Beyond Coaching: An Impactful Coaching Project Podcast

Dr. Rob Ramseyer
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Sports
  • Biweekly

Beyond Coaching, a podcast from the Impactful Coaching Project, explores coaching and leading the 21st century athlete. The importance of the coach being a positive impact on their student-athletes hasn’t changed but the strategies for connecting with them has changed. This podcast interviews coaching and sport leaders about holistic coaching and the lessons they have learned over time. Beyond Coaching is podcast developed by the Impactful Coaching Project.

  1. 1d ago

    Resilience, Grit, and the Mindset of Great Coaches with Brian Davidson

    What makes a transformational coach? In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob Ramseyer sits down with Dr. Brian Davidson, CEO of MindVue, to explore the mindset skills that shape great coaches, leaders, and athletes. Brian and Rob revisit research conducted with the 3D Institute involving roughly 1,400 coaches from around the world. The research found that self-awareness and conscientiousness were the strongest predictors of transformational coaching, while grit, resilience, self-efficacy, integrity, adaptability, and other non-cognitive skills also played important roles. The conversation goes beyond the research to explore how these skills can actually be developed. Brian explains the difference between obsessive passion and harmonious passion, and why coaches who make coaching their entire identity can become vulnerable to anxiety, stress, and burnout. They discuss how coaches can maintain their competitive drive while developing a healthier and more sustainable sense of identity. The conversation also moves into youth sports, where Brian shares his experience coaching his own kids in soccer. Rob and Brian discuss developing resilience, grit, growth mindset, and adaptability in young athletes while keeping the focus on developing better people, not simply better performers. They also tackle the growing pressure surrounding youth sports, including the impact of social media, athlete identity, and the fear of failure. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is the role of hope in leadership. Brian's doctoral research found that a leader's sense of hope was the strongest predictor of transformational leadership behavior. He explains hope through three components: goals, agency, and pathways. Great leaders don't simply tell people everything will be fine. They help people see a better future, believe they can get there, and find another path when obstacles get in the way. As Brian explains, hope has to be balanced with reality. Leaders need to believe in the possibility of achieving the goal while still facing the brutal facts of their current circumstances. In this episode, we discuss:What makes a transformational coachThe 3D Institute research involving 1,400+ coachesWhy self-awareness and conscientiousness matterGrit and resilience as dynamic skillsObsessive passion vs. harmonious passionCoaching identity and burnoutDeveloping resilience and growth mindset in youth athletesThe impact of social media on athlete identityCreating environments where athletes can fail and growWhy great leaders are hopeful leadersThe three components of hope: goals, agency, and pathwaysBalancing hope with realityWhy developing people matters more than simply developing performersHow mindset development can be personalized through technology and AI About Brian Davidson and MindVueDr. Brian Davidson is the CEO of MindVue, an organization focused on measuring and developing the mindset skills people need to adapt, perform, and lead through pressure and change. MindVue combines assessment, AI coaching, personalized podcasts, and expert-led training to help people develop skills such as resilience, grit, growth mindset, conscientiousness, and intrinsic motivation. Learn more about MindVue: https://www.mindvue.com/ Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-davidson-0273a5b6/ About the Impactful Coaching ProjectThe Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) is focused on helping coaches become more intentional about the impact they have on the people they lead. Through the podcast, articles, books, resources, and coaching development programs, ICP focuses on helping coaches develop the whole athlete through competence, care, and consistency. Follow the Impactful Coaching Project and read more from Rob: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/

  2. Oct 26

    Why Sports Don't Automatically Build Character | The 3D Journey, Ep. 4

    In this episode of Beyond Coaching, part four of The 3D Journey series, Rob Ramseyer continues his conversation with Wes Simmons of the 3D Institute about what it takes to develop athletes, build healthy team cultures, and lead with intention. Wes explains how the 3D Coaching framework evolved and why effective coach education requires more than quick strategies and practical takeaways. Coaches must understand the principles behind their decisions if they want to apply them consistently, especially when facing adversity. The conversation examines research on the impact of 3D Coaching, the transfer of values from coaches to athletes, and a critical distinction between performance character and moral character. As Wes explains, sports can develop qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and commitment, but those qualities do not automatically make someone a good teammate or person. Without intentional leadership, the same drive that fuels achievement can also fuel selfishness, unhealthy rivalry, and jealousy. Rob and Wes also discuss why leaders should view success as a platform for developing others rather than a pedestal to defend, how athletic directors can support coaches through difficult seasons, and why relationships and intentional culture-building matter to long-term success. The episode concludes with a preview of the 3D Culture Summit, scheduled for June 22–23, 2027, in St. Joseph, Missouri. In This Episode How the 3D Coaching framework evolved Why understanding matters more than simply collecting coaching strategies What research suggests about 3D Coaching and non-cognitive skills Why sports do not automatically build moral character The difference between performance character and moral character How coaches influence the values of their athletes Why success should be a platform for developing others How athletic directors can support coaches under pressure Why relationships and intentional culture-building matter What to expect from the 3D Culture Summit About The 3D Journey The 3D Journey is a 12-part series on Beyond Coaching featuring conversations with Wes Simmons and the 3D Institute about the principles, research, and practices behind 3D Coaching. The series builds toward the 3D Culture Summit in St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 22–23, 2027. Learn More About the 3D Institute The 3D Institute helps coaches and leaders build cultures that develop skills, strengthen mindsets, and shape identity and purpose. Explore 3D Institute courses and resources: https://3dinstitute.com/3d-journey-trial/ Make sure to mention the Impactful Coaching Project if you enroll! Subscribe to the ICP Newsletter Every Monday, the Impactful Coaching Project shares practical leadership frameworks, research, and resources for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders working to build sustainable excellence. Subscribe free: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

