willing to do what it takes to claim that title. In this episode, Adam and Kyle discuss what athletes need to be willing to do in order to claim the title of “The Man.”...
Have you ever had an athlete excel as a leader in one sport and struggle to lead in another? In this episode Adam and Kyle unpack what might cause an athlete to struggle leading from season to season. Not only do they share why an athlete may struggle, but the guys...
We are joined by Port Washington Athletic Director Nick Schratwieser in this powerful episode. Nick shares his journey to the role of an AD, his vision for building a special leadership culture, and what it takes to get there. This episode shares what it feels like...
In this leadership discussion, Adam and Kyle share an important concept you’ll want to discuss with your team, Circumstantial Motivation. This episode raises an important question, what are our athletes driven by? Are they internally or externally motivated? How do we...
In this episode we share seven signs that an athlete may be red. For teams to reach their highest potential, teammates must be vigilant on keeping their teammates out of the red. Adam and Kyle not only share what warning signs we should keep a lookout for, but also...
In this episode, Adam and Kyle discuss one of the many intricacies related to building team-wide leadership. When we have a player who’s living in the red or having a red moment, whose responsibility is it to address the red teammate? How should they address them?
Today's episode is all about connection. For teams to reach the necessary level of leadership to reach their potential, we have to spend time investing in deep relationships. As you'll hear Adam share in the episode, we need to move teammate relationships from "we're...
Part 4 of our Season Set-Up series will give you 3 tangible ways to develop greater buy-in from your team this season. These are easy to understand concepts, but take work and commitment to implement with your team. If done properly, these 3 ideas can be the jumpstart...
We are back with episode 3 of our Season Set-Up Series, getting your team ready for it's best season ever. Adam and Kyle share two of the most important pieces of communication you need to have with your team BEFORE the season gets into full swing. Checking these...
We are back with Episode 2 of our 6-part Season Set-Up Series designed to help coaches get their team's leadership to a new level this year. This episode is centered around the common leadership style of leading by example, which is how many players would describe how...
Today we begin our 6-part Season Set-Up Series designed to prepare your team for a great start this season. Adam and Kyle cover the crucial aspects of selecting team captains, as well as common traps to avoid that many teams fall in to. This episode will also give you...
In this leadership breakdown, Adam and Kyle discuss a dilemma kids face with their teammates or friends, which we refer to as Cool vs Care. Kids are more concerned with being "cool" with their teammates, rather than actually "caring" about their teammates. Truly...
In this episode, we are joined by restaurant owner and World Pizza Champion Kenneth MacFawn. An owner of White Rabbit Gastropub and Rad Pies in Maryland, he recently won Best Deep Dish Pizza in the Las Vegas World Pizza Competition. He brings a different perspective...
Today's conversation raises an important question about the future of your program - how strong is your farm system? We know the importance of this system at the professional sports level, with teams pouring money into the development of their young players in hopes...
We are joined by Ken Byard, Principal of North Muskegon High School (MI), to discuss the incredible school culture he has helped create. From implementing a dedicated school wide leadership program to taking measures against the intense pressure students face in this...
One of the best ways to impact someone and help them reach new levels is to help them change their identity. Getting them to view themselves in a new light may be the first step in their transformation. Helping students begin identifying themselves as leaders is a...
Today Adam and Kyle discuss the difficult reality of joy leaving classrooms all around the country. With students and teachers are facing many obstacles, it is easy to understand this situation. That being said, can anything be done to bring joy back to the classroom...
Today we are joined by Shane Oakes, MTSS Coordinator at White River Valley School District (Vermont). Shane has been a huge part of changing his school culture through rolling out a schoolwide leadership program, using the Lead 'Em Up curriculum. While many leadership...
We are joined by Rob Dinsdale, assistant Principal at George Fitton Middle School in Brandon, Manitoba. Rob has 11 years in education, with large leadership roles at both the middle school and high school level. Rob speaks about the differences he's seen in teaching...
We are joined again by leadership expert Chris Woodside, this episode to discuss how you can practically get leadership theory into real practice reps. This conversation will help you find ways to get your players the leadership reps they need to improve. You can...
Today we are joined by Kevin Orr, Head Boy's Basketball coach at Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Coach Orr shares insight into how his teams have become as strong as ever by dedicating time weekly to leadership, character, and team building.
Today we are joined by leadership expert Chris Woodside. Chris is currently a sports management professor and co-facilitator of a leadership academy, as well as an assistant college basketball coach. In his research on leadership, he has outlined four roles of...
As you will hear in today's episode, we believe fear based leadership is the laziest form of leadership. Almost every single person that has heard the phrase, "because I said so" from a coach in their life, which has been a go-to response from coaches for the longest...
Today Adam is joined by state championship football coach John Kelley of Quince Orchard High School to share behind the scenes insights into his team's recent 4A Maryland state championship run. This episode will give coaches specific ideas they can consider for their...
With college football bowl season and the NFL playoffs close, lots of eyes will be on big games. During these games, players and coaches are sure to see and share viral clips of powerful mic'd up moments of leadership. We love these moments. However, we want players...
In this Green Team Talk, we share a critical dynamic all players need to know in regards to their personal success compared to the team success. Teams that trust this concept will maximize their talent level and overachieve this season rather than underachieve.
Maryland Lacrosse commit Eric Kolar joins the podcast today to share his experience taking a gap year in a post-graduate high school program as he prepares to compete at the highest level. Eric shares his thoughts that went in to the decision to take an extra year of...
