Conflict Isn’t the Enemy—Avoidance Is

In this episode of The Untitled Coaching Podcast, Justin Estes speaks directly to young coaches stepping into leadership roles. Drawing from his own journey—from athlete to gym owner—Justin shares the essential lessons he wishes he had learned earlier about showing up well as a coach and teammate.

He unpacks five key principles:

1. Be self-aware. How you talk about yourself, your athletes, and your team matters more than you think.
2. Avoid gossip. Build trust by keeping conversations positive and inclusive.
3. Embrace conflict. Disagreement doesn’t have to be destructive—it can deepen respect and clarity.
4. Practice what you preach. If you coach it, live it. Model the kind of consistency you want from your clients.
5. Lead with honesty. Be transparent with your members and team about decisions and changes.

Whether you’re a brand-new coach or a seasoned gym owner, this episode challenges you to build trust, lead with integrity, and create a coaching culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued.