The Growth Project

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, which means longer days, relaxing vacations, and, hopefully, more time to recharge and simply enjoy life. Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss how summer is a natural mid-year point to reflect on annual goals and how, if approached deliberately, the summertime can be very beneficial to our overall well-being.

There is merit in both leading from the front, or taking an active and visible role in running a team, and leading from the back, which is best summarized by Nelson Mandela: "He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind." Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer examine both styles, share examples of leaders who embody these leadership styles, and provide action steps to apply these principles with your own teams.

This was a noteworthy year for the Kentucky Derby because Rich Strike, this year's winner, was officially added into the race only a day before the big day and was racing at 80-1 odds. Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Katie Nichols discuss key lessons learned from Rich Strike's historic win, including the importance of running your own race, strong performance doesn't happen on paper, and the significance of seeing your goals all the way through.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Drew Brannon, both licensed psychologists, explore and highlight the ways we can better understand the impact of mental health on personal well-being. They discuss how we view mental health as a society, the impact it can have on performance outcomes, and why there's a stigma that still exists surrounding mental health.

Who would you pick to be on a Mount Rushmore of coaches? Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Katie Nichols explore this question and each select four legendary coaches who they feel are worthy of being immortalized as the four all-time greats. Their discussion not only reveals characteristics and leadership styles they personally value, but also highlights many common, overlapping qualities found among strong, long-lasting leaders.

Life is filled with obstacles, but those who find a way to leverage life's inevitable setbacks often ultimately find themselves at the top of their respective fields. Spencer Strider, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, exemplifies the importance of growing and building from difficulties to reach success at the highest level. Dr. Cory Shaffer and Spencer walk through Spencer's fascinating journey to the MLB, including lessons learned along the way, how he has grown from adversity to improve as a player, and how he conducts science experiments on himself in his pre-game routine to optimize his performance.

Jeremiah Dew, better known publicly as JDew, is an emcee, entertainer, and entrepreneur who has entertained millions over the years at live events, including collegiate and professional sporting games, various civic and corporate fundraisers, and on-stage for his theatrical one-man show: "One Voice: A Black History Narrative." Dr. Milt Lowder and JDew explore Jeremiah's childhood experiences, his unique career, and how these events shaped him and ultimately helped him find his voice.

Do you know your "why"? Dr. Drew Brannon explores the importance of following your true purpose in life, or your "why," with Coach Matt Luke, one of the most respected coaches in college football, whose stops in his career included Duke, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and, most recently, UGA where he served as Associate Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach. They walk through Matt's experience in college football, his growth path, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Educator, entrepreneur, and owner of CrossFit Clemson, Cameron White is passionate about helping others through health and wellness while building the community. Dr. Katie Nichols and Cameron talk about what it means to have an entrepreneurial spirit, how strong purpose can serve as a guide through uncertainty, and the importance of developing boundaries and a strong support system.

It's no secret that a nutritious, well-balanced diet greatly boosts our physical and mental acuity. Given its importance to our overall health, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Steve Benjamin, Sports Dietician for the Atlanta Falcons, discuss the connection between peak performance and proper nutrition. In addition to providing some practical tips on developing good food habits, they also talk about the importance of mindfulness, accountability, and passion in the pursuit of healthy eating for better living.