What Drives Winning

Brett Ledbetter and Becky Burleigh, What Drives Winning
  • 4.6 (50)
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  • WEEKLY SERIES
What Drives Winning

All episodes are recorded in front of a live audience for educational purposes. 

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Are Players Held to A Higher Standard Than Coaches? Boston Celtics GM, Brad Stevens and Former Collegiate Football Coach, Chris Petersen

    Questions from the Episode:  1: Brad said, “If you wrap your identity around trophies, it won’t be as fulfilling.” We know this on paper. So why do so many people still do it? 2: Chris said if you get close and don’t achieve it, “You think: If I would have got it, everything changes. And, nothing changes.” If you knew in your heart that nothing changes, how do you think that could be a competitive advantage? 3: Brad said, “Players are oftentimes held to a higher standard than coaches when it comes to selflessness.” How do you think about that thought? And, when have you see that in your own life? 4: When it’s never enough, you’re always focused on what’s next. How do you prevent yourself from falling into that trap of an unfulfilling journey? What makes it hard for you personally? 5: Many people will say that confidence comes from preparation. But, there’s a line of diminishing returns. What’s the best lesson you’ve learned about your line of diminishing returns? Join hosts Brett Ledbetter and Becky Burleigh as they dive into high-performance strategies with Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens and former collegiate football coach Chris Peterson. Reflecting on interviews from a decade ago, Brad Stevens shares insights about overcoming adversity and success, maintaining an even keel, and staying focused on the next step. Chris Peterson discusses the importance of self-awareness and not wrapping one's identity around trophies. The episode explores the nuances of coaching, the significance of preparation, and the challenge of balancing personal wellbeing with professional demands. Through deep conversations, they reveal valuable lessons on leadership, preparation, and finding fulfillment beyond victories. Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    35 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    How Do You Unlock Powerful Conversations with Your Team? With Sports Psychologist and Thinking Partner Bill Beswick

    Why do you think we’re so bad at predicting what our future self wants? Step into this conversation with sports psychologist, Bill Beswick to unpack that and much more. Brett and his long-time thinking partner dive deep into 365 Questions To Get to Know Yourself and Your Team Better. On a practical level, this episode shows you how to use the book and unlock powerful conversations with the team you lead.  Questions From the Episode: 1. Are you good or bad at asking for help? Why? And, what in your life reinforced that the most?  2. Bill said, “The health of the team is reflected on the face of the coach.” When is the last time you had unhealthy face with your team? Why? 3. An important aspect of coaching is understanding when to react versus when not to? When have you not reacted but wish you would have? And, when have you reacted and wish you wouldn’t have?  4. For you personally, what are the consequences of giving your loved ones leftover energy?  5. When have you shrunk to be accepted instead of risking failure to be bold? Download Questions HERE Book: 365 Questions To Get to Know Yourself and Your Team Better  Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    27 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    The Seconds That Matter Most in Coaching with Basketball Coach Mike Brey

    The head coach experience: the room softens when you walk in and turns up as you leave. Why is that? And, what seconds matter most to your team? Brett Ledbetter and Mike Brey dive in deep to an enjoyable conversation that will set you up for some self-reflection.  Questions from the Episode: 1. When have you blown the roof off with your team and it was effective? When have you and it wasn’t? What’s the lesson with each of those answers?  2. Why do you think Mike said, “Game days are lonely for head coaches”? How do you personally relate to that?  3. There’s a coaching line. “He doesn’t get ulcers. He gives them.” Which would your team say you were?  4. What percent of the time are you performing versus being authentic inside your job?  5. How does Mike’s retirement speech compare to other’s that you’ve heard? What can you take from that?  Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    35 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Leadership From an Athlete’s Perspective with Heisman Finalist Dillon Gabriel

    Do your habits match your goals? What about your team’s? How do you manage a teammate when their habits don’t? Dillon Gabriel had one year to win the influence of a team that he led to a 13-0 start at Oregon. He covers all of that and more with his thinking partner, Brett Ledbetter. Questions From the Episode: 1. When has the environment needed your voice and you didn’t speak up? What prevented you from doing that?  2. What’s validated an incorrect belief that you’ve had in your life?  3. Who’s been the most hard-to-reach teammate you’ve encountered? What made it difficult?  4. How can you improve your relationship with uncertainty?  5. What are five things you could do to guarantee an unhappy life?  Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    27 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    How Often Do You Ask Yourself, “Am I Spending My Life On The Right Things?” With SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey

    How do you maintain integrity when the world is watching? SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Brett Ledbetter explore the challenges of leading under public scrutiny, decision-making in gray areas, and the ongoing challenge of making sure you’re spending your life on things that matter.  Questions from the Episode:  1. When has your integrity been questioned the most? What did you learn from that experience?  2. When have you been around someone that cared more about what the external perception was as opposed to the internal reality?  3. When have you had to publicly support something that you didn’t privately align with? How did you make peace with that inner conflict? 4. There’s ‘doable’ hard and there’s ‘destructive’ hard. How do you know when you have crossed that line? What example comes to mind from your life?   5. Greg said his biggest internal conflict was, “Am I spending my life on the right things?” When have you asked yourself that question?  Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    36 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    As Real As It Gets featuring Blake Hinson and a Live Session with a Football Team

