In Episode 137, Ali Malaekeh, Head Coach of the OC Seahorses, FCA College Representative, former college footballer, and Author of Veritas: 7 Truths that Lead to a Purposeful Life, talks with Phil and Paul about his unlikely journey from Iran to working with Fellowship of Christican Athletes and coaching a Christian WPSL soccer team, how his personal “why” led to his book Veritas: 7 Truths That Lead To A Purposeful Life, important life and leadership lessons from his book, his work with FCA and the Seahorses, his defining moment in soccer and how one coach deeply impacted his life, his thoughts on the current state of US Soccer, how he uses an important lesson from soccer in his marriage, and some books (in addition to his great book) that you’re definitely going to want to read. Specifically, Ali discusses:

·      His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching, and how an Iranian Muslim ended up on staff with FCA and coaching a Christian soccer team (3:57)

·      His life purpose and how it led him to write Veritas (15:30)

·      How his book is helping people find their purpose and live a purposeful life (18:36)

·      The concept of open-handedness as we pursue our goals (26:36)

·      The Japanese concept of Kintsugi and how it relates to integrity and our relationships (32:29)

·      How we can avoid external landmines in our lives (38:07)

·      His ministry with the OC Seahorses (42:40)

·      His defining moment in his soccer career and what he learned from it (48:25)

·      His most influential coach and how he is using the lessons learned from his coach in his life today (50:55)

·      His thoughts, good and bad, about the current state of US Soccer (53:50)

·      How he is using an important lesson learned from playing soccer in his marriage (59:15)

·      His book recommendations (1:01:14)

Resources and Links from this Episode

·      Ali’s Website (where you can get a copy of Veritas: 7 Truths that Lead to a Purposeful Life)

·      Video of the Episode

·      HSEL Facebook Group

·      Warrior Way Soccer

·      Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast)

·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program

·      Phil’s email for DISC Training

·      Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else, Jon Gordon

·      The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team With Positive Energy, Jon Gordon