Jed Hughes Podcast
Through this podcast series, Jed will dive into what makes great leaders, coaches, and executives and what separates the Hall of Famers from the rest. Each episode will feature a unique leader and will dive into the qualities that inspire greatness, galvanize organizations, and teach the next generation of aspiring leaders.
For episode #5, Jed welcomes the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mark Shapiro. Hughes and Shapiro discuss the evolution of baseball and the implementation of a high-performance culture in Toronto. Shapiro elaborates on his diverse experiences in baseball and how he was able to transform the player development model in MLB.
On episode #3 of The Jed Hughes Podcast, Jed welcomes the Head Basketball Coach of Villanova University, Jay Wright. The two discuss Wright’s ascent from working basketball camps at Villanova to being named the coach of the decade. Jay discusses his basketball philosophy and how he recruits players that want to graduate and how he utilizes player development to maximize their success on and off the court.
On episode #2 of The Jed Hughes Podcast, Jed welcomes the longtime General Manager and architect of the San Antonio Spurs, RC Buford. RC discusses the evolution of the Spurs’ organization and how he and Coach Pop were able to build a sustainable basketball program in San Antonio. Throughout the interview Buford shares insights on his unique journey, relationship with Kansas Basketball Coach Bill Self, and the core values that have made the Spurs a desirable place for cultivating young talent and how the Spurs are attacking systematic racism across America.
Jed Hughes welcomes Michigan Head Football Coach, Jim Harbaugh on the first episode of the Jed Hughes Podcast. Jed and Jim discuss all things football, dating back to Jim's days as an unpaid assistant, coaching Andrew Luck at Stanford, and Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco. The duo discuss the current state of affairs in America, and what we can all do to make a difference.
On episode #40 Jed welcomes on the Head Men’s Basketball coach at the University of Hartford, John Gallagher. They talk about the preparation for Hartford’s first ever NCAA tournament appearance, and how John turned around Hartford. The pair talk about John’s career trajectory and how he approaches the collegiate game
On episode #39 Jed welcomes on the President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, David Baker. They discuss David’s long and winging career journey - including being the commissioner of the Arena Football League. David discusses the learnings he has had from his unique career stops, and what he has in store for the future of the football Hall of Fame.
On episode #38 Jed welcomes on former University of Houston basketball player, Moshood Martins. They discuss Mo’s basketball career and talk about how Mo pivoted careers into the world of dentistry, specifically becoming an orthodontist. Mo talks about the challenges he faced along the way, and what it was like to live in Western Pennsylvania in a time where society was not as integrated.
On episode #37, Jed welcomes on the CEO of Bruin Sports Capital, George Pyne. They discuss George’s career, including leading NASCAR and IMG. George talks about the dynamics of running a sports-focused private equity firm, and how he’s back in the auto racing business as a co-founder of the new Superstar Racing Experience.
On episode #36, Jed welcomes on the Head Men’s Basketball Coach of USC, Andy Enfield. They discuss how Andy got involved in the game of basketball, and how his unique career path ultimately led him to become the Head Coach at FGCU. Andy talks about how he has built programs, and shares his stories from the last 8 years at USC.
On episode #35, Jed welcomes on former football coach and friend Joe Purzycki. They discuss Joe’s background, playing football at Delaware and being named the first white coach of a HBCU at Delaware State. Joe and Jed discuss his post football business career where he ascended to Vice Chairman of MBNA America bank, and the commitment he put into his philanthropic efforts throughout his career, and its profound impact on local communities.
On episode #34, Jed welcomes on the CEO of Vulcan Sports + Entertainment, Chris McGowan. They discuss Chris’ career including stops at AEG and the Portland Trailblazers before assuming the role of overseeing all of Vulcan. Chris discusses his leadership style, and how the Seahawks and Trailblazers have navigated the pandemic - from a health and revenue perspective.
On episode #33, Jed welcomes on the legendary Mike Warren from Hill Street Blues! They discuss Mike’s time playing for John Wooden at UCLA, and being a 2-time team captain. Mike talks about leadership and how his time with Jed at UCLA led to a lifelong friendship.
