Talent Chasing

In this episode, Brian and Jasper break down the yips, that sudden, inexplicable loss of skill that rattles athletes, performers, and professionals across industries. From missed free throws to blank stares during presentations, the yips are more than just nerves, they're a mental block that can derail careers. The hosts share personal stories and real-world examples, exploring how pressure, perfectionism, and fear of failure feed this psychological spiral. They also examine how leaders can recognize the signs, provide support, and foster environments where setbacks aren’t feared but used as fuel for growth.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Brian unpack the messy side of leadership and team dynamics when the stakes are sky-high, especially in the world of sports. From locker room blowups to front-office tension, they explore how conflict can either fracture a team or fuel its fire. The conversation dives into the crucial role of culture, chemistry, and communication in navigating chaos, and how great leaders turn personal ambition into collective success. They spotlight real-world examples of conflict resolution and the importance of creating inclusive environments where individuals feel connected to something bigger than themselves. At the heart of it all? A warning against rugged individualism and a call to refocus competitive drive toward shared goals.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the crew dives into the record-breaking contract of NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts—and what it reveals about leadership, resilience, and the fine line between personal success and team impact. From the huddle to the boardroom, the conversation connects Hurts’ rise with lessons for corporate life: the power of servant leadership, the value of strong support systems, and how maturity under pressure shapes champions. They explore how adversity isn’t just a test—it’s a tool for growth—and why building a strong, positive team culture is the key to retaining top talent.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Jasper take a high-speed dive into the world of Formula One—and how its high-stakes dynamics mirror today’s corporate battleground. Using the drama from the Canadian Grand Prix and the rising rivalry between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, they unpack what happens when elite talent collides under the same banner. From managing internal competition to enforcing team orders, they explore how organizations—like F1 teams—walk the tightrope between collaboration and cutthroat ambition. Plus, they make the case for why transparency, leadership, and talent development aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re mission critical for building a winning culture, on the track and in the office.

In this breakdown episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Jasper, Chad, and Brian revisit their conversation with professional baseball player David MacKinnon by replaying key moments from the original interview. They dive into the most powerful clips, unpacking themes like retooling your skills, the importance of support systems, and the emotional hurdles athletes face—on and off the field. Drawing connections between sports and corporate life, the hosts highlight how values like resilience, adaptability, and family support shape career growth in both arenas. From the clubhouse to the workplace, this episode explores how technology, AI, and human connection are redefining what it means to build a meaningful career.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts break down Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic revival under coach Luis Enrique—unpacking how team chemistry, homegrown talent, and strong leadership fueled the turnaround. From Champions League pressure to managing superstar egos, they explore the hidden parallels between elite sports and high-performing organizations. The conversation dives deep into talent acquisition, financial dynamics in European vs. American sports, and why cultural alignment and long-term vision matter more than ever. It’s not just about the game—it’s about building a winning culture on and off the field.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad, Jasper, and Brian sit down with David MacKinnon, whose unlikely path from 32nd-round draft pick to Major League Baseball is a masterclass in grit, growth, and global perspective. David opens up about life in the minors, the mental grind behind the game, and how reworking his swing changed everything. He shares how family support and relentless adaptation kept him going through injuries, setbacks, and overseas transitions. The conversation dives into David’s time playing in Japan, comparing cultural differences, clubhouse dynamics, and the high expectations placed on foreign players. The crew also chats about coaching ambitions, the future of baseball across continents, and even quirks like smoking in locker rooms. It’s an honest, insightful look at the human side of professional baseball—from dugouts in the U.S. to diamonds in Asia.

In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the aftermath of the NFL Draft, zeroing in on the unexpected slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They unpack the complex mix of factors that may have influenced his draft stock—ranging from family ties and racial dynamics to media narratives surrounding his father, Deion Sanders. The discussion broadens to explore how race, social media, and personality shape talent evaluation in professional sports. Along the way, the hosts reflect on travel adventures in Japan and draw parallels between global experiences and the shifting culture of the NFL. At its core, this episode challenges listeners to engage in candid conversations about race, perception, and the evolving standards of opportunity in modern athletics.

In this episode, Chad Sowash and Brian Johnson sit down with Jordan Birnbaum — a behavioral economist, executive coach, and I/O Psychologist — to unpack the surprising parallels between sports and corporate talent management. They dive into how lessons from the field — from role clarity and team chemistry to leadership and empathy — can transform how businesses build and lead teams. The trio explores the challenges of moving from star player to team captain, the role of culture in high-performing teams, and why clear expectations matter more than ever. They also tackle the promise and pitfalls of analytics in both sports and business, emphasizing that data alone doesn’t create great teams — leadership and accountability do.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper kick things off with Opening Day hype, spotlighting the New York Yankees’ strong start and the buzz around the controversial “Torpedo Bat.” From performance-boosting gear to bold marketing plays, they dive into how innovation is reshaping the game—not just in baseball, but across sports like tennis and football. The conversation then shifts from the field to the workplace, where the trio explores the parallels between athletic performance and professional productivity. They talk tools, tech, and the fine line between pushing innovation and preserving mental well-being. It’s a candid look at how leaders and teams can stay competitive without burning out, all while keeping their eye on sustainable success.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian, Chad, and Jasper swap stories from the road and celebrate some recent sports wins before diving deep into the shifting tides of NBA leadership. They unpack the latest wave of coaching changes—what’s driving them, who’s at the center, and how they’ll impact the league going forward. The trio doesn’t just talk stats—they explore the tension between chasing quick wins and building a foundation for long-term success. Through the lens of a league often shaped more by superstar players than front-office decisions, they examine the tough realities NBA coaches face today. Drawing compelling parallels between sports and business, the conversation covers the evolving role of leadership, the power of clear roles and communication during high-pressure moments, and why sometimes the best move a leader can make... is to step aside and let the team lead.

