Building Extraordinary Team Cultures: Insights from JP Nerbun for Athletes and Coaches

Welcome back to another powerful episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition! This week, co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones sit down with JP Nerbun—bestselling author, leadership coach, founder of TOC Culture Consulting, and renowned expert in sports culture and leadership.

JP dives into the nuances of building winning team cultures, offering practical wisdom for athletes, coaches, and parents. He explains why cultivating culture isn’t about tearing everything down and starting over—instead, it’s more like tending a garden: nurturing what’s good, pulling out the weeds, and helping everyone thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The athlete’s vital role in shaping and sustaining positive team culture.

• How to lead by example, especially when things get tough.

• The power of reframing setbacks and fostering an outward, giving mindset.

• Concrete strategies for managing negativity within teams, including the toxic effects of unchecked complaining.

• JP’s top three culture-building mistakes—and how to avoid them.

• Key traditions and everyday actions that drive lasting transformation, plus why “little” efforts (like post-practice tea and chats) can create big shifts.

• The value of identifying your personal non-negotiables and clarifying what it takes to be successful as an athlete or teammate.

• Why embracing every individual, from star players to janitors and groundskeepers, shapes team identity and unity.

JP also shares insights from his books, Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to Transformational Leadership and The Culture System, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their team’s environment, whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports parent.

Stay tuned for next episode: JP returns to discuss the parent’s impact on team culture, sharing actionable advice for turning parents into valuable allies.

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Resources Mentioned:

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Culture System
  https://a.co/d/5WZFmR9 
  

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Sport Parents Solution. https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Parent-Solution-Strategies-Transforming/dp/B0CT6GQHND 

• The Coaching Culture Podcast
  https://open.spotify.com/show/336Hs8udk8s0yXuK3BzSOq?si=4a528e075de54ecf 
  
  DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.

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