How Europe's youngest top-flight manager learned to BACK HIMSELF with Will Still (E213)

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Summary

Will Still's journey to becoming the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues is a testament to his resilience, authenticity, and commitment to his passion for football. After dropping out of university in Belgium, Will moved to the UK to pursue a Football Coaching degree at Myerscough College in Preston. Despite the initial culture shock, the move solidified Will's determination to build a career in football.

Will's coaching career began with knocking on doors and convincing clubs to let him work in any capacity, even if it meant doing menial tasks like setting up cones or washing socks. His persistence paid off when he secured a role as a video analyst at STVV, a Belgian second division club. Despite not receiving a contract or compensation, Will's dedication and the value he added through his video analysis impressed the coach and earned him a full-time position.

Will's experience at Myerscough College, though not directly providing a wealth of football knowledge, played a crucial role in shaping his personal growth and resilience. Being immersed in a different culture and environment forced him to adapt and learn how to navigate unfamiliar social dynamics. This experience equipped him with the adaptability and cultural awareness necessary to succeed in the diverse world of professional football.

Will's advice for adapting to a new culture is to give it time and immerse oneself in the local environment. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the differences and learning from them, rather than trying to impose one's own cultural norms. He also stresses the value of patience and persistence, as it takes time to build relationships and establish oneself in a new cultural context.

Will's story is an inspiration to anyone seeking to pursue their passion and overcome obstacles. His unwavering commitment to football, his willingness to start from the bottom, and his ability to adapt to new environments have been instrumental in his remarkable success as a football manager.

In this podcast episode, Will Still, the manager of Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims, shares his unique journey in the world of football management. At the age of 30, he is the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues and has faced various challenges and triumphs throughout his career.

Will's story begins with his decision to leave university in Belgium and pursue a Football Coaching degree in the UK. Despite the cultural shock, this move solidified his commitment to a career in football. He emphasizes the importance of embracing different cultures and perspectives, which has helped him connect with players from diverse backgrounds in his current role.

Will discusses the evolution of his managerial style since he started, highlighting vulnerability and honesty as key aspects of his approach. He reflects on his experience of turning down a job offer from Vincent Kompany and explains how a quiet self-confidence is crucial to his work.

Will's emphasis on authenticity and resilience has led him to success, as evidenced by his impressive results with Stade de Reims. He believes that creating a positive and open environment for players is essential for team performance, and he encourages his players to be themselves and bring their unique strengths to the pitch.

The podcast delves into the importance of vulnerability for a manager, acknowledging that showing weakness can be a sign of strength. Will emphasizes the need for balance, as managers must also be able to maintain discipline and authority.

Will's experiences have taught him that failure is a natural part of the journey to success, and he encourages players to learn from their mistakes and move forward. He believes that creating a culture of learning and improvement is vital for a team's long-term growth.

The conversation also touches on the challenges Will faced early in his career, including media criticism and doubts about his abilities. He reflects on how these experiences shaped him and helped him develop a stronger sense of self-belief.

Overall, Will's story is an inspiring example of the power of authenticity and resilience in the world of football management. His commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and staying true to himself has been his guiding force, leading him to achieve remarkable success at a young age.

# Will Still: The Power of Authenticity and Resilience in Football Management

Will Still's journey as a football manager is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and resilience. At the age of 30, he became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues, navigating the complexities of the industry with honesty, vulnerability, and a commitment to staying true to himself.

Still's path to success was unconventional. After dropping out of university in Belgium, he moved to the UK to pursue a Football Coaching degree. Despite the initial culture shock, this decision solidified his commitment to a career in football.

His managerial style has evolved since his early days, with vulnerability and honesty always at the forefront. Still believes that creating a high-performance environment requires fostering a culture of trust and open communication among players and staff. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game, demonstrating commitment, and maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.

