EP 27: Mike Nilson | A New Chapter in Coaching After 20 Years With Gonzaga

After 20 years as the Director of Performance and Nutrition at Gonzaga University, Mike Nilson joins the show to share why he stepped away from strength and conditioning to begin a new chapter as a financial advisor with Ten Capital. In his new role, Mike helps athletes navigate the world of NIL and how to manage their finances.

We dive into the principles behind his career transition, how to build a personal philosophy and framework, and what studying a wide range of disciplines taught him about skill acquisition. Mike also delivers a masterclass on the power of commitments, how just five minutes a day can change your life, and the value of mapping out your future with clarity and purpose.

This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.

Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.

👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Transition to New Beginnings

03:03 From Basketball to Strength Conditioning

06:03 Recognizing the Need for Financial Education

06:57 Transitioning to Financial Coaching

09:49 Overcoming Fears of Starting Anew

13:18 The Power of Daily Commitments

16:24 Principles, Strategies, and Techniques in Coaching

20:53 Connecting Different Fields of Knowledge

25:11 Crafting Personal Principles and Frameworks

27:59 Building Systems for Effective Delivery

30:52 Family First: Prioritizing Relationships Over Career

34:54 The Principle of Retirement: Timing and Decision Making

38:00 Commitment: Transforming Wants into Musts

42:41 Building Momentum: The Power of Small Wins

46:34 Discipline and Freedom: The Balance of Commitment

53:41 Nutrition and Commitment: The Importance of Consistency