In this special episode, hosts Dr. Kutz and Dr. Konin, along with guest Chris Konin, delve into the essentials of leadership acquired through military training. Chris, a proud West Point graduate, shares the critical aspects of effective leadership, stressing that there is no secret sauce but rather a focus on consistency and mastery of fundamentals. The discussion covers the importance of knowing and understanding your team, balancing work-life dynamics, and the pitfalls of pride and lack of continuous learning. The episode offers practical advice for leaders both within and outside the military environment.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:05 Special Guest Introduction

02:37 Key Leadership Insights from Military Training

03:55 Consistency and Motivation in Leadership

05:41 Understanding and Motivating Your Team

08:08 Authenticity and Competence in Leadership

17:01 Pitfalls of Bad Leadership

19:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating Career Growth through FIU's DAT Program: A Conversation with Dr. Steve WalzIn this episode, hosts Drs. Matt Kutz and Jeff Konin welcome Dr. Steve Walz, a Florida AT Hall of Famer and a prominent figure in athletic health, to discuss his journey through higher education and his experience in the Doctorate of Athletic Training (DAT) program at FIU. Dr. Walz shares his motivations for enrolling in the DAT program despite having a well-established career, the challenges he faced with new technologies and returning to academia after 27 years, and the pivotal role the program played in his career transition. The conversation delves into how the program's focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and administrative skills, rather than clinical techniques, helped Dr. Walz create new professional opportunities, including his current role in the College of Medicine at USF Health and his consulting business, Athletic Medicine Consulting.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:25 Deciding to Pursue a DAT03:08 Challenges and Learning Curves06:31 The Importance of Cohorts13:04 Curriculum and Career Impact16:30 Entrepreneurship and New Opportunities22:36 Creating a New Role24:34 Consulting Business Pitch26:36 Closing Remarks

Kutz & Konin Talk DAT and Leadership with Dr. Andrea KovalskyJoin Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin as they explore leadership, professional growth, and the ever-evolving world of athletic training. From practical strategies in healthcare and education to insights on personal development, this podcast delivers engaging conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip listeners to excel in their careers and lives. Hosted by two leaders in the profession and faculty in the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at Florida International University, each episode blends experience, expertise, and actionable advice for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing their potential.

Kutz&Konin Talk DAT with Dr. Antonella Filippo (in Paraguay)Join Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin as they explore leadership, professional growth, and the ever-evolving world of athletic training. From practical strategies in healthcare and education to insights on personal development, this podcast delivers engaging conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip listeners to excel in their careers and lives. Hosted by two leaders in the profession and faculty in the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at Florida International University, each episode blends experience, expertise, and actionable advice for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing their potential.

Jim Clover DAT, ATC answers life's big questionsJoin Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin as they explore leadership, professional growth, and the ever-evolving world of athletic training. From practical strategies in healthcare and education to insights on personal development, this podcast delivers engaging conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip listeners to excel in their careers and lives. Hosted by two leaders in the profession and faculty in the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at Florida International University, each episode blends experience, expertise, and actionable advice for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing their potential.

Season 2 Episode 2— “Work–Life… Balance? (Why We Prefer Harmony & Integration)”

Hosts: Dr. Matthew R. Kutz & Dr. Jeff Konin
Length: ~36 min
Theme: A candid, personal look at how two busy academics/leaders design lives they’re proud of—at work and at home—without pretending “balance” is one-size-fits-all.

Matt and Jeff unpack why the phrase work–life balance makes them groan—and what they aim for instead: priorities, harmony, and integration. They open up about grandparenting joy, philanthropy (Matt’s new prostate-cancer nonprofit), heavy travel seasons, writing books (serious and humorous), and building careers that don’t cost you your family. Along the way: modeling entrepreneurship as professors, the power of team chemistry, and why “multitasking” is a myth they’ll tackle in a future episode.

