By Chris Mongilia
4.9
2727 ratings
The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.
On this episode, Tom Wagenblast, the Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach at St. Elizabeth University, shared how critical his experience as a student manager for the Rutgers men’s basketball team was for his career. Not only the lessons he learned there, but the people who shaped and continue to shape him even to this day. He talks about how being able to creatively find solutions and having a unique perspective on things has allowed him to be successful in the unique roles that has found himself in throughout his career. Tom’s ability to reflect on situations and his deep investment into others are the cornerstones of his success professionally. His authenticity is undeniable and on full display throughout this entire conversation. When this episode wrapped up, I was left with a lot of thought provoking moments -- so typical of a conversation between Tom and myself.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
During “The Reflection Sessions,” we will look back and dive deeper into topics from prior episodes, elaborate on how comments from our guests were relatable to my path, and just simply reflect on anything that ignites thought from these conversations.
Almost everyone that you talk to that has achieved success in an aspect of life, whether that is in the world of finance, business, education and so on, they all can usually point to one, two, or multiple people that paved the way for them… showed them the ropes... taught them valuable lessons. So for this second reflection session, I thought the influence of others was something that was really important to reflect on. The Power of People, to formally give it a title. It is really easy and almost human nature to look at someone who has achieved at a high level and just assume that they, as an individual, are superior and talented. And yes, that may be true. But the older and more experienced I get, I know the true story is that behind that individual is probably a long list of people who positively influenced their rise to success.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Casey Stevenson, who works for Teamworks -- a web and app based company, shared with us how his approach in the workplace is rooted from his upbringing as a kid and his association to being a teammate in sports. He describes how reflection and values led to him making important career decisions that have ultimately found him happiness and fulfillment professionally. The lessons that he pulled and carried with him from his time with Duke men’s basketball are simple yet powerful. Throughout the conversation, it is clear to see that Casey values a team-oriented approach to achieving high success as a group --the ultimate team player.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Jenny Fischer, who works for the WNBA with their digital and social content, shared with us how the people in her life investing in her future has made all of the difference early in her career. She touched upon her love for storytelling and words and elaborates how there are multiple ways to tell and share a story in today’s world. Her “Keep Showing Up” way of life has landed her tremendous opportunities already and now she is spreading that phrase and motto throughout the Twitter and Instagram world, raising awareness for suicide prevention, displaying the power and positive sides of social media. Jenny is passionate, thoughtful, and -- as she mentions on this episode -- Midwest nice.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Derek Jones, the play-by-play voice for Princeton Men’s Basketball, and as you will soon find out, a man of many other talents and roles -- shares with us the unique beginning to his love and career in broadcasting. He discusses how his work alone in silence prepared him and gave him the confidence to travel down a path that no one in his inner circles had traveled down before. His response for which quality is the most important and constant through all of his tasks is an answer I wasn’t expecting, but an answer that everyone needs to hear. Derek’s humility, team-oriented approach, and his passion for helping others is evident throughout this entire conversation.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Travis Knight, the strength and conditioning coach for Gonzaga University Men’s Basketball, shares how authenticity, creativity, and lateral thinking have all been keys to his success as a coach. He explains how the foundation or approach one person set for him early in his journey guided his perspective which he later aligned with in the culture at Gonzaga. Throughout the conversation, it is clear that Travis values thinking outside of the box, values his beliefs, and values the relationships that he has with others.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
We decided to release what we are calling “The Reflection Sessions”. One of the major themes we discovered from the first four conversations was the importance of reflection in everyone’s story. During the reflection sessions, we will look back and dive deeper into topics from prior episodes, elaborate on how comments from our guests were relatable to my path, and just simply reflect on anything that ignites thought from these conversations. This podcast experience has and will continue to be just as much of a discovery, learning, and growth process for me that it may be for all of you as listeners. I will share and elaborate on ways that I relate to the importance of some of the previous guests' touch points in my own journey in the life of sports.
For this first reflection session, I felt like the importance of opportunity was the most fitting topic for the episode. I have always felt like the gift of opportunity is the best thing someone can give to you and the best gift you can give to another person. This episode will almost exclusively be geared towards just that--my first opportunity in coaching at River Dell High School in New Jersey, where my story really began.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3m8RG0i
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Lisa Van Ackeren, the head softball coach at Princeton University, discusses with me how personal resilience and emotional intelligence are both important skills to refine as you navigate through life. She shares her perspective of how facing moments of adversity is not only an opportunity to learn but also to build resilience in those situations. Throughout the conversation she acknowledges her extreme competitiveness but also displays her relentless quest for growth and understanding as a person, coach, and leader. It is clear from start to finish of this conversation that Lisa is deeply interested in equality, integrity, and pursuing competitive excellence with anyone who is in her circles.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Kris Mehdipour from the Los Angeles Clippers, talks about how important relationship building has been to his elevation within the Clippers organization. He speaks to how he benefited from fortunate timing but stresses how his preparation prior to those opportunities was the key to making the most of them. In the fast paced, high pressure, and result oriented NBA climate, Kris maintains his low key, even keeled, and at times, simple persona. He also shares the unique way that he got his start working in an NBA organization. It’s a story you don’t want to miss and proves that sometimes simply just taking action, is the best way to generate momentum for your hopes and dreams.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
On this episode, Carrie Moore, an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, attributes a lot of her early career success as a coach to her competitive work ethic that she carried over from her days on the court as a player. She shares her perspective on how the importance of communication not only in coaching, but in life, has grown more and more with each year that passes by.
As the conversation progresses, Carrie credits the people in her life, time and time again for motivation, model behavior, and lessons learned. Throughout the episode she is humble but fierce, laid back but detail oriented, and, most importantly, competitive but caring.
THE PURSUIT PODCAST
Apple: https://apple.co/32XOpcM
Google: https://bit.ly/3g4jO19
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2X12S49
Podbean: https://pursuitpod.podbean.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pursuit_pod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuit_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepursuitpod
The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.