Advertise on podcast: Holding the Ladder in Sport and Leadership

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Barry Davis. Davis is a nationally recognized coach, leadership expert, and executive coach with more than 30 years of experience in collegiate athletics. A five-time Hall of Fame coach, Davis has earned four National Coach of the Year awards, three MAAC Coach of the Year honors, eight MAAC championships, and five NCAA appearances. He holds a Ph.D. in Sports Leadership and has built his career around developing people, creating high-performance cultures, and pursuing excellence through intentional leadership. Davis brings the lessons of competitive athletics into his work with coaches, executives, and organizations. His leadership philosophy centers on character, discipline, emotional intelligence, accountability, and continuous growth. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, he emphasizes developing people, establishing strong habits, building trust, and creating cultures where individuals and teams can perform at their highest levels. As a leadership coach and speaker, Davis works with organizations and individuals on team leadership, championship culture, emotional intelligence, high-performance habits, executive presence, and staff development. His approach reflects a simple principle: great leaders do more than manage performance...they develop people and create environments where sustained excellence can occur. Davis is also the author of Old Dog, New Tricks: The Power of Emotional Intelligence, which explores the role of emotional intelligence in coaching, leadership, relationships, and organizational culture. Through coaching, speaking, writing, and mentoring, Davis continues to help leaders grow through challenge, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact both on and off the field. His website is: Dr. Barry Davis | Leadership Coach

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Dallas Ehrmantraut. He is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, assistant professor in the University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program, and Director of the university’s Pro Bono Clinic. Residency-trained in orthopedics, Dallas also holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Research, bringing together clinical expertise, research, teaching, and a genuine passion for helping people move and perform at their best. Beyond his academic and clinical work, Dallas is an entrepreneur and advocate for accessible, high-quality physical therapy. He co-founded Forward Physical Therapy in the Fargo-Moorhead area with Bremen Abuhl, creating a practice focused on helping individuals take an active role in their recovery and long-term health. Dallas is also deeply involved in basketball. He founded Mid Minnesota Basketball and continues to serve as a club coach, giving him a unique perspective on the relationship between physical health, athletic performance, coaching, and developing young athletes. Outside of his professional pursuits, Dallas and his wife, Carrie, reside in Fargo with their children. Their family is actively involved in their church and local community. You can learn more about Dr. Ehrmantraut here: https://ptfwd.com/team/

Our guest for this episode is Eugene Postolache. He is a basketball coach and ministry leader from Chișinău, Moldova. He previously served as an underage national team coach for Moldova. In 2018, he graduated from FIBA TIME-OUT Project. After spending 10 years with Admirals Basketball Academy, Eugene transitioned in May 2025 to a new role with DiscipleDaily, where he focuses on sports discipleship, leadership development, and outreach in public schools. In March 2026, he officially launched Twelve, a sports ministry club that is now active in nine schools across Chișinău and operates a 12-team basketball league. Eugene is married to Nonna, and together they have three children: David, Samuel, and Sarah. You can learn more about Twelve by visiting their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586678098414

Erik Johnson is the head coach of the University of Denver women’s basketball program, returning to lead the Pioneers in 2026 after previously serving as head coach from 2008 to 2012. During his first stint, he guided Denver to a 72-52 record, four consecutive winning seasons, and the program’s first WNIT appearance.Johnson brings more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including head coaching stops at Boston College and assistant coaching roles at Fairfield, Boston College, San Diego, and Rhode Island. Most recently, he helped Fairfield win three MAAC Championships and earn three NCAA Tournament appearances.Known for building winning cultures and developing student-athletes on and off the court, Johnson holds a degree in psychology from UC San Diego and a master’s degree in adult education from Rhode Island.His wife Laura was a former volleyball player at Ohio State and was an alternate for the 2000 Olympic Team. The Johnsons have two daughters, Daly and Avery. The couple’s son Davis tragically passed away at the age of four in May of 2010. The Johnson family is thrilled to be back at DU, a place that Davis loved, and his memory is cherished.

