In this special live recording of the podcast, Craig Groeschel interviews former Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”): a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, five-time national champion at Duke, and six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team. Coach K shares essential ingredients that helped produce his extraordinary career, including how to keep leadership current and how to respond to unexpected challenges. Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, this episode is a can’t-miss opportunity to learn from a master of longevity and excellence.
SUMMARY
In this special live recording of the podcast, Craig Groeschel interviews former Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”): a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, five-time national champion at Duke, and six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team. Coach K shares essential ingredients that helped produce his extraordinary career, including how to keep leadership current and how to respond to unexpected challenges. Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, this episode is a can’t-miss opportunity to learn from a master of longevity and excellence.
IN THIS EPISODE
0:00 Intro
2:45 The role of family in Coach K.’s life
9:15 The practical adjustments Coach K. made to stay connected with his family
11:33 Changing and adapting leadership skills over time
18:10 The things that stay constant in leadership
18:44 The role learning continues to play in Coach K.’s life
23:45 His four-step process for working through challenging times
33:10 The secret to his longevity
37:45 Outro
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS
- In leadership, the two things that keep you balanced are faith and family, and they are there forever; continually invest in them.
- When you’re are with your family, be with your family. Shut off the outside distractions.
- Leadership is always changing, so “stay current”: learn to adapt your leadership and communication to current conditions and people.
- Try to stay current: Don’t use examples that your audience doesn’t know about. And if you make a mistake, be accountable and vulnerable; don’t be afraid to own it in front of them.
- Whether from your failures or from others who are doing what you aspire to, you must continue to learn.
- Coach K.’s four-step process for working through challenging times:
- Tell yourself, “I believe in me. I believe in my team.”
- Tell yourself, “I have a great attitude.”
- Prepare.
- Execute.
- Working through challenging times—rather than just sitting in them—often shows you how to improve.
- It’s okay to feel fear, but it’s not okay to show it. The respond by quickly speaking to action. Ask—don’t “order”—your team, “Can you do this next thing (whatever it is)?” Get them talking.
- Don’t just be an energy receiver, be an energy giver.
- Live your “why” all the time.
- Work for sustained excellence; don’t be a one-trick pony.
- Everyone wants to win, but you need to learn to love preparation. In that way, you can be worthy of winning.
LINKS MENTIONED
- Book: Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life (Amazon.com)
- Website: Coach K
- Website: The V Foundation
- Website: Team365
- Website: Global Leadership Summit 2025
- Website: Global Leadership Network
Related
Ep 205: Our Favorite Moments, Winter 2026 — Lessons on Resilience, Presence, and Perspective (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case)
This episode highlights key moments from recent conversations to help you stay grounded in those seasons. You’ll hear insights on perseverance from Walker Hayes, practical wisdom on resilience from David Ashcraft, and a timely reminder from John Maxwell about embracing the season you’re in. Whitney and Eric also share personal leadership challenges and what helped them keep going.
Ep 204: Why Culture Is a Leader’s Responsibility (and How to Shape It) with Jenni Catron
In this conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft, Jenni offers a practical definition of culture, along with clear ways to translate values into everyday behaviors and reinforce them through consistent rhythms.
Ep 203: How Leaders Use Strategy (with David Ashcraft)
In this episode, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to simplify strategy and make it practical. Together, they unpack why strategy matters at every level of leadership—and why waiting for perfect clarity might be the very thing holding you back.
Leadership That Lasts
Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.
