The Growth Project

The moments right before a big performance or critical task can make or break your success. Hours, or even weeks, of preparation can unravel in an instant under doubt, fear, or distracting thoughts. In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Katie Nichols explore the science of maintaining focus when it matters most. Drawing on empirical evidence, they share strategies to quiet the mind, harness preparation, and optimize performance under pressure.

January 26, 2021 will mark the one year anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a global icon and one of the most decorated professional athletes of all time, but what made him so unique was his mindset and his drive to be the best player he could be - along with his willingness to share his mentality with the world. In a tribute to Kobe, Dr. Cory Shaffer & Dr. Katie Nichols discuss lessons learned from Kobe's Mamba Mentality.

We revisit a timely and insightful conversation with Josh Brooks, now serving as the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia. When Josh first joined The Growth Project, he shared his leadership journey—from working under legendary coaches like Nick Saban, Jimbo Fisher, and Mark Richt to collaborating closely with Kirby Smart as Georgia's football sport facilitator. In this episode, we reflect on the lessons Josh has learned along the way and how those experiences have shaped his approach to leading one of the top athletic departments in the country.

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have electrified the college football world with a perfect 11-0 regular season, surging to #12 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. As they head into the postseason, we revisit Dr. Cory Shaffer's earlier conversation with Head Coach Jamey Chadwell on the mindset, habits, and leadership principles behind building, and sustaining, a championship culture.

What makes a team thrive or fall apart? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the science and psychology behind team chemistry. They reveal how "supercarriers" elevate everyone around them, driving high-performing, overachieving teams and how "super disrupters" can quietly (or not so quietly) erode trust, unity, and results. Learn the key dynamics that determine whether a team becomes greater, or lesser, than the sum of its parts.

How do you foster a championship-level team culture in a sport built on individual performance? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Remy Tamer, Head Coach of the Women's Cross Country Team at High Point University, to explore the power of authentic leadership. Remy shares how staying true to yourself as a leader can inspire genuine connection, fuel trust, and create the kind of culture where athletes thrive together.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we're exploring how gratitude can be more than just a seasonal sentiment, it can be a daily practice that builds resilience, sparks joy, strengthens relationships, and shapes a mindset that finds thankfulness in all circumstances. In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, Katie Nichols, and Cory Shaffer share personal insights and practical strategies to make gratitude a lasting part of your life.