Season 2, Episode 17

Two Coaches & a Coffee

What happens when the high-performance manager of an AFL team faces the relentless pressures of a turbulent season? Join us on this gripping episode of Two Coaches and a Coffee as we sit down with Darren Burgess from Adelaide Crows. Darren, with his wealth of experience from top EPL clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, opens up about navigating the stressful landscape of media scrutiny, critical injuries, and the departure of key staff members. He shares his strategies for maintaining team morale, celebrating small victories, and ensuring that stress doesn’t trickle down to the players. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience and leadership under fire.
In another engaging segment, we dive into the art of communication within leadership roles. Darren reflects on the challenges of approaching a head coach who might be deviating from established processes, especially during crucial points in the season. Drawing from his own journey, including taking an uncomfortable conversations course, Darren highlights the importance of empathy, timely feedback, and understanding the coach’s perspective. We also discuss the critical role of experienced professionals in conducting meaningful internal and external reviews. Tune in for an episode brimming with insights on improving communication, providing support under pressure, and the nuances of sports management.

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Chapters

1. Season 2, Episode 17 (00:00:00)

2. Handling Pressure in a Changing Environment (00:00:09)

3. Improving Communication in Leadership Roles (00:07:59)