Rand Pecknold: Leading One Of The Greatest Turnarounds In Sports History

This week Andrew talks with Rand Pecknold, the head coach of the 2023 NCAA National Champion Quinnipiac University Men’s Hockey Team. In 1994, Rand took the head coaching job at Quinnipiac for a $6,700 salary. Quinnipiac was playing Division 3 hockey, coming off of a dismal 6-18 season, & practicing at midnight — the only time available at the local rink. Over the past 29 years, Rand catapulted the program to national prominence and recently led the team to its first national championship. In this conversation, Andrew & Rand explore the success secrets that powered Quinnipiac’s David vs. Goliath-like journey from hockey obscurity to national champions. This episode is filled with actionable lessons on leadership, coaching, & success. You’ll hear advice on developing a winning mindset, improving in anything through marginal gains, & how to maximize your success by focusing on the little details. This episode will get you ready to go toe to toe with your competition — no matter who they are. 

Show Highlights:

(3:05) - Rand’s decision to take Quinnipiac job
(3:30) - Breaking into a new industry
(5:12) - Using adversity as advantage
(5:30) - Recruiting talent that fits your culture
(6:35) - Performing an “audit” on past performance
(8:16) - Managing an unhappy team member
(10:35) - Communicating expectations
(13:15) - Competing with intensity
(14:02) - Preparing relentlessly
(15:05) - Driving continuous improvement
(18:37) - Coaching team to be selfless
(21:27) - Improving with small details
(26:19) - Frameworks for knowledge sharing
(27:55) - Learning from NHL teams
(30:05) - Learning by teaching
(32:10) - Rand’s reflections on national championship

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