Episodes

Monday Aug 08, 2022
E234 | How to Motivate a Lazy Staff
Monday Aug 08, 2022
Monday Aug 08, 2022
Less than 31.5% of the US working population report being “engaged” in their work.
51% report being “not engaged”.
And 17.5% report being “actively disengaged”. (Gallup, 2014)
With numbers like that, it should come as no surprise that many of us feel like we’re dealing with lazy or unmotivated staff members.
But why? Is it a lack of ambition? Of skills and abilities? Of work ethic? Of character? Or is it something else?
Today’s episode will help you identify what’s causing your staffing woes as well as give you a blueprint for re-engaging and motivating them.
Before giving up or moving toward firing, give this a listen:
- How to assess what’s causing the lazy behavior (9:45)
- Figuring out if you’re being too trait focused (17:50)
- Identifying the best influence tactics to be used in the given context (25:55)
- When to consider if a restructuring of roles is an option (35:00)
All of these questions, and more, are unpacked on an even deeper level in our weekly newsletter and at our live events.
By signing up for our weekly newsletter, you’ll unlock access to our latest resources, tips and advice from first hand experience, as well as exclusive discounts and promotions!
If you want to learn more about using influence tactics and gain actual practice having the hard conversations - a part of the messy realities of leadership - you need to check out our Apprenticeship™ Workshop.
On the other hand, if you’ve noticed that your team or staff is connected but constrained, or stagnant and struggling, and you’re looking for a way to fix it, our Brand Builder™ event is for you.
At the end of the day, none of these points are mind blowing or overly complex. They are basic and straightforward, but often overlooked. Don’t be the leader that gives up on someone, then watches them go change the world working with your competition.
It’s about context and creativity, patience and pragmatism.
Referenced Material:
- Art of Coaching Podcast Episode 63: Power Dynamics in Leadership
- Art of Coaching Podcast Episode 202: Why Facts and Logic Don't Change Our Minds
- Quiz: What Drives You?
Today’s episode is brought to you by DFND and our newest sponsor HomGon.
DFND: As our official compression partner, DFND is engineered to help anyone who loves to train and compete go harder longer, recover quicker, and get better faster. Their first line of compression wear was tested on special forces trainees under the harshest training conditions in the world, but now they’re worn by athletes at all levels and anyone serious about performance. Use code: AOC20 to get 20% off your order.
HōM-GRōN: A healthy grab and go snack, HōM-GRōN High Protein Bars are a chef curated line of functional nutrition based bars that are designed for today’s discerning individual. With 20 grams of protein in a single serving bar with no fillers, added sugar or sugar alcohols, this bar is perfect for the athlete on the go. Whether you’re fueling your workout, picking up the kids, going for a hike or heading to work, we’ve got your back. All orders over $30 earn FREE SHIPPING. Stock up!

Monday Aug 01, 2022
E233 | Richie Incognito: The Secrets to Becoming One of the NFL’s Best
Monday Aug 01, 2022
Monday Aug 01, 2022
In many circles, the National Football League (NFL) has become (just as) well known for its alternate meaning, "Not For Long".
But every once in a while, a player comes along who's able to defy those odds.
In today's episode, Richie Incognito, taken by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2005 draft, four time pro-bowler, and 15 year veteran, reveals in his VERY FIRST post-retirement podcast interview what it takes to manage the brutality of a 15+ year stint in the trenches.
As he reflects on the lessons learned, and looks ahead to a future of living life on his own terms, Richie credits much of his success to a few things:
- The mindset to constantly find ways to increase the standard year to year (9:30)
- Creating buy-in and leadership in the locker room (16:30)
- Using money as a motivator and managing it the right way (26:35)
- Being cognizant of the brand you’re creating and putting out there (29:40)
If you want to learn more from Richie and his experience, you can connect with him via Twitter - @68INCOGNITO.
If you’ve been listening to our podcasts consistently, you’ll notice a trend - defining and building your own brand is a necessity in reaching your goals. If building your brand is something you feel that you struggle with, and you’re looking for help, check out our upcoming Brand Builder event. The Super Early Bird sale ends this coming Friday, August 5. So ACT NOW to get the best deal!
We also want to thank our sponsor, Momentous, for today’s episode. If you ask Richie, a large part of creating a sustainable career was fueling his body with the highest quality products. Check out their entire line of protein and supplements at livemomentous.com and use code BRETT15 at checkout for 15% off!
Lastly, if you find value in the content we provide, and you want to be the first to know about new live events, resources and weekly insights from our team- check out artofcoaching.com/begin.