Our guest for this episode is Ronnie Arrow. He is a retired college basketball coach best known for his success at the junior college and NCAA Division I levels, particularly with the University of South Alabama and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. A standout player at Southwest Texas State (now Texas State), Arrow earned All-Lone Star Conference honors before beginning a distinguished coaching career. He first rose to prominence at San Jacinto College (1977-1987), compiling a remarkable 302-43 record while winning three NJCAA national championships (1983, 1984, 1986) and multiple Coach of the Year honors. Arrow became head coach at South Alabama in 1987, leading the Jaguars to two Sun Belt Conference championships, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and a top 25 national ranking. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring style, his teams consistently ranked among conference leaders in scoring. After a successful stint launching the NCAA Division I program at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he led the Islanders to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007, Arrow returned to South Alabama for a second tenure from 2007 to 2012. Over his career, Arrow built a reputation as an innovative offensive coach and program builder, also earning international success by leading the U.S. Junior World Cup Team to a gold medal in 1989. He retired from college head coaching in 2012, leaving a legacy defined by winning, player development, and the ability to elevate programs at multiple levels of college basketball. He continues to develop young players in the Mobile, AL metro area.

Our guest for this episode is Sarah Boruta. Boruta just completed her 15th season (2025-26) as director of operations for Liberty University women’s basketball, overseeing daily program logistics including budget management, travel, scheduling, game-day operations, equipment, and recruiting support. She also directed the Lady Flames’ summer camps for 14 years, growing participation by 1,000 percent and building a team camp from the ground up into one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier events, which sold out for the first time in 2022. An active member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and former member of Women Leaders in College Sports, she has presented at national conventions and is a graduate of the NACWAA (now known as Women Leaders in College Sports) Institute for Administrative Advancement, where she was nominated for the Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award. Prior to Liberty, Boruta held roles at Stanford (2008-11) and Ferris State (2005-08), advancing from video intern to director of basketball marketing and video at Stanford University, where she helped boost attendance and led social media and promotions. At Ferris State, she managed operations, camps, and marketing efforts. She has been part of multiple successful programs, including three NCAA Division I Final Four teams at Stanford and a NCAA Division II Sweet 16 team at Ferris State. Additionally, she is the founder of the College Basketball Operations Institute. It is a career-focused platform that prepares individuals for roles in college basketball operations. It offers practical training, mentorship, and resources centered on program logistics, recruiting support, and daily team management, helping students and aspiring professionals gain real-world experience and advance in the field. Growing up in Mason, MI, Boruta holds four degrees, including a bachelor’s from Ferris State, a master’s in sport management, and an MBA from Liberty. You can learn more about at College Basketball Operations Institute at https://collegebasketballops.com/.

Our guest for this episode is Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. He is a Performance Coach and founder of Winning Spirit Coach, helping business leaders, athletes, and high-level performers discover their greatness within. As the former sport psychologist for the NBA's Golden State Warriors and co-author of an Amazon #1 Best Seller, "The Winning Spirit: 16 Timeless Principles That Drive Performance Excellence," with NFL legend Joe Montana (The Winning Spirit: 16 Timeless Principles That Drive Performance Excellence: Montana, Joe, Mitchell, Tom, Henderson, Bruce: 9780812974980: Amazon.com: Books), and "Winning Spirit Basketball: Find Your Greatness Within" with Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Mullin (Winning Spirit Basketball: Find Your Greatness Within: Mullin, Chris, Mitchell, Tom: 9781613213131: Amazon.com: Books), he helps clients by asking powerful questions that awaken their "Inner Coach" rather than just giving advice.Mitchell’s journey began when he was a college basketball coach with a burning desire to work in the NBA. The turning point came when he tested the power of visualization, writing "I am now the sport psychologist of the Golden State Warriors" on six 3x5 index cards and placing them where he'd see them daily. Within a year, he landed that exact job.Through his journey, Tom developed a unique approach to help high achievers find clarity and confidence through what he calls the "Inner Coach Playbook." He also founded Winning Spirit Coach, LLC, a for-profit company offering coaches the opportunity to become certified members of our coaching community. At the heart of his organization is the opportunity to help others grow personally and professionally (Winning Spirit Coach | Home). In 2004, he, along with Montana and Hilleary Hoskinson, a successful corporate executive and 25-year veteran of building teams within an array of banking, publishing and technology companies, founded MVP Performance Institute (MVP Performance | WinningSpirit). MVP was created to bring this unparalleled experience and skill to leaders and teams. We grew to be a trusted source, guiding clients with direction, honesty and hands-on support to help them win. Additionally, he and Hoskinson co-authored "Winning Spirit Business: Sharpen Your Performance Edge" (Winning Spirit Business: Finding Your Performance Edge: Tom Mitchell: 9781493558797: Amazon.com: Books).

