Talent Chasing

Talent Chasing

Moneyball meets Office Space Talent Chasing brings together the worlds of major league sports, corporate talent, and journalism to amplify real-world stories and experiences in finding, retaining, and motivating the best talent for your “team”. The show delves into the intricate worlds of sports scouting and corporate talent acquisition, hosted by Major League Baseball veteran Brian Johnson, workforce strategy veteran Chad Sowash, and finally journalist and documentary filmmaker Jasper Spanjaart. Join them in uncovering the art of identifying raw potential, mastering recruitment strategies, and nurturing talent to its fullest potential. Explore the human element behind talent acquisition and the evolving landscape of data-driven decisions, shedding light on the quiet war between traditional scouting and analytics in both sports and the corporate arena.

Episodes

April 17, 2025 33 mins
In this episode, Jasper and Brian discuss the intricacies of NFL scouting, focusing on the NFL Combine and the newly introduced Combine IQ tool. They explore the balance between data analysis and human intuition in evaluating talent, the challenges of biases in scouting, and the unique aspects of the interview process for prospective players. The conversation also touches on the differences between NFL scouting and European footbal...
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate talent, focusing on the concept of meritocracy in politics and hiring practices. They discuss the qualifications of political figures, the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on meritocracy, and the importance of building talent pipelines within organizations. The conversation highlights the need for companies to engage with their c...
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In this episode, Jasper and Brian dive into the emotional highs and lows of being a European football fan, with a special focus on Newcastle United's recent trophy victory. They highlight the inspiring journey of Dan Byrne, a player who defied the odds to succeed, drawing insightful parallels between talent acquisition and team dynamics in both sports and business. Their discussion underscores the power of resilience, strategic pat...
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate culture, discussing the dynamics of team chemistry, the pressure of winning, and the implications of trades during the NHL trade deadline. They delve into the importance of internal development and empathy in onboarding new talent, while also reflecting on the differences between sports management and corporate strategies. Takeaways Spor...
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts dive into the changing role of umpires in baseball, the influence of technology and automation, and the personality crisis impacting Major League Baseball. They discuss the balance between human judgment and robotic systems in officiating, exploring how these shifts affect the sport's entertainment value. The conversation also highlights the delicate dynamics between catchers and umpires...
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad and Jasper dive into the unexpected trade of NBA superstars Doncic and Davis between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks and its impact on both the sports and business worlds. They explore how talent management in sports mirrors that in the corporate world, focusing on the value of trades, employee retention, and the importance of development strategies. The hosts discuss the ri...
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In this episode, the hosts dive into the enduring legacy of NFL coaching legend Bill Parcells, exploring his unique coaching style and the powerful coaching tree he left behind. They unpack his influence on today's game, the leadership traits that set him apart, and whether his methods still connect with modern players. The discussion also touches on the role of coaching fit and the long-term impact Parcells has had on the NFL. The...
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Jasper, Brian, and Chad explore the concept of favoritism in both sports and the workplace. They discuss how favoritism manifests in various forms, particularly focusing on the NFL and the perceived bias towards star players like Patrick Mahomes. The conversation delves into the implications of favoritism on team morale, leadership dynamics, and performance evaluations in corporate settings....
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January 30, 2025 42 mins
What can a 6'7" footballer teach us about talent, leadership, and adaptability? In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts dive into the fascinating career of Peter Crouch—a player who defied expectations and redefined his role on the pitch. From the evolving strategies in football to the ongoing battle between coaching systems and raw player talent, this conversation unpacks the lessons that sports offer the corporate world. Th...
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January 23, 2025 30 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad and Brian, joined by guest Jasper, unpack the groundbreaking signing of Juan Soto to the New York Mets for a record-breaking $765 million over 15 years. Beyond the numbers, they explore the cultural rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, the subtle but powerful role of personal relationships in player decisions, and how small details can redefine recruitment strategies. The conversation...
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January 16, 2025 40 mins
In this episode, Brian, Jasper, and Chad dive deep into the game-changing intersection of sports and business leadership, all through the lens of Deion Sanders' extraordinary coaching career. They uncover how Coach Prime's unique approach to leadership, crisis management, and talent development offers invaluable insights for the corporate world. From his community impact to his disciplined and authentic style, the hosts break down ...
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December 5, 2024 34 mins
In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing debate surrounding remote and hybrid work, particularly in the context of Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's mandate for employees to return to the office. They explore the implications of this decision on workplace culture, productivity, and employee well-being. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to adapt to changing workforce dynamics, the importance of training for remote product...
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November 28, 2024 29 mins
Athletes, Burnout, and Plumbing Emergencies Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this episode of the Talent Chasing Podcast! Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with the legendary sports agent Debbie Spander in this latest Film Room session—a mix of insightful commentary, hilariously sharp quips, and, naturally, a side tangent on Europe's plumbing crisis. Ever wonder why elite athletes (or overachieving CEOs) burnout fas...
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November 14, 2024 47 mins
Get ready to dive into the wild world of sports biz with Debbie Spander, the CEO of Insight Sports Advisors—a boutique sports media agency where deals happen, dreams are made, and retired athletes try not to be the “Remember that guy?” stories! Debbie’s gone from slinging legal briefs as a sports lawyer to negotiating contracts as a sports agent, and she’s spilling all the tea. She tackles the big stuff, like what athletes should d...
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November 7, 2024 32 mins
This "Talent Chasing" podcast episode provides a look at Shohei Ohtani, his historic baseball journey, and the broader impact on the business of baseball. Hosted by former MLB player and scout Brian Johnson, journalist Jasper Spanjaart, and recruitment industry veteran Chad Sowash, the conversation explores Ohtani’s unique dual-role as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter—a feat that has transformed perceptions of player versatility ...
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October 31, 2024 18 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sawash discuss the impact of mental health in sports, focusing on Simone Biles' journey and her advocacy for mental health awareness. They explore the concept of burnout in both sports and corporate settings, drawing parallels between athletes and professionals facing mental blocks, such as the yips. The conversation also addresses double standards in sports and corporate Am...
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October 24, 2024 19 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash dissect their interview with John Harris, owner of AthLife, and explore the complexities of athlete transitions into the real world, the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, and the importance of unions in both sports and corporate environments. They discuss the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, the need for employee development in busines...
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October 17, 2024 47 mins
John Harris, the owner of AthLife, shares his journey of helping former professional athletes transition back into the real world. He explains how AthLife has assisted over a thousand athletes in pursuing education and finding new careers. The conversation also touches on the shift in college athletics with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The conversation covers various topics relate...
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October 10, 2024 14 mins
In this episode, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash discuss the inspiring story of James Mims, the creator of Mims Bands, a unique product that combines baseball cards with wristbands. They explore the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the role of founders in startups, emphasizing the significance of character and vision in achieving success. The conversation highlights Mims' journey, his relationship with ment...
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October 3, 2024 62 mins
In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosted by Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash, the focus is on entrepreneur James Mims and his journey in founding Mims Bands, a wristband company that has become an iconic part of Major League Baseball (MLB) history. James shares how, as a senior at the University of Southern California, he came up with the idea for personalized wristbands for athletes, starting with a prototype for baseball player D...
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