45. Jay DeMerit - Rise x Shine Mentorship, Watford FC, USMNT

In this episode, US Soccer and Watford FC legend Jay DeMerit joins us for round 2. Justin Chezem of Christopher Newport University men’s soccer and Brendan Bourdage of William & Mary men’s soccer discuss with Jay his friendship with Elton John, growing a mentorship practice with his partner Dani Wilson, called RxS (Rise and Shine) Mentorship, and working on systems built off the pillars of Belief, Respect, Work Ethic, and positivity. Jay’s energy is contagious and he’s doing great things through his various ventures and speaking engagements. There is a lot to learn from this one.

Summary

In this conversation, Jay DeMerit discusses his relationship with Elton John and his experience as a captain of Watford FC. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture of the game and the deep connection between the club and its community. Jay also shares his insights on self-leadership and the four steps to unlocking true belief. He highlights the significance of intention, self-awareness, confidence, and belief in personal and professional growth. Additionally, Jay discusses the challenges of dealing with rejection and failure, and the importance of not taking things personally. In this conversation, Jay DeMerit discusses the importance of creating a foundational mindset, the Rise and Shine mentorship program, and the impact of social media on mental health.

Takeaways

Understanding the culture of the game and the deep connection between a club and its community is crucial for players.

Self-leadership involves setting clear intentions, being self-aware, building confidence, and developing true belief in oneself.

Dealing with rejection and failure is part of the journey, and it is important to not take things personally.

Feedback and continuous self-reflection are essential for personal and professional growth.

Leadership in sports and coaching is becoming more challenging due to the changing mindset and expectations of younger players. Creating a foundational mindset is crucial for success. It involves taking responsibility for one's own journey and not comparing oneself to others.

The Rise and Shine mentorship program aims to provide opportunities for kids to develop a positive mindset and live in a high-performance environment.

The digital program and mentorship offered by Rise and Shine focus on helping young people discover their authentic selves and develop skills in various areas.

Social media can contribute to stress and anxiety, as it promotes superficial external validation and comparison. It is important to prioritize authenticity and self-discovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Elton John's Involvement

04:35 The Role of Being a Captain

11:41 The Disconnect with Younger Players

21:44 Self-Leadership and the Four Steps

34:46 The Importance of Awareness and Feedback

39:26 Not Taking Things Personally and Embracing Failure

40:03 Creating a Foundational Mindset

44:03 Rise and Shine Mentorship Program

48:23 Digital Program and Mentorship

51:29 The Impact of Social Media