• 00:00 – Cold open: Why “work–life balance” isn’t quite right

• 01:00 – Priorities over balance: Harmony & integration as the target

• 01:30 – Battle for the Bulge: Matt’s 501(c)(3) + 5K update (~$20K raised)

• 03:30 – Grandparent life: Joy, perspective, and saying yes to family

• 04:05 – On sharing the journey: Using vulnerability to connect and help

• 06:36 – Matt’s cancer memoir: Diagnosed: It’s Not Your Battle to Fight Alone

• 07:45 – Fall travel blitz: Guatemala (COPAMEDE), Dublin (WFATT World Congress)

• 08:10 – Jeff’s talks in Dublin: Cannabis education & global student trips

• 10:45 – Essential Skills project: Soft/“essential” skills book + invite-only summit

• 12:40 – Global speaking: Bern, Switzerland with alum Ron Corson

• 14:56 – Australia plans: Matt’s Griffith University workshops on Contextual Intelligence

• 16:30 – Careers without sacrifice: You can love work and home

• 18:10 – New book drop: Matt’s Becoming EPIC (excellence, perception, inspiration, compassion) + audiobook narration lessons

• 20:27 – Jeff’s humor book: What Passenger Are You? (a flyer’s etiquette self-assessment)

• 25:43 – Creative outlets as stress relief: Children’s stories for grandkids

• 28:06 – “How do you do it all?” Wiring, seasons, and realistic trade-offs

• 30:49 – Chemistry matters: Why their partnership works

• 34:40 – Future topic: Multitasking myths

• 35:50 – Close: Everything and nothing—and loving both

Season 2, Episode 1 — “Why a DAT? Rethinking ‘Advanced Practice’ in Athletic Training”

Hosts: Dr. Matthew R. Kutz & Dr. Jeff Konin
Length: ~30 min
Theme: Season kickoff + a candid conversation about leadership preparation in athletic training, what a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) can (and can’t) do for your career, and why “advanced practice” is bigger than clinical skills.

Matt and Jeff launch Season 2 by reframing the DAT as purposeful, future-focused development—especially in leadership, entrepreneurship, global perspective, and strategic management. They unpack common reasons clinicians hesitate to pursue a DAT (time, money, unclear ROI, employer recognition) and explain how the right program can expand options you can’t yet see. They also challenge the notion that “advanced practice” only means more clinical techniques—and argue it must include the managerial, strategic, and business capabilities that most promotions actually require. The episode closes with a PSA on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

• 00:00 – Welcome back: Season 2 vibe, format changes, occasional guests

• 01:25 – The big question: “Why should anyone get a DAT?”

• 03:10 – Purpose over boxes: Designing your DAT around goals, not CEU checklists

• 04:47 – It’s personal: The hidden upside of doctoral study (skills you didn’t know you needed)

• 07:02 – Time reality check: “What do I do with all this time now?”—grads after finishing

• 11:51 – The barrier list: Money, unclear advancement, employer recognition, alternatives, delivery myths, uncertainty, “I’m satisfied”

• 15:35 – Domain 5 debate: Why leadership/management gets 8% of focus but 80% of your day

• 19:31 – Leadership ≠ management: The skills schools protect students from (but jobs demand)

• 23:00 – Defining ‘advanced practice’: Beyond “eight ways to test an ACL”

• 27:58 – The promotion paradox: The higher you go, the less clinical you do

• 28:46 – Lightbulb moment: Most aspirations lead outside direct clinical work

• 29:45 – PSA: September = Prostate Cancer Awareness—get your PSA screened

Ep. 41 . So, You're Overqualified?Hosts: Dr. Matt Kutz & Dr. Jeff Konin
Episode Type: Listener Topic Request

Topic: What to do when you're told you’re "overqualified" during a job interview.

In this special listener-requested episode, Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin dive into the complexities of being labeled "overqualified" in job interviews. Drawing from their combined experience on dozens of search committees, they explore what this label really means, why it's used, and how candidates can navigate it with confidence and transparency. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking a career change or someone who just heard this term in a rejection email, this episode is packed with candid insights and practical takeaways.

00:00 – Introduction

• Welcome from Matt and Jeff

• First ever listener-submitted topic!

• Today’s question: What do you do when you’re told you're overqualified?

Realities of Hiring Committees

• Jeff and Matt’s experience on numerous search committees

• The meaning behind “overqualified” from a hiring perspective

Salary Expectations & Value Perception

• Overqualified = high salary expectations

• Why employers may avoid hiring someone they can't compensate fairly

The Psychological Barrier

• What does willingness to take a lesser role signal?

