17. R-Jay Barsh - Boise State

06/24/21 • 56 min

This episode is a conversation with R-Jay Barsh. I found this to be a conversation filled with generous silence. Coach Barsh explores his journey of listening to his own heart and own mind through silence and challenge, to ground and center in his gifts rather than chasing the perceptions of others. Along the way he highlights the power of feedback loops, laying your arrogance down, and empathetic listening.
R-Jay Barsh is an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Boise State University. Coach Barsh has been an assistant coach for the Broncos for 2 seasons, and Boise State is coming off a 19-win season with an appearance in the NIT. Prior to Boise State, Coach Barsh previously served as the head coach at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. While with SEU, Coach Barsh led the Fire to three NAIA Division II National Tournament appearances, including an NAIA Fab Four run. Coach Barsh was also an assistant coach at Tacoma Community College, and the University at Puget Sound. His time at TCC included three Western Region titles and an NWACC championship.
Further Resources:

"Practicing Servant-Leadership" edited by Larry Spears and Michele Lawrence
"Forgiveness and Power in the Age of Atrocity" by Shann Ray Ferch
12. Shann Ray Ferch, Ph.D. - Professor of Leadership & Forgiveness Studies, Gonzaga University
"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday

adamgcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/

"Practicing Servant-Leadership" edited by Larry Spears and Michele Lawrence
"Forgiveness and Power in the Age of Atrocity" by Shann Ray Ferch
12. Shann Ray Ferch, Ph.D. - Professor of Leadership & Forgiveness Studies, Gonzaga University
"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday

adamgcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/

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16. Robert Lucero - Westlake High School (TX)

This episode is a conversation with Robert Lucero. I found this to be a conversation filled with empathy. Coach Lucero explores some of the ways he routinely takes the perspectives of those he serves, both his staff and his student-athletes, while reflecting on how ego, an inward mindset, and maybe lack of empathy might have resulted in a bit more diminishment of others previously in his career. Along the way, he highlights honest and loving communication, building community or giving others a place to belong, and serving first.
Robert Lucero is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. During his seven seasons as head coach of the Chaparrals, Coach Lucero has compiled a 210 win - 34 loss record. His tenure includes two appearances in the state tournament, one in 2018, and again this past season. Westlake’s 2020-21 season ended with a top-25 national ranking, a 30-2 record, an undefeated run through district play, and advancing to the State Championship game. Coach Lucero has also been named District Coach of the Year three times, All-Central Texas coach of the year two times, and TABC Class 5A Coach of the Year. Prior to Westlake High School, Coach Lucero also served as the head coach at Hays High School for one season.
Further Reading:

Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

adamgcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/

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18. Chris Acker - San Diego State

This episode is a conversation with Chris Acker. I found this to be a conversation filled with partnership. Coach Acker explores what it looks like for him to walk alongside, and partner with the student-athletes he serves to support the achievement of their goals, a collective effort, and build community, rather than imposing coach-led goals that resulted in the diminishment of others previously in his career. Along the way, he explores cultivating an awareness of others’ needs, listening well vs. listening poorly, and why the best ability might be availability.
Chris Acker is an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at San Diego State University. Coach Acker has been an assistant coach for the Aztecs for two seasons, and is recognized as a top-five assistant coach in the Mountain West Conference by his peers. San Diego State is coming off a Mountain West Conference championship, and a trip to the NCAA tournament. And during his first season at San Diego State, the Aztecs finished with a 30-2 record, starting the season 26-0. Prior to San Diego State, Coach Acker served as an assistant coach at Boise State, and Hawaii. And Coach Acker also previously served as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at West Los Angeles College for two seasons.
adamgcoaching.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gierlach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adamgierlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.gierlach/