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Kirk McCarley
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Kirk McCarley: The ESPN Statistician Who Teaches Communication Through Listening
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What do a sports statistician, a leadership coach, and a master storyteller have in common? A powerful understanding of what truly makes communication effective.
In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I welcome Kirk McCarley, executive career coach, ESPN talent statistician, and self-proclaimed "wealthy man" (thanks to his relationships, not his bank account). Kirk shares how his behind-the-scenes role in live broadcasting taught him lessons that apply far beyond the sports world, especially about presence, preparation, and the power of listening.
From stories of maraschino cherry theft to lessons from a beloved neighbor, this episode dives deep into what it really means to be a powerful communicator. It’s not about saying more—it’s about listening better, slowing down, and connecting with intention.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why active listening skills are your #1 communication tool
• How technology is killing connection, and how to fight back
• What leadership communication looks like in daily life
• Why “being present” is more powerful than being polished
• How overcoming imposter syndrome starts with preparation, not perfection
Kirk’s take on communication is both grounding and inspiring, reminding us that our greatest influence doesn’t come from speaking louder, but from listening more deeply.
Connect with Kirk:
theseedsowercoach.com (http://theseedsowercoach.com/)
kirkmccarleyauthor.com (http://kirkmccarleyauthor.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-mccarley-1bbba950/
https://www.instagram.com/kirkmccarley/
https://www.facebook.com/KirkMcCarleyTheSeedSowerCoach/
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Overcoming Adversity: Kirk McCarley’s Journey to Purpose and Executive Coaching
In this inspiring episode of "Life Changing Challenges," Brad Minus interviews Kirk McCarley, author, executive coach, and founder of The Seed Sower Coach. Kirk shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to a thriving career in HR, ESPN, and coaching. Learn how he overcame a life-threatening heart condition and transitioned into helping others discover purpose, authenticity, and growth. Dive into his book, Thoughts for My Kids and Other People’s Kids, and gain valuable insights for personal transformation.
Kirk McCarley’s Website: https://TheSeedSowerCoach.com – Learn more about his coaching services.
Kirk’s Book: Thoughts for My Kids and Other People’s Kids – Available on Amazon. (https://amzn.to/49jt8KZ)
Follow Kirk on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-mccarley-1bbba950/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirk.mccarley
Contact Brad:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lcc_pod
Facebook: https://facebook.com/bradaminus
X(Twitter):https://twitter.com/bradaminus
https://LifeChangingChallengers.com
Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17085271262845712b484866e

Leading with Emotional Intelligence in Sports and Business
In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk (https://prezerosportstalk.com) Podcast, host Sid Bensalah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-bensalah/) talks with Kirk McCarley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-mccarley-1bbba950/) , a leadership coach, and founder of The Seed Sower Coach (https://theseedsowercoach.com/about.html) with a fascinating background in corporate HR, executive coaching, and working as a statistician for ESPN (https://www.espn.com) . Kirk shares how emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key to effective leadership in sports and business.
What You’ll Learn:
• How Kirk’s journey shaped his approach to leadership and EQ.
• Why listening is a critical skill for leaders and how to improve it.
• Balancing accountability and empathy in high-performance environments.
• Lessons from sports that apply to business leadership.
• How cultural and generational factors influence communication styles.
Key Highlights:
• The Power of Listening: Practical ways to slow down and create meaningful connections.
• Leadership Styles: The differences between enthusiastic, vocal leaders and those who lead quietly by example.
• Pause and Reflect: Kirk explains how to manage high-energy conversations by practicing the art of pause.
Quote of the Episode: "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." – Pat Summitt (https://patsummitt.org/pats-legacy/)
Whether you’re a coach, executive, or team leader, this episode will inspire you to lead authentically and purposefully.
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Let’s reshape the conversation and drive real change in sports. Every voice counts—what’s your take?

Book launch 10.01.2024
A collection of essays and vignettes by Kirk McCarley, chronicling the launch of his career as an executive and life coach. This book highlights insights from both his professional experiences and personal growth journey, encompassing not only his career but also his educational development and the stories that have shaped his maturation.
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