S4E5 - Coach Heather Stone Leads with Empower
Coach Heather Stone Leads with Empower
Coach Stone is entering her 16th season as Head Coach of the Western Connecticut State University Softball program. Heather has led the WCUS program to 5 NCAA appearances, a 2007 ECAC New England Championship during her tenure at her alma mater. Additionally, Coach Stone is a member of the WCSU Athletics Hall of Fame (2001 inductee).
"Leadership is about accountability first. The hardest thing is learning how to be a good teammate, especially when you're sitting on the bench for the first time. You're part of something bigger than yourself and, if you want to be part of it, you have to realize that."
00:32: Episode Introduction and Roll Call - I've had the pleasure of leading leadership training and team building programs with the WCSU Softball Program in 2020 and 2021 and quickly developed a great appreciation for Coach Heather Stone and her ability to lead, inspire, and empower her athletes.
09:42: Leadership in Action - We learn about Coach Stone as a leader through our discussions on:
- The current state of the WCSU Softball Program
- Establishing team culture and expectations
- The strengths of the 2022 WCSU Softball Program and potential roadblocks they may face during the upcoming season
- Coach Stone's development as a leader throughout her 20 year coaching career
- The importance of accountability and confronting the "fear of failure" in leadership
33:35: The Leadership Journey - We learn about Coach Stone's playing career, early coaching career, her time in the US Military, and how she leverages her personal experiences in her leadership.
53:49: Finish the Drill - Our conversation closes with Heather sharing (1) her favorite team and athlete, (2) her dream dinner guests, (3) the best leadership advice she's ever received, (4) her current inspiration, and (5) words of motivation for coaches and athletes!
Learn more about Coach Stone and the WCSU Softball Program:
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co