In this very special edition, Rob takes you on a heartfelt journey through some of the most cherished moments from the past six years of the show. Rob reflects on the wisdom, insights, and stories shared by the remarkable individuals who have graced the podcast, looking at key highlights and lessons learned from interviews with iconic figures such as Jimmy Greenoff, Dennis Smith, and Sally Needham. Join Rob as he reminisces on the profound moments and valuable insights that have made Leader...

Rob reflects on the journey of the podcast as it reaches its 300th episode. He shares the story of how the podcast started, the challenges and risks he faced, and the passion and dedication that drove him to continue producing episodes every week. Rob also highlights some of the memorable interviews he conducted with football legends, coaches, players, and individuals from various fields. He expresses gratitude for the opportunities and insights the podcast has provided and emphasises that...

Rob pays tribute to the legendary English football manager, Brian Clough. Rob reflects on Clough's upbringing in a working-class family, his incredible goal-scoring record as a player, and his subsequent rise to become one of the greatest football managers in history. Rob delves into Clough's successful principles, such as his emphasis on recruiting good players and his belief in the importance of the spine of a team. He also explores Clough's challenges, including his infamous 44 days at...

Rob explores the theme of resilience and overcoming obstacles. Inspired by the stories of Thomas Edison and Ernest Hemingway, Rob discusses the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity. He discusses the reality of life's challenges and the need to fortify oneself against them. Rob also reflects on the power of asking meaningful questions and accepting the realities of life. He shares personal experiences and encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys, finding...

Rob interviews Dominic Teich, a former fighter pilot and author, who shares his unique approach to self-development and success, drawing from his experience in the military and as an instructor pilot. He discusses the importance of coaching and mentoring, emphasising the value of hunger and attitude in achieving one's goals. Dominic also talks about his book series, "Single Seat Wisdom," which offers impactful stories and insights for individuals looking to define their purpose in...

Rob delves into the life and career of renowned football manager Jose Mourinho. Drawing from Patrick Barclay's book "Anatomy of a Winner," Riles explores Mourinho's journey from a middle-class upbringing in Portugal to becoming one of the most successful football managers of the modern era. Rob highlights Mourinho's unique skill set, including his intelligence, multilingual abilities, sports science knowledge, and teaching background. He also discusses Mourinho's formative years as an...

Rob explores the concept of true authentic leadership and the qualities that make a person a true leader. He emphasises the importance of being a doer, someone who takes action and creates positive change, rather than just speaking about it. Rob also discusses the power of hope and how seemingly hopeless situations can be overcome with determination and perseverance. He delves into the role of dopamine in driving human behavior and highlights the importance of the journey rather than the...

Rob explores the importance of stress and challenge in personal growth and compares it to how trees are forged through adversity. He then delves into the concept of love, emphasising that true love is demonstrated through the investment of time. He encourages listeners to reflect on where they spend their time as it reveals their true passions and priorities. The episode also touches on the significance of being authentic and not imitating others, as well as the responsibility of leaders to...

Rob interviews Amanda Cromhout, who is a highly successful businesswoman and expert in the field of customer loyalty. Amanda shares her journey from working for British Airways to founding her own global loyalty consultancy, Truth. She discusses the importance of pushing outside of one's comfort zone and embracing challenges that scare you. Amanda also reflects on the lessons she learned from her childhood and the influence of her parents in shaping her determination and resilience. She...

Rob shares a variety of insights and lessons that have stood out to him from his recent readings and experiences. He discusses the importance of furnishing one's life with truth, courage, and beauty, and how these virtues can enhance leadership, management, and coaching. Rob also explores the value of learning from defeat and the power of commitment, even in the face of adversity. He delves into the concept of constantly moving from theory to practice to mastery, emphasising the importance...

Rob interviews Joe Davis, a chartered psychologist and senior consultant at Ground & Air. Joe shares his journey into psychology, particularly in the field of sports and performance. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on personal development and leadership. Joe also talks about his work in the emerging field of esports, where he helps teams and players develop skills such as communication, resilience, and managing pressure. He highlights the role of...

Rob discusses the book "Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave" by author Ryan Holiday, highlighting the key findings and lessons from the book, which align with the philosophies discussed on the podcast. Rob emphasises that courage is not just physical, but also moral, and explores the importance of facing fear, taking small steps towards bravery, and standing up for what you believe in.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Courage is a key virtue that encompasses both physical and moral bravery. It...

