How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast

In Episode 7, Jordan Gardner, Chairman of the Board and Co-Owner of FC Helsingor and finalist for the Best Executive at the World Football Summit Industry Awards, talks with Phil about cross-cultural leadership, a posture of learning, recruiting and player development, what makes a great manager, and other aspects of successfully owning and running a football club in Europe. Specifically, he discusses: His story and his journey from playing soccer in California to owning multiple European soccer

In our Season 1 Halftime Show (a/k/a Episode 6), Phil and Ryan (yes, Ryan is finally back in the studio) expand on some of the topics covered by our guests, Paul Jobson, Pete Kipley, Amanda Cromwell, and Eric Pfeiffer, in the first four interviews of the podcast, including:   Overcoming adversity and permission to fail (2:40) Coaching against the negative vs. coaching towards a positive (8:35) The critical role of college coaches in the development of their team as players and people (11:34) The

In Episode 5, Eric Pfeiffer, Founder and Senior Consultant of MPWR Coaching and Collegiate Soccer Player, talks with Phil about emotional intelligence, dealing with insecurities, self-love, permission to fail, the journey of growth, and conflict resolution. Specifically, he discusses: His story and how his experience playing soccer intersects with other areas of his life and leadership (2:05) Emotional intelligence and why it is critical to success in soccer and leading others in any area of life

In Episode 4 of How Soccer Explains Leadership, Amanda Cromwell, Head Coach of UCLA Women’s Soccer, Former National Team member and coach, former pro footballer, and Olympic Gold Medalist, talks with Phil about vulnerability, recruiting, pursuing justice, and infectious influence. More specifically, she covers: Her experience in soccer and leadership from her club career, to University of VA, to some other cool stuff, to her current position at UCLA. (1:46) The most memorable leaders she has played

In Episode 3 of How Soccer Explains Leadership, Pete Kipley, Founder of Bolta Soccer, and Music Producer and Songwriter, talks with Phil about how his decades of experience in the music industry intersects with his new life running an indoor soccer training facility, and how both inform his life and leadership. More specifically, he discusses: His story of how soccer and leadership have influenced his life and how he ended up leaving the music industry to start an indoor facility. (1:43) His

In Episode 2 of How Soccer Explains Leadership, Paul Jobson, Head Coach of Baylor Women’s Soccer, talks with Phil about his coaching philosophy, identity formation, shaping culture, and how he uses lessons from soccer in his life and leadership. Specific topics covered in this episode: His story of how soccer and leadership have influenced his life, how he ended up coaching at Baylor, and how he’s the second best footballer in his marriage. (1:26) Paul’s coaching philosophy that has led Baylor to

In Episode 1, Phil and Ryan share their stories and what led them to start this podcast. They talk about their leadership experience, their families, and how they fell in love with soccer and Manchester United. They also give a sneak peek into topics that they will be covering in future podcasts, and how studying the intersection of soccer, life, and leadership will help you to flourish in virtually every area of your life. And for the global audience, they also cover why the title uses "soccer"

Is soccer just a game that we play and watch to give us a break from reality?   Or does it actually teach us lessons about life and leadership?   We tackle these questions, and a whole lot more on the How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast, which explores life and leadership principles through the lens of the beautiful game.  You can download new episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts, and you can learn more about the show at