In Episode 20, Ron McKeefery sits down with Jim Davis @ntstrength @goodathleteproject and Clif Marshall @clifmarshall for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to coach beyond the weight room. Jim shares the origins of the Good Athlete Project and how neuroscience and human development shaped his mission. Clif opens up about his personal faith journey, his transformation as a leader, and why serving athletes outside the four walls of the weight room is part of his calling. Together they unpack how coaches can create deeper relationships, develop resilience, build community, and make an eternal impact on the people they serve.

00:00 The mission behind coaching beyond the weight room

01:41 Jim’s lightbulb moment studying human development

07:58 How the Good Athlete Project became a global initiative

09:58 Clif’s transformation through faith and sobriety

12:40 Developing athletes through purpose, love, and connection

17:27 Priorities, identity, and keeping family first

29:14 How impact outside the weight room shapes careers

40:02 First steps for coaches wanting to create real change

• Coaching is human development, not just physical preparation

• Athletes need mentors who invest in their life, not just their performance

• Personal transformation strengthens professional impact

• Time spent outside the weight room is the true connector

• Faith, family, and identity must stay in proper order

• Service creates deeper relationships and lasting outcomes

• Life lessons must be intentionally taught, not assumed

• Start small, act now, and let your mission create momentum

PARTNERS

RockDaisy @Rockdaisy

Output Sports @outputsports

PLAE @plaeglobal

#StrengthCoach, #Leadership, #CoachingLife, #AthleteDevelopment, #BeyondTheWeightRoom

In this episode of the CEO Strength Coach Podcast, Ron McKeefery interviews Tom Morris @MorrisStrength, the Director of High Performance at Penn State University. They discuss Tom's journey from training athletes to becoming an entrepreneur and speaker, emphasizing the importance of financial stability, networking, and building a community. Tom shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of authenticity in business, and the potential for coaches to inspire and impact lives beyond the weight room. The conversation highlights the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for success in the coaching profession and the importance of intentionality in building a following and a sustainable business model.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Morris and His Journey

01:25 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Coaching

04:14 Financial Stability for Strength Coaches

05:55 Taking the Leap into Speaking and Business

09:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

12:39 The Importance of Networking

16:31 Building a Community and Tribe

18:06 Intentionality in Building a Following

21:52 Creating a Sustainable Business Model

27:12 The Power of Giving and Authenticity

30:41 Long-Term Vision and Passion in Coaching

33:31 Mistakes Young Coaches Make

35:41 Learning from Influential Leaders

39:03 The Potential of Coaches Beyond the Weight Room

Takeaways

• Tom Morris emphasizes the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset in coaching.

• Financial stability is crucial for strength coaches, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck.

• Taking the leap into speaking and business can be a transformative experience for coaches.

• Overcoming imposter syndrome is essential when entering new environments.

• Networking is a key strength for coaches that can open many doors.

• Building a community and tribe is vital for long-term success.

• Intentionality in building a following can lead to greater opportunities.

• Creating a sustainable business model involves multiple revenue streams.

• Authenticity and a genuine desire to help others can lead to success in business.

• Coaches have the potential to inspire and impact lives beyond the weight room.

#strengthcoaching, #entrepreneurship, #financialstability, #speaking, #networking, #communitybuilding, #authenticity, #coachingcareer, #personaldevelopment, #leadership

Episode 18 brings together two powerful voices in strength and conditioning: Valerie Hale and Kathy Wagner. In this roundtable, we dig into representation, leadership, motherhood, career evolution, and the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Val and Kathy share honest stories about entering the field, earning credibility, navigating bias, raising families while coaching, and mentoring the next generation of female strength coaches. This episode is packed with career guidance, life lessons, and tactical advice for anyone building a meaningful, sustainable career in strength and conditioning.

00:00 Breaking Barriers In The Weight Room

01:40 Kathy on early challenges and representation

04:46 Val’s path into strength and conditioning

06:43 Women rising into leadership roles

10:07 Coaching football as a female strength coach

14:27 Building credibility in a male dominated space

27:25 Balancing motherhood and strength coaching

48:52 Advice for the next generation of female coaches

• Representation for women in S and C has grown dramatically over the last 25 years
  

• Credibility comes from results, knowledge of the sport, and consistent presence
  

• The ceiling for women in football strength and conditioning is higher than ever
  

• Communication, humility, and situational awareness remain essential coaching skills
  

• Motherhood and strength coaching can coexist with support and planning
  

• Young coaches must develop networks early and diversify their skill sets
  

• Technology and sports science matter, but coaching is still a people business
  

• Documenting lessons learned accelerates growth and builds future opportunities
  

#strengthcoach, #womeninsports, #coachingcareer, #leadership, #sportsperformance