Rob discusses the concept of leaders who are also great coaches, drawing inspiration from an article by Bill George and Zach Clayton in the Harvard Business Review. Rob highlights the importance of care, organisation, alignment, challenge, and help in effective leadership. He also talks about the fact that a leader's title may make them a manager, but it is their ability to inspire and lead their team that truly makes them a leader.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Leadership is not solely determined by...

Rob talks to Dr. Ravi Iyer, a transdisciplinary polymath with 40 years of experience in science, medicine, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Iyer shares his insights on leadership and the power of creating a safe space for others. He discusses his spiritual upbringing in India and how it has influenced his approach to healthcare and his role as a physician. Dr. Iyer also delves into his work with dying patients and the importance of removing doubt and fear.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The power...

Rob shares his thoughts and insights on various topics related to personal growth and development, beginning by discussing the concept of hierarchy and how our perception of authority figures can impact our feelings of disappointment or frustration. Rob then delves into the importance of maintaining inner peace and not letting external circumstances disturb our consciousness. He emphasises the need to focus on personal evolution and growth, seeking wisdom from others and following one's own...

Rob pays tribute to Jock Stein, a legendary figure in the world of football management, who hailed from the coalfields of Lanarkshire, Scotland, overcame adversity and went on to become one of the most esteemed football managers of his time. Rob discusses Stein's humble beginnings as a part-time player and his transition into coaching and management. He highlights Stein's exceptional work ethic, tactical knowledge, and man-management skills, which led to his success at Celtic, including...

Rob interviews former professional football player Jimmy Greenhoff, who shares his experiences playing under various managers, including Sid Owens, Don Revy, Stan Cullis, Tony Waddington, and Tommy Dockham. He discusses the coaching styles and personalities of each manager and reflects on his time playing alongside notable players such as Alan Hudson and Terry Conroy. Jimmy also talks about his career at Stoke City and Manchester United, as well as his brief stint as a player-manager at...

Rob shares a personal story about his hiking experience in Scotland. He describes how walking in the mountains is like a metaphor for life and the journey of success, and reflects on the importance of having a vision, taking the next step, and not looking back.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Being open to change and planning for new experiences can lead to personal growth and discovery. Just like in walking or in life, having a clear idea of where you want to go and a plan to get there can help guide your...

Rob shares his key learnings and insights that have impacted him recently, focussing upon the fact that life is not meant to be easy and that we should challenge the notion that everything should be comfortable and effortless. Rob discusses the importance of closing the gap between where we are and where we want to be, and the need to trust ourselves and follow our principles. He also explores the concepts of momentum, making tough decisions, and shouldering responsibility.  KEY...

Rob interviews Andy Neillie, a leadership expert and author, who shares his journey from experiencing bad bosses to becoming a successful leader himself. He discusses his book, "The Golden Principles," which draws lessons from his rescued dogs and applies them to leadership. Andy emphasises the importance of servant leadership, where leaders prioritise the well-being of their team members. He also introduces his four-tiered approach to leadership, focusing on conviction, competence,...

Rob discusses the autobiography of former football player Roy Keane. Keane, known for his playing career at Manchester United, is described as a leader both on and off the field. Rob highlights Keane's intolerance for mediocrity and his drive for excellence. The episode explores Keane's experiences and lessons, including the importance of not compromising on principles, the need to be ruthless in elite sports, and the value of going all in.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't compromise: Roy Keane...

Rob shares his insights on various aspects of learning and personal growth, beginning by discussing the importance of facing fears and making decisions that can lead to personal evolution and achieving one's goals, using the example of Muhammad Ali overcoming his fear of flying. Rob also emphasises the need to focus on self-improvement rather than comparing oneself to others, highlighting the importance of measuring progress against one's own past achievements.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Your infinite...

Rob interviews Catherine Llewellyn, a master humanistic psychologist and podcaster. Catherine shares her unique upbringing, growing up in a family that defied societal norms and encouraged free thinking. She discusses her journey from working in the computer industry to discovering her passion for human potential and personal growth. Catherine also delves into the principles of humanistic psychology, emphasising the importance of starting from the present and fostering a cooperative...

Rob delves into the philosophy and insights of Marcelo Bielsa, a renowned Argentinian football coach. Drawing inspiration from an article titled "The Ten Commandments of the Football Professor, Marcelo Bielsa," Rob explores Bielsa's unique approach to talent development and the future evolution of the game.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The development of young players in football requires a meticulous and structured approach over a 10-year period, focusing on teaching them how to solve problems under...