Episode Title: "Sami Strutt of the Bernhard Academy"

Episode Highlights:

1. 1. Meet Sami Strutt:
   • Sami shares her incredible career in the UK turf management and education industry.
   • Her transition from BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) to leading the Bernhard Academy.
   • Reflections on her journey from office junior to industry leader.
   1. Inside BTME:
   • Learn about BTME, the premier turf management trade show in Harrogate, UK.
   • How it compares to international counterparts like the GCSAA National Show.
   1. The Bernhard Academy Vision:
   • Founded in 2019 with a mission to enhance professional development in turf management.
   • Offers pathways in leadership, technical equipment management, and basic agronomy.
   1. The Bernhard Delegation and its Beginnings:
   • The concept of the original Delegations
   • The growth and prestige of the Delegation
   • How it came to be a part of GCSAA with Links to Success

Leadership and Mental Health in Turf Management:

• • The growing importance of leadership and mental health training in the industry.
  • Sammy's insights into how Bernhard Academy addresses these evolving needs.
  1. Sammy's Origin Story and Personal Insights:
  • Her unexpected start in the turf industry and passion for education.
  • Fun moments from her career, including a surprising connection with Air Force One.
  • Personal anecdotes about her travels and life with her husband, Lee.
  1. Future Goals for the Bernhard Academy:
  • The Academy's focus on providing global education and creating impactful learning experiences.
  • Innovative initiatives like partnerships with Oakmont and participation in international trade shows.

Key Takeaways:

• • Passion and Purpose: Sami exemplifies how aligning personal passion with professional goals can create lasting impact.
  • Inclusive Industry: The turf industry fosters a global community bound by shared goals and mutual respect.
  • Adapting Education: Leadership, mental health, and technical training are as vital as agronomy skills for future professionals.

0:00 - 2:46 – Introduction to the podcast, its themes (leadership, culture, career growth), and guest Justin Sims, Director of Facilities and Maintenance at The Alotian Club.

2:46 - 7:21 – Justin’s early career journey, from outdoor work to switching majors at Murray State and landing his first internships.

7:21 - 14:41 – Learning from mentor Pat Finlen at The Olympic Club, early lessons in leadership, and balancing work with life.

14:41 - 20:35 – Time at Augusta National under Marsh Benson and Brad Owen, lessons in large-scale management, and personal leadership philosophies.

20:35 - 25:17 – Building the departmental structure at The Alotian Club and its unique management approach.

25:17 - 33:25 – Leadership insights from John Wooden’s Pyramid, embracing mistakes, and treating people with care and respect.

33:25 - 37:45 – Hiring practices focused on soft skills and fostering a strong workplace culture.

37:45 - 48:27 – Life outside work: family, coaching, college basketball, and investing.

48:27 - 57:00 – Fun segment: "Two Truths and a Lie" and "The Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting."

57:00 - 59:48 – Closing thoughts, gratitude for Justin’s time, and a preview of the next episode.

1. Diverse experiences and mentorship can shape your career at every stage.
2. Leadership is a learned skill—seek training, embrace mistakes, and develop an authentic style.
3. Strong culture comes from accountability, showing genuine care, and leading by example.

In this episode, I discuss both my origin story and the origin of this podcast. I go into to details in the first 8 minutes about what we are, what we are NOT, and why I think this podcast will be different.

In the last 8 minutes, I discuss my own career. I talk about my trials and tribulations and how they led me here. The origin story.

Finally, in the end, I discuss our first two guests, and give my list of thank you's!