Who does the spray actually serve? John Dams

What is the real job of a coach?

Most people think it's about tactics, motivation, selection or winning. But according to John Dams, the answer lies somewhere far deeper.

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, Ben Herring sits down with John Dams, Performance Strategist at Kitman Labs and developmental coach specialising in leadership, performance and human potential, to explore the mindset shifts that separate good coaches from truly great ones.

Drawing on his experiences across elite rugby environments including the Waratahs, Leicester Tigers and Harlequins, John shares practical insights into rugby coaching, coach development, team culture, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to create sustainable high performance.

This conversation challenges conventional thinking around coaching and leadership. You'll discover why the best coaches ask better questions, why listening may be the most underrated leadership skill, and why influence matters more than control.

Whether you're coaching at the grassroots level, working in professional sport, leading a business, teaching in the classroom or parenting at home, this episode will change the way you think about developing people.

In this episode, we explore:

• The real job of a coach and why most people misunderstand it
• The leadership principles that underpin great coaching
• Why emotional intelligence is essential in high-performance environments
• The role of listening in building trust and connection
• The four things coaches can actually control under pressure
• Why halftime sprays often serve the coach more than the team
• How to build a strong team culture that lasts
• Practical approaches to coach development and sports leadership
• The difference between influence and control
• How to develop people, not just performance

John's perspective combines decades of elite experience with deep curiosity about human behaviour, making this one of our most practical and thought-provoking conversations yet.

Please visit my website to get more information: coachingculture.com.au

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youtube.com/@CoachingCulture

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Website: coachingculture.com.au

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✅ About Coaching Culture with Ben Herring.

Welcome to Coaching Culture, where I host candid conversations with top rugby coaches and leaders from across industries to explore what it truly takes to build lasting, high-performing cultures. In each episode, we go beyond strategy to discuss trust, leadership, emotional intelligence, and the values that drive long-term success. From international rugby to grassroots sport, I aim to offer insights that will inspire and educate coaches and leaders everywhere.

My focus is on the cultural side of coaching – how to connect with people, deliver impactful messages, and create environments that foster growth. Whether you’re a rugby coach or a business leader, you’ll find valuable lessons. Join me to learn how we coach, lead, and create high-performance environments.

🔔 If you're looking for coaching & leadership skills, hit ! Stay tuned for candid conversations, expert insights, strategies, & inspiring stories.
youtube.com/@CoachingCulture

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