Learning, Leaders and Teams

I am thrilled to welcome Tony McGaharan to the show. Tony is the
dynamic founder of People Playbook and has a rich background that
spans from Google to coaching basketball in Sweden.


Right from the very beginning, Tony's warmth and humility shine
through as he shares his background. Proudly from Belfast, he
learned the values that drive him: hard work, treating people
well, and having the courage to take risks.


His transition from a secure job at Google to founding his own
company wasn’t easy, and he discusses the courage that it
required for him to leave Google.


Having recently left Google myself to best serve clients as a
coach and mentor, I totally relate to this part of Tony’s
journey! 


We also touch on the importance of maintaining an identity beyond
work, a challenge Tony and I both faced after leaving Google.
Tony’s journey also leads us into a fascinating discussion about
coaching.


He sheds light on the cultural differences in attitudes towards
seeking help and support. In places like Belfast, people are more
inclined to value personal relationships and community over job
titles, a perspective which has deeply influenced Tony's approach
to coaching and mentoring, where the focus is on people rather
than just business outcomes.


We have a great discussion about how men typically (not always)
have a harder time asking for help and want to be sure that
outcomes can be measured in ways that help advance their career
or reason for coming to coaching. To which I say:  of
course, yes and absolutely they should expect this.  


We also talk about other unexpected benefits clients receive from
coaching when it is included as part of a corporate or team kick
off in order to help extend the benefits of the event. 


Tony’s background in coaching basketball also comes into play as
he draws parallels between sports coaching and leadership
development. 





We also, of course, discuss what’s next now for Tony, with Tony
envisioning growth that is thoughtful and sustainable, focusing
on working with the right people, including both clients and his
team.





Tony’s insights into courage, identity, and the value of a
supportive community are invaluable for anyone looking to make a
significant change in their life or career. Tune in to hear more
about his journey and the exciting work he's doing at People
Playbook!





Episode Highlights: [0:56] - Join me in
welcoming Tony McGaharan of People Playbook to the show![1:14] -
Tony gives us a little bit of background information about
himself.[2:49] - Tony reveals that leaving his secure job at
Google took years of struggle, courage, and his mother's
trust.[4:51] - Tony’s strong support network taught him that his
identity is more than just his job.[7:14] - Tony feels that being
from Belfast humbles you.[8:02] - Tony finds his identity in
values, mission, and personal passions, not in work
status.[10:19] - Tony’s courage to leave Google stemmed from
valuing altruism over high earnings.[13:21] - We learn how Tony’s
coaching journey in Sweden unexpectedly led him to professional
basketball, ultimately shaping his leadership philosophy
today.[16:10] - Where did Tony get the name People
Playbook?[18:09] - I ask Tony about encouraging male leaders to
view coaching as beneficial, despite potential perceptions of
weakness.[20:23] - Tony agrees, stressing the need to align
coaching benefits with business outcomes for male leaders.[23:56]
- Hear about the importance of long-term support for leaders
through coaching and mentoring relationships.[26:27] - I
highlight the privilege of helping others find their vision and
providing support through accountability.[27:31] - Tony
emphasizes the importance of company over journey or destination
in business growth.[30:59] - Tony explains why he is grateful for
my own transition from Google.


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