From Athlete to Coach: Leadership Lessons

After a setback, what separates elite performers from everyone else? In this episode, David Sammel and Stefanie Teichmann unpack how resilient leaders turn challenges into growth. Learn how empathy, bravery, and self-awareness create stronger teams and sharper decision-making under pressure, from the locker room to the boardroom. 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for elite-level mindset frameworks that help you lead and bounce back like a pro. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:59 – How Top Athletes Bounce Back Fast 10:42 – Why Off-Field Life Drives Performance 22:01 – Nurturing Young Talent and Bravery 30:05 – From Sports to Business Insights 35:19 – Key Takeaways  37:00 – Final Wrap-Up “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #ResilientTeams #AuthenticLeadership #AthleteToExecutive #ConfidenceUnderPressure #BusinessPerformance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the title disappears, who are you as a leader? Stefanie Teichmann shares how leaving global brands like McKinsey, Nike, and Google sparked a deeper journey into self-awareness, courage, and authentic leadership. From trusting your gut to leading through AI-driven change, she reveals how clarity and adaptability define high-performance leadership today. 🎧 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for more lessons on confidence and leadership under pressure. #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #BusinessGrowth #TransformationalLeadership #AIinBusiness Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Career Journey: McKinsey → Nike → Coca-Cola → Google 03:53 – Pivotal Career Moments 12:01 – Decision-Making Models 13:45 – Trusting Gut Feelings 16:36 – Leading Under Pressure 26:42 – AI Strategy & Mindset 35:58 – Mentors & Leadership Lessons 44:57 – Advice for Emerging Leaders 46:22 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser 👉 Subscribe now for weekly insights on mindset and leadership. 👉 Explore more insights at https://www.davidsammel.com 👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel 👉 Follow on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel 👉 Join the conversation: https://x.com/DaveSammel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every leader starts as a beginner.  In this solo episode, David Sammel reveals why bravery, failure, and delegating to star players define authentic leadership. Learn how pressure-tested decision-making frameworks and a high-performance mindset fuel business success. From athlete to executive, discover how clarity → decisions → results creates the ultimate founder playbook. Subscribe now and start building confidence under pressure. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction  1:09 – The Myth of Instant Expertise 8:07 – Closing Thoughts “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipUnderPressure #HighPerformanceMindset #ConfidenceUnderPressure #AuthenticLeadership #FounderPlaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if success scares you more than failure? In this reverse interview, David unpacks how fear of success blocks leaders and athletes, and why self-awareness and emotional intelligence create lasting growth. Discover how to reframe failure, build resilient team culture, and embrace the mindset shifts that fuel performance in sport and business. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Hot Seat Setup 01:04 – David’s Mindset Shifts and Self-Awareness 12:08 – Fear of Success and Mental Blocks 21:08 – Book Recommendations & Coaching Lessons 31:40 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Get your freebie from Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z Book a Session with Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformanceMindset #AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamCulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What transforms athletes into resilient leaders? David Sammel and Delmont Madison explore emotional well-being, mentorship, and life transitions that shape peak performance. From pivotal personal moments to the power of guidance, they reveal lessons that sharpen decision-making and build confidence under pressure. Discover how athlete experiences translate into leadership strategies that inspire, strengthen teams, and unlock long-term success. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 0:39 – Meet Delmont Madison 3:06 – Transition from Athlete to Professional Basketball 4:40 – Emotional Well-Being Drives Peak Performance 13:57 – Family & Mentors Who Shaped Leadership 19:47 – Pivotal Life Event That Changed His Path 24:31 – Building Athletes Compass with Dr. Charles 27:11 – Superpowers & Beliefs Behind Their Coaching Approach 34:18 – Preview: Delmont Interviews David (Reverse Interview) 35:26 – A Message to Athletes & Leaders Everywhere 37:43 – Closing Reflections “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Get your freebie from Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z Book a Session with Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #AthleteDevelopment #PeakPerformance #LeadershipMatters #MindsetMastery #EmotionalWellbeing #BusinessGrowth #TheAthletesCompass #LockerRoomPower Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your greatest business edge isn’t working harder, but reflecting deeper? In this episode of Locker Room Power, Olympic coach David Sammel unpacks the Clarity Advantage, why deep reflection fuels sharper decision-making, stronger leadership, and business growth without distraction. Discover why comparison holds you back, and take on David’s challenge: start with 10 minutes of reflection each week to unlock clarity. Timetamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – Sitting With Yourself & Reflecting 03:54 – Reflection vs. Meditation 06:06 – The Clarity Advantage & David’s Challenge 07:46 – Next Episode Preview: Delmont Madison 08:20 – Partner Shoutout: Redvanly “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipMindset #ClarityAdvantage #HighPerformanceLeadership #DecisionMaking #BusinessGrowth #SelfAwareness #PerformancePsychology #ReflectionForGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the real strength of leadership wasn’t about control, but about listening, adapting, and guiding others with clarity? In this inspiring episode of the Locker Room Power podcast, David Sammel reflects on his own journey as a coach and leader. From the lessons he wishes he could give his 16-year-old self, to the mentors who shaped his career, David reveals why humility, adaptability, and communication matter more than tactics. