The Game Changer

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of fostering effective communication and collaboration across sports in the NCAA. As athletic departments continue to expand - in staff size and expectations for holistic student-athlete care - the separation between various sports, disciplines and departments present unique obstacles that demand innovative solutions. We’ll hear from NCAA leaders who have implemented strategies to break down silos and promote synergy by consolidating and centralizing people, process and data; integrating data-driven and evidence-based insights; and cultivating a culture of collaboration and engagement. Topics for discussion: * The evolving dynamics of NCAA sports programs and their impact on communication and collaboration in and across sports - with players, practitioners and administration * The role of centralized data and insights about health, mental well-being, performance, athlete status and more in providing cross-departmental, actionable insights that align staff * Strategies for fostering a collaborative mindset among coaches, athletes, and staff members, emphasizing the shared goal of athletic excellence * Exploring emerging trends and innovations in data and technology that have the potential to further transform communication and collaboration within collegiate sports programs Guests: Jason Avedesian, Ph.D Director of Sports Science for Olympic Sports, Clemson University Eric Rash, Director of Applied Performance, Baylor University Matt Robinson, Athletic Trainer, Texas Tech

In this episode of Game Changer from Kitman Labs, CEO Stephen Smith is joined by Renee Kleszczynski from Michigan State University and Josh Rucci from the University of Georgia to discuss their respective approaches to change and transformation and the role of technology, data and analytics in improving the health and well-being of their student-athletes, increasing staff efficiency and success and enhancing collaboration across the medical, performance, and coaching teams. Topics include

Baylor University is at the forefront of the transformation of student athlete health and well-being. From their vision and organization to their technology infrastructure and day-to-day engagement with student-athletes, Baylor is continuously innovating and evolving their delivery of a top notch student-athlete experience that balances holistic care and performance excellence. In this webinar, Stephen Smith is joined by Kenny Boyd, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Services, to discuss the myriad changes in NCAA athletics and Baylor’s unique approach to student-athlete care. Topics include: Guest: Kenny Boyd, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Services, Baylor University Host: Stephen Smith, CEO & Founder, Kitman Labs

In this episode of the Game Changer podcast, learn about the leadership philosophy of Athletic Director Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation at Dartmouth College. With a 20-year career, leading athletic departments at West Point, Notre Dame and more, Mike shares how to break down silos to elevate the care and performance of NCAA athletes. Hear leadership lessons from Harrity’s new book Coaching Wisdom, offering an insider’s perspective on the greatest challenges in leadership and how to overcome them. In this podcast, you’ll learn:

Kitman Labs Performance Scientist Greg Sammons talks with England Rugby’s Men’s Pathway Athletic Performance Manager Robin Eager about the athletic development process for Under 18/Under 20 players, the importance of alignment and long-term planning for optimal physical development, and advice on when and how to use data insights to complement practitioners’ intuition and experience.

Director of Performance Science Darcy Norman chats with University of Colorado’s Adam Ringler, who openly shares best practices and lessons learned from CU’s innovative journey to a University-wide implementation of their strategic vision - a data-driven approach to enhancing the WHOLE athlete and the athlete experience.

This week, we’re excited to welcome both Michael Cheika (World Rugby Coach of the Year award recipient) and Brad Harrington (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes) as they join Kitman Labs Performance Scientist John Dams in an engaging discussion on creating solid collaboration between performance staff and coaches (despite occasional differences) to maximize performance on a consistent basis. Key insights include:

University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and Kitman Labs CEO Stephen Smith chat about creating success and driving progress through an interconnected organization and an interconnected approach to managing the WHOLE athlete. They explore the importance of a strategic plan, getting everyone on the same page, and partnering with the right vendor to execute on the vision and plan. Highlights include:

In this second segment of a two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith continues his conversation with Chicago Cubs High performance Director Adam Beard who gives advice on modernizing high performance organizations. Other highlights include:

In the first of an exclusive two-part series, Kitman CEO Stephen Smith talks with Chicago Cubs High Performance Director Adam Beard who provides highlights from his research on performance, discusses the role of high performance directors, and more. Having worked in the AFL, Olympic sports, international rugby, NFL and MLB, Adam has brought his unique perspective to each organization and shares his thoughts with us on:

NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes’ High Performance Manager, Brad Harrington, speaks to Kitman Labs Performance Scientist John Dams about high performance and shares his advice on how the performance department can more effectively engage with coaches. Key takeaways for this podcast include: don’t care

Lively discussion about sports research and the next generation of high performance

In this episode of The Game Changer Podcast, we spoke Dr. Charlotte Cowie, the Football Associations' Head of Medicine. Here's what you'll take away:

Join us in this exclusive episode, of the Game Changer Podcast where we interview England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Head of Sports Science, Medicine and Innovation, Raph Brandon. He shares his experiences on:

Join us as we gain insight on how top Swedish team, AIK Fotball are overcoming challenges of the Coronavirus and returning to play.

Join experts from around the globe as they share their ideas and approaches for navigating the downtime caused by the novel coronavirus.

In the latest Game Changers podcast, Darcy Norman hosts a fascinating discussion with Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, Head of the Medical Departments at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Celtic FC's Head of Sports Science Jack Nayler speaks with Darcy Norman around some of the key lessons he's learned through pursuing a habit of conscious self-reflection. Key takeaways for this podcast include: If you have any questions or comments, please make sure you join the Game Changer Group on LinkedIn.

In this podcast performance consultant Ed Lippie shares lessons from his time building a high performance environment within AS Roma. Key highlights include:

Part two of Kitman Labs Founder and CEO Stephen Smith's podcast interview with the legendary Michael Boyle. In this podcast, Stephen interviews Mike on his 38 years of working in professional sport, including important lessons and personal philosophies that have enabled him to remain so relevant in today's rapidly changing industry. Key highlights from this podcast include: