Win More, Live Better

In this episode, we explore a powerful reflection question that can help you eliminate distractions and live with a greater sense of clarity. At the heart of this episode is the notion that the quality of your life is often shaped by the quality of the questions you ask yourself. My hope is that the question we discuss can become a useful and re-occurring tool for you to audit and optimize your own life.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

In this episode, we explore a powerful metaphor from the world of horse racing. It's one that can remind all of us on the importance of clarity with our focus. Just like jockeys change their goggles mid-race to see clearly, high performers must do the same when life gets muddy. Whether you're in the middle of a season, a project, or a rough stretch, this episode invites you to reset and re-establish clarity with the race or path in front of you.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Ever been halfway through something hard and thought, “What if I just bailed right now and pretended this never happened?” Yep. You’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about the invisible bell we’re all tempted to ring when life gets tough. (Spoiler: It’s not just Navy SEALs who have one). You’ll hear why your brain freaks out when things are uncertain and a famous quote from Kobe Bryant on why he refused to compromise his standards.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

What if the most powerful school you’ll ever attend doesn’t have a campus, a tuition bill, or a graduation date? In this episode, we explore a modern perspective on mentorship and learning. We discuss the “faculty” we can learn from each and every day at work, at home, and online. We'll discuss how to notice the "teachers" around you constantly, learn from them, and curate a life full of people who make you better. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Today's guest, Kevin Eastman, has spent over 40 years in the game of basketball, coaching and leading at the highest levels and studying why the best are the best.

His career includes 13 years in the NBA as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics and LA Clippers, as well as serving as the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers. He was a key member of the 2008 Boston Celtics coaching staff that captured an NBA Championship and has coached in two NBA All-Star Games.

In addition to his NBA career, Kevin served for 22 years as a collegiate coach (11 as Head Coach). Throughout his journey, Kevin has worked with some of the game’s most iconic players including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and many others. 

After his coaching career, he's become a sought-after speaker for corporate groups and sports teams known for his practical wisdom and commitment to excellence. He’s also the best-selling author of Why the Best Are the Best.

Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:

[12:07] — Memorizing vs. Internalizing for Learning

[19:17] — The 3 I's and Levels of Leadership

[25:51] — Memorable lesson from Jay Bilas

[36:28] — "Weeding the Garden" as an Assistant Coach

[43:49] — Self-Awareness and Knowing Your GAPS

[47:37] — Evaluating Yourself in the Offseason

[52:47] — Telling the Truth

[1:02:28] — Being a Quality Assistant Coach

More Resources from Kevin:

• Why the Best Are the Best -- https://www.amazon.com/Why-Best-Are-Powerful-Champions/dp/1642250252/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DCKLZTD7I0EC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ix3t3ZOKYL2_Dh11qjM5WhPRe2FwHJ3dOGZlXtG8zBTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.AidyJPS-eEeLY11RaUgow-41p-xr0lr9Dfl36UR_Sn8&dib_tag=se&keywords=why+the+best+are+the+best+kevin+eastman&qid=1752441740&sprefix=why+the+best+are+the+best+kevin+eastma%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1
• Kevin's website -- https://kevineastman.net/

More Resources from Zach:

• For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Ever find yourself switching grocery lines, hoping for a faster one, only to end up more frustrated? In this episode, we explore what this experience can teach us about patience and performance. We explore the subtle ways we abandon systems too early, chasing speed instead of trusting the process. If you’re tempted to pivot too soon, this episode will challenge you to lean in and keep showing up. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Success can sometimes be a trap. When something works, it’s easy to keep going back to it even when the situation calls for something new. In this episode, we explore the Einstellung Effect, a fascinating glitch in human problem-solving that causes people to cling to familiar tactics long after their usefulness has expired. You’ll learn how to identify patterns that no longer serve you and how unlearning can become your greatest advantage. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

People will find a lot more growth in taking the stairs than they will riding the escalator. In this episode, we explore what it means to live with a 2% mindset and the willingness to choose discomfort when others choose ease. You’ll hear how something as simple as taking the stairs becomes a symbol for grit and growth. Drawing from Michael Easter's book,The Comfort Crisis, this is a call to action for those who refuse to coast. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Sometimes, the smallest things carry the deepest meaning. NBA All-Star, Kevin Durant’s choice to wear #35 wasn’t a random decision, but rather a tribute and a daily reminder of a piece of his purpose. This episode explores how to make your own purpose more visible and practical so it fuels you along your journey. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

This episode explores what it means to be the exception, drawing from General Manager Sam Presti’s leadership of the Oklahoma City Thunder. I break down two quotes from him, spoken over five years apart, and you’ll hear why repeating your vision and resisting shortcuts are key ingredients for sustained success. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/