Why Coaching the Human First Changes Everything ⎮ Adam Innes
- Author
- Gurthro Steenkamp
- Published
- Tue 08 Jul 2025
- Episode Link
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gurthro-steenkamp3/episodes/Why-Coaching-the-Human-First-Changes-Everything--Adam-Innes-e358sgm
In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Adam Innes opens up about his journey from Aussie rugby league hopeful to coaching champion in France. He reveals hard-earned lessons on coaching philosophy, accountability, and how to connect with athletes from different cultures.
Adam shares how injury, depression, and purpose outside the game shaped his coaching identity — and how coaching the person is more powerful than just focusing on the player.
Key themes:
Belief in your coaching system
Managing modern athletes and social media distractions
The power of routine and repetition
Getting buy-in and building accountability
Why vision beats motivation
Lessons for young coaches transitioning post-playing career
00:00 Intro: From Australia to France
02:31 Player to Coach: No Experience, Big Vision
04:38 Coaching Philosophy: Believe in Your System
09:13 Routine, Repetition and Control
10:20 Coaching Gen Z: Social Media, Sensitivity and Standards
14:51 Coach the Person Not Just the Player
16:51 The Truth About Overweight Athletes
20:20 Transitioning from Teammate to Coach
23:17 Why Emotional Intelligence Beats Yelling
26:41 Vision vs Motivation: The Power of Accountability
29:04 Building a Player Accountability System
31:21 Lessons from the Game: What Adam Would Tell His 20-Year-Old Self
35:21 Realistic Morning Routines for Athletes
40:07 The Magic of Consistency
44:11 Skill Mastery and Muscle Memory
47:19 Advice for Young Coaches
50:50 Evolving as a Coach: From Systems to Human Connection
53:04 Learning to Listen and Lead Beyond the Data
56:29 Nutrition Culture and Educating Players
60:04 Mental Health: Adam’s Rock Bottom Story
66:22 Final Lessons: Life Beyond the Game
68:52 Outro and Where to Find Adam
A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone committed to growth on and off the field.
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