Glue Guys

This is Shane Battier. It’s hard to put into words what Coach Mike Krzyzewski has meant to me, but I’ll try. For four incredible years at Duke University, I learned from a man who redefined leadership, resilience, and what it means to chase excellence. His record speaks for itself—five national championships, 15 Final Four appearances, three Olympic gold medals—but those numbers barely scratch the surface of his impact.

Coach K didn’t just teach me how to play basketball, he challenged me to grow as a leader and a person. He saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. And when I doubted, he reminded me, sometimes with a sharp truth, that I could—and should—rise to the occasion.

In this episode, I’m honored to share some of the lessons, the laughs, and yes, even the hang-up-the-phone moments that defined my time under his guidance. Coach K is more than a basketball legend; he’s a teacher, a motivator, and a lifelong friend. I can’t wait to take you behind the scenes into a world where every play mattered, every standard was upheld, and every day was an opportunity to be better than yesterday.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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This episode is brought to you by Ramp, the financial operation platform that simplifies everything about how businesses spend money and spend their time. You can manage spend approvals, control your expenses, automate your accounting, track your vendor relationships, book your travel and delight your entire workforce with intuitive business software. Ramp enables you to focus all of your attention on what's most important. Get started now and build a more efficient team and a more profitable business, whether you have five employees or 25,000. Go to ramp.com/gg to sign up for free and receive a $250 welcome bonus. 

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:04:47) Developing Elite Players

(00:06:11) Leadership and Accountability

(00:11:57) The Role of Managers

(00:14:00) Adapting to One-and-Done Era

(00:16:04) Standards and Team Culture

(00:25:53) Learning from USA Basketball

(00:39:51) The Impact of Professionalism on Young Athletes

(00:41:11) Coach K's Unwavering Hunger and Drive

(00:42:51) The Importance of Body Language and Enthusiasm

(00:43:53) Recruiting Character Over Talent

(00:45:31) The Changing Landscape of College Sports

(00:50:13) Dealing with Self-Doubt and Failure

(00:55:12) Celebrating Success and Defining Your Own

(01:03:06) Lessons from Coach Knight

(01:08:44) The Glue Guys in Coach K’s Life and Career

From a family of fishermen in southern France to CEO of Instacart – Fidji Simo's path breaks every convention. After becoming her family's first high school graduate and attending France's leading university, she rose to lead the Facebook app before taking the helm at Instacart. She shares how she ‘finds the magic’ in people while delivering incredible outcomes. Beyond business, Fidji opens up about living with a rare genetic disease and how it led her to embrace vulnerability. This discussion is full of strategies for ambitious leaders who want to drive change while staying true to themselves.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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This episode is brought to you by Ramp, the financial operation platform that simplifies everything about how businesses spend money and spend their time. You can manage spend approvals, control your expenses, automate your accounting, track your vendor relationships, book your travel and delight your entire workforce with intuitive business software. Ramp enables you to focus all of your attention on what's most important. Get started now and build a more efficient team and a more profitable business, whether you have five employees or 25,000. Go to ramp.com/gg to sign up for free and receive a $250 welcome bonus. 

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:00:59) Introducing Fidji Simo: From Fishing Village to Tech Leader

(00:02:47) Fidji's Humble Beginnings and Family Influence

(00:05:32) Pursuing Dreams: Education and Early Career

(00:08:36) Support Systems: The Role of Family and Mentors

(00:10:27) Navigating Challenges: From Facebook Rejection to Success

(00:17:11) Leadership Lessons from a Fishing Family

(00:31:27) Breaking Through in Tech: Mentorship and Sponsorship

(00:34:13) Working with Titans: Inside Facebook's Culture

(00:36:16) Navigating Fame and Relatability as a CEO

(00:38:44) Transitioning to Instacart: Challenges and Objectives

(00:40:07) Implementing New Strategies for Growth

(00:42:50) Personal Health Struggles and Professional Resilience

(00:47:12) The Importance of Acceptance and Finding Joy

(00:51:41) Cultivating a Growth Mindset

(01:00:41) Building Strong Relationships and Team Dynamics

(01:05:40) Unsung Heroes

Is confidence something you're born with or something you build? Alex, Shane, and Ravi challenge the stereotype of the naturally confident leader through raw stories of their own moments of self-doubt. The conversation speaks to the surprising truth that many top athletes and business leaders experience profound insecurity, but what sets them apart is their ability to grow confidence through deliberate practice. Learn how elite performers actually build unshakeable confidence, not from some innate superpower, but through specific actions that anyone can learn.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:00:33) Losing Confidence: When and Why

