What do coaching, martial arts, and leadership training at the Grand Ole Opry have in common? In this unforgettable episode, Doug O’Brien sits down with international keynote speaker and master coach Brad Waldron. From breaking his neck at 43 playing rugby, to coaching for Tony Robbins, to building a powerhouse training business across Europe, Brad shares the real stories—and hard-won lessons—that shaped his remarkable career. 🔑 Inside this episode: The #1 skill most coaches skip (but shouldn’t) Why hardship is often the greatest teacher The difference between “motivational speaker” and real coaching What Brad learned from Stephen Covey & Tony Robbins How to coach when you don’t have the answer This conversation is part masterclass, part memoir, and all heart. If you’re a coach, speaker, or leader ready to deepen your practice and move people—not just motivate them—this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Brad Waldron: https://this-is-brad.com 📖 Get Present Naked: https://www.presentnaked.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Essential Coaching Skills Podcast for weekly episodes. https://www.this-is-brad.com/ 00:00 – Intro: Meet Brad Waldron 01:43 – Living in a 1760s Schoolhouse with Tunnels to a Pub 05:02 – How Doug & Brad Met (Dan Millman, Tony Robbins, NLP Days) 07:26 – Breaking His Neck at 43 Playing Rugby 09:16 – From Dysfunctional Family to Global Coach 12:22 – Using NLP to Win Martial Arts Tournaments 16:12 – Why NLP Techniques Aren’t Enough 17:36 – Working with Stephen Covey & Launching Leadership Centers 20:29 – Why Every Coach Needs to Slay Their Inner Dragons 23:24 – The Real Goal: Self-Learning, Self-Leadership 24:48 – Coaching Teens (and Executives) with Covey’s Habits 28:24 – A Paradigm Shift You Can Use in Any Tough Conversation 36:47 – The Most Underrated Coaching Skill: Confirmation 43:03 – Labeling Emotions = Opening Doors 47:18 – Brad’s Most Memorable Coaching Moment 53:06 – From White Belt to Black Belt: Skill vs. Art in Coaching 54:28 – Presenting Naked: Brad’s Take on Speaking with Impact 56:27 – Why His Website is Called “This is Brad” 59:19 – How Doug Changed Brad’s Life (Back in 1990)