On episode #32 Jed welcomes on future MLB Hall of Famer, Sandy Alderson. They discuss how Sandy wound up working in Major League Baseball, and how his experience as a lawyer led to an opportunity with the Oakland Athletics. Sandy discusses his time with the Mets, and what is in store for his final chapter.
On episode #31 Jed welcomes on Trace Armstrong. They discuss Trace’s career including playing college and NFL football, and serving as President of the NFLPA. The two dig into the process of working with and developing coaches, and what Trace looks for when recruiting new coaches.
On episode #30, Jed welcomes on former Pittsburgh Steeler, Rocky Bleier. They discuss the origins of “The Rock” nickname, and how Rocky paused his NFL career to serve in the Army. Rocky discusses his second stint with the Steelers, playing for Chuck Noll, and winning multiple Super Bowl
On episode #29, Jed welcomes on the Head Men’s Basketball Coach of Oregon, Dana Altman. They discuss how Dana and the team have adapted over the course of 2020. Additionally, they discuss Dana’s philosophy on player development, and how he has been successful at both the “1 and done” and 4-year player model.
On episode #28, Jed welcomes on the General Manager of the Green Bay Packers, Brian Gutekunst. They discuss Brian’s development as a football executive, including his learnings from Ron Wolf. Brian talks about the process of hiring Matt LaFleur, and the steps he has taken to help transform the Packers.
On episode #27, Jed welcomes on John Beilein. They discuss John’s winding journey to becoming a big-time Division 1 and NBA head coach, and the qualities that made him successful at multiple different destinations. John talks about how he builds a culture, his approach to turning around programs, and what he looks for in identifying young talent.
On episode #26, Jed welcomes on Dr. Rick Celebrini, the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Golden State Warriors. Rick and Jed discuss the sports science movement across professional sports, including load management, injury, treatment and prevention, and developing unique approaches for different athletes. Rick talks about his relationship with the Warriors’ Steve Kerr and Bob Myers, and how important organizational alignment is to having an elite high performance department.
On episode #25, Jed welcomes on Daryl Morey, the President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. The two discuss Daryl’s journey from MIT to the NBA, and how he built a perennial winning franchise with the Houston Rockets. Daryl talks about what he looks for when building a roster, how analytics have changed the GM job, and what he has learned through his years in the NBA.
On episode #24, Jed welcomes onto the show Mark Richt, the former Head Coach of the University of Miami and University of Georgia. The two discuss Mark’s early career experiences and how he consistently learned from talented quarterbacks. Mark discusses how he established sustained success at Georgia and what he was faced with rebuilding a culture at Miami.
On episode #23, Jed welcomes on the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid. The two discuss Andy’s early career experiences and who helped shaped him from a coaching and personnel perspective. Andy discusses how he built a winning culture embodied by trust, and how he has continued to innovate from a play calling perspective, and how he encourages collaboration across the organization.
On episode #22, Jed welcomes on the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers, Matt Rhule. The two discuss Matt’s early career experiences at Temple and the New York Giants, including how he rebuilt a decaying culture at Baylor. Later in the podcast Matt talks about coming back to the NFL with the Panthers and how he has navigated this irregular and challenging season.
On episode #21, Jed welcomes on former NFL General Manager, John Dorsey. The two discuss John’s early years in the league, and who helped develop him from a mentor perspective. John elaborates on how he and Andy Reid built Kansas City into a perennial contender, and what went in to drafting players such as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. John talks about his time in Cleveland, and how the organization zeroed in on Baker Mayfield, and the trades that ended up bringing in players such as Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry
For episode #20, Jed welcomes on Sandy Montag, the CEO of The Montag Group. Sandy discusses starting his career traveling cross-country with John Madden to start his career, the evolution of the Madden video game and how it led to a 35 year personal relationship. They discuss leadership and culture - and how Sandy ventured out of IMG after 30 years to start his own company in the agency, consulting and content world.
