Ep. 43 | Back in the Huddle: Episodes 33-42 Review
🔥 Welcome back to "It’s All About the Team" – where leadership, culture, and purpose come together.In this episode, we dive deep into some of the most powerful stories and insights shared by coaches, educators, and leaders across the country. From choosing growth over prestige, to understanding the role of trauma in leadership, and even building elite teams behind the scenes, this one is packed with real talk and game-changing lessons. 💯🚨 Featuring voices like:✔️ Jim Tressel on responsibility✔️ Jon Gruden on work ethic✔️ Alex Golesh on growth through discomfort✔️ Dr. Jennifer Merritt on trauma-informed leadership✔️ Ted Ginn Sr. on reaching your people✔️ And so many more...Whether you’re coaching a team, leading a classroom, or running a business — these moments will inspire you to lead with heart, hustle, and humility.👇 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for more impact-driven content.#Leadership #TeamBuilding #JimTressel #JonGruden #AlexGolesh #TraumaInformedLeadership #TedGinn #CoachingCulture #ItsAllAboutTheTeam #ViralShorts #PurposeDriven00:00 - Intro: Welcome Back to the HuddleA re-intro into the theme of building teams, revisiting the most powerful lessons from past episodes.00:32 - The Gift of ResponsibilityWhy responsibility is one of the most valuable things you can earn in your career.01:00 - Choosing Akron Over Penn State: A Lesson in OpportunityA powerful story about turning down prestige for real growth — and how it shaped a lifetime.02:25 - "Responsibility Is More Valuable Than Prestige"One of the core messages about earning trust, ownership, and experience.04:44 - Coach Gruden: Outworking Everyone at 4AMJon Gruden shares how he earned respect by being the first in, last out — and creating elite content behind the scenes.06:14 - Learning Accountability Through Coaching PeersReal talk on being held accountable by teammates and what that experience teaches you.07:08 - Alex Golesh: Growth Comes From DiscomfortHow stepping into a role he didn’t want ended up shaping his career and leadership skills.08:00 - The Educator’s Mindset: Reaching the Whole PersonWhy coaching and leadership aren’t just about outcomes — but about reaching people as humans first.13:31 - Meet Them Where They AreWhat it really means to understand your people and lead with empathy and awareness.15:29 - Dr. Jennifer Merritt: Trauma-Informed LeadershipIncredible insights on how understanding trauma changes how we support and lead students and team members.17:39 - Ted Ginn’s "Fishing for the Right Hook" AnalogyA viral-worthy story and metaphor for meeting people where they are and adjusting your leadership approach.20:03 - Final Takeaway: It's All About the TeamWrap-up of the episode’s biggest leadership and cultural lessons.
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Ep. 42 | Laurie Brlas: From Mom to #1 CPA in the World
Ep. 42 of 'It’s All About the Team' brings you Laurie Brlas – a Youngstown State legend who went from mom of two to #1 CPA in the WORLD! Join host Jim Tressel as Laurie spills the secrets behind her meteoric rise: acing global exams, climbing the corporate ladder to CFO of giants like Newmont Mining, and mastering the art of teamwork. How did she juggle family, study, and success? What’s the ONE lesson she swears by? Hit play to find out – and discover why greatness starts with a team! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite takeaway in the comments below!00:00:00 - Intro: Meet a Youngstown State Legend 00:01:25 - #1 CPA in the World – How She Did It 00:03:43 - Kids as Teammates: The Chore List Story 00:07:33 - Team Lesson #1: Open Your Mind 00:09:19 - Self-Awareness: The Leadership Key 00:11:31 - Belief That Fuels Success 00:13:33 - Mergers & Communication Chaos 00:23:10 - From Hater to Best Friend 00:30:01 - Laurie’s Ohio Elevator Pitch 00:40:12 - Three Words to Win as a Team
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Ep. 41 | Matt Campbell: Iowa State Cyclones Football
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Matt Campbell, the dynamic head coach of Iowa State Football. Discover how Campbell has transformed Iowa State into a powerhouse, emphasizing discipline, culture, and a relentless focus on development. Learn about his approach to recruiting, building winning teams, and how he inspires his players to buy into the process. Whether you're a Cyclones fan or a football enthusiast, this story of leadership and determination will leave you inspired!🔴 Topics Covered:✔️ How Matt Campbell built a winning culture at Iowa State✔️ His philosophy on player development and team accountability✔️ Recruiting strategies that set Iowa State apart✔️ Why his leadership style resonates with young athletes💥 Don’t Miss This Inside Look!👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive content!00:02:17 - Welcoming Matt Campbell: A Team-Building Icon 00:05:11 - A Strict Father’s Lasting Impact 00:07:06 - Coach Wakefield: Attitude and Effort in High School 00:15:55 - Winning with Culture at Iowa State 00:19:19 - Unsung Heroes: Grandparents and Spouse 00:23:05 - COVID’s Wake-Up Call on Family and Priorities 00:26:10 - Benjamin: The Selfless High School Leader 00:39:51 - Brock Purdy’s Secret: Consistency and Authenticity 00:46:31 - Three Keys to Iowa State’s Team Success #MattCampbell #IowaStateFootball #Leadership #TeamCulture #CollegeFootball
