Dr. David Tenney

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Tenney, one of the pioneers of sports science and high performance leadership in North America. Tenney shares how his career evolved from practitioner to leader and why he became interested in studying the leadership competencies required to manage modern high performance teams. We discuss the changing landscape of professional sports, the growing complexity of performance departments, and the challenges that come with coordinating specialists across performance, medical, analytics, and coaching roles.

We also explore the realities of managing external stakeholders, including agents, physicians, and families, and why communication and relationship building have become essential leadership skills. David offers practical insights on hiring the right people, developing collaborative environments, and creating multidisciplinary teams that move beyond simply working alongside one another to truly integrating their expertise in ways that improve athlete outcomes.

In Part 2, our conversation shifts toward leadership, organizational design, and what it takes to build high performing teams in today’s rapidly evolving sports environment. Dave explains why rigid job descriptions can sometimes limit innovation, how organizations can identify gaps in expertise, and why leaders should continually evaluate and refine the systems they use. He also shares his personal philosophy of regularly replacing a portion of established practices in pursuit of continuous improvement.

We dive into the key leadership competencies identified through his doctoral research, including relationship building, strategic thinking, performance facilitation, and quality control. Dave also introduces a thought-provoking framework that places leaders on a continuum between being a “doer” and a “builder.” Whether you’re leading a department, coaching athletes, or managing a staff, this discussion provides valuable lessons on creating alignment, developing people, and building organizations that can adapt and thrive in a constantly changing environment.

Thanks to podcast sponsors, Sorinex and EliteForm, for making these episodes possible.