Glue Guys

Colossus
Glue Guys

Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta are coming together to cut across the worlds of sports and business and dissect the subtle art of making others better. Glue Guys explores the qualities that make individuals become better leaders, teammates, and humans alongside a trio with those same ambitions. In each episode, you’ll hear candid conversations on themes and life lessons drawn from their own high-stakes experiences. From strategies for effective teamwork to personal stories of success, the podcast covers a broad range of topics relevant to anyone looking to make an impact in their respective fields.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Shane’s Story: Shoot For The Stars

    What does it take to be the player every championship team needs? Shane Battier’s journey from a suburban outcast to hoisting NBA championship trophies is a masterclass in discipline, adaptability, and leadership. In this episode, Shane shares the secrets behind his two NBA championships, life-changing lessons from Coach K at Duke, and the experience of playing alongside legends like LeBron James. From mastering the mental side of the game to embracing the unglamorous (but essential) art of doing the dirty work, Shane reveals how the right mindset, preparation, and selflessness can transform your team—and your life. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:00:32) Fine System and Las Vegas Mishap (00:06:37) Alex's ESPN Show and Media Aspirations (00:14:44) Shane's Early Sports Journey (00:21:54) High School Basketball and College Recruitment (00:38:04) Legendary Recruiting Stories (00:39:01) Coach K's Unique Approach (00:40:33) Setting Boundaries in High School Recruitment (00:43:33) Choosing Duke Over Other Top Schools (00:48:18) The Duke Experience and Leadership Lessons (00:58:01) Transition to the NBA and Culture Shock (01:07:41) The No-Stat All-Star and Analytics (01:17:57) Miami Heat Culture and Lebron's Greatness

    1h 24m
  2. Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon: Leading 2.1 Million People

    DEC 12

    Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon: Leading 2.1 Million People

    How do you lead a team of 2.1 million people? Whether you're managing five people or fifty, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon's leadership principles apply at any scale. He joins Glue Guys to share his journey from unloading trucks at Walmart as a teenager to leading a company that makes $1.7 billion in sales daily, serving 240 million customers weekly across 10,500 stores. Doug shares leadership lessons from Sam Walton and from the weekly basketball game he’s played in for four decades. We learn about leading for the long term, being a servant leader, and leading with humility even as your influence expands.  For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:01:17) Doug's Early Career at Walmart (00:05:48) Walmart's Culture and Values (00:08:37) Gratitude and Vulnerability in Leadership (00:18:13) Balancing Work and Family (00:19:38) Creating Culture at Scale (00:22:38) Surprise Visits and Sam Walton's Legacy (00:23:34) Servant Leadership at Walmart (00:25:29) Handling Pressure and Focusing on Inputs (00:28:18) Risk-Taking and Decision-Making (00:31:53) Leadership Qualities and Team Dynamics (00:37:33) Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals (00:41:31) Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

    46 min
  3. Jay Bilas: No Days Off

    DEC 5

    Jay Bilas: No Days Off

    What drives the most unstoppable leaders? ESPN analyst Jay Bilas takes us inside Coach K's daring early years building Duke's dynasty and shares how a profound lesson about relentlessness changed his understanding of greatness. From behind-the-scenes stories of culture-building to candid insights on today's evolving college sports landscape with NIL, he challenges listeners to examine their own pursuit of excellence. Through hard-earned wisdom as a player, coach, lawyer, and broadcaster, Bilas demonstrates how authentic leadership requires not just talent, but an unwavering commitment to making everyone around you elevate their game. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:01:03) A Legend On and Off the Court (00:02:46) Jay Billis' European Basketball Career (00:04:47) The Toughest Player: John Ebeling (00:08:47) Choosing Duke and Coach K (00:11:41) The Iconic 1992 Kentucky Game (00:19:02) Advice on Leadership and Career Choices (00:28:45) Facing Unpopularity for Independent Thinking (00:29:22) Early NCAA Involvement and Policy Critique (00:30:47) Transition to Broadcasting and Legal Safety Net (00:31:47) Law School Lessons and Policy Criticism (00:33:16) Current Landscape of College Basketball (00:35:45) Financial Implications and Revenue Distribution (00:40:18) Gambling in College Sports (00:42:59) Building Duke Basketball's Competitive Culture (00:47:48) Coach K's Leadership and Team Dynamics (00:56:13) Recognizing the Glue Guys