  3. Oct 12

    Podcast Short: I Thought I Was Better Than I Really Was

    Rob Ramseyer shares a personal story from his college baseball career that forced him to rethink his expectations, his identity, and what it meant to be successful as an athlete. After being a successful high school athlete and All-American powerlifter, Rob entered college baseball expecting to compete. Instead, he struggled to earn a role, got humbled by the reality of competing against older and more experienced players, and eventually lost confidence in himself. A summer-league experience against a pitcher who would go on to pitch in Major League Baseball became a defining moment—and ultimately helped Rob develop a healthier perspective on sport. In this Podcast Short, Rob and Dustin Galyon talk about: • Why high school success can create unrealistic expectations for college athletes • The danger of allowing sport to become your identity • How comparison can destroy perspective • Why athletes need to understand that serious competitors exist at every level • How carrying less pressure can actually make an athlete better • The responsibility coaches and parents have to prepare athletes for struggle • Finding joy in sport by focusing on maximizing your God-given ability The lesson wasn't to care less about baseball. It was to understand that baseball couldn't be the thing that defined him. Watch the full Beyond Coaching podcast for more conversations about coaching, athlete development, leadership, identity, and the culture of modern sport. Subscribe to the free Impactful Coaching Project newsletter: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ Learn more about the Impactful Coaching Project: https://impactfulcoachingproject.com/

  4. Sep 28

    What Great Coaches Actually Do | The 3D Journey, Ep. 3

    In Episode 3 of The 3D Journey, Rob Ramseyer and Wes Simmons explore the original definition of a coach: a covered carriage that takes a person of importance from where they are to where they want or need to go. That definition provides a powerful framework for understanding transformational coaching. The "covering" represents the culture we create. Great coaches provide an environment where athletes can take risks, make mistakes, grow, and push themselves without fear. Psychological safety doesn't mean lowering standards or allowing athletes to do whatever they want. It means creating enough trust and security for athletes to fully engage in the process of development. Wes and Rob also discuss why great coaches see every athlete as a person of importance. That means looking beyond the starters and the most talented athletes and intentionally developing every person in the program. They explore how relationships, trust, identity, purpose, and character all influence performance—and why focusing exclusively on the scoreboard can ultimately create a transactional culture. Wes shares a powerful story about his college coach, Coach T, and a two-minute conversation that changed how he viewed himself as a leader. Rob also shares a story about a coach intentionally challenging an athlete's confidence to create humility and open the door for a deeper relationship. The conversation eventually turns toward administrators and what they can actually look for when evaluating a coaching culture. What does a 3D program look like when you walk into practice? What should administrators notice about the athletes, the environment, and the way coaches interact with their teams? The answer isn't complicated. Great coaching requires intentionality around four things: creating the right environment, seeing people as people of importance, understanding where they are, and helping them get where they need to go. As Wes puts it, "A little 3D goes a long way." In This Episode The original definition of a coach Why the "covering" matters Psychological safety versus permissiveness The relationship between trust and performance Why every athlete should be treated as a person of importance Wes's two-minute conversation with Coach T How great coaches help athletes see themselves differently The difference between authentic relationship-building and manipulation Why coaches need to learn from wisdom rather than waiting for crisis Identity, purpose, and character The danger of attaching identity to performance How administrators can evaluate a coaching culture Practical ways to intentionally develop every athlete Why transitions and launching athletes well matter Building a life-giving culture through simple, intentional practices This is Episode 3 of our 12-part 3D Journey leading up to the 3D Culture Summit next summer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Explore 3D for Your Organization The 3D framework isn't simply a philosophy. It provides coaches and leaders with practical language and strategies for developing people, teams, and organizations. To learn more about bringing 3D Coaching to your organization, connect with the 3D Institute. Learn More 3D Institute Learn more about 3D Coaching and the work of Wes Simmons and the 3D Institute. Impactful Coaching Project Explore more resources on coaching, leadership, culture, and developing the whole athlete. Beyond Coaching Podcast Listen to more conversations about coaching, leadership, culture, and the development of athletes beyond the scoreboard.

