We Over Me: Coaching for Culture, Creativity, and Character
Join Kassi Kincaid for an unforgettable conversation with Coach Jim Johnson, a seasoned basketball coach turned speaker and author whose life and leadership were forever changed by one player’s perseverance. Jim shares how a young man with autism named J-Mac, who tried out for the team three years in a row, taught him the true meaning of service, resilience, and team culture. From growing up in a sports family to leading his team to a championship, Jim reveals how creativity is unlocked through mastering the basics, staying humble, and choosing to be a “learn-it-all.” This episode dives into the power of modeling perseverance, building a "we over me" culture, and leading with purpose through personal mission, values, and everyday growth.
We Over Me: Coaching for Culture, Creativity, and Character
Coach Jim Johnson brings a heartfelt and transformational lens to leadership and creativity—rooted in decades of coaching, a life-changing story with a young player named J-Mac, and a deep belief in servant leadership. From growing up in a sports family to winning a championship as a high school basketball coach, Jim’s journey is filled with powerful lessons on perseverance, humility, and modeling the behavior you want to see in others.
Through stories of missed tryouts, culture-building, and choosing to be a “learn-it-all,” Jim shows how creativity often emerges in adversity, and how leadership begins with leading yourself.
This episode is a playbook for leaders and high-performers who want to build resilient teams, lead with purpose, and spark daily growth—1% at a time.
Episode Highlights:
(0:30) How Jim’s coaching journey began
(1:30) The life-changing story of J-Mac
(6:30) What true teamwork looks like
(9:10) Creativity and leadership on the court
(10:25) Leading through adversity and staying humble
(12:55) Modeling perseverance and building a winning culture
(16:00) Why growth is a daily process
(18:15) The mission-driven mindset every leader needs
This conversation is packed with takeaways for leaders who want to serve well, grow consistently, and lead with impact from the inside out.
Connect with Coach Jim Johnson:
Website: www.coachjimjohnson.com
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimjohnson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJimJohnson
X: https://twitter.com/CoachJimJohnson
Don't forget to share your takeaways! DM me on Instagram (@kassi_kincaid) with your biggest takeaway from the episode!
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