Monday Jul 25, 2022
E232 | The Hidden Powers of Procrastination
Monday Jul 25, 2022
Monday Jul 25, 2022
It’s time to flip the script.
If you’re like me, you’ve fallen victim to procrastination guilt - the feeling that something’s wrong with you, you’re broken, or you haven’t found your true “why” because you’re waiting until the last minute to get a certain task done.
The truth is, our perception of procrastination has been tremendously influenced by the unrealistic expectations of nonsense leadership books and mantras like “how we do anything is how we do everything.”
In today’s episode, we outline the reasons why this perception is off the mark, and how you can harness the power of procrastination. More specifically, we discuss:
- What the term procrastination actually means and what it is not (7:00)
- How procrastination and perfectionism are related and how to deal with it (11:15)
- Material Reference: Art of Coaching Podcast E190 - Why It Seems Like We Never Have Enough Time (18:00)
- How procrastination taps our inner adversity drives (18:10)
- Material Reference: Find Out What Drives You (18:30)
- The physiological effects of procrastination that can help and/or hurt you
If this episode hits home for you, and you want to continue learning how to be more adaptable, go here for our latest content!
Remember - it’s not about being perfect or optimal all the time, because chaos leads to clarity. Flip the script, and put your work out there.
As always, we want to make sure to thank our loyal sponsors for helping us continue to deliver high quality free content, like this podcast. Today’s episode is brought to you by Dynamic and Athletic Greens.
Dynamic: Our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- if you’re looking to outfit your home gym or weight room visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!
Athletic Greens: We get it, you’re time poor and don’t always get in the fruits and veggies you know you should. This is without a doubt the BEST tasting greens powder out there and they want to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/coach!

Monday Jul 18, 2022
E231 | How to Craft the Perfect Apology
Monday Jul 18, 2022
Monday Jul 18, 2022
“I’m sorry.”
Depending on the context, these can be some of the hardest words to say.
Whether it’s because emotions are running high, you aren’t sure what you’re sorry for (but you feel it’s what the other party wants to hear), or any number of other conflict resolution scenarios, these words often get used and abused, making their impact dull or unintentional.
In today’s episode, we define and address the do’s and don’ts of conversational repair, and reveal some common case studies showing the use of these tactics in real life situations. Some of the core principles discussed include:
- Using an apology as a starting point - the beginning of a new set of behaviors (11:10)
- Having the right timing (12:25)
- Knowing when or how an apology will actually make things worse (13:40)
- How to not over-apologize (16:35)
These are meant to help you formulate a research - backed game plan when going into these types of high risk conversations, so that you can avoid the unintentional consequences that so often occur.
Because the fact is that apologies are a messy part of life and leadership, and they will always be required at some level.
Listed below are the materials referenced in this week’s episode:
- Article reference (15:20): When Saying Sorry May Not Help
- Art of Coaching Podcast (29:10): E126: Eight Obstacles to Building Buy-In & E207: How Perception Impacts Communication and Relationships
- Art of Coaching Podcast (37:00): E63: Power Dynamics in Leadership & E202: Why Facts and Logic Don't Change Our Minds
- Questions? Follow this link to ask us! (45:45)
Today’s podcast is brought to you by our awesome sponsors, Momentous and DFND.
Momentous: Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior or just looking to improve your everyday health / performance, check out their entire line of protein and supplements at livemomentous.com and use code BRETT15 at checkout for 15% off! My personal favorites are their fish oil and magnesium, both of which I attribute to my better sleep and recovery.
DFND: As our official compression partner, DFND is engineered to help anyone who loves to train and compete go harder longer, recover quicker, and get better faster. Their first line of compression wear was tested on special forces trainees under the harshest training conditions in the world, but now they’re worn by athletes at all levels and anyone serious about performance. Use code: AOC20 to get 20% off your order.

