What if the scoreboard isn’t what matters most?

In this powerful episode, Phil is joined by Brook Cupps—longtime Centerville High School basketball coach, leadership educator, and co-author of Surrender the Outcome and The Score That Matters. Brook shares his evolution from outcome-driven coach to purpose-centered leader—and how one pivotal moment forced him to rethink everything.

Brook breaks down why defining your core values, identifying the behaviors that reflect them, and consistently living them out is the key to true leadership. He also explores why the most dangerous lie we believe is that success comes from comparing ourselves to others—and how surrendering that mindset brings freedom, peace, and power.

This is one of the deepest Purpose Matrix conversations yet—touching on spiritual purpose, personal discipline, and the practical tools that transform both coaches and companies alike.

0:00 Intro

1:20 Meet Brook Cupps: From Coach to Leadership Educator

3:36 The Moment That Changed Everything

6:54 What “Surrender the Outcome” Really Means

10:10 Defining Team Identity and Process-Oriented Goals

14:50 Building a Process from Core Values

19:30 How to Create a Culture of Behavior-Based Standards

24:15 Self-Leadership: The Foundation of Everything

29:49 The Role of Courage and Quiet in Personal Growth

34:59 When Are You Ready to Lead Others?

40:42 Excellence vs. Success: A New Definition

45:31 Purpose That Comes From God

48:42 Freedom From Fear and Anxiety

50:06 Where to Learn More About Brook’s Work

Resources Mentioned:

Brook’s personal leadership coaching & books: https://www.bluecollargrit.com/ 

https://learningleader.com/ 

📚 Surrender the Outcome by Brook Cupps

📚 The Score That Matters by Brook Cupps & Ryan Hawk

📚 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

📚 Atomic Habits by James Clear

📚 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni