In this episode of Growth Over Goals with host Jordan Montgomery, Iowa’s new men’s head basketball coach Ben McCollum and assistant Luke Barnwell unpack the people-first philosophy guiding the Hawkeyes. From defining culture as “unwritten rules everyone actually lives by” to practicing honor, service, and humility, they share how great teams are built on the right people doing what they do best—consistently. They also talk through the leap to Iowa City, leading amid social-media noise, and what fans can expect as the 2025–26 season tips off.

• Culture = people + strengths: Identify the right people, then let them double-down on the 2–3 things they do exceptionally well rather than obsessing over weaknesses.

• Leadership as service: “Loving, serving, and consistently showing up” wins loyalty and performance. Leadership is a verb, not a title.

• “Underexposed & overdeveloped”: Both coaches value growing outside the spotlight—making “10,000 mistakes” in private to build confidence for the big stage.

• Honor produces access: Barnwell frames honor as aligning with your leader’s agenda and the team’s needs—ego aside.

• Staying power over destination addiction: McCollum stayed where he was making a difference; when the inner pull changed, he moved—with purpose.

• Noise vs. conviction: At a Power-Five program, brighter lights mean louder misinformation—so leaders must stay grounded and choose which battles not to fight.

• What Hawkeye fans can expect: A connected, physical group that plays as hard as anyone—and keeps getting better across the season.

• Humility & presence: “The work is the win.” Avoid the trap of “arrival”; be yourself, serve others, and stay present.

Call to action: If you’re a coach, leader, or Hawkeye fan, listen for practical ways to build culture, lead with humility, and develop people for sustained excellence. Subscribe, share with a teammate, and leave a quick review to support the show.