Invest Like The Best
Episode 215 Grateful for Everything, Entitled to Nothing
Invest Like The Best

Episode 215: Grateful for Everything, Entitled to Nothing

Invest Like The Best

Episode 215

Grateful for Everything, Entitled to Nothing

Jack Clark is the head coach of the University of California Varsity Rugby team. We cover how Jack builds high-performing teams, the shared vocabulary he creates across his organization, and his work with companies applying what he's learned on the field to operating businesses.

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[00:03:44] - [First question] - Overview of his playing and coaching career

[00:06:02] - The importance of creating a set of values for a team

[00:07:53] - Why selflessness is such an important trait he looks for in teams

[00:09:20] - Examples of selflessness in the teams

[00:10:24] - Lessons on gratitude and entitlement

[00:11:34] - Being a meritocracy on the team

[00:12:55] - Rewarding merit as a coach

[00:14:18] - Improving a team today, the power of the basics and fundamentals

[00:15:29] - Defining toughness for players and teams

[00:17:29] - Mark Bingham, the epitome of toughness

[00:18:33] - Why he created and how he uses a glossary

[00:22:09] - Creating a high rate of conversion in recruiting

[00:25:01] - What qualities did the teams that beat him share

[00:27:22] - Take on pride and something he is exceedingly proud of

[00:29:17] - Translating the concepts from the court into the business world

[00:32:20] - Where companies have room to improve

[00:33:16] - Changing a company culture

[00:34:21] - Coaches he has learned from 

[00:36:00] - The power of non-cognitive grit

[00:38:45] - Advice for companies creating a value set

[00:40:40] - Kindest thing anyone has done for him

Grateful for Everything, Entitled to Nothing

Introduction

Patrick
My guest today is Jack Clark, the head coach of the University of California varsity rugby team. Jack has one of the highest winning percentages, not only at the collegiate level but in sports history, winning an incredible 90% of games since he started as a coach in 1984. That includes a 98-game winning streak from 1990 to 1996 and a 115-game winning streak from 2004 to 2009. In our conversation, we drive into how Jack builds high-performing teams, a shared vocabulary he creates across his organization, and his work with companies applying what he's learned on the field to operating businesses. Please enjoy this conversation with Jack Clark.

Jack's Journey

Patrick
So Jack, I've been so excited to do this with you since first becoming aware of some of your ideas on building teams a few months ago. I sort of consider you the John Wooden or pick-your-famous-coach of the rugby world, having sort of an unparalleled career in terms of winning championships. I know that people always look at outcomes and wins as the thing that's held out, but we're going to talk all day today about the process, about building teams, about cultivating individuals on those teams, and how that could be applied in all areas, not just sports, but in business, in any leadership position or team that you might find yourself. I think to orient the audience, it would help just to hear a thumbnail sketch of both your playing career, which was illustrious, but also then your very long coaching career.

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