Episode 132

full
Published on:

6th May 2025

#132 – Are You a Technical Coach or a Connection Coach? Why Your Team Still Isn’t Thriving

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation


Episode Summary:


In this episode, Ian Hawkins breaks down the difference between technical coaching and connection-based leadership—and why the latter is often the missing link in unlocking a team's true potential. Drawing on examples from top-level coaches like Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy, and Pep Guardiola, Ian explores how emotional intelligence, curiosity, and human connection drive deeper motivation, consistency, and trust.


Whether you’re a coach, parent, or leader, this episode offers practical insights on how to connect better and get more out of your people—without needing more qualifications.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Transcript
Speaker:

learned strategies, study the systems,

Speaker:

and earn the qualifications, but you're

Speaker:

still not getting your team to hit its

Speaker:

full potential. In this episode, we're

Speaker:

going to break down the critical

Speaker:

difference between technical coaching and

Speaker:

connection based leadership. Discover

Speaker:

why building stronger human connections

Speaker:

is the missing link in performance and

Speaker:

how to shift your focus to what really

Speaker:

drives growth, motivation, and

Speaker:

results.

Speaker:

I'm Ian Hawkins and this is Sporty's

Speaker:

life. The purpose of sport, as I

Speaker:

see it, is to see your vision become a

Speaker:

reality, find your voice, create

Speaker:

strong connections and learn to trust

Speaker:

your body.

Speaker:

You've taken the time to listen to this

Speaker:

whole episode. Now it's time to take

Speaker:

action. Commit to one thing you've

Speaker:

learned today and make it happen. And to

Speaker:

avoid any obstructions, join the Sporty's

Speaker:

Life movement by clicking on the link in

Speaker:

the show notes.

Show artwork for Sport Is Life

About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

Profile picture for Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.