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mentorship Accelerates Growth – The right mentor provides clarity, accountability, and belief that fuels confidence. 2. Adaptability Creates Lasting Impact – Strong principles are vital, but leaders thrive when they evolve with challenges and people. 3. Communication Builds Trust – Asking better questions and listening deeply creates alignment and stronger relationships. 🎯 If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build teams that perform under pressure, this episode will show you what matters most. Timestamps 01:00 - Introduction 01:22 - David’s Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self 09:34 - How Coaching Experience Changed David’s Perspective 15:12 - Evolution in Tennis and Coaching Styles 20:09 - Adapting Coaching for Modern Players 24:23 - Freedom and Responsibility in Coaching 28:12 - Balancing Principles with Player Identity 33:33 - Lessons Every Young Coach Should Learn 37:00 - The Importance of Communication and Questioning 40:07 - Guest Suggestions & Closing Remarks “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipMindset, #CoachingEvolution, #MentorshipInBusiness, #PeakPerformance, #BusinessLeadership, #CommunicationForLeaders, #LeadershipGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the key to great leadership wasn’t talent or strategy, but belief, mentorship, and resilience? In this episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, Ian MacDonald, Head of Performance Tennis at the University of Bath, shares lessons from his coaching journey that go beyond the court. He reveals how small goals lead to big wins, why authentic mentorship matters more than instructions, and how embracing setbacks fuels growth. Along the way, Ian reflects on personal challenges, family support, and the mindset shifts that transformed him from a coach into a leader who inspires champions, on and off the court. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Belief and Mentorship Drive Success: Growth comes from trusting potential and offering authentic guidance. 2. Resilience Fuels High Performance: Setbacks become progress when leaders stay solutions-focused. 3. Relationships Build Winning Teams: Trust, communication, and care form the core of high performance. Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Ian MacDonald 02:43 – Mentors Who Shaped Ian’s Approach 07:25 – Family Support in Coaching and Life 17:12 – Evolution of Ian’s Coaching Philosophy 24:03 – Lessons from the Underdog Mindset 29:51 – How Small Goals Lead to Big Wins 33:55 – Leadership, Family, and Career Choices 38:03 – Ian’s Beliefs and Coaching Superpowers 41:06 – Positivity, Potential, and Player Development 46:55 – Reflections on Success, Failure, and Growth 54:11 – Closing Thoughts and Next Episode “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingExcellence #HighPerformanceMindset #ResilientLeadership #TeamBuilding #PerformanceCoaching #PersonalDevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the secret to winning—whether in sport or business—wasn’t talent, luck, or even hard work, but clarity? In this episode of Locker Room Power, performance coach David Sammel explores the clarity advantage—the power of having a simple, unwavering game plan. Drawing lessons from Novak Djokovic’s approach to Wimbledon, decades of coaching experience, and business giants like Nike and Amazon, discover why clarity consistently separates champions from the rest. Key takeaways: Champions succeed by sticking to a clear plan and making only subtle adjustments under pressure. In business, simplicity in message and customer experience—like Amazon’s one-click buying—creates lasting success. Complexity is the enemy of performance. Audit your systems, communication, and leadership to make clarity your edge. If complexity is killing your performance, clarity may be the competitive edge you’ve been missing. Timestamps 00:00 The Clarity Advantage & Djokovic’s Game Plan 01:34 Winners vs. Lesser Players 03:30 Business Examples of Clarity in Action 04:00 The Dangers of Complexity  04:45 David’s Leadership Advice 05:42 Next Episode Preview  “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if you reached the end of your life and realized the only things you regretted were the moments you didn’t follow your gut? In this inspiring episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, David opens up about life’s biggest questions, from regret and instinct to travel and guilty pleasures. Discover why he sees regret as “arrogant,” the unexpected cities that stole his heart—from Santiago’s vibrant charm to the Algarve’s tranquil beauty—and the life lesson he learned from a missed moment of instinctive kindness. Key takeaways: Trust your gut instincts, even when fear of judgment holds you back. Travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about finding places that feel like home. Balance discipline with life’s simple pleasures for lasting happiness. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:15 – David’s Travel Experiences and Favorite Cities 5:54 – David’s Holiday Home Preferences 8:03 – David’s Reflections on Travel and Family 13:35 – David's Reflections on Regret and Gut Instincts 15:22 – David's Family and Communication Challenges 16:28 – David's Guilty Pleasures and Food Preferences 20:47 – David's Balance Between Discipline and Indulgence 23:19 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Book a Consultation with David https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: ⁠https://www.redvanly.com/⁠ Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations—subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices