In this episode, Rob is joined by David Shapiro—longtime nonprofit leader and national voice in youth development and mentoring. The conversation covers the complexity of mentoring, how trust is built through consistency, and why coaches must balance results with relationships. David shares stories from his time leading MENTOR and now the YMCA of Greater Boston, offering practical advice for both mentors and mentees.
Whether you’re building a team, leading an organization, or mentoring the next generation, this episode challenges you to lead with clarity and presence in a distracted, transactional world.
Topics Covered:
The difference between developmental and instrumental mentoring
Why effective mentoring starts with clearly defined expectations
How to coach for heart change, not just behavior change
Building trust in the quiet moments
Advice for young leaders seeking mentorship
Presence as a leadership superpower
Rapid Fire Segment:
Favorite book: The Leadership Moment
Favorite failure: Misreading how someone needed to be coached
Definition of success: Sustainability and consistency
Favorite podcast: The Daily Stoic
Life-changing belief: Being fully present and learning to read fiction
Resources + Links:
Listen to more episodes:
https://beyondcoaching.alitu.com
Coaching tools, articles, and training: https://impactfulcoachingproject.substack.com
Books:
• Coaching and Leading the 21st Century Athlete
• Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches
Available now on Amazon
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