Episode 13: Locker Room Talk with Joe Pechota
Welcome back to another episode! Today, we have a special treat for you. Joining us is my college basketball coach, Coach Joe Pechota. Coach P has been a mentor and a guiding force in my life, and I'm excited to share his wisdom with you. In this episode, we'll discuss how to run your business, set goals, and navigate the challenges of the nine-to-five grind. So, let's dive in and learn from Coach P's experience as a college basketball coach.
Coach P has had an illustrious career in coaching, having worked at various universities and colleges. Currently, he is the head men's basketball coach at Sienna Heights University in Adrian, Michigan. He has coached at every level and has a deep passion for the game. His dedication to impacting lives through coaching is evident in his approach to the game.
One of the key lessons Coach P imparts is the importance of mastering the fundamentals. Just as in basketball, where players must develop a solid foundation of skills, business owners and professionals must also focus on honing their core competencies. Coach P emphasizes the value of practice and the need to win every day. He believes that winning in practice translates to success in the game of life.
When Coach P joined IPFW, the university was transitioning from Division Two to Division One. This presented a unique set of challenges for the team. They had to face tougher opponents and navigate the uncertainties of being an independent team. Coach P's approach was to focus on winning every day, regardless of the circumstances. He instilled in his players the importance of perseverance and the ability to handle adversity.
In the world of business, challenges and setbacks are inevitable. However, it is how we handle these obstacles that determines our success. Coach P's philosophy of winning every day in practice can be applied to any profession. By approaching each day with a winning mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
One of the most valuable lessons Coach P taught us was the importance of teamwork. In basketball, as in business, individual performance is important, but it is the collective effort of the team that leads to success. Coach P emphasized the need for players to understand their roles and excel in them. He encouraged us to support and uplift one another, recognizing that the team's success depended on the contributions of every member.
This lesson is particularly relevant for small business owners and professionals working in a team setting. It is essential to strike a balance between individual performance and teamwork. By recognizing and appreciating the unique strengths and contributions of each team member, we can create a cohesive and high-performing team.
As a coach, Coach P understands the importance of having a support system. He credits his wife, Angeline, as the head coach in their household. Having a spouse who understands the demands of the coaching profession is invaluable. Additionally, Coach P relies on the guidance and wisdom of mentors and friends who provide him with advice and support.
In the game of life, relationships are crucial. Coach P believes that the ultimate win is seeing his former players succeed in their chosen professions and personal lives. The impact he has had on their lives is a testament to the power of coaching and mentorship. Similarly, in business, building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and mentors is essential for long-term success.
In conclusion, Coach P's wisdom and insights can be applied to various aspects of life and business. By mastering the fundamentals, falling in love with practice, and prioritizing relationships, we can achieve success and make a positive impact. The lessons learned from Coach P's coaching career are a reminder that the journey to success is not always easy, but with perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals. So, let's embrace the grind, show grace to ourselves and others, and keep striving for greatness in all that we do.
Guest Bio: Joe Pechota is in his 12th season as the men's basketball coach at Siena Heights University (SHU), with an overall record of 118-191 and a WHAC mark of 80-141. The 2018-19 season was the team's most successful under his guidance, finishing 17-13 overall and 12-8 in conference play. Pechota has coached notable players, including NAIA All-America Honorable Mentions Keith Jordan Jr. and DeMarco Dickerson, as well as achieving recognition for seven All-WHAC selections, one WHAC All-Defensive, and seven Academic All-WHAC honorees.
Before joining SHU, Pechota spent seven seasons as the head coach at Brescia University, where he led the team to two consecutive Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference finals and coached six players to NAIA All-America honors. His coaching career also includes time at Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, Ferris State, and Alma.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Concordia (1995) and a Master's degree in Sports Administration from Central Michigan (2001). Pechota is married to Angelina and has two daughters, Emma (23) and Claire (8).