Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Journey with Ted Rath, VP of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles
Welcome to another episode of the RK Leadership Podcast, where we empower tomorrow’s leaders through the sharing of knowledge, experience, and inspiring stories. I’m Rob Kamranpoor, your host, and today I am thrilled to have Ted Rath, VP of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, as our special guest. Ted has an illustrious career, having worked with multiple NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and the LA Rams. Let’s dive into his journey and uncover the valuable leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.
The Path to the NFL: Ted Rath’s Journey
Ted Rath’s passion for football began at an early age. He emphasizes how football, as a sport, offers life lessons and builds leadership qualities. Through high school and college, where he played at the University of Toledo, Ted’s experiences on the field and in training shaped his understanding of discipline, resilience, and the importance of a solid process. Transitioning from a player to a coach, Ted fell in love with the training aspect of the sport, focusing on both the physiological and psychological preparation of athletes.
Key Lessons from a Distinguished Career
One of the biggest lessons Ted shares is the importance of the process. He believes that daily habits and intentional actions are crucial for long-term success. Ted’s mantra, “Do your habits of today align with your goals of tomorrow?” underscores the significance of consistent effort and self-investment. He encourages everyone to make daily deposits in their personal and professional lives, whether it’s optimizing sleep, working out, making nutritious choices, or continuously learning and connecting with others.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure
Ted’s career wasn’t without its challenges. He shares how being fired from the Detroit Lions was a pivotal moment that eventually led to opportunities with the Miami Dolphins, LA Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles. He stresses the importance of responding to adversity with a positive mindset, using failures as catalysts for growth and improvement. Ted’s philosophy is inspired by the Navy SEALs’ motto, “You either fail or you learn,” highlighting the value of resilience and adaptability.
Building a Winning Culture
Ted’s experience with the LA Rams, where they finished the 2017 season as the healthiest NFL team, demonstrates the power of collaboration and trust. He emphasizes that individual success in football and business is built on teamwork and accountability. Ted credits the success to the collective effort of athletic trainers, sports medicine staff, team doctors, nutritionists, equipment staff, and, most importantly, the players and coaches who embraced a disciplined and accountable culture.
The Mental Aspect of Performance
In Ted’s view, the mental component of performance is just as critical as the physical. He discusses how elite athletes like Calvin Johnson and Aaron Donald possess not only physical prowess but also mental strength and a commitment to the process. Ted underscores the importance of a growth mindset, lifelong learning, and self-discipline in achieving long-term success. He believes that mental fortitude, developed through consistent habits and a focus on process, is key to overcoming challenges and maintaining high performance.
Integrating Work and Life
Ted rejects the notion of work-life balance, advocating instead for work-life integration. He believes that acknowledging and integrating personal and professional aspects of life is essential for overall well-being. Ted encourages open communication, vulnerability, and trust, emphasizing that recognizing and addressing life’s challenges is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental health.
Characteristics of a Strong Team
When building a team, Ted looks for individuals who have experienced adversity and used it as an opportunity for growth. He values a growth mindset and the ability to see obstacles as opportunities. Ted’s hiring and team-building philosophy focuses on resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Daily Habits for Success
Ted’s daily routine includes what he calls the “three W’s”: worship, workout, and write. He believes in starting the day early and intentionally, with practices that build physical, mental, and emotional strength. Ted emphasizes the importance of setting daily routines and making intentional actions that align with long-term goals.
Conclusion
Ted Rath’s journey and insights offer invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of process. His emphasis on daily habits, mental strength, and teamwork provides a blueprint for success, both on and off the field. For those looking to learn more from Ted and his experiences, follow him on social media @TedRathStrengthCoach and keep an eye out for his upcoming book and YouTube channel. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the RK Leadership Podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories and leadership insights.
For any questions or to connect with Ted Rath, please drop them in the comments below or reach out directly. Until next time, take care and keep striving for greatness.
