On this episode of The Sea Captain Leadership Podcast, host Phil Bender sits down with Danny Kenny—leadership and performance coach, behavioral scientist, former college soccer player, and facilitator with organizations such as Inspirecore and the McChrystal Group.

Danny’s story is one of identity, resilience, and meaning. After years of defining himself through athletic performance, the end of his playing career sparked a profound personal transition. That journey led him into the world of behavioral science, human performance, and leadership development—ultimately shaping a mission to help others “unlock their lives” and pursue aligned, purposeful success.

Together, Phil and Danny explore how performance is built, how identity evolves, and how leaders can move from striving to living with intention, authenticity, and clarity.

How Danny’s early experiences in sports shaped his view of teamwork, discipline, and leadership—and how those lessons became the foundation of his coaching approach.

Danny shares why he pursued a PhD to understand why people act the way they do—and how research-based insight informs real, human-centered development.

A look at Danny’s approach to designing learning experiences—from intentional agendas to behavioral systems—and why structure matters in real change.

When the cheering stops, many athletes face a loss of direction. Danny opens up about his own transition and how that experience now fuels his work helping others navigate major life and career shifts.

We discuss the shift from high performance to aligned performance—where success is not just measured, but felt.

Danny shares how he helps individuals reconnect to meaning, values, and self-leadership.

Danny reflects on the projects that inspire him today—from coaching leadership teams to writing his Seeking Wisdom newsletter—and shares his vision for helping people make work more human, fulfilling, and alive.

• Performance isn’t just skill—it’s identity, purpose, and environment.
• True growth happens when we ask who we are becoming, not just what we’re achieving.
• Learning design shapes behavior change; change doesn’t happen by accident.
• Transitions are invitations—opportunities to redefine what matters most.
• Leadership begins with self-awareness and expands outward through intentional influence.

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