What does it take to achieve and sustain greatness? On this episode, I’m joined by two-time national championship coach Dan Hurley. In six seasons at the helm of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball program, Dan has accomplished things that had never been done in the storied program’s history. With back-to-back national championships, Dan has earned his reputation as one of the faces of college basketball and one of its best coaches. In our conversation today, we talk about what it takes to build a winning culture, how to stay motivated, and leading in a high-pressure environment. Explore the mindset of a championship coach as Dan Hurley shares his leadership playbook for success.

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Show Notes

• How Dan’s family background shaped his leadership philosophy (1:49)
• How to get your team member to maximize their potential (3:22)
• What he looks for when recruiting to assess whether a team member will be coachable (4:58)
• Accountability starts with relationships (7:45)
• How his own playing experience both shaped him and motivates him as a coach (10:06)
• Coaching goes beyond basketball (12:25)
• How to keep yourself and your team motivated (13:53)
• The weight that lifted from his shoulders after winning his first national championship (16:07)
• Achievement alone will never bring the fulfilment you think it will (19:57)
• How he will now when it’s time to retire (23:27)
• The legacy he wants to leave (25:37)
• Leaders set the tone- you have to model the behaviors you want to see (26:49)
• Give feedback in real time and don’t avoid tough conversations (31:38)
• Why he’s never shied away from making the goal a national championship (33:30)
• How having a strong sense of self clarifies what matters (36:17)
• How he handles the losses and the importance of his morning routine (41:35)
• What motivates you more- fear of failure or desire for success? (43:10)
• The importance of self-reflection as a leader (43:51)
• You have to be able to evolve and adapt (45:45)

Resources / People Mentioned

• University of Connecticut men’s basketball
• Bob Hurley, Sr.
• Bobby Hurley
• P,J. Carlesimo, basketball coach
• George Blaney, basketball coach
• Geno Auriemma, basketball coach
• Tom Izzo, basketball coach
• Billy Donovan, basketball coach
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• José Mourinho, football manager
• Pep Guardiola, football manager
• The First Rule of Mastery by Michael Gervais
• Mindset by Carol Dweck
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

• Geno Auriemma on Winning (And Winning Some More)
• Brad Stevens on How to Lead with a Growth Mindset
• Tom Izzo on Maximizing Your Team’s Potential

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app and leave a rating or review.