On episode #19, Jed welcomes on Oliver Luck. The two discuss Oliver’s unique career stops, including working for multiple start-up leagues and the NCAA. They dig into topics including leadership and the ability to build high-performing organizations.
On episode #18, Jed welcomes on entrepreneur, Michelle Marciniak. They discuss Michelle’s career journey, starting as a highly touted recruit who ultimately played hoops for the legendary Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee. Michelle talks about the anxiety she suffered while contemplating coming out as gay and the impact it had on her life. Michelle also discusses founding Sheex, the first ever athletic performance bed sheets company.
On episode #17, Jed welcomes on the Director of the NBA Players Association’s new Mental Health and Wellness program, Dr. William Parham. They discuss the challenges associated with mental health and wellness from an athlete perspective. Additionally Dr. Parham discusses how race affects the mental health equation, and the role it has played recently in society.
On podcast episode #16, Jed welcomes on former NFL coach and Hall of Famer, Tony Dungy. Tony talks about his core values, approach to leadership, and how the people around him early in his coaching career shaped him as a coach. The two discuss Tony’s career ascension and how he has affected those around him later in his career as a teacher.
On podcast episode #15, Jed welcomes on the president of baseball operations for the Minnesota Twins, Derek Falvey. The two discuss Derek’s career path leading to his current role, and how he has built alignment within the Twins organization. Additionally, Derek discusses how the current health crisis has reshaped his organization, in addition to the changes it has forced across the MLB.
On podcast episode #14, Jed welcomes on the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider. They discuss building a sustainable organization in Seattle, John’s relationship with Pete Carroll, and the key influences on John’s career.
On podcast episode #13, Jed welcomes on the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh. John discusses how he has evolved as a football coach, his leadership philosophy, and how he has attacked the sensitive challenges this off-season has presented.
On podcast episode #12, Jed welcomes on the president of baseball operations and general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, David Stearns. David talks about his experience in Milwaukee reshaping the Brewers. They also discuss the social injustice problem the country is facing, and how it has impacted the Brewers and the MLB.
On episode #11 Jed welcomes on the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Texas, Shaka Smart. Shake discusses his long winding road to Texas, and some of his unique stops along the way. The two discuss basketball and recruiting philosophy and how Shaka approaches player development.
On episode #10 of the Jed Hughes podcast, Jed welcomes on Jim Hackett, the CEO of Ford Motor Company. They discuss Jim’s unique executive background, and the experiences he had at Steelcase, the University of Michigan and Ford. Jim talks about the recent challenges he has faced at Ford, and expounds on some of his core leadership tenants.
On episode #9, Jed welcomes Tod Leiweke, the CEO and President of the Seattle Kraken. The two discuss the new Seattle Hockey franchise, and how his past experiences working in the NFL, NBA and NHL have transformed him as an executive.
On episode #8, Jed welcomes on Dr. Marcus Elliott, the Founder and Director of P3, who is Harvard trained physician specializing in performance enhancement and the development of elite athletes. Dr. Elliot discusses the evolution of sports science, and the role that data collection and interpretation play in the world of athlete performance. Jed and Marcus discuss the overarching goal of optimizing athlete performance and decreasing their risk while using all available tools to make their lives better.
For episode #7, Jed is joined by former professional football player, Luis Sharpe. The two reminisce on the time they both spent at UCLA, and Luis goes deep into the adversity he’s faced throughout his life, overcoming drug addition, incarcerations, and the death of his young daughter. Luis imparts wisdom he has learned through his harrowing experiences and how describes how it has ultimate shaped his character today.
On episode #6, Jed welcomes on the CEO of the Green Bay Packers, Mark Murphy. Mark discusses his unique career trajectory across both intercollegiate and professional sports, dating back to his days as an NFL player. Jed and Mark take a deep dive on all things Packers, highlighting the unique changes he has driven on both the football and business side of the organization. Lastly, the duo discuss leadership - specifically leading in the face of adversity and challenging times
