We were lucky to catch up with Russ Burroughs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Russ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
In coaching, my knowledge comes from a lifetime of playing and studying the game. I’ve spent years in the trenches—watching film, analyzing mechanics, and building strong relationships with athletes. Similarly, in life coaching, I draw heavily from personal experiences, challenges, and successes. The lessons I’ve learned about leadership, resilience, and connection on the field seamlessly translate to helping people navigate life off the field.
If I could do it over, I would prioritize understanding psychology and communication earlier, as both are essential in coaching. Whether it’s baseball or life coaching, knowing how to connect with people on a deeper level is just as important as technical expertise. I also wish I had embraced failure sooner rather than fearing it—because failure has been one of my greatest teachers.
The most essential skills in coaching are communication, adaptability, and patience. As a coach, you’re a teacher, a motivator, and often a counselor. You need to meet people where they are and help them move forward. In baseball, that might mean helping a hitter adjust their swing; in life coaching, it’s guiding someone through a personal pivot after a setback.
Early on, pride and impatience were significant obstacles. I thought I needed to know everything to earn respect, but I’ve learned that admitting what you don’t know and being willing to learn from others builds far more trust. Another challenge was balancing personal growth with the demands of coaching and life. But every obstacle was an opportunity to grow, and those lessons have been invaluable.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey began with a lifelong passion for baseball, and it has evolved into a career that combines coaching, mentorship, and personal development. I’ve spent years as a player, instructor, and now as a head coach and certified life coach, helping athletes and individuals achieve their full potential both on and off the field.
In the realm of baseball, I specialize in skill development, mental preparation, and fostering a winning mindset. I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes at all levels, from youth players to professionals, helping them refine their mechanics, improve performance, and navigate the mental challenges of competition. My services include private training sessions, remote coaching programs, and team mentorship, all tailored to the specific needs of the athlete.
On the life coaching side, I help people overcome personal and professional challenges by focusing on resilience, leadership, and emotional growth. My coaching blends practical strategies with a deep understanding of human connection, helping clients set goals, navigate transitions, and build the confidence to take bold steps forward.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people on a personal level. Whether I’m working with an athlete perfecting their swing or guiding someone through a life pivot, I strive to meet each person where they are and help them move forward with clarity and confidence. My approach is grounded in empathy, experience, and a relentless commitment to growth—for myself and those I coach.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. Seeing athletes achieve milestones, clients overcome obstacles, and people discover their potential reminds me why I do what I do. My goal is to not only teach skills but to inspire confidence and resilience that lasts a lifetime.
I’m dedicated to helping people succeed in the ways that matter most. Whether it’s unlocking their athletic potential, finding direction in life, or simply becoming the best version of themselves, I’m here to provide support, guidance, and a game plan tailored to their journey.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came during the early days of my transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, I faced uncertainty and a complete disruption of routine. At that time, I was struggling with personal challenges, including my physical health and mental outlook, and I realized that I needed to make a change—not just for myself but for those who relied on me as a coach and mentor.
I committed to small, consistent actions: improving my health, refining my coaching craft, and developing a mindset that prioritized growth over perfection. There were setbacks, of course, but I learned that resilience is about embracing the process even when the results aren’t immediate. That period didn’t just transform me physically; it gave me a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, which now shapes how I coach others through their own challenges.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a coach—a creative in my own way—is seeing the impact my work has on others. Whether it’s watching an athlete hit a career milestone or helping someone break through a mental block, those moments of growth and realization are incredibly fulfilling. Coaching is an art form: it requires creativity, adaptability, and the ability to connect deeply with people to bring out the best in them.
There’s nothing quite like seeing someone realize their potential and knowing you played a part in that journey. It’s a reminder that the work isn’t just about results—it’s about the relationships, the growth, and the ripple effects of those small victories that extend far beyond the field or the session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Russ.burroughs.com
- Instagram: Russlifecoach
- Linkedin: Russburroughs
- Twitter: Russburroughs