Our guest for this first episode of 2026 is Greg Snow. He is the Director of Golf and Manager at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Willmar, Minnesota. A PGA-affiliated professional, Snow brings decades of experience in golf operations, instruction, and community engagement. Prior to Eagle Creek, he spent more than a decade as Director of Golf and clubhouse manager at Olivia Golf Club, where he built strong junior programs and grew participation. Known for his passion for teaching and relationships, Snow is deeply involved in developing golfers of all ages and fostering a welcoming golf culture. His background also includes coaching high school basketball and golf, as well as officiating high school basketball, reflecting his long-standing commitment to sport, leadership, and community. He also serves as an elected county commissioner as the Renville County Commissioner for District 4 in Renville County, Minnesota, a position he began in January 2019 and continues to hold with a current term running through 2026. A graduate of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, where he was an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference All-Conference player in basketball and golf, he is married to his wife Leigh Ann. They are the proud parents of four.

Our guest for this episode is Daniel Nelson. Nelson has over 20 years of international basketball coaching experience. Beginning his career in Ireland with Templeogue, DCU St Vincent’s, Trinity College Dublin and Irish national youth programs, he quickly built a reputation for technical teaching and player development. Since 2011, Nelson has coached across Australia, Europe and beyond, including roles with the Perth Wildcats, where he was part of a national championship-winning team, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, Parma Basket Perm and the Taylor Hawks. He has also served as Video Scout for the Australian Men’s National Team, coached West Australian state teams, and worked in national talent identification programs in both Ireland and Australia. His career includes head and assistant coach positions in Cyprus, Romania, the UK, Kosovo, Belgium and the Netherlands, leading teams to competitive success. Nelson is the founder of Daniel Nelson Coaching, delivering clinics, workshops and consulting for coaches and clubs internationally. Known for his tactical precision, use of advanced analytics and commitment to building strong team cultures, he blends structure with adaptability to develop players and programs. He is the current Head Coach of Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus, leading the team into the FIBA Europe Cup for the 2025–26 season. Holding multiple coaching licenses, he continues his record as one of Ireland’s most globally experienced basketball coaches. Holding multiple coaching licenses, he continues to build on a career that has taken an Irish coach to professional leagues and national teams across the world.

Jeff Sherman is in his fourth year as Director of Athletics at Central Methodist University, following a remarkable 37-year Hall of Fame career as Head Men’s Basketball Coach. The winningest coach in CMU history, Sherman amassed 668 victories, ranking fourth among active National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) coaches at the time of his retirement and sixth all-time among Missouri’s four-year college coaches. His teams earned 12 twenty-win seasons, four conference titles, and five NAIA National Tournament appearances. A four-time Hall of Fame inductee, Sherman’s impact extends far beyond the court, having mentored more than 75 former players who have gone on to coaching careers at every level. Also an Associate Professor and former Department Chair in Physical Education, Health, and Sport Management, Sherman is known for his leadership, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to Central Methodist University, where he and his wife Julee have served for over four decades. You can learn more about Sherman here: Central Methodist University Athletics

Cory Holen is a seasoned staffing and search consultant with nearly 14 years of experience at Preference Employment Solutions in Fargo, North Dakota, where he leads the Professional Search Division and plays a key role on the leadership team. A proud University of Jamestown (ND) graduate and former Jimmies football player, Holen brings the discipline, competitiveness, and team-first mindset he developed as a student-athlete into his career helping businesses find and grow great talent. Passionate about connecting people with opportunities, Holen thrives on understanding what makes organizations tick and helping candidates step into roles where they can truly succeed. He’s a Certified Search Consultant through the American Staffing Association, DiSC certified, and a Dale Carnegie–trained leader who’s always looking for ways to keep learning and improving. Outside of work, Holen is a dedicated husband and dad who loves coaching, mentoring, and supporting his two sports-loving sons, Kason and Brooks. He’s also active in the Fargo/Moorhead community, serving as Workforce Readiness Director for FMHRA and contributing to The Chamber’s Business Training Committee. Known for his energy, integrity, and genuine care for others, Cory brings both expertise and heart to everything he does. More on Cory here: Our Team - Preference Employment Solutions

