Jamy Bechler: Simple Isn't Easy

“Success Is a Choice: Real Leadership, Real Trade-Offs”

Guest: Jamy Bechler – Leadership Consultant, Former Coach & AD, Host of Success Is a Choice Podcast

In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob sits down with Jamy Bechler—someone who's done it all: NAIA coach, high school AD, college interim AD, and now a full-time leadership consultant working with athletic departments around the country. Together they dive into the realities behind the leadership buzzwords.

Highlights Include:

• What it’s really like to step back into the AD chair after consulting from a distance
• The myth of the “perfect plan” and how Jamy handled a surprise full-team meeting
• Why leadership is simple, but not easy—especially when emotions are high
• A candid look at coachability and the lack of it—even among experienced coaches
• The impact of changing environments vs. changing kids (hint: the onus is still on us)
• Practical strategies for hiring when you don’t know the sport inside and out
• Jamy’s take on how responsibility and blame get confused in athletic leadership
• Why “Success Is a Choice” still matters—and how Jamy stole it from Rick Pitino

This conversation is packed with real-world application, tough truths, and encouragement for coaches navigating today’s complex athletic landscape. Whether you’re a young coach or a seasoned AD, this episode will challenge and equip you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Success Is a Choice by Rick Pitino
• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay
• Coach Wooden and Me by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Follow Jamy Bechler:

Twitter/X: @CoachBechler

Website: www.JamyBechler.com