Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 492947116 series 3634457
Content provided by Ben Herring. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ben Herring or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
From the heat of championship matches to the quiet moments of career transition, James Marshall's coaching journey offers a masterclass in modern rugby leadership. The former Hurricane turned Crusaders backs and attack coach reveals how authentic connection has become his coaching superpower, allowing him to build relationships that transcend the traditional coach-player dynamic.
At the heart of Marshall's approach lies a radical commitment to player empowerment. Rather than clinging to control, he embraces collaboration—gathering opinions from key players, challenging ideas constructively, and sometimes taking "a loss" on tactical decisions to build trust. This philosophy flips conventional coaching wisdom on its head, yet has proven instrumental in the Crusaders' continued success. His attack strategy meetings become think tanks where players aren't just executing game plans, but helping create them.
Perhaps most striking is Marshall's innovative approach to non-selected players. Where most environments breed resentment and disengagement, the Crusaders have transformed their "non-23" into a position of honor. Complete with captain selections, dedicated trainings, and year-end awards, this mindset shift creates positive energy where teams typically struggle most. "Everyone is just fizzing to be the non-23 captain for the week," Marshall explains, "because what an honor to lead that group against the Crusaders on a Thursday afternoon."
Marshall's dual life as podcast host (What A Lad) provides unique insights into player psychology that directly enhance his coaching. Through deep conversations with current and former athletes, he's gained profound appreciation for rugby careers' fragility and the human stories behind performance. This empathy translates to more meaningful interactions, especially during challenging moments like injuries or selection disappointments.
Whether you're coaching professionals or weekend warriors, Marshall's blend of technical knowledge, emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to build high-performance cultures where people genuinely thrive. Tune in for a conversation that might just transform how you think about coaching, leadership, and the power of authentic connection.
Chapters
1. Life after rugby and coaching transitions (00:00:00)
2. Building authentic coaching connections (00:14:23)
3. Managing non-selected players positively (00:27:19)
4. The What A Lad podcast journey (00:34:51)
5. Collaboration and player empowerment (00:48:21)
6. Coaching philosophy and key takeaways (00:58:41)
28 episodes