• Risk of appearing desperate or undervaluing oneself

Personal Reasons for Applying

• Spouses, family care, relocations — legit but risky if not communicated clearly

• The “Catch-22” of transparency

Employer Concerns About Retention

• High cost of hiring, onboarding, and turnover

• Fear of interim hires jumping ship

The Influence of the Gig Economy

• Jeff shares his battle with peer reviewers over acknowledging gig economy shifts

• Job-hopping is the new normal

The Role of Intimidation

• Some managers fear hiring someone more qualified than themselves

• The challenge of fit vs. threat

A Personal Anecdote from Kutz

• Interviewing for a summer job despite advanced qualifications

• Transparency and reasonable expectations won the job

Coaching & Athletic Analogy

• Turnover in coaching parallels modern job market trends

• Overqualification seen as a risk rather than an asset

Fit vs. Overqualification

• Sometimes “overqualified” is code for “not a good fit”

• Employers and applicants both play word games

Transparency, Self-Awareness, and Storytelling

• Why applicants need to own their narrative

• Proactive explanation is key

Real Talk About the Academic Job Market

• Being too advanced limits opportunities

• Recognizing the shrinking market as your expertise grows

Final Advice

• If you’re overqualified and know it, address it upfront in the interview

• Coach your references to reinforce your message

Wrap-Up

• The value of transparency and self-awareness

• See “overqualified” as an opportunity to tell your story — not a rejection

• “Overqualified” isn’t always a negative label — but it can signal concerns.

• Always be transparent about your motivations and goals.

• Fit, self-awareness, and proactive communication matter more than titles.

• Use references to reinforce your narrative and credibility.

Have a topic you want Matt & Jeff to cover on the Leadercast? Email us or drop your idea on our socials!

Kouts & Konin Leadercast – Where Real Leadership Gets Real.

FIU DAT Website

Episode Title: Imagining The Future: Finding Direction in Leadership and Life

Hosts: Dr. Matt Kutz & Dr. Jeff Konin

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Kutz & Konin LeaderCast, Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin dive into the concept of Know Your Where—a leadership and personal development philosophy that challenges us to think beyond Know Your Why and embrace a future-focused mindset. Inspired by Dr. Konin’s work and keynote addresses, this discussion explores how leaders can anticipate where they want to be and develop the skills necessary to succeed in that space.

Key Discussion Points:

• Know Your Where vs. Know Your Why: How they complement each other in leadership and career planning.
• The impact of the Peter Principle: Why being good at your current role doesn’t always mean success at the next level.
• The challenge of setting long-term goals in today’s rapidly evolving world.
• The importance of foresight and understanding your aspirational identity in leadership.
• The End of History Illusion: Why we struggle to imagine our future selves and how it impacts decision-making.
• The power of pursuing curiosity—how it leads to discovering passion, purpose, and future opportunities.
• The necessity of pivoting: When to change direction and how to do it with confidence.
• How small disruptions in life, like letting a waiter pick your meal, can train you for bigger life transitions.
• The balance between calculated risk and realistic career shifts.
• Practical strategies to take control of your where and stop playing defense in life.

Notable Quotes:
“Knowing your why is about succeeding today; knowing your where is about preparing for tomorrow.” – Dr. Jeff Konin

“We assume what made us happy in the past will continue to make us happy—but growth demands we explore new paths.” – Dr. Matt Kutz

“If you don’t take control of your where, external factors will dictate your future.” – Dr. Jeff Konin

Curiosity fuels change. If you don’t know your passion, start by pursuing what makes you curious.” – Dr. Matt Kutz

Listener Challenge:
This week, introduce a small disruption into your routine! Whether it's trying a new restaurant, changing up your daily routine, or saying yes to an unexpected opportunity, take a step outside your comfort zone. Share your experience with us on social media using #KnowYourWhere.

Connect With Us:
website:FIU DAT
Social Media: Kutz IG Konin IG

Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!

Thank you for listening to the Kutz & Konin LeaderCast! Stay curious, stay adaptable, and always know your where!

Ep. 39. Burn The Boats

In this episode of Kutz&Konin Leadercast Matt and Jeff dive into the powerful concept of "Burning the Boats"—a metaphor for total commitment to a goal, leaving no room for retreat. Inspired by historical accounts of leaders who eliminated the option of turning back, this discussion explores how embracing this mindset can fuel success in business, leadership, and personal growth.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone facing a significant life challenge, this episode will inspire you to take decisive action and commit fully to your path.

✔️ The origin of the “Burn the Boats” strategy
✔️ How commitment leads to extraordinary outcomes
✔️ Overcoming fear and uncertainty when making big decisions
✔️ Lessons from successful leaders who have adopted this mindset
✔️ Practical strategies to apply this principle in business and life

Recommended Books:Burn the Boats by Matt Higgins,

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a push to burn their boats and take action!

Drs. Kutz and Konin are Clinical Professors in theDoctor of Athletic Training Programat Florida International University.