Description

Most people wait for a promotion to lead. C.J. Appenzeller proves that true leadership requires no title, it requires a choice.

In this episode, we sit down with C.J. Appenzeller, a man who built a high performance empire from a 180 square foot closet. From training youth athletes to Major League Baseball stars, C.J. reveals the gritty reality of what it takes to grow through struggle. You will learn why clear is kind is the ultimate leadership hack , the simple morning routine that drives world class focus , and why you must never transfer your power to others.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Without a Title: Why you must show up as a leader even when you are a small fish in a big pond.
• Do Not Transfer Your Power: The powerful lesson on refusing to let external circumstances control your internal state.
• The Grizzled Spirit: How to build the calluses and mental strength required to handle the days you want to quit.
• Clear is Kind: Why being vague with your team is actually the definition of being mean.
• The 3 Minute Routine: A simple framework of gratitude, scripture, and leadership study to prime your focus.

This is not just a talk about sports, it is a masterclass in becoming the leader your team deserves.

Shownotes:

01:47 – Childhood "bracketology" and the first taste of leadership

06:18 – The Motherly advice: Don't transfer your power

18:41 – The coach who threw the glove over the fence and ran away

27:27 – Breaking into a batting cage to start a business

33:36 – The "crippling" anxiety of wanting your athletes to succeed

41:44 – Walking on fire to break a scarcity mindset

50:44 – Silencing the ego to fuel curiosity

51:44 – The 3-minute morning habit for mental clarity

01:03:01 – Clear is Kind: Why being vague is actually mean

01:12:55 – Holding professional athletes focused in a distracted world

01:22:34 – Full Circle: The first pro athlete's retirement message