#59 - Aligning for Success: Mentorship, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Coaching Lessons from International Sport with Darren Holder

Sport Is Life

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Sport is Life, host Ian Hawkins is joined by performance expert Darren Holder to discuss aligning for success through mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the powerful lessons learned from international sport. Darren shares his extensive experience in creating bespoke coaching programs that support athletes and coaches in their development, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges coaches face, particularly in elite sports, and how mentorship plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles such as imposter syndrome. Darren also highlights how international experiences and evidence-based approaches can transform coaching practices, ensuring sustained success in both personal and professional realms.

Throughout the episode, Ian and Darren explore how tailored frameworks and immersive learning opportunities—such as study tours and exchanges—can help coaches at all levels reach their full potential. With a focus on well-being, performance, and development, this episode offers valuable insights into how sports leadership is evolving for the better.

About the Guest:

Darren Holder

Darren Holder is a passionate advocate for coaching practice and performance, with extensive experience working across Australian and international sports. He specialises in developing customised programs and frameworks for individuals, teams, and organisations to drive learning and continuous improvement, particularly in elite coaching. With a deep understanding of the connection between theory and practice, Darren uses evidence-based research to support coach growth, well-being, and performance.

Having built a robust network across both domestic and international sport, Darren facilitates experiential learning opportunities, such as immersive study tours, exchanges, and summits, to support the development of coaches and performance leaders. His expertise also extends to creating continuous programs and capability frameworks tailored to the specific needs of clients.

Darren is an experienced facilitator, coach developer, and systems convener, with a strong background in coaching, performance leadership, and sport management. He holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Griffith University and has contributed to numerous academic articles and book chapters.

Link/s:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/darrenholder

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_coachingbetter/

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

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