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The Great Coaches: Leadership & Life
Leading with Integrity: Sam Bird's Coaching Philosophy
Season 6, Ep. 4
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Sam Bird on Building London Pulse Through Service, Values, and World-Class Standards
We believe that there is no algorithm for leadership. So we ask the world's great coaches how they do it.
Sam Bird shares how seven knee operations ended her England netball playing career early, pushing her into a legal career with the Met Police that shaped her leadership through service, listening, and navigating high-stakes international negotiations—often as the only woman in the room. She explains how she rebuilt London Pulse from a last-place finish by recruiting “people before players,” prioritizing kindness, humility, hard work, loyalty, and a club-first mindset, while creating a supportive environment where athletes feel valued and can handle tough conversations. Taking on CEO duties in 2020, she learned to surround herself with trusted, capable people and grow the organization like a startup. Bird describes Lisa Alexander’s impact in raising standards, simplifying performance foundations, and strengthening “proud to be Pulse” identity across the pathway, while aiming to make Pulse the best club in the world and change lives through opportunity in London’s diverse community.
If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com and if you would like to receive our newsletter with 5 ideas to help you improve your leadership, then sign up at: https://thegreatcoaches.beehiiv.com/subscribe
3 questions the interview with Sam challenged me with were:
• Is my organization the type of place where people know somebody will have their back if they are having a bad day?
• Am I engaging with me mentors enough to frame challenging questions of myself
• Am I calling out example of ambition and bravery enough?
If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com
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Book Club: Percy Cerutty
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Coaching Across Continents: Lessons from Mick Byrne
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Adam Voges: Navigating Transitions in Sports Leadership
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The Magic of Sports with 92 year old George Selleck
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Authenticity and Leadership in Sports: Dom Starsia's Approach
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Book Club: Sum It Up by Pat Summitt
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