In Episode 66, Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of the National Academy of Athletics, talks with Phil about the importance of failure in success, three important questions he asks himself every day, the Pyramid of Success and what he learned from working with John Wooden, his definition of leadership and success, secrets of successful youth coaches, synergistic collaboration, and how leadership is like jazz music. Specifically, Aaron discusses:

• His story, how he developed his passion for sports and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (1:44)
• The mission, vision, and values of the National Academy of Athletics, and how it is working to transform the lives of youth in America (2:58)
• How we can make youth sports more accessible to all kids from all backgrounds (4:29)
• Aaron’s personal “Why,” how he is living it out every day, and the three questions he asks himself at the end of each day (10:08)
• The importance of encouragement and doing for others with no expectation of anything in return (12:15)
• How he defines leadership (18:39)
• Secrets of successful youth sports coaches (20:32)
• A couple of the lessons Coach Wooden taught Aaron in their time together (26:27)
• Synergy through collaboration and teamwork (34:14)
• The importance of healthy conflict in teams (37:47)
• What he hopes everyone will understand after they work with him (44:37)
• How he uses the lessons he has learned through soccer in his parenting (46:07)
• His recommendations (50:48)

Resources and Links from this Episode

• National Academy of Athletics website
• Uncut Video of the Episode
• HSEL Facebook Group
• Coaching the Bigger Game information
• Warrior Way information
• Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t, Simon Sinek
• Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life, John Wooden and Jay Carty
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey
• The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business, Patrick Lencioni