    1 hr

  4. NOV 29

    (Un)Common Sense

    Can saying ‘happy birthday’ really transform team culture? Alex, Shane, and Ravi explore the power of "uncommon sense" - those simple but profound leadership practices that are rarely implemented despite their obvious impact. From Jim Harbaugh's birthday messages to every member of his team to Alex Smith's mentorship of Patrick Mahomes, the guys break down why the small moments are what build the winning cultures. It’s the common sense principles that are often the most powerful - if we can sustain the discipline to apply them daily.  For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:01:06) On the Road: Carlsbad, California (00:02:43) Shane's Talk at Morgan Stanley (00:03:44) The Power of Simple Wisdom (00:06:34) Valuing the Little Things (00:10:39) Jim Harbaugh's Birthday Tradition (00:22:17) Wise Words and Team Cohesion (00:30:52) Everyday Courage and Leadership (00:31:32) The Importance of Trust in Teams (00:32:23) Overcoming Personal Bias and Fear (00:33:12) The Role of Strategy and Cohesiveness (00:33:54) Mentorship and Long-Term Goals (00:35:19)Personal Stories of Trust and Mentorship (00:43:37) The Value of Gratitude and Self-Improvement (00:54:18) Parallels Between Sports and Business (00:55:59) Parenting Lessons and Final Thoughts

    59 min
  5. Morgan Housel: The Cost of Ego

    NOV 21

    Morgan Housel: The Cost of Ego

    What's the real game you're playing with your money? “Psychology of Money” author Morgan Housel joins Glue Guys to talk about the importance of running your own race. He engages Ravi, Shane, and Alex on the topic of ego and how it plays a leading role in wealth dynamics. From pro athlete salaries to the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset to even handling your own money (spoiler: there is no universal right way), the Glue Guys let Morgan peel back the layers. Is there a perfect balance between confidence and humility? Does a mix of the two really even matter? Morgan gives his take on the real keys to happiness. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:01:58) Morgan's Journey to Writing (00:02:38) The Impact of Ski Racing (00:04:09) Struggles and Turning Points (00:05:51) Finding a Voice in Writing (00:13:15) Balancing Confidence and Humility (00:21:41) Financial Realities of Pro Athletes (00:33:03) The Rise of Business Athletes (00:33:24) The Hunger for Knowledge (00:33:57) Kobe Bryant's Relentless Drive (00:35:45) The Feedback Loop in Business (00:36:46) Debt as a Motivator (00:46:12) The Importance of Ending on Your Own Terms (01:04:10) The Role of Social Media in Financial Perception (01:08:04) The Value of Self-Awareness

    1h 10m
  6. David Yeager: Never Waste A Crisis

    NOV 14

    David Yeager: Never Waste A Crisis

    What does parenting have to teach us about leadership? How can we help raise the next generation to be the best they can be? It’s a topic our hosts–parents themselves!–are endlessly curious about and this week they’re joined by psychology professor and expert in the science of motivating young people, David Yeager. David’s "mentor mindset" approach explains why the best leaders are neither drill sergeants nor helicopter parents, but rather a coach who believes in his players too much to let them be mediocre. Whether you're raising a teen on an emotional rollercoaster, managing a TikTok-obsessed workforce, or just trying to understand why your toddler needs a philosophical debate to get her pants on, this episode is a lesson in cultivating well-adjusted ambition on any kind of team. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:02:26) The Power of Mindset Interventions (00:03:55) Meeting Dr. David Yeager (00:05:51) The Influence of Chip Engelland (00:08:18) Mentor Mindset Leadership (00:11:05) Chip's Unique Coaching Philosophy (00:12:56) Building Trust with Young Players (00:15:57) Personal Development in the NBA (00:24:27) Harnessing Stress for Success (00:34:22) Sweaty Palms and Football Anxiety (00:35:41) The Concept of Status Precariousness (00:39:47) Adolescent Predicament and Social Value (00:41:24) Parenting Challenges and Respect (00:42:43) Mentor Mindset in Parenting (00:50:56) Performance Evaluations and Mentor Mindset (00:55:37) Grocery Store Management and Employee Motivation (01:06:00) The Power of Do-Overs in Parenting

