The Threshold Lab
The Threshold Lab is where “aha” moments and insights go to lift weights. Each episode cracks open a fundamental principle from the world of high performance and aims to transform how you think, work, and lead. Think of it like unlocking a door you’ve passed a hundred times, only to find it opens into a whole new way of thinking. If you're into mindset, growth, and the occasional mental mic drop, you're in the right lab.
Zach Brandon is a coach, speaker, and thought leader blending principles from psychology, coaching, and high performance to empower others toward personal and professional excellence.
The Threshold Lab
Tara Vanderveer, Hall of Fame Women's Basketball Coach at Stanford University | "As a coach, you can't just wear the sweatshirt, you have to sweat too."
Today's guest is one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of basketball. With 1,216 career wins, Tara Vanderveer ranks second all-time in NCAA basketball history. Over her legendary career at Stanford University, she led her teams to 3 National Championships, 14 Final Four appearances, and an unprecedented 36 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
A 5-time National Coach of the Year, VanDerveer also made history on the international stage, guiding Team USA to a perfect 60-0 record and a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, helping lay the foundation for what would become the WNBA.
Her journey began humbly as an unpaid graduate assistant and today she now stands as a two-time Hall of Famer (inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame). Beyond the wins, her legacy is defined by her integrity, a standard of excellence and an unwavering dedication to advancing women’s sports.
Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:
- [17:51] Coaches set the example for their players
- [26:17] Learning from things off-the-court
- [28:36] Sharing analogies and stories with your team
- [33:11] Partnering with an executive coach
- [37:25] Benefits of being coached in the last chapter of her career
More Resources:
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- If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
