Rob discusses the importance of dreams and goals in our lives, and how we, as human beings, are naturally driven to achieve certain things and that having goals gives our lives meaning. It's a reminder to chase our dreams and goals, as time is limited and it is never too late to start working towards them. KEY TAKEAWAYS We are goal-oriented mechanisms: As human beings, we are driven to achieve certain things in life, whether it's career goals, family goals, or personal goals. Understanding...

In this episode of the Leader Manager Coach Podcast, host Rob Ryles sits down with Martyn Irvine, the owner of PCT Coaching and a coach developer at the English FA. Martyn shares his journey from being in the British Army to becoming a coach and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the founding of PCT Coaching and the importance of technical excellence in player development. Martyn also emphasises the need for players to have the freedom to make decisions and the importance of...

Rob discusses the key secrets and insights from the book "Living on the Volcano: The Secrets of Surviving as a Football Manager" by Michael Calvin. Rob also highlights the importance of living with uncertainty, being open and honest about mental health, developing leaders within a team, not taking criticism personally, and the value of effective communication.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The importance of living with uncertainty: In the world of football management, as well as in life, being able to...

If we fill our lives with too much in the way of tasks or distractions, we are in danger of losing sight of what's truly important about living. In this episode, Rob explores this concept, and talks about how we can make the best use of the time we have. KEY TAKEAWAYS Life is an eternal balance. We must acknowledge where we pay our true respects, and look at the places we look to for our learnings. As life goes on, the decisions we make become more impactful the older we get. As the sands...

Emperor Marcus Aurelius was at the epitome of world power during his reign at the head of Rome, and one of the foremost proponents of the stoic philosophy teachings. In this episode, Rob dives into the world of his thinking, including the thoughts and meditations that have seen him renowned as one of history's greatest minds. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marcus Aurelius became emperor of Rome at the age of 40, and in doing so became the most powerful man in the world. He was a trained soldier and had a...

Mark Leather has spent his entire professional career as one of sport's most respected and sought-after physiotherapists, working alongside the likes of Sunderland FC, Liverpool FC, Burnley and Brighton. He is also the course leader on the MSc Football Science & Rehabilitation and MSc Football Medical Leadership & Performance at UCLan, as well as a guest columnist for the Daily Mail newspaper commenting on sport related injuries. Mark joins Rob for an all-encompassing conversation...

Since its publication in 1952, Ernest Hemingway's timeless novella, 'The Old Man And The Sea' has enchanted readers with its prose and plot. But as Rob discusses in this week's show, there may be far more to the classic book than we realise... KEY TAKEAWAYS Books allow us a world of perspectives without our having to leave our homes. They are a gift to our souls and conscious minds. The story concerns a fisherman approaching the close of his life, the struggles he faces and how he...

Rob explores the work of philosopher Epictetus, a former slave who was freed, and who went on to study great wisdom, teaching others about the best way to live. KEY TAKEAWAYS In his teachings Epictetus followed the early rather than the late Stoics, reverting to Socrates and to Diogenes, the philosopher of Cynicism, as historical models of the sage. Each human being is primarily a citizen of his own commonwealth, but he is also a member of the great city of gods and men. It matters not...

After being inspired by words of wisdom from Jordan Peterson, Rob takes a further deep dive into the heroic journey, and how it affects us as human beings on a fundamental level. KEY TAKEAWAYS We are all on our own hero's journey, whether we are conscious of it or not. By being alive, by definition, our journey has already begun. Human beings are born unsettled. We are constantly searching for our place in the world, which moves on regardless of our conscious attachment to it. in order to...

Lindsay Leighton is a prime example of someone who could well look at the world and proclaim themselves a victim, but who has instead stared down adversity and become one of the most inspirational human beings alive. Join Rob as he talks to Lindsay about what it really means to overcome hardship and face down challenges, and the invaluable, empowering lessons we can take from this remarkable man's story. KEY TAKEAWAYS Never let any barrier keep you from dreaming big and striving to...

In our quest to become better leaders and thinkers, we must study the work of other great minds. With this in mind, Rob presents a summary of the wisest lessons from Jordan Peterson's ground-breaking book, Maps Of Meaning. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is so much that we understand as logical and autonomous, but is actually driven by forces that we can not comprehend. Pay attention is a profound statement. It encapsulates the concept of attention and people's time being worth something. The truth is...

In this episode, Rob talks about the power behind living our day-to-day life in a rhythm and how this can be the building blocks to not just a successful life but a fulfilled and happy one too. KEY TAKEAWAYS The definition of a leader is someone who does what they say they will do! Peregrination is a word that alludes to journey, this word reminded Rob that it’s the things you are interested in that are beckoning you. The things that interest you can be a threat or a promise and you get to...