  5. Sep 21

    Mission, Evaluation, and Developing Coaches with Darin Keizer

    In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob Ramseyer sits down with Darin Keizer, Athletic Director at Dordt University and Director of Coaching for Transformation, to discuss the challenges of leading college athletics while staying focused on developing coaches and student-athletes. Darin brings more than a decade of experience as a high school athletic director before moving into college athletics. He and Rob discuss the differences between the two environments and why high school coaching can be valuable preparation for college coaches. At the high school level, coaches often have to teach athletes with dramatically different skill levels, forcing them to become better teachers, communicators, and developers of people. The conversation then moves into one of the biggest challenges facing small-college athletics: How do you remain competitive while staying missionally aligned? Darin explains how Dordt approaches hiring, coach retention, fundraising, and decision-making through the lens of its mission. He emphasizes that the goal isn't simply to win at all costs. Instead, Dordt views the development of young men and women toward Christ as the product, with winning as an important byproduct of doing that work well. Rob and Darin also wrestle with an uncomfortable question for athletic directors: How much should winning matter when evaluating a coach? They discuss the tension between competitive expectations and transformational impact, ultimately arguing that winning has to be evaluated within context. A coach's success should be considered in light of the institution's resources, history, expectations, and competitive environment. A major focus of the conversation is coach evaluation. Darin shares his philosophy that an athletic director shouldn't be the ceiling for a coaching staff. Instead, the AD should be the cultivator. His evaluations are designed to identify opportunities for growth rather than simply point out what coaches are doing wrong. At Dordt, coaches are involved in developing their own assessments using "must, should, and wow" goals. Darin also incorporates student-athlete feedback to better understand what coaches are doing well and where they can grow. The episode also explores one of the most important pieces of effective supervision: trust. Rather than waiting until an annual evaluation to give feedback, Darin meets with his coaches monthly to ask what's happening, what challenges they're facing, and how he can support them. That ongoing relationship makes difficult conversations easier because feedback becomes part of an established relationship rather than a once-a-year event. In this episode, we discuss:The transition from high school AD to college ADWhy high school coaching can prepare coaches for college athleticsTeaching athletes with different skill levelsMission alignment in college athleticsHiring coaches for both mission fit and competitive abilityThe financial pressures facing small-college athleticsThe relationship between winning and transformational impactWhy winning must be evaluated within contextThe difference between evaluating and cultivating coachesUsing coach-created goals and assessmentsIncorporating student-athlete feedback into coach evaluationsBuilding trust before difficult conversationsWhy monthly check-ins can be more effective than annual evaluationsFaith integration beyond simply praying before practiceThe role of longevity in building sustainable programsA Framework for Coach DevelopmentOne of the central ideas from the conversation is that athletic directors shouldn't be the ceiling for their coaches. They should be the cultivators. About Darin KeizerDarin Keizer is the Athletic Director at Dordt University in Iowa and serves as Director of Coaching for Transformation through Dordt's Center for the Advancement of Christian Education. His work through Coaching for Transformation focuses on helping schools develop missionally aligned practices in areas including hiring, coach evaluation, and faith integration. Darin can be contacted at: 712-301-5077 or Darin.keizer@dordt.edu About the Impactful Coaching ProjectThe Impactful Coaching Project (ICP) exists to help coaches become more intentional about the impact they have on the people they lead. The ICP podcast, newsletter, books, and coaching resources explore practical leadership frameworks, research, and ideas that help coaches build sustainable excellence. Read the weekly ICP newsletter: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/ Every Monday, we share practical leadership frameworks, insights, and research for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders who want to build sustainable excellence.

  6. Sep 7

    Podcast Short: Give Sport Its Rightful Place

    What happens when coaches and athletes make sport the center of their identity? In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob Ramseyer talks with Dustin Galyon about giving sport its rightful place. They explore why coaching cannot ultimately be about wins, losses, championships, or individual performance. Sport is a powerful vehicle for developing people, but it should never become the destination. Dustin and Rob discuss the responsibility coaches have to use their platform to help athletes discover an identity that is bigger than sport and a sense of purpose that extends beyond the scoreboard. In This EpisodeWhy coaching has to be about more than winning and losingSport as a vehicle for personal transformationThe danger of allowing sport to become an athlete’s identityWhy an athlete’s worth cannot be determined by performanceThe difference between transactional and transformational coachingHow coaches can intentionally develop the whole personThe responsibility coaches have to model the identity they want athletes to developHelping athletes navigate life beyond their sportHow coaches can pursue excellence and winning without making the scoreboard the source of their identityThe Big TakeawayGive sport its rightful place, and give identity something far greater its rightful place. Coaches can compete intensely, pursue championships, and demand excellence while still recognizing that sport is only one part of an athlete’s life. The goal is not to care less about sport. It is to understand what sport is ultimately for. About Beyond CoachingBeyond Coaching is produced by the Impactful Coaching Project, which focuses on helping coaches better understand and develop the whole person. The podcast explores coaching, leadership, culture, identity, and what it means to coach the 21st-century athlete. LinksBeyond Coaching: https://beyondcoaching.alitu.com Impactful Coaching Project: https://impactfulcoachingproject.com ICP Substack: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com ICP YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Impactfulcoachingproject

