Gold Zones

1 % Better - Hidden Stories in Sport

Paul Francis is the CEO and Cofounder of FC 32. Paul’s career includes time with both the Italian and British Olympic federations, multiple NFL teams and numerous advisory board positions including Strava. He was Global head of sports science for Adidas and prior to this he worked in innovation for nike. He joins us to discuss developing elite environments with lessons that span sport and business.

(00:00) Introduction

(03:05) Interview Starts

(04:40) Gold Zones

(06:17) Microdosing Excellence

(06:45) How Does Paul’s System Fit into Scouting?

(08:08) Strengthening Weaknesses vs Strengthening Strengths

(10:29) Stability as a Success Metric

(12:15) Game Style and Coach Selection

(14:25) Managing an Underperforming Player

(17:45) How Does the FC32 System Fit into Player Development

(21:06) Coaching Incentives

(23:15) What Has Influenced Paul’s Outlook on Football Development

(28:00) Following Fans vs Clubs

(31:20) What Does the Initial Process of Taking Over Clubs Look Like?

(36:30) Communicating Decisions to Fans

(38:55) How Does FC32 Choose Clubs?

(41:41) How Does FC32 Work with Agents?

(44:41) What Role Does Mentorship Play in FC32?

(48:10) What are the Best Environments that Paul has Been in & What was Common Amongst Them?

(53:12) Are Fans Less Patient These Days?

(56:14) Fans Influence on the Game

(58:20) What’s the Biggest Level of Club FC32 Would Target?

(61:30) November’s 1% Better Challenge

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Link to Gold Mine Effect Book Mentioned:

⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16447373-the-gold-mine-effect⁠

Links to Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pf1

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