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Listen "#23 The Zen Master’s Playbook: Phil Jackson and the Art of Mindful Leadership"
Episode Synopsis
What does it take to lead some of the greatest teams in NBA history, managing egos as big as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, while creating a culture of unity, mindfulness, and winning? Phil Jackson, known as the Zen Master, built a coaching legacy that transcends basketball and dives deep into human connection, spirituality, and leadership.
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down Phil Jackson’s 11 Rings, exploring how he turned talented individuals into cohesive, championship-winning teams. From his childhood as a minister's son to his revolutionary use of mindfulness and Native American traditions with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson’s story reveals the deeper power of leadership built on compassion, trust, and shared purpose.
In this episode, you will:
Discover how Phil Jackson used mindfulness to cultivate team unity and focus under pressure.
Understand how Jackson balanced egos and created a culture where even superstars like Jordan and Kobe learned to lead.
Explore the lessons from his innovative use of the triangle offense and his unconventional coaching methods, including the importance of spiritual connection in team success.
Join us as we take you inside the mind of one of the greatest coaches in sports history—where success isn’t just about winning, but about fostering a deeper sense of oneness and purpose.
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Rings-Success-Phil-Jackson/dp/0143125346
Socials:
X - https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc
Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/
Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Teamwork and Love in Sports
02:09 Phil Jackson's Journey and Coaching Philosophy
02:51 Phil Jackson's Accomplishments and Influence
03:36 The Importance of Team Cohesion
05:47 Phil's Upbringing and the Role of Basketball
08:19 The Art of Coaching and Player Empowerment
10:15 Phil's Personal Struggles and Growth
12:27 Spiritual Exploration and Coaching Philosophy
14:00 The Triangle Offense and Its Impact
15:48 Creating a Learning Environment
17:39 Building a Sanctuary for Team Bonding
20:24 Empowering Players and Leadership Dynamics
22:53 Integrating Native American Practices
25:18 Mindfulness and Team Awareness
27:44 The Role of Trust in Coaching
28:58 Strategies for Team Cohesion
29:12 The Transition to Leadership
31:05 Mindfulness Practices in Coaching
33:19 The Impact of Trust and Relationships
35:18 Navigating Success and Media Pressure
39:02 Empowering Players Through Structure
41:42 Navigating Michael Jordan's Transition
43:35 The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness
45:33 Managing Unique Personalities: The Case of Dennis Rodman
49:21 The Last Dance: A Season of Finality
54:37 Transitioning to the Lakers: New Challenges
01:00:27 Kobe Bryant: Balancing Individual Ambition and Team Cohesion
01:06:24 The Power of Non-Action in Leadership
01:11:23 Building Trust and Team Spirit
01:16:08 Reflections on Coaching and Personal Growth
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down Phil Jackson’s 11 Rings, exploring how he turned talented individuals into cohesive, championship-winning teams. From his childhood as a minister's son to his revolutionary use of mindfulness and Native American traditions with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson’s story reveals the deeper power of leadership built on compassion, trust, and shared purpose.
In this episode, you will:
Discover how Phil Jackson used mindfulness to cultivate team unity and focus under pressure.
Understand how Jackson balanced egos and created a culture where even superstars like Jordan and Kobe learned to lead.
Explore the lessons from his innovative use of the triangle offense and his unconventional coaching methods, including the importance of spiritual connection in team success.
Join us as we take you inside the mind of one of the greatest coaches in sports history—where success isn’t just about winning, but about fostering a deeper sense of oneness and purpose.
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Rings-Success-Phil-Jackson/dp/0143125346
Socials:
X - https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc
Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/
Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Teamwork and Love in Sports
02:09 Phil Jackson's Journey and Coaching Philosophy
02:51 Phil Jackson's Accomplishments and Influence
03:36 The Importance of Team Cohesion
05:47 Phil's Upbringing and the Role of Basketball
08:19 The Art of Coaching and Player Empowerment
10:15 Phil's Personal Struggles and Growth
12:27 Spiritual Exploration and Coaching Philosophy
14:00 The Triangle Offense and Its Impact
15:48 Creating a Learning Environment
17:39 Building a Sanctuary for Team Bonding
20:24 Empowering Players and Leadership Dynamics
22:53 Integrating Native American Practices
25:18 Mindfulness and Team Awareness
27:44 The Role of Trust in Coaching
28:58 Strategies for Team Cohesion
29:12 The Transition to Leadership
31:05 Mindfulness Practices in Coaching
33:19 The Impact of Trust and Relationships
35:18 Navigating Success and Media Pressure
39:02 Empowering Players Through Structure
41:42 Navigating Michael Jordan's Transition
43:35 The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness
45:33 Managing Unique Personalities: The Case of Dennis Rodman
49:21 The Last Dance: A Season of Finality
54:37 Transitioning to the Lakers: New Challenges
01:00:27 Kobe Bryant: Balancing Individual Ambition and Team Cohesion
01:06:24 The Power of Non-Action in Leadership
01:11:23 Building Trust and Team Spirit
01:16:08 Reflections on Coaching and Personal Growth
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