What does it take to win—not once, but over and over again?

Olympic gold medalist and USC Women’s Beach Volleyball head coach Dain Blanton knows. In this episode, Dain joins Scott to talk about the connection between consistency, mindset, and high-performance outcomes. From daily meditation and visualization routines to the importance of technical repetition, Dain shares how he prepares his athletes to perform under pressure—and how those same strategies translate far beyond sports.

Whether he’s coaching a championship team, broadcasting from the Olympic sidelines, or showing up as a dad, Dain brings intention and heart to everything he does. Tune in to hear how self-management, discipline, and empathy shape the lives of world-class athletes, and how you can use those same tools to lead your own team with greater clarity and purpose.

Follow Dain on Instagram: @dainblanton

Explore USC Beach Volleyball: usctrojans.com | @uscbeach

Connect with Dain on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dainblanton/

(02:13) What Makes a Great Coach? Consistency Over Intensity
(06:26) Teaching Athletes to Lead Themselves
(08:14) Meditation + Visualization: Dain’s Daily Edge
(10:32) You Don’t Rise to the Occasion—You Fall to Your Training
(19:05) Coaching Gen Z: Trust First, Then Technique
(24:36) Spotting the Wrong Fit—and What to Do About It
(29:27) What Makes a Great Playing Partner?
(33:22) Winning Olympic Gold: The Moment That Changed Everything
(39:09) Communicating With Truth, Trust, and Adaptability
(46:41) Staying Ahead of Aging With Fitness and Focus
(52:00) Coachable Moment

👉 Connect with Scott Eblin
Website: www.eblingroup.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scotteblin

✉️ Inquiries
For anything podcast-related: hello@besteverpodcast.com
For business or speaking inquiries: contact@eblingroup.com

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Join the newsletter: www.eblingroup.com/sub

What happens when a Fortune 500 CEO makes self-reflection a daily practice for over 40 years? In this premiere episode of Best Ever, Scott Eblin sits down with Harry Kraemer—former Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, executive partner at Madison Dearborn Partners, and clinical professor of leadership at Northwestern’s Kellogg School—to explore how slowing down, tuning in, and aligning with purpose shapes extraordinary leadership.

Harry shares the four timeless principles of values-based leadership—self-reflection, balanced perspective, true self-confidence, and genuine humility—and how they guided his most pivotal decisions, from leading through crisis to building a global corporate culture rooted in respect and integrity. He opens up about the legacy he’s building beyond the boardroom, why he still goes on silent retreat every December with his father-in-law, and the nightly 15-minute routine that’s changed his life. If you’ve ever wondered how inner discipline creates outer impact, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to lead yourself first.

Follow Harry Kraemer: harrykraemer.org
Connect with Harry on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/harrykraemerjr/
Support the One Acre Fund: oneacrefund.org

(02:15) Lessons From Grandpa on Purpose and Perspective
(04:40) The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership
(05:45) The Silent Retreat That Changed Everything
(08:30) Can You Learn to Lead With Values?
(13:30) Leading With Humility as CEO
(20:25) Harry’s 15-Minute Self-Reflection Routine
(29:10) Managing Stress With Micro Breaks
(32:30) What Harry Looks for in a Great Leader
(39:12) Redefining Legacy at Every Age and Stage
(45:30) Choosing Where to Make an Impact
(49:51) Harry’s One Best Piece of Advice for Leaders
(57:00) Coachable Moment

👉 Connect with Scott Eblin
Website: www.eblingroup.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scotteblin

✉️ Inquiries
For anything podcast-related: hello@besteverpodcast.com
For business or speaking inquiries: contact@eblingroup.com

📬 Get leadership insights and updates
Join the newsletter: www.eblingroup.com/sub

What if becoming your best ever—at work, at home, and in life—starts with learning how to lead yourself first? Introducing Best Ever, a podcast that explores the real-life stories, mindset shifts, and daily habits of remarkable leaders. Hosted by globally recognized executive coach and bestselling author Scott Eblin, the show features Olympic champions, Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurial innovators, and community changemakers who lead with clarity, purpose, and heart. If you're ready for inspiration you can act on, follow Best Ever and start writing your best ever story today.