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Ep. 40 | Brandon Chrowstoski: Building Hope Beyond Prison
Brandon Chrostowski is changing lives one plate at a time. 🍽️💯 Through his program at EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, he’s giving former prisoners and convicts a second chance by training them to become professional chefs. 👨🍳🏆Brandon believes that everyone deserves a fresh start and that skills learned in the kitchen can lead to a better future. His mission isn’t just about cooking—it’s about empowering people to turn their lives around.In this episode, we dive into:✅ How Brandon built EDWINS to create opportunities for the formerly incarcerated✅ The power of second chances and what it means to rebuild trust✅ Why discipline, focus, and teamwork in the kitchen translate to success in life00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Chrostowski00:53 - Leadership Cleveland & First Impressions02:19 - Brandon’s Journey: From Trouble to Mentorship03:49 - Lessons Learned from His First Chef Mentor05:09 - The Turning Point: Losing Friends & Finding Purpose06:47 - Building Edwin’s Leadership & Restaurant Institute07:38 - The Power of Mentorship in Changing Lives10:09 - Why Former Inmates Make Great Team Members11:03 - The Importance of Selflessness & Humility12:06 - Rebuilding Humanity Through Consecutive Wins13:37 - The Power of Saying Yes to a Better Life14:54 - Transforming Lives Through Skill Development17:30 - Playing Your Role: Lessons from the Kitchen19:44 - 5 Core Principles for Building Leaders25:10 - Brandon’s Experience in France & Culinary Training29:19 - The Vision Behind Edwin’s & Second Chances31:00 - Creating a Culture of Trust & Opportunity34:50 - Low Recidivism Rate: The Power of Care & Support38:28 - Expanding Impact: Housing, Childcare & More40:00 - Building a Nationwide Network for Returning Citizens42:51 - A Growing Mission: More Locations & More Lives Changed46:51 - Dinner at Grafton Prison: A Historic Event48:18 - Closing Thoughts: It’s All About the Team💡 Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #BrandonChrostowski #EDWINS #SecondChances #LifeSkills #KitchenToSuccess #inspiration
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Ep. 39 | Coach Alex Golesh: University of South Florida Football
Success in football isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about building the right team. Few coaches understand this better than Alex Golesh. From his early days breaking into the coaching world to leading programs at the highest level, Golesh has mastered the art of team-building, leadership, and culture.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Golesh’s journey from a young coach to a top program leader 🏆✅ The keys to assembling a winning team—on and off the field 🔥✅ How trust, accountability, and communication create championship cultures✅ The biggest lessons learned from coaching at multiple levelsBuilding a successful team isn’t just about talent—it’s about leadership and culture. Alex Golesh shares his blueprint for success in coaching and beyond.💬 What’s the most important quality of a great team? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇📌 Chapters:00:00 - Introduction 🏈02:15 - Getting His Start in Coaching 🔥08:24 - Building a Winning Culture from Day One 🏆15:47 - Lessons from Coaching at Different Levels 🎯22:30 - Why Team Chemistry Matters More Than Talent 🤝30:12 - How Leadership Shapes a Program’s Identity 🏈38:19 - The Role of Coaches in Changing Lives 🌟50:08 - Final Thoughts on Team Building & Growth 🚀📢 If you love football & leadership, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE!#AlexGolesh #TeamBuilding #Leadership #CollegeFootball #WinningCulture #FootballCoaching
It’s All About the Team is a compelling new podcast series hosted by Jim Tressel that delves into the heart of teamwork. Often individual achievement takes the spotlight, but this podcast shifts the focus to the collective power of people working together towards a common goal. It will explore successful and unsuccessful examples of teams.