Pokey Chatman on Relationships, Second Chances, and Building Teams That Improve
There is no algorithm for leadership. So we ask the world's great coaches how they do it.. In this Great Coaches podcast episode, Pokey Chatman joins from New Orleans to discuss what separates great coaches—especially their organic ability to build and manage relationships, read the room, and lead with emotional intelligence—drawing on influences like Sue Gunter, Natalie Hejkova, and Becky Hammon. She describes being raised by a “village” after her parents’ divorce and how that shaped her team-first leadership, then reflects on taking over at LSU and sustaining success while honoring Gunter’s legacy. Chatman explains how a second chance in Russia, including learning the language and training Lauren Jackson, reshaped her perspective on opportunity and growth. She outlines core values—joy, focused excellence, trusting the process, and an “inner scoreboard”—and shares leadership lessons from her EuroLeague title, Chicago Sky turnaround, and emphasis on daily individualized development. She also addresses bias in women’s basketball, urges respectful but direct conversation, and offers advice on handling being fired through honest self-scouting and perspective. Her hoped-for legacy centers on the relationships and life impact she has on players beyond wins and losses.
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