Rob examines the surprising, yet still empowering lessons that we can take from the world of health care, caregiving, and particularly those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. KEY TAKEAWAYS Those suffering from dementia is unable to deal with information in the way that they were used to doing. Never argue. It's futile, will not end with a positive outcome, and always leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Consider that those in your care may not always be able to fulfil what you're asking them...

Keith Hackett is largely recognised as one of the greatest referees in the history of football, having overseen such famous games as the 1981 FA Cup Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and the the now legendary league encounter between Mn Utd and Arsenal that resulted in a twenty-one man brawl. Keith is still out there and still active, and he joins Rob this week for an incredible retrospective across his entire career - the highs and lows - and the invaluable life lessons...

Rob further explores the concept of the hero's journey, including why we experience an innate desire to achieve goals in general, and the benefit of conceiving our lives as a philosophical journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS To be able to combine, amalgamate and align what we do with a philosophy that we believe in is ultimately empowering. Human beings are fundamentally built as goal-oriented creatures, and naturally look for purpose in all tasks, no matter what area of life is being considered. We...

Rob discusses transformation and transcendence, and how each moment can add to the complexities of our psychological make up in ways we sometimes do not comprehend. KEY TAKEAWAYS Life is a constant state of transformation. We re never the same as we were the day before. We are a constantly evolving species. If we accept that we are the sum total of our thoughts and actions, then we come to realise that everything matters, no mater how small or seemingly insignificant at the time. If you do...

Rob discusses some talking points from Terry Mac's groundbreaking autobiography, 'Living For The Moment', including the value of perseverance, why your upbringing should never hold you back, and how you can use the pain of tragedy to push you higher. KEY TAKEAWAYS No matter where you're from, never let the place you originate from hold you back from dreaming big and realising your ambitions. Perseverance is the factor that pushes the great ones that little bit farther ahead in the race...

Rob is joined by data literacy advocate and best-selling author, Kevin Hanegan, to discuss the vital role that data plays in our modern society, how we can use it to our benefit by focussing purely on what's important, and how factors such as AI and marketing may have a profound effect upon the way we live. KEY TAKEAWAYS Only by setting ourselves effective goals can we create the best objectives. When we have our mission solidified, we are able to ask the right questions to get us...

Rob talks about the impact we can make and the positive benefits we can reap and sow, when we involve ourselves in life, instead of seeing the world as something in our orbit. KEY TAKEAWAYS When we are born, we are little more than a vulnerable collection of cells, reliant upon the care and nurturing of another person. Our next stage is to form self-reliance. This next phase of self-reliance is the one that shapes the way we interact with the world afterwards. We must remember that we are...

Many use the word "citizenship", but what does it truly mean? In this edition of the show, Rob talks about its definition, and how we can make better use of our own citizenship in order to effect positive impact in the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS Being a citizen means that you are part of your environment, not simply a consumer of it. It means that you become a part of the beating heart of your surroundings. A city is something that has evolved from nothing due to the efforts of the people who...

What do we do when chaos and entropy arise to challenge us on life's journey? In this week's episode, Rob talks about the practical ways in which we can view chaos and turn it into some form of order. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you are entering into any situation, we have the opportunity to look at it from all angles and make sure it is wise for us to proceed. Entropy means random chaos. Entropy is the force that throw up challenges. It's how we meet them that matters. In life, one way of looking at...

Jacqueline Wales is a speaker, transformational coach, and the author of 'The Fearless Factor', an essential guide to helping you live a happier, more fulfilled life. Jacqueline joins Rob to discuss her book, the truth about the nature of fear, and how we can surmount it in order to overcome challenges and become the best version of ourselves. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fear is nothing to do with reality, and has everything to do with the narrative you personally create in your life. Words of wisdom...

Rob discusses progressing your career, and the route through which you can work your way towards the job of your dreams, and why every step along the way is a chance to become a better version of yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS With every step we take in our professional lives, we are honing our skills and progressing towards a broader skill set. Nobody will simply hand you your dream profession - you have to earn it. Dedication is the first tool you must master on your road towards success. Never...

Taking inspiration from JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, Rob discusses why rock bottom doesn't necessarily have to be a defeat, but can instead be reframed as a starting point for the rest of your life. KEY TAKEAWAYS We are all going to face distinct adversity in life, and it can come in any type of form. What matters is the way we look at it, and the way we look for solutions to surmount it. If you build your life on a robust set of values, then no obstacle in the world...

Rob discusses vulnerability, and why letting others know that you are not invincible is actually a form of strength and inspiration. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is nothing wrong with being human, and that means admitting weakness. Those who pretend to be invulnerable are harder to relate to. We're often conditioned to hide pain and to show strength and resilience at all times. If we live this way then we are living a lie. Life is not about wall-to-wall happiness. You shouldn't be seeking happiness...