Have you ever wondered what separates the truly great leaders from everyone else? Whether you’re running a business, strong leadership within a team, or striving to better yourself, learning from the best can completely transform your perspective. Recently, I came across a series on Netflix called Game Changers. Wow. It’s an absolute must-watch if you’re interested in what it really takes to inspire excellence in others.
Now, this series isn’t just about sports—it’s about life. It dives deep into how some of the world’s top coaches bring out the best in people. Let me tell you, it’s addicting. I couldn’t stop watching. These stories stuck with me because they’re not just for athletes—they’re for anyone ready to level up in leadership and in life.
Let me share a few of the lessons that hit home for me.
Jose Mourinho on Leadership: Sometimes the Best Coaching Is No Coaching
Jose Mourinho, one of soccer’s most celebrated (and eccentric) coaches, said something so simple, yet so profound:
“You don’t coach Ronaldo. You coach him on how to play on your team.”
Think about that. With a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, you don’t waste time trying to “fix” or “improve” him. You create a system where his natural brilliance can thrive.
This is leadership in its purest form. Whether it’s business, sports, or life, sometimes the best thing you can do is step back and let people shine in their zone of genius. Stop trying to micromanage every little thing, and instead, create an environment where they can bring their best to the table.
Key takeaway: If you’re a leader, don’t focus on moulding people into something they’re not. Focus on guiding them to play their best role on the team. Sometimes, the best coaching is knowing when to get out of the way.
Serena Williams’ Coach on Leadership: Turning a “Lie” Into Reality
Here’s a story for you. Serena Williams was struggling. Her net game was weak, and the stats were there to prove it. But her coach did something absolutely brilliant. He told her, “Do you know that every time you go to the net, you win?”
Now, this wasn’t true—at all. He even waved around a piece of paper pretending it was a stat sheet to back up his claim. But guess what? Serena believed him. She started going to the net with confidence, and suddenly, her performance skyrocketed.
Here’s the thing: sometimes the difference between failure and success is as simple as belief. Even if it feels like a stretch—or even a lie—believing in your ability to improve can create incredible results.
Key takeaway: Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or just working on yourself, belief is powerful. Speak it, write it, declare it. Because what you believe about yourself shapes your reality.
Fearless Communication: The Hard Conversations That Drive Growth
Here’s another gem from Serena’s coach:
“The minute you’re fearful of losing your job, you’ve lost as a coach.”
Let that sink in. How often do we hold back from saying what needs to be said because we’re afraid of upsetting someone—or worse, losing their approval? But here’s the truth: real growth only happens when you’re willing to have the tough conversations.
Whether you’re mentoring someone or leading a team, your job isn’t to keep everyone comfortable. It’s to push people to be better, even when it’s hard.
Key takeaway: Don’t let fear hold you back. Say the hard thing. Do the uncomfortable thing. Growth lives on the other side of discomfort.
So, What’s the Big Picture?
Watching this series reminded me of something fundamental: leadership is a journey, not a destination. It’s messy. It’s challenging. And yes, sometimes it feels like an uphill battle. But the rewards? They’re worth it.
Here’s how you can apply these lessons today:
- Empower, don’t control. Stop trying to fix everyone. Help them thrive in their own way.
- Believe it, then be it. Whether it feels like a stretch or not, affirm what you want to become.
- Be fearless. Have the tough conversations. Say what needs to be said.
At the end of the day, success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about becoming better because of them. The bigger the game you play, the more challenges you’ll face. But hey, that’s the price of greatness.
So, take these lessons and run with them. Whether you’re leading a team, chasing a dream, or just trying to be a better version of yourself, remember this: it won’t be easy, but you can always get better.
Watch the Full Youtube Video BELOW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5l0OMHb4nA
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Love and Light,
Ry
