Episodes

  • The WNBA Playbook: Growth, Grit, and Greatness

    The WNBA Playbook: Growth, Grit, and Greatness
    Oct 16 2025
    In this episode of the Talent Chasing podcast, Chad and Brian take a deep dive into the WNBA’s remarkable rise, tracing its evolution, the power of rivalries, and the growing influence of player personalities. They unpack the league’s surge in attendance and merchandise sales, the fashion-forward image of its athletes, and the vital role leadership and unions play in shaping the sports industry. The conversation reveals how the WNBA has evolved into one of the most competitive, dynamic, and marketable leagues in professional sports, capturing the attention of fans and investors alike.
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    35 mins
  • How Optimistic Leadership Drives Team Performance and Profitability: Kevin O'Connell's Playbook

    How Optimistic Leadership Drives Team Performance and Profitability: Kevin O'Connell's Playbook
    Oct 9 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad, Brian, and Jasper explore how optimistic leadership drives performance, productivity, and team morale in today’s challenging business landscape. Drawing from insights shared at a recent leadership forum, the discussion dives into how leaders who stay positive under pressure inspire trust, foster collaboration, and boost overall profitability. The hosts also draw compelling parallels between sports and business leadership, using Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell as a real-world example of resilience and strategic optimism. From managing crises to building high-performing teams, O’Connell’s approach illustrates how preparation, adaptability, and confidence can turn challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re leading a company, a locker room, or a project team, this episode breaks down practical lessons in team building, crisis management, and organizational behavior that show why optimism isn’t just an attitude, it’s a competitive edge.
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    43 mins
  • Breakdown: Beating the Yips in Sports, Work, and Life

    Breakdown: Beating the Yips in Sports, Work, and Life
    Jul 24 2025
    In this episode, Brian and Jasper break down the yips, that sudden, inexplicable loss of skill that rattles athletes, performers, and professionals across industries. From missed free throws to blank stares during presentations, the yips are more than just nerves, they're a mental block that can derail careers. The hosts share personal stories and real-world examples, exploring how pressure, perfectionism, and fear of failure feed this psychological spiral. They also examine how leaders can recognize the signs, provide support, and foster environments where setbacks aren’t feared but used as fuel for growth.
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    30 mins
  • Breakdown: Malice in the Palace

    Breakdown: Malice in the Palace
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Brian unpack the messy side of leadership and team dynamics when the stakes are sky-high, especially in the world of sports. From locker room blowups to front-office tension, they explore how conflict can either fracture a team or fuel its fire. The conversation dives into the crucial role of culture, chemistry, and communication in navigating chaos, and how great leaders turn personal ambition into collective success. They spotlight real-world examples of conflict resolution and the importance of creating inclusive environments where individuals feel connected to something bigger than themselves. At the heart of it all? A warning against rugged individualism and a call to refocus competitive drive toward shared goals.
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    32 mins
  • Breakdown: Jalen Hurts, Adversity, and the Making of a Champion

    Breakdown: Jalen Hurts, Adversity, and the Making of a Champion
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, the crew dives into the record-breaking contract of NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts—and what it reveals about leadership, resilience, and the fine line between personal success and team impact. From the huddle to the boardroom, the conversation connects Hurts’ rise with lessons for corporate life: the power of servant leadership, the value of strong support systems, and how maturity under pressure shapes champions. They explore how adversity isn’t just a test—it’s a tool for growth—and why building a strong, positive team culture is the key to retaining top talent.
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    33 mins
  • Breakdown: F1, Fast Cars, Fierce Teammates, and Leadership on the Edge

    Breakdown: F1, Fast Cars, Fierce Teammates, and Leadership on the Edge
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Jasper take a high-speed dive into the world of Formula One—and how its high-stakes dynamics mirror today’s corporate battleground. Using the drama from the Canadian Grand Prix and the rising rivalry between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, they unpack what happens when elite talent collides under the same banner. From managing internal competition to enforcing team orders, they explore how organizations—like F1 teams—walk the tightrope between collaboration and cutthroat ambition. Plus, they make the case for why transparency, leadership, and talent development aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re mission critical for building a winning culture, on the track and in the office.
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    32 mins
  • Breakdown: David MacKinnon

    Breakdown: David MacKinnon
    Jun 19 2025
    In this breakdown episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Jasper, Chad, and Brian revisit their conversation with professional baseball player David MacKinnon by replaying key moments from the original interview. They dive into the most powerful clips, unpacking themes like retooling your skills, the importance of support systems, and the emotional hurdles athletes face—on and off the field. Drawing connections between sports and corporate life, the hosts highlight how values like resilience, adaptability, and family support shape career growth in both arenas. From the clubhouse to the workplace, this episode explores how technology, AI, and human connection are redefining what it means to build a meaningful career.
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    38 mins
  • Breakdown: PSG Talent Blueprint

    Breakdown: PSG Talent Blueprint
    Jun 12 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts break down Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic revival under coach Luis Enrique—unpacking how team chemistry, homegrown talent, and strong leadership fueled the turnaround. From Champions League pressure to managing superstar egos, they explore the hidden parallels between elite sports and high-performing organizations. The conversation dives deep into talent acquisition, financial dynamics in European vs. American sports, and why cultural alignment and long-term vision matter more than ever. It’s not just about the game—it’s about building a winning culture on and off the field.
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    41 mins