Coaching Culture with Ben Herring

Ben Herring
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Coaching Culture with Ben Herring is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy, leadership, dealing with stress, and motivation. Each episode features candid conversations with the world’s top international rugby coaches, who share the personal stories and intangible insights behind their winning cultures, and too their biggest failures and learnings from them. This is where X’s and O’s meet heart and soul, empowering coaches at every level to foster authentic connections, inspire their teams, and elevate their own coaching craft. If you believe that the real gold in rugby lies beyond the scoreboard, Coaching Culture is the podcast for you.

  1. Jim McKay: From Grassroots to International Glory

    قبل يوم واحد

    Jim McKay: From Grassroots to International Glory

    What truly defines a coach's legacy? For Jim Mackay, it's not the championship trophies or international honors – it's the journey of becoming and the meaningful experiences along the way. In this enlightening conversation, Jim shares his remarkable path from coaching amateur clubs in England to leading the Queensland Reds to Super Rugby glory and eventually becoming Australia's attack coach. His story is a masterclass in resilience, culture-building, and authentic leadership. Jim reveals how he defines culture as "how we're perceived and how we want to be perceived," emphasizing that values must emerge collaboratively rather than being imposed. Through vivid examples from his time with North Walsham, the Cornish Pirates, and the Reds, he demonstrates how connecting team identity to local history creates deeper meaning and belonging. The transformation of the Queensland Reds offers particularly valuable insights. Working with young talents like Will Genia and Quade Cooper, Jim helped shift a losing mentality by raising awareness, teaching game management, and building relationships. This player-centered approach, combined with clear strategic frameworks, turned perpetual losers into champions within two years. Most compelling is Jim's perspective on setbacks. From club closures that left him jobless to the challenges of coaching internationally, he views each difficulty as formative rather than definitive. "A coach's journey is not one of being, but of becoming," he explains, highlighting how experiences – good and difficult – shape your evolution as a leader. Whether you're coaching at grassroots level or aspiring to international heights, this episode offers profound wisdom about leading with authenticity, building culture intentionally, and finding meaning in the journey rather than just the destination. Listen now to transform how you approach coaching and leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

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  2. Ryan Schultz: The Path From Digging Holes to Elite Rugby Coaching

    قبل ٤ أيام

    Ryan Schultz: The Path From Digging Holes to Elite Rugby Coaching

    Ever wonder how a guy who started his working life digging holes transformed into a rising star in rugby coaching? Ryan Schultz's journey from manual laborer to head coach at Canberra Vikings reveals the gritty reality behind professional coaching success. In this illuminating conversation with host Ben Herring, Ryan peels back the curtain on his coaching philosophy built around three core pillars: connection, development, and performance. He candidly shares how his early experiences – from pumping up footballs at his old school to coaching cricket teams – shaped his unique approach to leadership and culture-building in rugby. What sets this episode apart is Ryan's refreshing honesty about navigating the pressure of coaching at a prestigious club with expectations of immediate success. "I did struggle with that at times," he admits, "wanting to make sure I was achieving for the club." His innovative solution to club unity – creating "Valhalla," a dedicated social space where players from all levels could connect – demonstrates how thoughtful leadership extends beyond training sessions and game plans. Perhaps most thought-provoking is Ryan's controversial belief that "maybe the scoreboard doesn't matter." This perspective challenges conventional coaching wisdom while emphasizing the profound impact coaches can have on players' lives beyond rugby. His approach to stakeholder management – whether dealing with parents in school rugby or managing a team with 13 different nationalities – offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Whether you're a coach seeking fresh perspectives, a player curious about leadership development, or simply fascinated by the human elements of sports culture, this episode delivers remarkable insights from someone who truly understands the transformative power of authentic connection. Listen now to discover how digging holes prepared Ryan for coaching excellence – and what that might mean for your own leadership journey. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

    ٥٤ من الدقائق
  3. REFLECTIONS: Off field equals on field

    ٣ سبتمبر

    REFLECTIONS: Off field equals on field

    What makes championship teams truly exceptional? The answer might surprise you. It's not extraordinary talent, cutting-edge tactics, or even flawless execution during competition—it's what happens when nobody's keeping score. Drawing from Sam Vestey's remarkable success with Northampton Saints, this episode reveals how elite teams deliberately build three critical foundations off the field: communication, organization, and connection. These aren't soft skills or nice-to-haves—they're the bedrock upon which championship performances are built. When Google researched what made their highest-performing teams successful, psychological safety emerged as the dominant factor, far outweighing individual brilliance or experience. We explore practical, immediately applicable strategies for developing these foundations in your team environment. From two-minute check-ins and "name-action" protocols that sharpen communication, to creating task boards and mini-teams that build organizational muscle, to vulnerability circles and non-sport gatherings that deepen authentic connection—these tools transform team dynamics in profound ways. The most powerful insight? When players feel safe to communicate, take ownership, and connect authentically off the field, they perform with remarkable clarity and resilience when the pressure mounts. Championship moments don't create exceptional teams; they simply reveal what's already been built through deliberate culture work when no one was watching. If you're frustrated by your team's performance under pressure, ask yourself: have we built the foundation when it's calm? Remember, what shows up on the field is always a reflection of what's been rehearsed off it. Subscribe now and join the conversation about building team cultures where excellence becomes inevitable. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

