What separates a good coach from a great one? It's not technical knowledge — it's the ability to truly understand people.

In this episode, we sit down with Paolo Franzoni, a Level 3 accredited cricket coach who has worked with players of all abilities — from six-year-olds to state and national representatives, including players with intellectual disabilities and the visually impaired Australian team.

Paolo shares how a deputy headmaster standing at square leg with a shooting stick shaped his entire coaching philosophy, why he puts the person before the player, and the moment he realized he'd been listening to respond rather than listening to understand.

What we cover:

• Why the first session is never about coaching
• How to build relationships that unlock player performance
• Pre-season vs. in-season coaching approaches
• The role of curiosity, silence, and body language
• Character over cover drives — building team culture that outlasts any coach
• From IT specialist to Level 3 coach: Paolo's unlikely journey

Whether you're a coach, a leader, or someone who works with people — this one's for you.