(00:00:57) Shane's Peak Confidence in China

(00:03:23) Athletes and Insecurity

(00:06:22) The Peter Principle and Career Growth

(00:07:07) Founders and Resilience

(00:18:18) Leadership in Crisis

(00:27:59) Jared Goff's Redemption and Leadership

(00:28:41) Personal Experiences of Overcoming Challenges

(00:29:07) Supporting Teammates Through Tough Times

(00:32:14) The Power of Affirmation and Social Judgment

(00:33:15) Balancing Criticism and Celebration

(00:35:04) The Importance of Believing in Others

(00:38:18) Shane Battier's Journey: From Despair to Triumph

(00:46:24) The Role of Leadership in Building Confidence

What does it take to be the player every championship team needs? Shane Battier’s journey from a suburban outcast to hoisting NBA championship trophies is a masterclass in discipline, adaptability, and leadership. In this episode, Shane shares the secrets behind his two NBA championships, life-changing lessons from Coach K at Duke, and the experience of playing alongside legends like LeBron James. From mastering the mental side of the game to embracing the unglamorous (but essential) art of doing the dirty work, Shane reveals how the right mindset, preparation, and selflessness can transform your team—and your life.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:00:32) Fine System and Las Vegas Mishap

(00:06:37) Alex's ESPN Show and Media Aspirations

(00:14:44) Shane's Early Sports Journey

(00:21:54) High School Basketball and College Recruitment

(00:38:04) Legendary Recruiting Stories

(00:39:01) Coach K's Unique Approach

(00:40:33) Setting Boundaries in High School Recruitment

(00:43:33) Choosing Duke Over Other Top Schools

(00:48:18) The Duke Experience and Leadership Lessons

(00:58:01) Transition to the NBA and Culture Shock

(01:07:41) The No-Stat All-Star and Analytics

(01:17:57) Miami Heat Culture and Lebron's Greatness

How do you lead a team of 2.1 million people? Whether you're managing five people or fifty, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon's leadership principles apply at any scale. He joins Glue Guys to share his journey from unloading trucks at Walmart as a teenager to leading a company that makes $1.7 billion in sales daily, serving 240 million customers weekly across 10,500 stores. Doug shares leadership lessons from Sam Walton and from the weekly basketball game he’s played in for four decades. We learn about leading for the long term, being a servant leader, and leading with humility even as your influence expands. 

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:01:17) Doug's Early Career at Walmart

(00:05:48) Walmart's Culture and Values

(00:08:37) Gratitude and Vulnerability in Leadership

(00:18:13) Balancing Work and Family

(00:19:38) Creating Culture at Scale

(00:22:38) Surprise Visits and Sam Walton's Legacy

(00:23:34) Servant Leadership at Walmart

(00:25:29) Handling Pressure and Focusing on Inputs

(00:28:18) Risk-Taking and Decision-Making

(00:31:53) Leadership Qualities and Team Dynamics

(00:37:33) Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

(00:41:31) Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

What drives the most unstoppable leaders? ESPN analyst Jay Bilas takes us inside Coach K's daring early years building Duke's dynasty and shares how a profound lesson about relentlessness changed his understanding of greatness. From behind-the-scenes stories of culture-building to candid insights on today's evolving college sports landscape with NIL, he challenges listeners to examine their own pursuit of excellence. Through hard-earned wisdom as a player, coach, lawyer, and broadcaster, Bilas demonstrates how authentic leadership requires not just talent, but an unwavering commitment to making everyone around you elevate their game.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:01:03) A Legend On and Off the Court

(00:02:46) Jay Billis' European Basketball Career

(00:04:47) The Toughest Player: John Ebeling

(00:08:47) Choosing Duke and Coach K

(00:11:41) The Iconic 1992 Kentucky Game

(00:19:02) Advice on Leadership and Career Choices

(00:28:45) Facing Unpopularity for Independent Thinking

(00:29:22) Early NCAA Involvement and Policy Critique

(00:30:47) Transition to Broadcasting and Legal Safety Net

(00:31:47) Law School Lessons and Policy Criticism

(00:33:16) Current Landscape of College Basketball

(00:35:45) Financial Implications and Revenue Distribution

(00:40:18) Gambling in College Sports

(00:42:59) Building Duke Basketball's Competitive Culture

(00:47:48) Coach K's Leadership and Team Dynamics

(00:56:13) Recognizing the Glue Guys

Can saying ‘happy birthday’ really transform team culture? Alex, Shane, and Ravi explore the power of "uncommon sense" - those simple but profound leadership practices that are rarely implemented despite their obvious impact. From Jim Harbaugh's birthday messages to every member of his team to Alex Smith's mentorship of Patrick Mahomes, the guys break down why the small moments are what build the winning cultures. It’s the common sense principles that are often the most powerful - if we can sustain the discipline to apply them daily. 