In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper unpack the parallels between the NFL Draft and modern hiring practices, revealing how talent acquisition in both sports and business often misses the mark. Using examples like Shedeur Sanders and Eli Manning, they highlight the intense scrutiny athletes face, the impact of background on perception, and the unpredictability of talent evaluation. The conversation critiques traditional interviews as theatrical and outdated, urging a shift toward more authentic, empathetic, and insightful hiring methods. From the importance of organizational culture and emotional intelligence to the pitfalls of resume-based assessments, the episode challenges listeners to rethink how we build teams—on the field and in the workplace. With a focus on leadership, cultural fit, and the human element, the hosts make a compelling case for evolving how we assess, recruit, and lead talent in today's world.

In this episode, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the far-reaching effects of tariffs on the talent market and the wider economy. They unpack the economic and geopolitical ripple effects, explore how businesses are adapting their strategies, and examine the shifting dynamics of employment and cultural perception. The discussion sheds light on the complex challenges facing both companies and workers, underscoring the importance of agility and forward-thinking in today’s fast-changing global landscape.

In this episode, Jasper and Brian discuss the intricacies of NFL scouting, focusing on the NFL Combine and the newly introduced Combine IQ tool. They explore the balance between data analysis and human intuition in evaluating talent, the challenges of biases in scouting, and the unique aspects of the interview process for prospective players. The conversation also touches on the differences between NFL scouting and European football, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and clear role definitions in recruitment.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate talent, focusing on the concept of meritocracy in politics and hiring practices. They discuss the qualifications of political figures, the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on meritocracy, and the importance of building talent pipelines within organizations. The conversation highlights the need for companies to engage with their communities and develop inclusive hiring strategies to thrive in a changing demographic landscape.

In this episode, Jasper and Brian dive into the emotional highs and lows of being a European football fan, with a special focus on Newcastle United's recent trophy victory. They highlight the inspiring journey of Dan Byrne, a player who defied the odds to succeed, drawing insightful parallels between talent acquisition and team dynamics in both sports and business. Their discussion underscores the power of resilience, strategic patience, and human skills in the workplace, while also exploring innovative ways to learn from mistakes.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate culture, discussing the dynamics of team chemistry, the pressure of winning, and the implications of trades during the NHL trade deadline. They delve into the importance of internal development and empathy in onboarding new talent, while also reflecting on the differences between sports management and corporate strategies. Takeaways Sports and corporate worlds share common themes. Experiencing European football offers unique insights. NHL trade deadline is a critical time for teams. Teams often prioritize short-term wins over long-term planning. Pressure from fans can lead to irrational decisions. Team chemistry is crucial for success in sports. Rebuilding a team can be a demoralizing process. Empathy is essential in managing talent effectively. Internal talent development can yield surprising results. Winning culture is built on understanding and support.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts dive into the changing role of umpires in baseball, the influence of technology and automation, and the personality crisis impacting Major League Baseball. They discuss the balance between human judgment and robotic systems in officiating, exploring how these shifts affect the sport's entertainment value. The conversation also highlights the delicate dynamics between catchers and umpires, stressing the need for mutual respect and strong relationships. The speakers touch on the emotional toll players face when navigating officiating decisions and the importance of a balanced approach to handling disagreements. Shifting to technology’s role in sports officiating, particularly the use of VAR, they examine its potential for fairness as well as its drawbacks. Ultimately, they advocate for a more automated approach to decision-making in sports, aiming to reduce bias and boost consistency, and envision a future where technology takes center stage in officiating.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad and Jasper dive into the unexpected trade of NBA superstars Doncic and Davis between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks and its impact on both the sports and business worlds. They explore how talent management in sports mirrors that in the corporate world, focusing on the value of trades, employee retention, and the importance of development strategies. The hosts discuss the ripple effects of such a major move on team dynamics and organizational structure, ultimately drawing conclusions about how both industries can benefit from each other's approaches to managing top talent.

In this episode, the hosts dive into the enduring legacy of NFL coaching legend Bill Parcells, exploring his unique coaching style and the powerful coaching tree he left behind. They unpack his influence on today's game, the leadership traits that set him apart, and whether his methods still connect with modern players. The discussion also touches on the role of coaching fit and the long-term impact Parcells has had on the NFL. The conversation expands into broader leadership themes, examining how different generations approach leadership, the crucial coach-GM dynamics, and the importance of steady leadership. Drawing parallels between quarterbacking and executive leadership, the hosts highlight key insights from Parcells, along with the challenges of navigating outside opinions and celebrity culture in leadership. Bill Parcells is a legendary figure in NFL coaching. He developed 11 head coaches who went on to have successful careers. Parcells' coaching style was characterized by high standards and accountability. His influence extends beyond his own coaching achievements to those he mentored. The culture he created was focused on leadership and mutual respect. Generational differences in coaching styles are a topic of discussion. Bill Parcells' methods may not align with today's players' expectations. The importance of fit in coaching and leadership is emphasized. Aaron Glenn's respect for Parcells highlights the lasting impact of his coaching. The conversation reflects on the evolution of coaching in the NFL. Generational differences influence leadership styles and expectations. Effective leadership requires a buffer between management and ownership. Bill Parcells' insights on quarterbacking can apply to business leadership. Knowing your team is crucial for effective leadership. Consistency in leadership fosters trust and reliability. Ignoring outside opinions can help maintain focus on core objectives. Celebrity status can detract from effective leadership. Leadership is about prioritizing the team's success over personal fame. Building a strong support system is essential for leaders. Effective leaders must navigate complex dynamics within their teams.