Performers

#23 The Zen Master’s Playbook: Phil Jackson and the Art of Mindful Leadership


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What does it take to lead some of the greatest teams in NBA history, managing egos as big as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, while creating a culture of unity, mindfulness, and winning? Phil Jackson, known as the Zen Master, built a coaching legacy that transcends basketball and dives deep into human connection, spirituality, and leadership.


Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down Phil Jackson’s 11 Rings, exploring how he turned talented individuals into cohesive, championship-winning teams. From his childhood as a minister's son to his revolutionary use of mindfulness and Native American traditions with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson’s story reveals the deeper power of leadership built on compassion, trust, and shared purpose.


In this episode, you will:

  • Discover how Phil Jackson used mindfulness to cultivate team unity and focus under pressure.

  • Understand how Jackson balanced egos and created a culture where even superstars like Jordan and Kobe learned to lead.

  • Explore the lessons from his innovative use of the triangle offense and his unconventional coaching methods, including the importance of spiritual connection in team success.

  • Join us as we take you inside the mind of one of the greatest coaches in sports history—where success isn’t just about winning, but about fostering a deeper sense of oneness and purpose.


    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Rings-Success-Phil-Jackson/dp/0143125346 


    Socials:

    X -⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc⁠⁠  

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Essence of Teamwork and Love in Sports

    02:09 Phil Jackson's Journey and Coaching Philosophy

    02:51 Phil Jackson's Accomplishments and Influence

    03:36 The Importance of Team Cohesion

    05:47 Phil's Upbringing and the Role of Basketball

    08:19 The Art of Coaching and Player Empowerment

    10:15 Phil's Personal Struggles and Growth

    12:27 Spiritual Exploration and Coaching Philosophy

    14:00 The Triangle Offense and Its Impact

    15:48 Creating a Learning Environment

    17:39 Building a Sanctuary for Team Bonding

    20:24 Empowering Players and Leadership Dynamics

    22:53 Integrating Native American Practices

    25:18 Mindfulness and Team Awareness

    27:44 The Role of Trust in Coaching

    28:58 Strategies for Team Cohesion

    29:12 The Transition to Leadership

    31:05 Mindfulness Practices in Coaching

    33:19 The Impact of Trust and Relationships

    35:18 Navigating Success and Media Pressure

    39:02 Empowering Players Through Structure

    41:42 Navigating Michael Jordan's Transition

    43:35 The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness

    45:33 Managing Unique Personalities: The Case of Dennis Rodman

    49:21 The Last Dance: A Season of Finality

    54:37 Transitioning to the Lakers: New Challenges

    01:00:27 Kobe Bryant: Balancing Individual Ambition and Team Cohesion

    01:06:24 The Power of Non-Action in Leadership

    01:11:23 Building Trust and Team Spirit

    01:16:08 Reflections on Coaching and Personal Growth


    ...more
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    PerformersBy Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young

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