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:01:06) On the Road: Carlsbad, California

(00:02:43) Shane's Talk at Morgan Stanley

(00:03:44) The Power of Simple Wisdom

(00:06:34) Valuing the Little Things

(00:10:39) Jim Harbaugh's Birthday Tradition

(00:22:17) Wise Words and Team Cohesion

(00:30:52) Everyday Courage and Leadership

(00:31:32) The Importance of Trust in Teams

(00:32:23) Overcoming Personal Bias and Fear

(00:33:12) The Role of Strategy and Cohesiveness

(00:33:54) Mentorship and Long-Term Goals

(00:35:19)Personal Stories of Trust and Mentorship

(00:43:37) The Value of Gratitude and Self-Improvement

(00:54:18) Parallels Between Sports and Business

(00:55:59) Parenting Lessons and Final Thoughts

What's the real game you're playing with your money? “Psychology of Money” author Morgan Housel joins Glue Guys to talk about the importance of running your own race. He engages Ravi, Shane, and Alex on the topic of ego and how it plays a leading role in wealth dynamics. From pro athlete salaries to the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset to even handling your own money (spoiler: there is no universal right way), the Glue Guys let Morgan peel back the layers. Is there a perfect balance between confidence and humility? Does a mix of the two really even matter? Morgan gives his take on the real keys to happiness.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:01:58) Morgan's Journey to Writing

(00:02:38) The Impact of Ski Racing

(00:04:09) Struggles and Turning Points

(00:05:51) Finding a Voice in Writing

(00:13:15) Balancing Confidence and Humility

(00:21:41) Financial Realities of Pro Athletes

(00:33:03) The Rise of Business Athletes

(00:33:24) The Hunger for Knowledge

(00:33:57) Kobe Bryant's Relentless Drive

(00:35:45) The Feedback Loop in Business

(00:36:46) Debt as a Motivator

(00:46:12) The Importance of Ending on Your Own Terms

(01:04:10) The Role of Social Media in Financial Perception

(01:08:04) The Value of Self-Awareness

What does parenting have to teach us about leadership? How can we help raise the next generation to be the best they can be? It’s a topic our hosts–parents themselves!–are endlessly curious about and this week they’re joined by psychology professor and expert in the science of motivating young people, David Yeager. David’s "mentor mindset" approach explains why the best leaders are neither drill sergeants nor helicopter parents, but rather a coach who believes in his players too much to let them be mediocre. Whether you're raising a teen on an emotional rollercoaster, managing a TikTok-obsessed workforce, or just trying to understand why your toddler needs a philosophical debate to get her pants on, this episode is a lesson in cultivating well-adjusted ambition on any kind of team.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:02:26) The Power of Mindset Interventions

(00:03:55) Meeting Dr. David Yeager

(00:05:51) The Influence of Chip Engelland

(00:08:18) Mentor Mindset Leadership

(00:11:05) Chip's Unique Coaching Philosophy

(00:12:56) Building Trust with Young Players

(00:15:57) Personal Development in the NBA

(00:24:27) Harnessing Stress for Success

(00:34:22) Sweaty Palms and Football Anxiety

(00:35:41) The Concept of Status Precariousness

(00:39:47) Adolescent Predicament and Social Value

(00:41:24) Parenting Challenges and Respect

(00:42:43) Mentor Mindset in Parenting

(00:50:56) Performance Evaluations and Mentor Mindset

(00:55:37) Grocery Store Management and Employee Motivation

(01:06:00) The Power of Do-Overs in Parenting

What is Ravi Gupta's story? Despite Ravi's initial discomfort, Alex and Shane go deep on his life and background. We learn about the family members who shaped him and how his career path has been anything but a straight line. Ravi reflects on how the people around him have always been "demanding and supportive", how it changed his life, and why it's so important for him to live that every day with those around him.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Glue Guys is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Glue Guys, visit https://joincolossus.com/series/glue-guys/. 

Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.

Follow us on Twitter: @GlueGuys_Pod | @JoinColossus

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:04:09) The Napkin Story: How We Met

(00:05:12) Ravi's Family History: From India to America

(00:08:53) Growing Up with High Expectations

(00:14:38) College Days: Duke and Beyond

(00:24:16) Early Career: From McKinsey to KKR

(00:33:18) Reflecting on Career Choices

(00:34:09) Instacart: The Unexpected Opportunity

(00:35:50) The Struggle to Get Noticed

(00:36:48) Persistence Pays Off

(00:41:21) Joining Instacart as CFO

(00:46:57) Turning Instacart Around

(00:53:02) Focus and Innovation

(00:58:26) Unexpected News: Amazon's Big Move

(01:00:30) Instacart's Response: Rallying the Team

(01:01:45) Facing the Giant: Amazon's Acquisition of Whole Foods

(01:04:14) Turning Adversity into Opportunity

(01:08:02) The Bezos Encounter: A Turning Point

(01:12:38) Transition to Sequoia: A New Challenge

(01:15:10) Reflections on Resilience and Growth

(01:25854) The Journey Continues