This special Best of September edition of Beyond Coaching brings together some of the most eye-opening and practical conversations we’ve had this month. From the sidelines of youth sports to the leadership labs of the Naval Academy, each guest shared powerful stories and truths that speak directly to the challenges coaches and leaders face every day.

We kick things off with Mitch Hull of the 3D Institute, who challenges how we think about parents in youth sports. Then, Jamy Bechler joins us with a dose of real-world coaching leadership that bridges theory and the chaos of daily decisions. And finally, Jim McNeil from the U.S. Naval Academy offers a look inside how future leaders are forged—not just through wins, but through failure.

[1:16] – Are parents the problem—or just a symptom? Mitch Hull reframes the youth sports narrative.

[4:19] – Playing time is king: What most parent complaints are really about—and why it matters.

[6:00] – Why 70% of kids quit sports before high school. It's not about the scoreboard—it’s about what we model.

[8:16] – “Simple, not easy”: Jamy Bechler on how leadership breaks down when the day gets messy.

[10:51] – Twelve walk in, not two: A surprise team meeting tests Jamy’s leadership approach in real time.

[14:08] – The Naval Academy as a leadership lab: Jim McNeil on how midshipmen judge adults by their leadership.

[17:24] – Permission to fail: Why the Academy pushes high achievers to fail early, reflect deeply, and grow fast.

• Mitch Hull – 3D Institute
• Jamy Bechler – jamybechler.com
• Jim McNeal – Author of Crucibles
• Learn more at impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com

If this episode challenged or inspired you, I’d love it if you’d share it with another coach, leader, or parent. Be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode. Thanks for being part of the Impactful Coaching Project!

Rob Miller is a speaker of Proactive Coaching. Proactive Coaching (https://proactivecoach) works with coaches, teams and leaders of industry to help intentionally create character-based team cultures, provide a blueprint for team leadership, develop confident, tough-minded, fearless competitors, and train leaders for excellence and significance.

Miller shares his experiences in transformational coaching and the impact it has on student athletes. He highlights the importance of building purpose and creating a positive team culture to achieve success. Miller also delves into the challenges coaches face at both the micro and macro levels and provides insights on how to overcome them. He discusses the changing landscape of coaching and the need for coaches to be intentional in their approach. Additionally, Miller explores the unique characteristics of Generation Z athletes and how technology and COVID have shaped their experiences. He also examines the difference between pressure and stress in athletics and the role of empathy in developing resilience and grit in athletes. Finally, Miller emphasizes the importance of being demanding without being demeaning and fostering trust and connection with athletes.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project. The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.

Dustin Galyon is the co-founder of "The Impactful Coaching Project" is a celebrated and award winning speaker in coach. As a collegiate coach, he spent a decade coaching college basketball and is now a college golf coach. In both sports, he lead his teams to unprecedented heights. He is also a nationally recognized speaker who speaks on topics of leadership, faith, customer service, and culture.

This podcast episode delves into the importance of understanding and embracing generational differences in coaching and leadership. The hosts, with guest Dustin, reflect on their own failures and learning experiences, and how these shaped their approach to coaching Generation Z. They discuss the changes in coaching styles and strategies needed to effectively connect with this generation, emphasizing the significance of empathy, grit, and process-oriented coaching. The conversation highlights the need for coaches to adapt and meet the unique needs and motivations of Generation Z athletes, and to focus on creating a cohesive team environment. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth as leaders, as well as the transformative power of understanding and valuing the individuals we coach.

Beyond Coaching is a podcast of the Impactful Coaching Project. The Impactful Coaching Project seeks to develop coaches that coach the whole person. ICP is the thought leader in coaching the 21st century athlete and produces training, information, and original research to help coaches develop. It is done in partnership with Friends University in Wichita, KS. For more information, check out https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com/.