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Building Champions for Life

Building Champions for Life

By: Kirk Spahn
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Join host Kirk Spahn as he speaks with world champions about ways to elevate and equip tomorrow's champions and leaders. Drawing on his extensive background as a fourth-generation educator, founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership, and former competitive tennis player, Kirk explores the intersection of elite performance, character development, and lifelong success.


In each episode, Kirk sits down with remarkable achievers across sports, business, arts, and education to uncover the hidden foundations of true championship mindsets. Through substantive dialogues, guests share the pivotal moments, mentors, failures, and principles that shaped their journeys—revealing insights that parents, coaches, educators, and aspiring leaders can apply immediately.


Building Champions for Life goes beyond trophies and accolades to examine how exceptional performance in any field connects to deeper purpose and lasting impact. With Kirk's unique perspective spanning both traditional education and innovative learning approaches, listeners gain practical wisdom on nurturing not just skills and talents, but the character traits that create champions who thrive in all aspects of life.


Whether you're a parent supporting a child's dreams, a coach developing the next generation of talent, an educator shaping young minds, or someone striving for personal excellence, this podcast delivers actionable insights from those who've reached the pinnacle of achievement while maintaining their core values and purpose.


Subscribe to join the conversation about what truly makes a champion for life—in the arena and beyond.


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© 2025 Building Champions for Life
Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Building Legacies: Marques Ogden on Overcoming Adversity and Impacting Community
    Dec 10 2025

    At the heart of Marques Ogden’s philosophy is the principle of impact—not simply pursuing personal achievement but leveraging one’s experience and insight to inspire and uplift others. He maintains that real impact occurs through the intentional sharing of wisdom, energy, and knowledge, sparking a ripple effect that extends across communities and creates lasting positive change. Marques views a supportive community as crucial, emphasizing the importance of choosing one’s environment, information sources, and associations wisely to cultivate accountability and collective progress.

    Marques encourages individuals to surround themselves with people who are not only honest and ambitious but also willing to deliver constructive feedback and challenge them to grow. Such a community eliminates distractions, fostering an atmosphere of signals—positive, reinforcing guidance—instead of the noise of negativity or idle gossip. Through this lens, success is seen as a communal effort, with accountability and motivation reinforced by shared values and a drive to help one another reach their highest potential.

    Marques Ogden’s journey serves as an invitation for others to seek their purpose, align their passion with service, and build meaningful connections. For those eager to learn more or engage directly, Marques extends a call to connect with his resources and mentorship opportunities at www.marquesogden.com.

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    40 mins
  • More Than Basketball: Zaza Pachulia on Mentorship, Mindset, and Lasting Influence
    Dec 3 2025

    Zaza Pachulia’s enduring career in the NBA, particularly with the Golden State Warriors, offered him first-hand insight into the elements that foster a winning culture—talent, shared values, camaraderie, and servant leadership. He observed how even the most prominent figures on the team maintained humility and inclusivity, emphasizing collective achievement over individual accolades. For Zaza, the most meaningful legacy was rooted in the relationships he built and the mutual respect shared among teammates and coaches, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from camaraderie and the support extended during both victories and challenges.

    Beyond professional success, Zaza recognized that a life of impact stretches further than trophies or headlines. He believes the true essence of accomplishment is found in giving back, nurturing future generations, and maintaining authentic friendships that transcend the game itself. Zaza’s ongoing mission is to use his experiences to uplift others, promoting mentorship, education, and life skills that equip young athletes for success in every arena of life.

    If you’re inspired by Zaza Pachulia’s message about building strong communities, lifelong learning, and holistic success, learn more about his mission and the Georgian basketball academy on his LinkedIn. Discover resources, programs, and ways to get involved in supporting young athletes and helping to shape the champions of tomorrow.

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    51 mins
  • Blueprints to Billions: Lance Cayko's Architectural Empire
    Nov 12 2025

    Lance Cayko's story is more than a tale of success—it's a testament to resilience. He candidly discusses significant setbacks, including job loss and divorce, revealing how he transformed these challenges into fuel for his ambitions. His straightforward advice to aspiring entrepreneurs resonates with its simplicity and power: "Keep the faith, man. It's that simple. Don't look back, look forward. One step in front of the other. Double down on your effort, try even harder."

    This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to ignite their passion or navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Lance's experiences serve as a masterclass in converting adversity into opportunity, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of obstacles.

    Find inspiration in Lance's approach to building a life of purpose and success. His journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges, diversifying interests, and maintaining a forward-focused mindset. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking to reinvigorate your professional path, Lance's story provides a compelling blueprint for turning setbacks into stepping stones for achievement.


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    23 mins
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