In Part 1 of our conversation with Rett Larson, we dive into the global perspective he brings to the strength and conditioning world. Rett has worked with elite athletes across multiple continents, including his role with the Chinese women's national volleyball team—a team with a cultural presence and history that goes far beyond the sport itself. He talks about the challenge and importance of not overhauling what already works, and instead finding ways to integrate new ideas without disrupting a winning formula. From cultural expectations to coaching philosophy, Rett explains how humility and adaptability are key when stepping into an unfamiliar system.

We also get into the differences between coaching in the United States and abroad, including how American "rah rah" intensity is sometimes seen as over the top. Rett shares how his own beliefs around training were challenged by working with athletes and coaches who didn't necessarily agree with the so-called sacred cows of Western programming. There's plenty of insight here for anyone who wants to expand their coaching lens and learn how to gain trust in new environments. Whether you're just starting out or have been coaching for years, this part of the conversation lays a strong foundation for what's coming in Part 2.