What would you do in the face of a very public and shocking defeat? Would you crumble, or would you use it to grow and learn? 

Today’s guest chose growth, transforming one of the most heart-wrenching moments in NFL history into a profound learning experience.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a friend and former colleague from my time with the Seattle Seahawks — the exceptional Tom Cable.

Tom’s coaching journey includes three years as an NFL Head Coach and seven years as an Assistant Head Coach, including two Super Bowl appearances with the Seattle Seahawks – one where the Seahawks won in 2014 (against the Denver Broncos), and one where they lost in dramatic fashion in 2015 (against the New England Patriots). We cover that loss – and the ramifications of it – in depth in this conversation.

With over 35 years of coaching experience, Tom has left an indelible mark on both collegiate and NFL levels. His expertise is with the Offensive Line, but his influence goes way beyond X’s and O’s; he’s a teacher, as all great coaches are, a co-creator of cultures, and a problem solver who challenges players and organizations to be honest in their approach toward mastery.  

Now, this is a special episode – not only do we get to dive into Tom’s stories & insights, but in the second half of the conversation, Tom and I get to wrestle with some of YOUR questions around coaching and leadership. We set up a call-in phone number, and you all left some great questions for us to tackle.

We cover: the mindset required to adjust when things don’t go according to plan, how to build a trusting environment, personal stories from our time together with the Seahawks (including a never heard before breakdown of the infamous goal-line call, that cost us the win in our second superbowl), and so much more. 

This conversation serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by championships, but by the growth, support, and love shared along the path.

“When you lose a big game like that, it did nothing more than put the focus, the spotlight if you will, on ‘you know what, that wasn’t much fun, but by God getting there, wasn’t that glorious?’”