We love to celebrate winning—but we don’t talk enough about what it takes to get there without losing yourself along the way.
After 15 years as the head women’s basketball coach at UCLA, Cori Close just led her team to a national championship. But behind that moment was a constant tension so many high performers face: Can you compete at the highest level without compromising what you believe in?
In this conversation, Cori shares how she learned to manage that tension instead of trying to eliminate it—and why chasing outcomes can quietly pull you away from what matters most. From building a culture rooted in daily standards to redefining success beyond banners and rings, she offers a blueprint for leaders who want both excellence and alignment.
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new way to think about success—one that’s built on who you become, not just what you achieve.
Be really careful that as you climb the ladder in this profession, that you don't get to the top and realize your ladder is standing against the wrong wall. Share on X
You’ll learn:
- Why winning at the highest level doesn’t require compromising who you are
- How John Wooden shaped Cori Close’s approach to leadership
- Culture is defined by: what do you celebrate? What do you allow?
- How elite teams stay focused on process instead of outcomes
- The mindset shift from chasing perfection to committing to daily refocus
- How to create accountability without losing connection as a leader
- Why “who you become” matters more than what you achieve
- Tactical ways to build confidence and interrupt negative self-talk
- How to lead through change, pressure, and external noise without losing alignment
- What it actually takes to build a team where people and performance grow together
Resources / People Mentioned
Recommended For You
Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:
- Hall of Famer Dawn Staley on What It Really Takes to Win
- The Daily Disciplines That Make or Break Your Team Culture with Coach Buzz Williams
- Brad Stevens on How to Lead with a Growth Mindset
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.
