What really makes a team successful — having the best players or having real trust? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G talks with Mike Robbins, a former pro baseball player who now teaches leaders how to build strong teams and better workplaces. Mike shares his story of going from the pitcher’s mound to a career-ending injury, and how that shift led him to focus on people, culture, and leadership. He explains why trust matters more than talent, how to lead even when you’re not the expert, and why clear roles and honest conversations can change everything. From everyday leadership tips to real-world examples, this episode is full of practical advice you can put to work right away in your business and your life.

Mike Robbins is a keynote speaker, coach, and bestselling author who helps leaders and teams build trust, improve collaboration, and achieve stronger results. For more than 25 years, he has worked with top organizations like Google, Microsoft, Walmart, Airbnb, Pixar, and the San Francisco Giants. Mike has written five books, including We’re All in This Together, and his work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review. A former pro baseball player drafted by the Kansas City Royals, Mike now shares lessons from both the field and the workplace to inspire authentic leadership and teamwork. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two daughters.

Connect with Mike:
Website: https://mike-robbins.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/

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Episode highlights:
(0:00 ) Intro
(1:25 ) From pro baseball to leadership coach
(3:20 ) Why good teams fail and average teams win
(5:31 ) Building trust: It's more than delegation
(6:58 ) The meeting on trust that never happens
(9:14 ) Leadership lessons from baseball to construction
(11:35 ) Why names, small talk, and being real matter
(18:38 ) Conflict, connection, and why empathy wins
(24:36 ) Clear responsibilities and team efficiency
(27:18 ) Creating culture: high standards & high care
(33:04 ) Redefining a company after a split
(36:03 ) The best teams start with the best leaders doing the personal work
(37:24 ) Outro


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