In this episode, the team dives into how individuals and businesses can thrive under pressure, drawing parallels with March Madness and the intense moments seen in college basketball. Hosted by DJ Daugherty and Mary Kaufmann, the episode opens with some lighthearted technical difficulties and behind-the-scenes chaos—setting the tone for a very on-theme discussion.
Joining them are Beth Shaheen, Derek Nixon, Matthew Righter, and Gabe Sheeley, making it one of the largest podcast groups they’ve hosted to date. They explore high-stakes moments in business—how teams handle them, the role of team morale, decision-making under stress, and how preparation makes a difference.
Key highlights include:
- March Madness as a metaphor: Each team member shares what March Madness means to them—ranging from basketball nostalgia and bracket chaos to the madness of spring weather and personal project overload.
- 1% better every day: DJ reflects on the concept from Atomic Habits, emphasizing how small improvements compound to major differences, both in sports and business.
- Startup vs. scale-up pressure: The group compares the early startup phase of augustwenty with today’s growth, discussing how pressure has evolved from scrappy beginnings to managing 40+ people and multiple projects.
- Personal pressure responses: Everyone shares how they respond under stress—whether they’re the action takers, the step-back-and-strategize types, or the ones who find motivation because of the pressure.
- Superstars vs. solid teams: A spirited debate emerges—what's better: a few super-performers or a fully competent team? The group weighs in with sports analogies, the risk/reward balance, and the "bus factor" in tech teams.
- Culture, collaboration, and communication: They wrap by reinforcing the importance of clarity, shared goals, and uplifting every voice on the team in high-pressure situations.
Throughout, the episode blends humor, vulnerability, and insight—making it a compelling conversation for anyone navigating pressure in the workplace.