    1h 8m

  7. NOV 7

    Demanding and Supportive

    What is Ravi Gupta's story? Despite Ravi's initial discomfort, Alex and Shane go deep on his life and background. We learn about the family members who shaped him and how his career path has been anything but a straight line. Ravi reflects on how the people around him have always been "demanding and supportive", how it changed his life, and why it's so important for him to live that every day with those around him. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by EightSleep, the temperature-controlled mattress cover that heats or cools your mattress to transform your sleep. The Pod 4 Ultra is the new gold standard in intelligent sleep systems. It can be added to your current mattress like a fitted sheet and is been clinically proven to give you up to an hour more quality of sleep every night. The cooling capability can cool your side of the bed to 20 degrees below room temperature, all managed by the pod's autopilot feature, which adjusts the temperature throughout the night. Go to eightsleep.com/glueguys and use the code glueguys for $350 off.  ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:04:09) The Napkin Story: How We Met (00:05:12) Ravi's Family History: From India to America (00:08:53) Growing Up with High Expectations (00:14:38) College Days: Duke and Beyond (00:24:16) Early Career: From McKinsey to KKR (00:33:18) Reflecting on Career Choices (00:34:09) Instacart: The Unexpected Opportunity (00:35:50) The Struggle to Get Noticed (00:36:48) Persistence Pays Off (00:41:21) Joining Instacart as CFO (00:46:57) Turning Instacart Around (00:53:02) Focus and Innovation (00:58:26) Unexpected News: Amazon's Big Move (01:00:30) Instacart's Response: Rallying the Team (01:01:45) Facing the Giant: Amazon's Acquisition of Whole Foods (01:04:14) Turning Adversity into Opportunity (01:08:02) The Bezos Encounter: A Turning Point (01:12:38) Transition to Sequoia: A New Challenge (01:15:10) Reflections on Resilience and Growth (01:25854) The Journey Continues

    1h 30m
  8. David Senra: The Hard Way Is The Right Way

    OCT 31

    David Senra: The Hard Way Is The Right Way

    David Senra is in pursuit of one goal: helping people learn from history's greatest entrepreneurs. In a world obsessed with quick wins and overnight success, David has spent eight years building Founders podcast and distilling decades of sage advice. In the spirit of Glue Guys, David joins us to connect the dots between sport's GOATS and business legends, and as it turns out - being slightly crazy about your craft is a universal key to success. He keys in on how crucial it is to pick the right heroes, devote your attention to one thing, and never take the easy way out. This is a conversation about focus, obsession, and the joy of finding your thing - and doing it better than anyone else. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by Ramp, the financial operation platform that simplifies everything about how businesses spend money and spend their time. You can manage spend approvals, control your expenses, automate your accounting, track your vendor relationships, book your travel and delight your entire workforce with intuitive business software. Ramp enables you to focus all of your attention on what's most important. Get started now and build a more efficient team and a more profitable business, whether you have five employees or 25,000. Go to ramp.com/gg to sign up for free and receive a $250 welcome bonus.  ----- This episode is brought to you by EightSleep, the temperature-controlled mattress cover that heats or cools your mattress to transform your sleep. The Pod 4 Ultra is the new gold standard in intelligent sleep systems. It can be added to your current mattress like a fitted sheet and is been clinically proven to give you up to an hour more quality of sleep every night. The cooling capability can cool your side of the bed to 20 degrees below room temperature, all managed by the pod's autopilot feature, which adjusts the temperature throughout the night. Go to eightsleep.com/glueguys and use the code glueguys for $350 off.  ----- Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys (00:05:29) The Art of Podcasting: David's Unique Approach (00:08:41) The Importance of Role Models and Mentors (00:11:25) Lessons from History's Greatest Entrepreneurs (00:18:19) Balancing Obsession and Life (00:23:26) The Wisdom of Ed Thorpe (00:29:14) Advice from Sam Zell (00:35:57) Finding a New Mission After Success (00:39:11) The Importance of Team and Accountability (00:40:13) The Role of Founders and Leadership (00:42:43) The Glue Guys: Unsung Heroes (00:48:24) Kobe Bryant: The Ultimate Competitor (00:57:55) Relentlessness: The Key to Greatness (01:07:16) The Hedgehog and the Fox: A Lesson in Focus (01:08:37) The Power of Focus and Opportunity Costs (01:10:26) Coach K and the Importance of Stories (01:11:21) The Relentless Drive of Pat Riley (01:14:30) The Jordan Rules: Overcoming Challenges (01:20:28) The Role of Supportive Spouses in Success

    1h 22m
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4.8
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta are coming together to cut across the worlds of sports and business and dissect the subtle art of making others better. Glue Guys explores the qualities that make individuals become better leaders, teammates, and humans alongside a trio with those same ambitions. In each episode, you’ll hear candid conversations on themes and life lessons drawn from their own high-stakes experiences. From strategies for effective teamwork to personal stories of success, the podcast covers a broad range of topics relevant to anyone looking to make an impact in their respective fields.

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