    This two-part episode is for the LEADERS on your team.  Part I: Unlocking the strength behind vulnerability.  The first part is an interview that we did in our class with Blake Hinson, former Pittsburgh basketball player. Blake was first team all ACC and an unbelievable leader who had to lead underclassmen if that team was going to reach its potential. And he goes through that along with his G League journey to the NBA.  Part 1 Listening Guide HERE Part II: Training Camp: Brett Ledbetter facilitates a live session with a football team. (Starts at: 24:21) The second part of the episode is a live presentation with a team. So we're going to take you back to last August, two weeks into training camp with a football team, a coach challenged the leadership council to bring three questions. The three questions asked are questions that every team can relate to. They asked me those three questions in front of the team and I facilitated a discussion based on that.  Question 1: 25:05 Question 2: 30:10 Question 3: 39:12 Part II Listening Guide HERE Books Mentioned in the Episode:  365 Questions To Get to Know Your and Your Team Better Question Based Leadership Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    47 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Leadership Lessons That Made Diana Taurasi the G.O.A.T.

    Brett Ledbetter interviews Diana Taurasi in front of the 2019-20 Oregon Women’s basketball team who entered that season ranked #1 before COVID ended that team’s journey.  Ask your team these two questions:  What are the top three things that could get in the way of your team maximizing its ability?What’s your biggest personal struggle that not many people know about? Download Exercise to Use with Your Team What Drives Winning Teams📘: https://bit.ly/48qtdLy  Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    28 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Turning “What if” to “Even if” Featuring Patric Young

    It’s amazing what a minute can do. One minute can change everything, about everything. This episode will not only warm your heart but it will create an understanding on how to find peace within uncertainty (even when it feels like everything is being taken from you). For more on how to find perspective inside of high performance. What's Really Important📘: https://bit.ly/4aLNuNa  Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    22 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    Pressure, Decisions, and Integrity: Staying True as a Leader featuring Jeremy Foley and Rob Mullens

    In a world where every decision is scrutinized, how do athletic directors stay true to their values? This episode explores the tough calls, high-pressure decisions, and the long-term impact of leadership choices in college athletics.   Questions from the Episode:  1. What are two things you could tactically improve to make you a better listener? 2. When have you ‘fell in love’ with a first impression that turned out to be wrong? 3. Who triggers you most on your staff? Why? And what can you learn about you from that person?  4. What’s your best ‘misplaced anxiety’ story?  Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    31 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    The Time Between Retirement and Irrelevance Is a Nanosecond with Mary Wise and Becky Burleigh

    What nobody tells you about endings in coaching: In this episode, Mary Wise and Becky Burleigh discuss the emotional weight of resignations, the effect on player relationships, and the struggle to maintain authenticity while navigating institutional expectations. Through personal stories, they share the hidden challenges of necessary endings and finding peace after coaching. Reflections from the Episode:  1. You’ve worked 2 decades at a place. You’ve poured your heart and soul into it. You see memorabilia in the trash can after the new regime has taken over as you walk by after being asked to visit them. What symbolism would you draw from that personally?  2. Fast forward to 55 years old. Imagine a family member saying to you, “I’ve never seen you so detached from your phone.” Then, your partner adding to the conversation, “You’ve lived with a perpetual worry face.” What would you think to yourself if that was said to you, about you, that night right before you went to bed? 3. Imagine witnessing a coach who played for that school and then coached at that school, take all of the gear that they’ve received over the years that had the school logo on it to a local Goodwill. What would be going through your mind as you watch that scene?  Download Reflections HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    30 min

  11. EPISODE 11

    A Blueprint for Creating a Team Identity Featuring Doug Lemov

    Have you ever been around a coach that overwhelms their team with information? When you prioritize everything, you prioritize nothing. Brett Ledbetter and Doug Lemov will show you how to create a team identity by highlighting the importance of a glossary, a different way to approach video analysis and how effective cold-calling can create an inclusive team.  Questions from the Episode:  1. Why do you think when coaches use film, 75% of the time they show what it’s not supposed to look like as opposed to what it is supposed to look like?  2. What situation have you seen where a coach was short-term productive versus long-term productive due to their own ego and not what’s best for the athlete’s development?  3. What has been your philosophy on cold-calling team members to answer questions in group settings? After listening to this conversation, have you changed your mind on anything? Or, will you double down on something about your approach?  Download Questions HERE Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    27 min

  12. EPISODE 12

    What Do You Do When Your Best Player Doesn’t Represent the Standard? Featuring Rob Glass and Mouse Holloway

    An NBA coach—who most would consider one of the greatest— asked himself, “Does my way work?” After pausing, he answered, “Who knows? It’s won championships, but it’s also cost me the greatest player in the world because I held the standard.” There’s so much experience that’s laced with humility in that line. The reason you win can also be the reason you lose. Questions from the Episode:  1. When have you knowingly or unknowingly created a double-standard? 2. What situation have you been most fearful to hold the line with? Why?  Newsletter Sign-Up  MORE of What Drives Winning:  → Website: http://whatdriveswinning.com  → Speaking: https://whatdriveswinning.com/about-brett-ledbetter/#speaker  → Books: https://whatdriveswinning.com/shop  → Coaching Lab: https://whatdriveswinning.com/lab

    20 min
  • 12 Episodes

4.6
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

All episodes are recorded in front of a live audience for educational purposes. 

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Ledbetter and Becky Burleigh, What Drives Winning
  • Episodes
    12
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 What Drives Winning
  • Show Website
    What Drives Winning

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