156. Leadership Lessons from the NFL: How Bret Davis Turns Failure into Confidence

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Bret Davis, a leader who has seen it all—from the world of professional sports to rising through the ranks in the medical field. Bret shares how growing up as the son of an NFL coach shaped his unique perspective on leadership, motivation, and handling pressure. From observing legendary figures like Don Shula and Bill Cowher, to developing his own leadership style, Bret’s experiences culminated in his Amazon #1 best-selling self-help book, Bretisms.

Throughout the episode, Bret and Chuck explore how leadership is not just about victories, but about dealing with adversity and how vulnerability can actually be a sign of strength. Bret shares his “Bretisms”—insights drawn from a lifetime of experience in high-stress environments, designed to help people reduce anxiety and build confidence in everyday life.

Key Takeaways from Bret’s Journey:

• Growing up in an NFL family taught Bret invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and handling pressure. Moving every couple of years for his dad’s career exposed him to different cultures, teaching him how to fit in and stand out as a leader.
• One of Bret’s key leadership principles is “Take the blame, shed the credit”. Great leaders, he notes, are quick to give credit to others while taking responsibility for failures.
• Bret also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership. In high-pressure environments, it’s crucial to open up and lean on your support system rather than trying to be “bulletproof.”

Bretisms and Their Impact

Bret’s book, Bretisms, outlines 30 life principles that can help reduce anxiety and build confidence. One of his most impactful sayings is, “You can’t trip over what’s behind you”—a reminder to let go of past failures and focus on moving forward. Through real-life examples from his childhood in the NFL, Bret demonstrates how letting go of perfectionism and embracing failure can lead to personal and professional growth.

What’s Coming Next?

Chuck reflects on how Bret’s perspective on failure has inspired him to rethink his own approach to perfectionism. He challenges listeners to adopt the mindset that failure is okay, as long as you’re learning and growing from it. Bret’s stories of watching NFL players handle adversity off the field provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the mental toughness it takes to succeed in high-pressure environments—whether in sports, business, or everyday life.

Connect with Bret and Get the Book

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Bret’s lessons on leadership and life, check out his book, Bretisms, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also visit his website Bretisms.com to learn more and find additional resources to help you build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Listen to the full episode for more insights from Bret Davis, and remember to share this episode with someone who could benefit from the wisdom of a leader who has seen it all. If you're ready to embrace failure, boost your confidence, and reduce anxiety, this episode is for you!

As always, connect with Chuck and learn more about coaching opportunities or speaking engagements by visiting Warriors Unmasked. Let’s continue the journey together!

GUEST LINKS:

• The Power of Bretisms: How Positive Sayings Can Transform Your Life: https://medium.com/@writersnauthors/the-power-of-bretisms-how-positive-sayings-can-transform-your-life-246e18fc76a1 
• Building Confidence and Reducing Anxiety: Insights from Bretisms - Non-Fiction Interviews and Book Reviews | Non-Fiction Author: https://nonfictioninterviews.com/building-confidence-and-reducing-anxiety-insights-from-bretisms/

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com 
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
  
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome to Bret Davis
• 02:13 – Bret’s Journey: Growing Up in an NFL Family and Moving Around the Country
• 06:45 – Leadership Lessons from Legendary NFL Coaches and Players
• 09:32 – The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership
• 13:00 – Bretisms: How Bret Turns Leadership Lessons into Life Principles
• 15:45 – “Take the Blame, Shed the Credit” – A Key Leadership Philosophy
• 18:20 – Handling Pressure: From the NFL to Executive Roles in the Business World
• 22:00 – Why Failure is Necessary: “You Can’t Trip Over What’s Behind You”
• 25:40 – Perfectionism vs. Progress: How to Reduce Anxiety and Build Confidence
• 29:10 – Bret’s Best Leadership Advice and Favorite Bretisms
• 34:15 – Where to Find Bret’s Book and Final Thoughts from Bret and Chuck