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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