Our guest for this episode is Gordon MacFarlane. He is a Performance Mindset Coach, best-selling author, and Human Behavior Specialist with more than four decades of experience in professional sales, business development, and elite athletic coaching. A Senior Master Trainer and certified DISC consultant, he has worked with NCAA, junior, and professional sports programs, guiding teams to multiple championships, including Colby College’s first-ever NESCAC title. His approach blends practical strategies with behavioral science, helping leaders, athletes, and organizations unlock resilience, confidence, and consistent high performance. As a keynote speaker and trainer, Gordon engages audiences with a unique mix of storytelling, research, and actionable tools. His proprietary Performance Engagement Model—centered on awareness, empowerment, and application—equips leaders and coaches to inspire lasting growth. Drawing on his own entrepreneurial journey of founding and running eight businesses, he offers insights grounded in real-world leadership and relationship building. His work spans sports, business, and education, with an emphasis on communication, trust, and purposeful influence. Gordon is the author of several books, including Increase Your GRIT and Mental Toughness, COMMUNICATE to CONNECT: The Power of Words, and Performance Influencer: The Human Behavior Approach to Leadership, with a forthcoming release on mental wellness in leadership. Whether coaching one-on-one, leading workshops, or addressing large audiences, his mission is consistent—to help people believe in themselves, connect meaningfully with others, and perform at their best when it matters most. You can learn more about Gordon by visiting his website: Performance Mindset Coach

Our guest for this episode is Tim McCarthy. He founded The McCarthy Consultancy in 2016 to offer confidential Executive Coaching, Business Consultancy, and Communication Coaching. His mission is to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success. McCarthy brings a rare blend of experience from the executive, sports, and media worlds. He has held top leadership roles in major organizations, including Ulster Bank Group, An Post, BUPA Ireland, and Hello.ie, building several successful direct-to-consumer businesses in finance and insurance. A graduate of National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG; Executive MBA) and University College Cork (UCC; Training & Development), he is also a Qualified Financial Advisor and experienced board member across both commercial and nonprofit sectors. In sport, he represented Ireland over 100 times in basketball, serving as both national team captain and coach. He has also coached Gaelic football and hurling at senior club and county levels. He also is a member of the Irish Basketball Hall of Fame. McCarthy is a seasoned international speaker on leadership and performance. His media credentials include five Olympic Games as a basketball commentator for RTÉ, GAA coverage for The Sunday Game, and interviews with global icons like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. More on McCarthy can be found here: About the McCarthy Consultancy - Lead with intelligenceThe McCarthy Consultancy The Big Interview with Timmy McCarthy: 'My mortality had been challenged - then my humanity was'

For this special 55th birthday episode, we welcome Tony Rice, my twin brother and an extraordinary individual whose life and leadership have made a lasting impact. With 31 years of experience in the power line industry, Tony has spent over 15 of those years as a crew chief at Baldwin EMC, where he continues to mentor and guide the next generation of linemen.In 2006, Tony and his colleague Kenny Foley saved a man’s life on the public beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, using an AED. For this act of courage and quick thinking, he was honored with the Touchstone Energy Power and Hope Award, a prestigious recognition for those who go above and beyond in service to their communities through electric cooperatives. He also represented Baldwin EMC at the 2019 State of Alabama Lineman Appreciation Ceremony, underscoring his role as both a professional and community leader. He is considered a safety expert at Baldwin EMC.Born at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and raised in Robertsdale, Tony is the son of Bill and Judy Rice, as well as Carol K. Rice. He has been married to his wife Tracy since 1995, and they are proud parents to Kristin and grandparents to Dane. A former member of the Army National Guard, Tony has long invested in his local community by coaching youth sports across South Baldwin County. Even today, he remains active and competitive, regularly participating in half marathons and marathons.

Our guest on the Holding the Ladder in Sport and Leadership podcast is Samba Johnson, the Associate Head Coach for the women’s basketball program at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Since joining the staff in 2022, he has played a key role in revitalizing the team, tripling their win total in his first season and guiding them to a 17-14 record and Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) berth in his second season. Under his leadership, several Mustangs have earned All-Big West honors, including Natalia Ackerman, who was named First Team All-Big West and to the All-Defensive and All-Academic teams.A Pittsburgh, PA native and former standout at NCAA Division II Chaminade University, Johnson has coached at nearly every level, including National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), NCAA Division I, II, III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and high school, across both men’s and women’s programs. His résumé includes stints at Lynchburg College, Longwood University, Friends University, Casper Community College, McCook Community College, University of Charleston, Cleveland State University, Ohio University, Stetson University, and Duquesne University, as well as head coaching roles at Penn State-New Kensington, La Roche College, and East Hill Christian Academy. Known for his mentorship, energy, and character, Johnson is praised by Cal Poly head coach Shanele Stires as a servant-leader who deeply impacts student-athletes both on and off the court. You can learn more about Johnson here: https://gopoly.com/staff-directory/samba-johnson/397