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  4. Greg Peters: The Shift Every Coach and Leader Must Make

    ٣١ أغسطس

    Greg Peters: The Shift Every Coach and Leader Must Make

    What does it truly mean to build an authentic culture in high-performance sports? Greg Peters, whose remarkable 25-year career spans leadership roles at Bay of Plenty Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Union, the Hurricanes, Argentina Rugby, SANZAR, and now as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, reveals the profound insights he's gathered from both sides of the rugby divide. Peters challenges conventional wisdom about leadership, arguing that culture isn't about "words on a wall" but something tangible you can feel the moment you walk into a room. "I see my job as a leader in sport as being able to develop talent on and off the field," he explains, emphasizing that genuine leadership means creating space for people to be themselves while understanding their role in achieving collective goals. The conversation takes fascinating turns through cultural identity in New Zealand sports, with Peters identifying Māori culture as a unique selling point that provides unmatched foundation when properly embraced. He shares a remarkable story of how taking an Australian coach through a cultural journey transformed the Kiwis' performance, culminating in a record 34-0 victory against Australia. Through personal anecdotes—including his experience coaching a winless under-14 team—Peters illustrates how leadership philosophies must evolve from controlling everything to empowering others. Perhaps most compelling is Peters' exploration of the differences between rugby and rugby league cultures. While rugby leans on tradition and moves slowly, rugby league responds quickly to fan preferences—yet when it comes to coaching approaches, the dynamic flips entirely. This duality offers valuable lessons about balancing cultural foundations with adaptability in any organization. For anyone interested in leadership, cultural development, or sports management, this episode provides rare insights from someone who has shaped winning environments at the highest levels. Listen now to discover why Peters believes the future of effective leadership lies not in strategic planning exercises but in authentic human connections. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

    ٥٢ من الدقائق
  5. Wal Herring: Feed Your Potential: Concussion, Womans high performance and Personalized Nutrition

    ٢٧ أغسطس

    Wal Herring: Feed Your Potential: Concussion, Womans high performance and Personalized Nutrition

    If you want to book Wal for your team you can reach her here: wal@walherring.com or check out her womans wellness programs here: Walherring.com What if everything you see on your body was made from what you ate at some point? This profound insight from sports nutritionist Wal Herring serves as the foundation for a revolutionary approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing from her extensive experience with elite teams like Leicester Tigers and the English Rugby League, Wal shares how nutrition isn't just about physical performance but affects our mental clarity and emotional stability too. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when discussing concussion recovery, as Wal explains how she helped her husband Ben overcome debilitating symptoms through targeted nutritional interventions. Rather than simply resting, she reveals how certain foods either feed inflammation ("adding oxygen to the flame") or help reduce it, offering hope to athletes dealing with brain injuries. Her practical advice on avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and sugar while increasing omega-3s and creatine provides actionable strategies for healing. Female athletes receive special attention as Wal explains how women's hormonal cycles significantly impact performance, recovery, and injury risk. For coaches working with women, understanding these physiological differences proves crucial for preventing ACL injuries and optimizing training schedules. The outdated approach of training women "like little men" fails to account for these important biological variations that affect everything from strength gains to emotional processing. Throughout the episode, Wal emphasizes individualization over rigid protocols. She challenges common practices like calorie counting, suggesting we focus instead on energy levels and overall wellbeing as better indicators of nutritional success. This perspective shifts nutrition from a numbers game to a personalized journey of discovering what works for your unique body. Ready to take control of what you can actually change in your health journey? Listen now to discover how small nutritional adjustments might unlock your full potential, whether you're a competitive athlete or simply seeking to improve your everyday wellbeing. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

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  6. Mike Friday: Rugby Is What You Do, Not Who You Are