In this episode Adam is joined by Southeast Regional Coach Kyle Elmendorf to share a powerful mind shift coaches should consider when it comes to the expanding nature of the transfer portal. Should all transfer situations be viewed with a negative mindset? Is there an...
In this episode Adam is joined by Nathan Emrick from Carterville High School in Illinois. Adam and Nathan discuss an uncommon topic in team situations - losing. This conversation covers teaching players how to lose, responding to losing, and more. In a competitive...
This episode features Minnesota high school basketball coach Dale Moga, who leads the Houston Hurricanes girls basketball team. Coach Moga took over the Hurricane program that experienced over 40 years of losing records, and has now built a winning culture with state...
Today Adam is joined by coaches Eric Sutz and Sean Dooley from Port Washington in Long Island to talk about Classroom Coaching. Eric and Sean share their experiences impacting athletes through transformational coaching in the classroom setting, and how you can do the...
In this episode we are joined by Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Adam Harrington. Adam has reached the highest level of coaching by building incredible relationships with the players and coaches he has worked with. He shares about his passion for coaching and developing...
This episode gives an inside look into our newly released, premium subscription. We have added 7 brand new exercises, including Green Team part 2. In addition, this offering features customized "Green Standards" team posters, verified stickers and MVG trophies,...
We get feedback from many coaches about the struggles their team endures when it comes to teammates holding each other accountable. Unfortunately, accountability has a negative connotation, which creates a mental road block for players. In this episode Adam Bradley...
We can do what is required, or we can do extra. Leaders are always looking for the 'extra' that will elevate their teammates and separate their team from the competition. With this context, can you describe yourself as a leader of your team?
Today Adam is joined by legendary player/coach Jennifer Rizzotti. As a NCAA champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, WNBA champion, and much more, she brings experience and insight for coaches and players to make this one of the best podcast episodes you have experienced. You...
In this episode Adam is joined by state championship soccer coach Caleb Parnin. Caleb is the head coach at North Muskegon High School in Michigan, and helped lead his team to the 2021 Division 4 title. He shares some of the keys that went into their ultimate success,...
Summer workouts are here, and so are social media posts from coaches about how just as summer workout are optional, so is their decision to give their players playing time. This is an internal struggle many programs face, and the desire from coaches to get their...
This episode features a special interview with University of Virginia Men's Basketball coach Brad Soderberg. As a National Champion, Coach Soderberg brings valuable experience and insight leading at the highest level of college basketball. Adam is also joined by...
Many leaders experience forms of leadership fatigue. Is this something we should strive for or try to avoid? This is an important concept for leaders to understand, and a great topic to share with your team. Adam is joined by Southeast Regional Coach Kyle Elmendorf...
This episode covers one of the most important aspect of leadership that we need to navigate well - change. Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator Kayla Smith joins Adam Bradley to share her experiences leading through change with her team members. Their conversation transitions...
In this episode Adam is joined by head coach of Bishop McGuinness Men's Basketball, Josh Thompson. Located in North Carolina, Josh has one of the top basketball programs in the state, winning two state championships over the past twelve years. He joins the episode to...
All teams desire success at the end of the season. Few teams map out the directions it will take to reach that destination. This episode dives into how coaches can create the step by step plan to get their team where they want to end up. Adam is joined by Southeast...
Accepting consequences from actions is one of the most important lessons parents teach their children while growing up. Taking away time with friends, devices, and competing in sports are all common practices. Our episode today discusses whether or not the removal of...
We are joined by local Chick-fil-A Owner and Operator, Kayla Smith. Kayla's passion for developing the next generation of leaders make her an incredible guest for this episode, where she and Adam discuss how to create a winning environment with your team. Adam also...
Regional Coach Aseem Rastogi joins Adam during this episode to continue their conversation regarding team captains, which they shared in a previous episode. This episode focuses on the possibility of having captains that are underclassmen, which is well outside the...
Groups are special, because together they can bring out the best in one another. But if you're not careful, groups also have the ability to bring out the worst. This Green Team Talk challenges you to understand if the individuals who make up your team are helping...
This episode shares our experiences and the specific ways we have worked to build leadership programs at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. Lead 'Em Up Regional Coach Aseem Rastogi also joins the episode to give insight on his years of leadership building...
The discussion in this episode centers around the impact a guest speaker has on your team. Almost every team engages in this at some point throughout their season, yet there are few conversations being had about the true impact these events bring to teams. We hope...
Former Gatorade High School Player of the Year, Maryland Football standout, and NFL draft prospect Jake Funk joins the show to share his incredible leadership experience. Jake's perspective as a captain of a Division 1 football team is a must listen for players...
We've seen teams with team captains that may not have earned those roles. We've seen teams without team captains that desperately needed them. This episode dives into the thought process you may want to go through when it comes to team captains, as you prepare to lead...
Today we cover two distinctly different leadership mindsets. Some athletes make a great deal out of their contributions they make to the team, while failing to recognize their teammates. They maximize what they do while minimizing the roles of others. Other athletes...
Every coach wants to be able to say they have "good kids" on their team. However, over and over, we've seen teams in this situation lack the leadership necessary to reach their potential. Why is that? This episode dives into the answer, as well as how your team can...
Green Teams understand and practice the perfect balance between focus and fun. In this episode you'll learn the importance of perfecting this balance.
Welcome to the Lead ‘Em Up Podcast, powered by Chick-Fil-A. Join me (Adam Bradley), the Lead ‘Em Up team and a list of special friends as we bring you a new 2-in-1 podcast we believe you’re going to love. What’s a 2-in-1 podcast? Let me explain. Once you subscribe to...