Welcome to the living companion

DON'T CHASE
TROPHIES.
CHASE YOUR
POTENTIAL.

The book is the beginning. Go beyond the pages with conversations, behind-the-scenes observations, and practical leadership ideas from championship coaches and the teams they lead.

Cover of The Trophy Trap by Professor Wagner, featuring a gold championship trophy
RISE &
SHINE.
Make leadership a daily practice
THE TROPHY ISN'T THE TARGET.
The greatest coaches focus on developing people, building trust, and mastering the daily practice. The results follow. That's the challenge behind The Trophy Trap.
Beyond the final page

A BOOK THAT KEEPS
ON GROWING.

A front-row seat to the real moments, useful tools, and new reflections that didn't fit between two covers.

01 /

COACH CONVERSATIONS

New thoughts and moments from the championship coaches behind the book.

Explore insights →
02 /

BEHIND THE SCENES

What I see from the sideline, practice field, or locker-room perimeter—and what it means at work.

Look inside →
03 /

LEADERSHIP REPS

Small, intentional actions you can practice this week to become a better leader tomorrow.

Try one today →
The book's foundation

THREE PATHS.
ONE DAILY PRACTICE.

The Rise & Shine journey moves from the leader you are to the teams and organizations you help unlock.

PART 01

UNLOCK YOUR
GREATNESS.

Lead yourself first. Know your values, find your direction, and show up with intention.

PART 02

UNLOCK YOUR TEAM'S
GREATNESS.

Build trust, grow people, handle difficult moments, and give better feedback.

PART 03

UNLOCK YOUR ORGANIZATION'S
GREATNESS.

Create sustainable success, remove interference, rebound from setbacks, and build belief.

See all 12 leadership keys →
From Jim's notebook

REAL MOMENTS.
USEFUL LESSONS.

A few stories to start. New interviews, videos, photographs, and reflections can be added here over time.

Observed at Dodgers spring training

WHAT THE BOX SCORE CAN'T TELL YOU.

Coach Dave Roberts gave his full attention to young prospects, not only star players. A reminder that your values are revealed by where you put your attention.

Read the field note →
Coach conversation

DON'T BE IN A HURRY TO GO THE WRONG WAY.

Coach Marv Dunphy on how clarity and consistency cut through the daily fire drills.

Read the insight →
Your next leadership rep

FIND YOUR LEADERSHIP FINGERPRINT.

Your values aren't what look good on a wall. They're what show up when the pressure is on.

Try the exercise →
New beyond the book

LATEST FIELD NOTES.

Fresh photos, videos and practical leadership observations, added as Professor Wagner gets back to the sidelines.

Checking for newly published Field Notes…

See all Field Notes →