  7. Aug 31

    Why Great Culture Needs a Framework | The 3D Journey, Ep. 2

    In Episode 2 of our 3D Journey series, Rob Ramseyer sits down again with 3D Institute CEO Wes Simmons to unpack the framework behind 3D Coaching and why frameworks matter when building culture. Wes explains the difference between allowing culture to grow organically and intentionally architecting the environment you want. They discuss four building blocks of culture — clarity of purpose, alignment of effort, common language, and a shared framework — and why those elements help turn good intentions into repeatable behavior. The conversation then breaks down the three dimensions of coaching: First Dimension: Competence, strategy, skill development, and the physical side of performance. Second Dimension: Mindset, motivation, confidence, emotions, relationships, and team cohesion. Third Dimension: Identity, values, character, significance, purpose, and self-worth. Rob and Wes also discuss why transformational coaching still requires accountability, competence, and trust; how systems can protect coaches during emotional moments; and why a purpose-based identity can create a more sustainable path to performance. They also share practical examples from Friends University, including postgame routines, put-ups, staff spotlights, and the intentional systems coaches can use to reinforce culture over time. This is Episode 2 of the 12-part 3D Journey, leading up to the 3D Culture Summit next summer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Explore 3D for Your Organization Interested in exploring what it could look like to bring the 3D framework into your school, athletic department, organization, or community? Schedule a complimentary Zoom conversation with 3D Institute President/CEO Wes Simmons to learn more, ask questions, and explore what a 3D journey could look like for your organization. Schedule a conversation: https://3dinstitute.com/schedule-appointment/ When completing the form, let them know you heard about 3D through the Impactful Coaching Project Podcast. We’d love to know that Rob and ICP helped make the connection. Learn More 3D Institute: https://3dinstitute.com/shop/ Impactful Coaching Project Newsletter: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/

  8. Aug 17

    How Athlete Identity Shapes Performance With Ricky Scruggs

    In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob Ramseyer sits down with former professional baseball player and Christian life and performance coach Ricky Scruggs to talk about identity, pressure, competition, and what it means to perform at a high level without allowing results to define you. Ricky shares how his own baseball career exposed the dangers of tying self-worth to performance. The conversation explores why athletes struggle to release results, how approval addiction impacts performance, and why becoming the type of person or team capable of winning matters more than obsessing over the win itself. Rob and Ricky also discuss the role coaches and parents play in helping athletes maintain perspective, why relationships and self-improvement may be better motivators than winning, and how learning to enjoy difficult moments can actually create better performance. In this episode: Separating identity from athletic performanceWhy failure can feel personal when your identity is tied to resultsApproval addiction and the pressure athletes feelSocial media and the growing “spotlight effect”Why relationships and self-improvement drive sustainable performanceBecoming the type of team that wins instead of focusing only on winningLearning to enjoy competition and difficult momentsWhy your opponent deserves your bestFaith, perspective, and the “invisible world” behind performancePractical ways athletes can improve their self-talkCompeting with freedom without losing your competitive edgeRicky is the author of The Champion Within: Overcome Approval Addiction and Compete with Greatness and works with athletes, coaches, executives, and leaders on identity, faith, relationships, and performance. Connect with Ricky Scruggs: Ricky Scruggs — Christian Life & Performance Coaching. www.RickyScruggs.com ricky@rickyscruggs.com Instagram: @Rickyscruggs. Phone (520) 891-0860 Book: The Champion Within: Overcome Approval Addiction and Compete with Greatness Stay Connected with the Impactful Coaching ProjectSubscribe to the Impactful Coaching Project Substack for practical leadership frameworks, research, and insights for coaches, athletic directors, and leaders working to build sustainable excellence. New post every Monday.

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Beyond Coaching, a podcast from the Impactful Coaching Project, explores coaching and leading the 21st century athlete. The importance of the coach being a positive impact on their student-athletes hasn’t changed but the strategies for connecting with them has changed. This podcast interviews coaching and sport leaders about holistic coaching and the lessons they have learned over time. Beyond Coaching is podcast developed by the Impactful Coaching Project.

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