🎙️ Episode 13 — John McLoughlin: Culture, Leadership, and the All-One Philosophy

Show Summary

In this international edition of The LowDowns, Brent is joined by John McLoughlin, Course Manager at Wallasey Golf Club in England and a fellow Bernhard Delegation alumni. The conversation unpacks John's thoughtful and holistic leadership philosophy—one grounded in empathy, cultural ownership, and constant growth. From his "All-One" team ethos to his personal transformation through failure, John shares a masterclass on building workplace culture without sacrificing balance at home. You’ll also hear about his global travels, unexpected passion for MMA, and deep pride in Everton FC. Tyler Miget joins early to reflect on what made Wallasey such a standout stop on the UK tour.

This episode is packed with introspective storytelling, leadership wisdom, and a shared love for books, growth, and challenging the status quo—on both sides of the Atlantic.

 Top Takeaways

• John champions the “All-One” philosophy: everyone is valued, aligned, and accountable.
• Leadership is built in the first 100 days—set expectations and walk the walk early.
• Work-life balance isn’t a myth—it’s a conscious recalibration rooted in priorities.
• Failure is feedback—John’s growth as a leader came from missteps and reflection.
• The Bernhard Delegation was a life-changing experience, connecting turf pros globally.
• Culture disruption doesn’t have to be loud—sometimes it’s consistent and intentional.
• John draws from books like Legacy and Fish! to build buy-in, loyalty, and joy at work.
• Behind the greens, he’s a devoted Everton supporter, MMA fan, and proud father.
• We share laughs and leadership insight in Four Down Territory (top leadership books).
• As always, we wrap with Two Truths and a Lie, the Fastest 2 Minutes in Podcasting, and a heartfelt outro.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

If you’re looking for a real-world example of how soft skills build hard results, this episode will hit home. John brings emotional intelligence, clarity of purpose, and lived experience to every answer. Whether you're a superintendent, distributor, or aspiring leader, his approach to culture and growth is both inspiring and actionable. A standout episode in the series.

🕒 Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 01:45 —   The RunDowns
• 02:24 —  The BreakDowns
• 05:21 —   The ShowDowns
• 07:08 — Tyler and John Discuss Wallasey
• 16:00 — The Beginnings of the All-One Philosophy & Work-Life Balance
• 23:06 — Personal Development and Understanding Priorities
• 27:03 — Making Plans and Learning from Failures
• 29:23 — The First 100 Days of Change
• 35:45 — How to Measure If You’re Making an Impact
• 39:33 — Career Beginnings and Traveling Around the World
• 45:50 — The Bernhard Delegation
• 52:55 — John Away From the Course
• 57:00 — Liverpool and “Scouse” Culture
• 1:00:30 — Four Down Territory: Best Leadership Books
• 1:08:04 — Two Truths and a Lie
• 1:11:22 — The Fastest 2 Minutes in Podcasting
• 1:18:24 — John’s Final Thoughts and Exit
• 1:25:32 — Downs and Out