    ٢٤ أغسطس

    Mike Friday: Rugby Is What You Do, Not Who You Are

    What does it really mean to build a winning culture in sports? Few coaches can answer this question with the depth and global perspective of Mike Friday, international rugby sevens coach whose 25-year journey has taken him from England to Kenya to a decade with USA Rugby. "Culture is a group of individuals that have alignment in the way they go about their business," Friday explains with refreshing simplicity. But beneath this straightforward definition lies a profound coaching philosophy centered on human connection. Friday draws a crucial distinction between kindness and niceness – you can deliver hard truths without sugar-coating, provided there's genuine care behind your words. Friday's transformation of underdog teams reveals his talent for adaptation. When he took over Kenya's program, he arrived to find "a bag of balls and cones and 20 Kenyans that were late to training" in long grass. With USA Rugby, he inherited a team given just a 10% chance of Olympic qualification. In both cases, Friday's approach wasn't to impose his system but to understand the cultural contexts and individual needs of his players. "You mold yourself around the team, you don't mold the team around you," he shares, challenging conventional coaching wisdom. Perhaps most powerful is Friday's perspective on success beyond trophies. "Rugby is what you do, not who you are," he emphasizes, a mantra that kept both him and his players grounded through victories and defeats. This philosophy proved especially valuable when coaching players from diverse backgrounds – from Kenyan athletes who had never experienced unconditional support to American players from wildly different cultural contexts. Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply someone interested in human potential, Friday's insights offer a masterclass in communication, resilience, and perspective that transcends sport. His parting reflection captures it perfectly: "I'm proud of what we did, but I'm more proud of what the players became." Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

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  7. REFLECTIONS: The Power of Team Cohesion

    ٢٠ أغسطس

    REFLECTIONS: The Power of Team Cohesion

    The quest for high performance in team sports often leads coaches down the wrong path. What if the secret to winning isn't about collecting the most talented individuals, but something far more fundamental? Ben Darwin's groundbreaking research through Gainline Analytics has produced a data goldmine that challenges conventional wisdom about building successful teams. As I unpack five crucial insights from his work, you'll discover why cohesion—not star power—consistently predicts championship-level performance. The numbers don't lie: teams with extensive shared experience outperform those assembled with supposedly superior individual talent. This phenomenon explains why certain combinations (like the 12-13 partnership in rugby) prove so critical to team success. When players develop that intuitive understanding that comes only through time together, they create synergies that raw talent simply cannot replicate. Darwin's research reveals other counterintuitive truths: how system simplicity trumps tactical complexity, why roster turnover consistently undermines performance (especially when changing 30% or more annually), and how selection criteria should prioritize shared playing histories over individual brilliance. Perhaps most sobering is the data showing meaningful team turnarounds typically require three-plus years—no matter how talented the coach or incoming players. Whether you're a coach, team leader, or passionate sports fan, these insights will transform how you view team building. They offer a evidence-based blueprint for creating lasting success rather than chasing quick fixes. Subscribe now to explore more game-changing perspectives on leadership, culture building, and performance optimization. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

    ١٦ من الدقائق
  8. Chris Boyd: Leadership Trumps Management

    ١٧ أغسطس

    Chris Boyd: Leadership Trumps Management

    What if everything you thought about building team culture was wrong? Chris Boyd, the celebrated coach who transformed teams from the Hurricanes to Northampton Saints, challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that "culture grows organically and internally" rather than being imposed from above. Drawing from decades of experience across multiple continents, Boyd reveals the leadership principles that have made him one of rugby's most respected coaches. His refreshing approach emphasizes giving players the confidence to express themselves while creating environments where skills flourish under pressure. "The biggest difference I felt I made at Northampton was ultimately giving them confidence – the confidence to have a go," Boyd explains, highlighting how this philosophy transformed a traditionally conservative team. Boyd's methods are both innovative and practical. He revolutionized information flow by replacing formal meetings with meaningful conversations, implemented a distinction between "training for task" versus "training for time," and prioritized skill development when players were fresh rather than as afterthoughts. His commitment to looking forward rather than backward distinguishes true leadership from mere management. "Too much of the stuff that coaches do is management, not leadership," he observes, advocating for "less structure, more intuition, more technical, less tactical." Perhaps most valuable is Boyd's guidance on making difficult decisions. Whether telling veteran players their time is up or identifying the "critical few" factors that will drive success for a particular team, he emphasizes the importance of honesty, clarity, and emotional intelligence. His mantra "do whatever makes the boat go faster" serves as both compass and challenge for coaches seeking sustainable success. Ready to transform your approach to leadership and team building? This episode offers invaluable insights for coaches, managers and leaders across any field looking to build cultures where excellence thrives naturally. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show

    ١ س ٥ د
مشاهدة الكل (٤٧)

حول

Coaching Culture with Ben Herring is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy, leadership, dealing with stress, and motivation. Each episode features candid conversations with the world’s top international rugby coaches, who share the personal stories and intangible insights behind their winning cultures, and too their biggest failures and learnings from them. This is where X’s and O’s meet heart and soul, empowering coaches at every level to foster authentic connections, inspire their teams, and elevate their own coaching craft. If you believe that the real gold in rugby lies beyond the scoreboard, Coaching Culture is the podcast for you.

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    Ben Herring
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    © 2025 Coaching Culture with Ben Herring
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    Coaching Culture with Ben Herring

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