Monday Jul 11, 2022
E230 | How to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Job & Go Out On Your Own
Monday Jul 11, 2022
Monday Jul 11, 2022
Are you in a job or situation where you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, under-appreciated or just ready for something new?
We hear you! You're not alone.
If you're considering leaving and/or going out on your own, there are some essential questions to ask yourself before taking the leap.
On today's episode, I'll give you not only a comprehensive guide to some of the factors you need to consider, but also some of the questions I wished someone would have asked me before I made the jump:
- What is it about my current situation that is making me consider another option?
- If I’ve been feeling this way for a while, why haven’t I left yet?
- Affective Commitment
- Normative Commitment
- Continuance Commitment
- Do I have the risk/ stress tolerance to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty?
- What do I consider being “productive?”
This episode just scratches the surface of questions that are answered much more thoroughly in our online course Blindspot, which is ON SALE right now for a limited time. If you are considering going out on your own, you need to check out this resource so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. And if you’re not ready to spend the money to do your homework before taking the risk, then you are NOT READY to go out on your own!
But if you are ready, if you have a plan, if you’re ready to stay the course when ambiguity and uncertainty are at their highest, if you’re ready to weather the storms, Art of Coaching would be honored to provide you with the necessary resources to get started.
Check out Blindspot now, and use the code GROW30 for 30% off. Don’t wait. The offer is for a limited time only!
Today’s episode is brought to you by none other than Momentous. Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior or just looking to improve your everyday health / performance, check out their entire line of protein and supplements at livemomentous.com and use code BRETT15 at checkout for 15% off your first order! My personal favorites are their fish oil and magnesium, both of which I attribute to my better sleep and recovery.

Monday Jul 04, 2022
E229 | Greg Hoffman: Leadership Lessons From 27 Years at Nike
Monday Jul 04, 2022
Monday Jul 04, 2022
What is your brand?
What do you want to be known for?
If you don’t have a solid handle on the answers to these questions, you'll have a hard time communicating with others what you bring to the table. In today’s episode, our guest Greg Hoffman, former Nike Chief Marketing Officer, teaches us how to apply principles of branding and design from top companies to our own personal brand. Specifically, he speaks on:
- 3 things you must consider when creating your personal brand
- Identifying the essential traits and characteristics you want to be known for
- Why writing is one of the most powerful skills you can build & how to do it
- The essential role of both art & data in decision making
Greg is a global brand leader. For over 27 years, Greg held marketing, design, and innovation leadership roles at Nike, including time as the brand’s CMO. In his most recent role as Nike’s Vice President of Global Brand Innovation, he led teams tasked with envisioning the future of storytelling and consumer experiences for the brand. He's also the founder and principal of the brand advisory group Modern Arena, and author of the new book Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons From a Life at Nike.
Connect with Greg:
- Via Instagram: @ghoff70
- Via his book: Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons From a Life at Nike.
- Via his website: https://www.emotionbydesign.co/
Even further, if building your brand is something you feel that you struggle with, and you’re looking for help, check out our upcoming Brand Builder event. We would love to equip you with the skills and tools to build the exact “brand of YOU” that you envision!
Also, don’t forget that Art of Coaching is kicking off the month of July with an ALL COURSE SALE! Throughout the entire month of July, Bought In, ValuED, and Blindspot are all on sale! Just use the code GROW30 to get 30% off!
As always, a big thank you shout out to our sponsors, who make it possible for us to provide free resources like this! Dynamic Fitness & Strength is our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- whether you’re looking to outfit your home gym or entire weight room, visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!

