Episode 06 - People Over Performance with Valorie Kondos Field
People Over Performance with Valorie Kondos Field
In this episode of The Influence Gap, host Bernadette McClelland welcomes the legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field. With seven NCAA championships, multiple Coach of the Year awards, and a reputation for putting “people over performance,” Valorie Kondos Field shares her journey from professional ballerina to head gymnastics coach—despite never having done gymnastics herself. Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the power of asking for what you want. Bernadette McClelland and Valorie Kondos Field explore lessons in trusting yourself, learning from failure, and coaching the human—whether on a team or in business. Hear personal stories, leadership insights, and the memorable “art of the ask” from Valorie Kondos Field’s time with legendary Coach John Wooden. Discover why winning doesn’t always equal success, how to build strong teams through relationships, and why courage—and a willingness to listen—are the keys to true influence. Plus, learn about Valorie Kondos Field’s advocacy with Kids Alive International and her advice for leading with empathy. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will challenge how you think about leadership, performance, and making a real impact.
Key Takeaways
- Put people over performance: championship results come from relationships.
- You can lead experts without being one. Valorie Kondos Field coached gymnastics without ever doing it.
- Imposter syndrome and failure can become strengths when you are open about them.
- The “art of the ask”: clearly asking for what you want is a leadership skill.
- Winning does not always equal success. Coach the human, not just the KPI.
Episode Overview
Episode Overview:
What if one of the greatest NCAA gymnastics coaches of all time never actually did a cartwheel? In this compelling episode, Bernadette McClelland sits down with Valorie Kondos Field, legendary UCLA gymnastics coach, to explore how she achieved extraordinary success—without ever being a gymnast herself.
You’ll discover how Valorie Kondos Field built a championship program on relationships, vulnerability, and the simple power of asking. She unpacks what it means to lead people (not just performances), why imposter syndrome can be a secret weapon, and how moments of failure can actually unlock lasting influence. With powerful stories about the “art of the ask,” learning from Coach Wooden, and coaching the human being—not just the KPI—this episode will change the way you think about leadership and what’s truly possible when you dare to step out of your comfort zone.
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Welcome and Valorie Kondos Field’s accolades
04:45 How she became head UCLA coach without gymnastics experience
07:58 Lessons in saying yes without all the answers
11:44 Discovering her authentic leadership style
15:06 Coaching the human, not just the performance
20:30 The power of vulnerability and the need to “be enough”
22:38 The art of the ask: Dinners, mentors, and advocacy
28:01 Why you shouldn’t “wait to dance”
29:34 Kids Alive International and championing healing through validation
30:00 Rapid fire leadership reflections
31:12 Closing remarks and takeaways