Still's ability to turn down a job offer from Vincent Kompany, a renowned figure in the football world, highlights his unwavering confidence in his own path. He recognized that Kompany's managerial style and environment were not aligned with his own values and goals, demonstrating a quiet self-assurance that has served him well.

Still's journey is a reminder that the road to success becomes easier when we embrace our true selves. By staying authentic, being vulnerable, and remaining committed to our values, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our aspirations.

## Key Insights from the Podcast:

- Authenticity and Resilience: Will Still's success stems from his authenticity and resilience in navigating the challenges of the football industry. He has remained true to his values, even when faced with adversity, demonstrating the importance of staying authentic to achieve success.

- Vulnerability and Honesty: Still believes that vulnerability and honesty are crucial elements of effective leadership. He fosters a culture of trust and open communication among players and staff, creating a high-performance environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

- Enjoyment and Commitment: Still emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game of football and demonstrating commitment to the team. He believes that a positive attitude and unwavering dedication are essential ingredients for success, even in the face of setbacks.

- Trusting Instincts: Still often relies on his instincts when making decisions, highlighting the importance of trusting one's gut feeling. He believes that quick, intuitive decisions can sometimes be more effective than overanalyzing situations.

- Embracing Challenges: Still's willingness to embrace challenges and take risks has been instrumental in his success. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments and overcome obstacles, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.

- Continuous Learning: Still is a continuous learner, always seeking opportunities to improve his knowledge and skills. He believes that staying updated with the latest trends and developments in football is essential for staying ahead in the competitive world of management.

- Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Still emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of setbacks. He believes that a positive outlook and the ability to learn from mistakes are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success.

## Conclusion:

Will Still's journey as a football manager serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and individuals seeking success in their chosen fields. His emphasis on authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of leadership and achieve their goals. By embracing our true selves, fostering a culture of trust and open communication, and maintaining a positive mindset, we can overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success.

# Will Still: A Journey of Authenticity, Commitment, and Honesty in Football Management

In this episode of The High Performance Podcast, Will Still, the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues and current manager of Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims, shares his unique perspective on football management, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, commitment, and honesty.

Will's journey in football began when he dropped out of university in Belgium and moved to the UK to pursue a Football Coaching degree. Despite the initial culture shock, this move solidified his commitment to a career in football.

As a manager, Will has developed a distinct style that prioritizes vulnerability and honesty. He believes that creating an environment where players and staff feel comfortable being themselves is crucial for success. Will discusses how he turned down a job offer from Vincent Kompany, highlighting the importance of self-confidence in his work.

Throughout the conversation, Will emphasizes the significance of passion, commitment, and authenticity in football management. He believes that success becomes easier when individuals embrace their true selves.

Will's story serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in the world of football management. He encourages aspiring managers to stay true to themselves, remain committed to their goals, and prioritize honesty in their interactions with players and staff.

**Key Takeaways:**

* Authenticity, commitment, and honesty are essential qualities for effective football management.
* Creating an environment where players and staff feel comfortable being themselves fosters success.
* Embracing one's true self simplifies the path to success.
* Passion, commitment, and authenticity are crucial elements for high performance.
* Overcoming challenges and embracing vulnerability are essential for personal and professional growth.
* Maintaining a humble, curious, and empathetic mindset is vital for continuous improvement.

**Memorable Quotes:**

* "I allow your ego to be as big as it needs to be, and I'll allow your personality to be as important as it has to be." - Will Still
* "Commitment is number two, and number three, I know again very sort of fairy tale like and romantic but honesty, if you think something's shit and if you think I'm chatting shit, tell me it's crap, be straightforward." - Will Still
* "Don't believe in the people that say it's not possible. Do whatever it takes, just keep going, don't give up." - Will Still
* "Winning the title with STVV, the very first club I worked for at the end of that season where I had nothing because that was proof to myself that it was possible." - Will Still
* "Set yourself a goal and go for it and just believe that, you know, it is possible." - Will Still