Monday Jun 27, 2022
E228 | How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Message
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
What is your first thought or reaction when you get this text message?
“That’s fine.”
The sender could have meant “I agree with everything you just said/ suggested,” or “I have no opinion and will have no problem with the option you’ve chosen,” or “that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard but I’m going with it because I don’t care to contribute to the decision.” The issue with text messaging as the medium is that without any other incoming information, the receiver simply can not tell what the sender really means.
This is just one aspect of communication that must be considered when choosing the correct medium for your message.
Today’s episode will answer and discuss these popular questions:
- What is meant by “medium” and what are the different types?
- Presentational, Representational, and Technological/ Mechanical
- How do I know which is the right one to use so I don’t give off the wrong impression?
- Social Presence and Media Richness
- How do I teach my teen (or anyone) to understand and apply this?
Also mentioned in today’s episode was E126: Eight Obstacles to Building Buy In.
If you want to learn more about all things communication, NOW is the perfect time to check out any of our 3 online courses! We are excited to announce that Bought In, ValuED, and Blindspot are all on sale starting July 1! Just use the code GROW30 to get 30% off!
Today’s episode is brought to you by our loyal partners Dynamic Fitness & Strength + Momentous!
Dynamic is our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- if you’re looking to outfit your home gym or weight room visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!
Speaking of achieving performance, recovery and health at the highest level, we’d be remiss not to mention our greatest partner in the space- Momentous. Check out their entire line of protein and supplements at livemomentous.com and use code BRETT25 at checkout for 25% off your first order and 15% off any subsequent orders!

Monday Jun 20, 2022
E227 | Stu McMillan: No B.S. Leadership Lessons from an Olympic Coach
Monday Jun 20, 2022
Monday Jun 20, 2022
With more than 70 Olympians and 30 medals to his name, there aren’t many coaches as prolific as Stu McMillan.
But did you know he’d had 38 jobs by the time he was 37 (including one as a “baked potato boy”)?
How about that he didn’t start working in elite track & field until his 40’s?
This week, we had the chance to sit down (in person!) with Stu and discuss topics and questions he seldom addresses:
- The ONE thing every coach needs to learn and take more seriously
- His unique definition of effective leadership and how he implements it daily
- Where he draws the line on sharing personal and business information with his staff
- Why more coaches should start sharing their work publicly
Stu McMillan is the co-owner and CEO of ALTIS. He has been a professional S&C and Sprints Coach for over 28 years, and has worked with professional and amateur athletes in a variety of sports - with the focus being on power and speed development.
Stu has personally coached over 70 Olympians at 7 Olympic Games; over 30 of whom have won Olympic medals. Most recently, he coached British sprinter Jodie Williams to a sixth-place finish in the 400m at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
If you want to learn more about Stu’s work at Altis, you can visit Altis.world. To connect with Stu, you can find him on Twitter - @StuartMcMillan1 and Instagram - @fingermash.
If you have any questions you would like answered in Part 2, please submit them on our website OR email them to us at info@artofcoaching.com.
In addition to sending us your questions, don’t forget to register HERE for our FREE workshop on June 28th, as we discuss the slimy topic of self-promotion. We know selling yourself and your work can feel gross. But if you’re creating real value that can help even one person, we believe you have a responsibility to share it. If you don’t, either someone else will or you’ll be passed over and left behind. Let us give you tools and strategies to do so in a tactical and ethical way, ultimately allowing you to make the impact you want.
Today’s episode is brought to you by:
Dynamic Fitness & Strength: These guys are our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- whether you’re looking to outfit your home gym or entire weight room, visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!
Momentous: Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior or just looking to improve your everyday health / performance, check out their entire line of protein and supplements at livemomentous.com and use code BRETT25 at checkout for 25% off your first order! My personal favorites are their fish oil and magnesium, both of which I attribute to my better sleep and recovery.
VersaClimber: Some people might have a love-hate relationship with these guys but we have a LOVE-LOVE relationship with them. No matter the type of athlete, when it comes to low impact, full body conditioning- there’s not a more efficient piece of equipment out there. Make sure to check them out at versaclimber.com, give them a call and mention the code AOC15 for 15% off!

