In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja Koehler sits down with Shinya Kadono, former professional soccer player, longtime captain, and creator of Shin’s Journey, to explore what leadership really looks like when the results are uncertain and the path forward is unclear.

From growing up in Japan and immigrating to the U.S., to overcoming early setbacks, hard feedback, and self-doubt, Shinya shares the defining moments that shaped his resilience. He reflects on his time at the University of California, Berkeley, where he went from bench player to team captain, learning how consistency, personal accountability, and quiet leadership earn trust over time.

The conversation dives deep into leading through adversity, navigating injuries, handling pressure when results don’t come, and what it means to be a captain who leads by example rather than volume. Shinya also discusses his professional career, captaining young teams, and why documenting his journey through YouTube became a way to lead beyond the locker room.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about status or titles. It’s about showing up, doing the work when no one is watching, and continuing to move forward even when the path is uncertain.

Youtube: Shin's Journey

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