In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with coach and educator Nigel Romany to explore what it really means to define your own hustle and greatness. Nigel shares how his journey as a coach was inspired by his own upbringing and his father's example, emphasizing the life lessons that sports and community offer beyond just winning. The discussion dives into why young people and adults alike must set personal standards of greatness—no matter how big or small—and the power of permitting yourself to stand out. Nigel opens up about his personal struggles, how loss inspired transformation, and why authenticity matters. The episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, the value of failure, and finding fulfillment through community and self-defined goals.

Get To Know Nigel Romany Nigel Romany is a dedicated professional speaker, author, and transformation specialist who has devoted his career to empowering and inspiring the youth of today. With over 18 years of experience within the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, Nigel has developed exceptional leadership skills as an Elementary School Teacher, playing a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.

In addition to his teaching role, Nigel has made a significant impact as a Youth Basketball Coach, where he has honed a unique approach to team dynamics and individual mentorship. His ability to foster group cohesiveness while promoting personal development is a testament to his commitment to the growth of young individuals.

As a professional speaker, Nigel captivates audiences with his dynamic presentation style and his profound understanding of youth dynamics. He excels in connecting with athletes and teenagers alike, motivating them to unlock their personal greatness through process-driven strategies. Nigel's passion and dedication to driving positive change make him a sought-after voice in the realm of youth education and leadership.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Define Your Own Hustle: Embrace the idea that greatness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nigel and Aaron highlight the importance of setting your own goals and measuring success by personal milestones—not by someone else’s standards or the scoreboard.

2. Community Builds Resilience: Whether through sports, arts, or any group activity, real growth often comes from being part of a community. Nigel illustrates how shared experiences on teams and in group settings foster communication, trust, and the lifelong bonds that help you through adversity.

3. Fail Forward and Let Kids Struggle: Letting yourself, and your kids, fail is key to building grit and courage. Nigel encourages parents and coaches to challenge young people, give them opportunities to excel, and not clear every obstacle from their path. True confidence comes from overcoming failure, not avoiding it. Show Overview: 00:00 Inspirational Guest with Unique Hustle 03:04 Coaching Beyond Wins 09:34 Unexpected Benefits of Being Only Boy 10:40 Bowling Team Triumph Transforms Kid 16:11 Community: Key to Overcoming Adversity 16:56 Importance of Childhood Friendships 22:37 Embracing Passion Beyond Realism 23:11 Personal Fulfillment Through Work