Jeremy Sheppard: Character First: Leading Beyond the Hierarchy

Episode 201: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Jeremy Sheppard — an internationally respected performance coach, sport scientist, and leader in athlete development.

Jeremy has spent over two decades working at the highest levels of sport, from the Australian Institute of Sport to Canada Snowboard, where he currently serves as Performance Coach within the Slopestyle program. His work integrates movement, mindset, and medicine, creating high-performing environments where athletes thrive.

Across his career, Jeremy has held key roles with Surfing Australia, Australian Volleyball, and consulted with organisations including the New York Jets, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne Storm. Having contributed to athlete success at eight Olympic Games, multiple X Games, and World Championships, his experience spans continents, cultures, and disciplines.

In this conversation, Jeremy offers deep reflections on leadership, authenticity, and performance — exploring how character, creativity, and relationships drive sustainable achievement in sport and beyond.

Topics Discussed:

• Background & Career Journey — From athlete to sports scientist/coach, working at Australian Institute of Sport and Canada Snowboard
• Character as Leadership Foundation — Character drives behaviour and sustainable achievement; contrasting childhood influences shaped this philosophy
• Anti-Hierarchical Leadership — Dynamic team structures, circular decision-making, “captain in the dressing room” approach, leadership shifts based on context
• Personal Before Team Leadership — Self-development and authentic identity required before effectively leading others
• Team Development — Empowering autonomy, creating belonging, working with limited resources through creativity and relationships
• Redefining Success — Success as behaviours matching values rather than outcomes; process over results focus

Key Points:

• Leadership is deeply intertwined with character, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with personal values. This alignment fosters authentic behavior, which is crucial for effective leadership. The focus should be on developing good character traits, as they influence behavior and, consequently, the outcomes one can achieve. In the realm of leadership, character acts as a keystone habit, setting the foundation for all other actions and decisions.

• The transition from being a sports person to a sports professional highlights the significance of personal leadership. This period of change is not about losing one's identity but about evolving it. Personal leadership involves self-awareness and the development of a self-concept that is authentic and aligned with one's values. This self-leadership is a precursor to leading others effectively.

• Effective leadership requires a shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more dynamic, context-based leadership models. This approach, often referred to as heterarchy, allows leadership roles to shift based on the situation and the expertise required. It emphasizes the importance of situational leadership, where the context dictates who leads and who follows, fostering a more collaborative and responsive team environment.

• The integration of personal values into leadership practices is essential for sustained success. Leaders should focus on the process and character that drive outcomes, rather than solely on results. This approach encourages accountability and continuous improvement, as success is defined by the alignment of behaviors with values, rather than just winning or losing.

• Leadership in sports, particularly in high-performance environments, requires a focus on autonomy, mastery, and belonging. These elements are crucial for fostering a supportive and empowering environment where athletes and team members can thrive. By prioritizing these aspects, leaders can create a culture that values personal growth and collective success.

• The role of a leader is not to micromanage but to empower others to lead. This involves providing opportunities for team members to take on leadership roles and make decisions. By doing so, leaders can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within the team, leading to more effective and innovative outcomes.

• The concept of leadership as a "captain in the dressing room" emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged with the team. This approach contrasts with distant, hierarchical leadership styles and focuses on building strong, personal connections with team members. It highlights the value of leading by example and being an integral part of the team's journey.

• The dynamic nature of leadership requires a flexible approach to decision-making. Leaders must be able to adapt their decision-making processes based on the type of decision being made, whether operational, tactical, or strategic. This flexibility ensures that decisions are made efficiently and effectively, with input from the appropriate team members.

• The success of a team is not solely dependent on the leader's abilities but on the collective strengths and contributions of all team members. By recognizing and valuing the diverse skills and perspectives within the team, leaders can create an environment where everyone can contribute to the team's success.

• Leadership is about creating a culture of trust, respect, and authenticity. These values are essential for building strong, cohesive teams that can achieve long-term success. By fostering an environment where team members feel valued and supported, leaders can inspire greater commitment and engagement from their teams.

Where you can find Jeremy:

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• X

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.