Monday Jun 13, 2022
E226 | Keir Wenham-Flatt: Hijacking Attention Through Humor
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
“Unless you live in North Korea, everything you do as a coach is persuasion.”
Did that grab your attention?! In today’s episode, Keir Wenham-Flatt explains his use of humor and overall philosophy when it comes to making his message stand out in a sea of information. He says, “you must grab attention first to earn the right to convey your message to people.”
Keir is a strength coach with over a decade’s experience of working with elite athletes on 4 different continents. He is best known for his work in rugby and college football. In addition to coaching he is the founder of Strength Coach Network, an educational platform for team sport strength and conditioning specialists.
Throughout the episode, Keir speaks on:
- How the VALUE of S&C professionals is negatively affected by the nature of the field
- How to “earn the right” to convey your message to the right audience
- Using seemingly outside avenues to further yourself as a professional AND as a person
- Why the current system of education and accreditation in S&C is broken
You can find Keir on the following platforms:
- His website: strengthcoachnetwork.com (re-opening in December)
- Twitter: @RUGBY_STR_COACH
- Instagram: @rugby_strength_coach
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keirwenhamflatt/
Today’s episode is brought to you by our loyal partners DFND, Dynamic Fitness and Strength, and Athletic Greens.
DFND: As our official compression partner, DFND is engineered to help anyone who loves to train and compete go harder longer, recover quicker, and get better faster. Their first line of compression wear was tested on special forces trainees under the harshest training conditions in the world, but now they’re worn by athletes at all levels and anyone serious about performance. Use code: AOC20 to get 20% off your order.
AND this week ONLY (June 13-20th, 2022), we're partnering with them for an exclusive giveaway. 10 individuals will walk away with AoC Swag and premium training gear. Check out our post on @aocoaching for more detail.
Dynamic: Our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- if you’re looking to outfit your home gym or weight room visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!
Athletic Greens: We get it, you’re time poor and don’t always get in the fruits and veggies you know you should. This is without a doubt the BEST tasting greens powder out there and they want to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/coach!

Monday Jun 06, 2022
E225 | How to Get Someone Who is Shy, Quiet or Less Social to Open Up
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Picture this: you’re talking to someone you just met at a social gathering, negotiating with a potential client or presenting to a group of skeptical attendees. Try as you might to connect with or get them to share or interact, they give you absolutely nothing in return...
It’s the equivalent of talking to a brick wall.
While frustrating, getting someone who is shy, quiet or less social to open up is one of the most useful and important skills you can build as a communicator, and it all comes down to properly deploying a few specific but underutilized tools.
On today’s episode we cover:
- The one skill that will allow you to connect with anyone
- When and why you should stop asking so many questions
- The 5 key tools / tactics to try when talking to a shy person
- How to MASTER the awkward pause
A couple announcements:
1. We know selling yourself and your work can feel slimy and gross. But if you’re creating real value that can help even one person, we believe you have a responsibility to share it. If you don't, either someone else will or you’ll be passed over and left behind.
Join us Tuesday, June 28th for a FREE workshop in which we'll give you tools to self-promote in a tactical and ethical way so you can make the impact you want. Check out the FREE workshop here: Artofcoaching.com/impact
2. Today’s episode is brought to you by Momentous. You don’t need me to remind you how important what you put in your body is and the impact it can have on your health. Whether you’re a world class athlete or someone who sits at their desk all day in the corporate world, Momentous has products that can help you perform at the highest level. They are all quality tested at the highest level, and they are for anyone who wants to feel better without overthinking their nutrition. Use Code: BRETT25 for 25% off your order.
3. Support for today’s episode also comes from Dynamic Fitness & Strength. Dynamic offers the highest quality strength and conditioning equipment designed just for you, your space and your budget. Whether you’re looking to outfit your college, high school or professional gym or even just your garage, check out our friends at Dynamic and tell them Team AoC sent you!
4. If you want more behind the scenes, raw thoughts, and helpful tips, check out artofcoaching.com/begin!