In Episode 21, Clyde Best, MBE, former player with West Ham United, Feyenoord, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Portland Timbers, and Toronto Blizzard, former youth coach, former Manager of the Bermuda National Team, and member of the Bermuda Hall of Fame, talks with Phil about how he, as an 18-year-old from Bermuda, overcame racism he experienced as one of the first black players in the English First Division, and what we can learn from him as we address racism in our world today, the best leaders he played with (pretty amazing list), playing against and with Pele, and the importance of nurturing relationships with and gaining respect of your teammates and competitors. Specifically, Clyde discusses:

• His story, his incredible career as a footballer in the 1960s and 70s, and how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership (1:54)
• Clyde’s favorite memories as a footballer (his response may surprise you) (12:51)
• Racism Clyde experienced as one of the first black players in England’s First Division, how he handled the racism leveled against him, and what that teaches us about leading the charge against racism in our world today (15:16)
• The best leaders Clyde played with or against, and what made them such great leaders (31:06)
• What it was like to play against -and- with Pele, including a fun story about what Pele and Babe Ruth have in common (35:46)
• The importance of forming, building, and nurturing relationships in football and in life, and why we should never burn any bridges in our lives (40:25)
• The importance of gaining the respect of our competitors, and how Clyde did that over the course of his career (49:16)

Resources and Links from this Episode

• Clyde Best Foundation
• Uncut Video of the Episode
• HSEL Facebook Group
• Phil and HSEL on Clubhouse -- @phildarke
• The Acid Test: The Autobiography of Clyde Best, by Clyde Best