In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Alan Stein Jr.—keynote speaker, performance coach, and former NBA trainer—to unpack what elite athletes and elite entrepreneurs have in common. Alan has trained superstars like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, and now he helps business leaders unlock that same mindset, discipline, and execution in their companies.

We dive deep into the routines and rituals that build resilience, the three key questions every leader should ask themselves daily, and how to narrow your focus to what truly moves the needle. Alan doesn't just talk theory—he delivers tactical tools you can use to become a better leader, communicator, and high-performance operator. Whether you're running a team, scaling a company, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode will push you to elevate your game.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:10] - Alan's background training NBA stars and what he learned from them

[6:00] - Why the best don't rise to the occasion—they fall to their level of training

[9:00] - The three questions every leader should ask themselves daily

[12:40] - The power of habits: structure, simplicity, and sustainability

[16:10] - Building a "CEO warm-up" to prep for high-impact leadership days

[20:00] - Why emotional regulation separates good from great leaders

[24:30] - Alan's rule of one: do one thing, for one person, to make one moment better

[28:00] - "Be where your feet are": mastering presence as a superpower

[32:40] - Personal stories from training elite athletes that apply directly to business

[36:00] - Why clarity beats hustle—and how to get both

5 Key Takeaways

1. You Don't Rise to the Occasion—You Fall to Your Training – Preparation and repetition are what elevate performance under pressure, not adrenaline.

2. Daily Questions Drive Self-Awareness – "What's one thing I can do well today?" is more powerful than any to-do list.

3. Habits Build Confidence – Structured routines create momentum and calm in chaotic environments.

4. Presence Is a Power Tool – Being fully engaged in the current moment increases leadership impact exponentially.

5. Master the Fundamentals – Whether in basketball or business, consistency in the basics beats flash every time.

Links & Resources

• 📘 AlanSteinJr.com – Book Alan for keynotes or coaching

• The Raise Your Game Show – https://alansteinjr.com/podcast/

• ExploreCG.com

If this episode helped sharpen your mindset or gave you new tools to lead stronger, go ahead and follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And share it with someone on your team who's ready to play at the next level.