What Happens When You Build a Team Around Values Instead of Just Talent?

Leadership Blueprints

The lessons learned on the sports field teach us so much about leadership on the battlefield and in life.

This episode marks the launch of a special segment highlighting the power of youth sports in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Joining us on this episode is Head Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach at Princeton University, Matt Crispino, a key player in shaping leadership and character development through sports at the Military Academy.

Matt shares success tactics, core team values, and why he believes that there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. We also explore how college sports may change, what this means for coaches and the Ivy League, and what it looks like to develop a culture of growth within your team. Finally, we discuss what it truly means to be a coach, why it is so challenging, and why it is so rewarding.

Don’t miss this episode with an inspiring coach and leader!

Key Points from This Episode:

• The power of youth sports in shaping leaders in the military.

• Developing the character of your team while training to win.

• Tactics for team and individual success.

• Principles that have led his leadership over the past year.

• The mental health epidemic is prevalent in athletes.

Quotes:

“If I am surrounded by the right people, I am displaying and modelling and promoting the right values, there’s going to be a lot of fast swimming in that pool.” - Matt Crispino

“I think the team has to always trump the individual.” - Matt Crispino

“I just think everyone’s got more in them than they ever truly believe.” - Matt Crispino

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Crispino on LinkedIn

Matt Crispino on Instagram

Matt Crispino on X

Men’s Swimming and Diving

The Friendly Strife Foundation
Concussion
Trust and Inspire

Daniel Coyle

Malcolm Gladwell

The Boys in the Boat

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn