We’re living and leading in a VUCA world — defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. And if leaders aren’t intentional, that environment will quietly erode team culture, fracture alignment, and stall productivity.

In this episode of Third & 30 – A Coach’s Podcast, we break down why vision is no longer optional. When leaders fail to clearly communicate the mission and consistently tell the story of where the team is going, confusion fills the gap. We discuss how clarity combats chaos and why alignment is the foundation of sustained performance.

We also unpack the 3 P’s of Culture — Permit, Promote, Practice. What you allow becomes the standard. What you celebrate becomes the focus. What you rehearse becomes your identity.

Finally, we dive into the importance of true teamwork — understanding roles, maximizing individual strengths, and creating environments where everyone contributes to the mission.

If you’re a coach, leader, educator, or business professional navigating pressure and uncertainty, this episode will challenge you to lead with greater clarity and intentionality.

Because at Third & 30, we believe opportunity is everything — especially in the moments that test your leadership most.

Welcome back to the Third & 30 Podcast—where we believe opportunity is everything. In this episode, we dive deep into resilience, accountability, and mental toughness, exploring how growth is forged both on and off the field.

Host Praveen Mantripragada is joined by co-host Coach Jason Chadock for a powerful conversation centered on one core question: Is mental toughness something that can be taught—or does it only develop when life puts you to the test?

Our guest this week is Joe Buckner, entrepreneur, performance coach, and founder of Beautifully Savage. Joe’s story is one of raw transformation. From homelessness and incarceration to building a successful coaching and fitness brand, his journey is grounded in self-ownership, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Joe shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, motivation, and accountability, breaking down what it truly means to “fight” in business, relationships, and life—far beyond the physical sense. We discuss how to build strong culture through community, confront shame and past failures, balance growth with mental well-being, and lead with authenticity when the stakes are high.

This episode is an honest, no-excuses conversation about embracing discomfort, learning through adversity, and developing the mindset required to win when things are not going your way.

If you enjoy the show, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast—it helps us grow. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes and clips, and follow Third & 30 on social media to stay connected.

Happy holidays to all our listeners, and thank you for being part of the Third & 30 community.

[00:00 – 02:10] Introduction Overview of Morgan Sharps’ basketball journey — from standout collegiate player to professional overseas athlete, and now a Graduate Assistant at Valparaiso University.

[02:11 – 09:30] Playing Career Highlights

• Early love for the game

• Time at Xavier University

• Transfer to Bowling Green State University

• Becoming BGSU’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made per game

• Growth and leadership as a player

[09:31 – 15:40] Professional Experience Overseas

• Playing professionally in Spain and Portugal

• Cultural adjustments and adapting her game

• Lessons learned from the European basketball experience

[15:41 – 22:50] Transition Into Coaching

• Decision to pursue coaching after her pro career

• Landing at Valparaiso as a Graduate Assistant

• Daily responsibilities and behind-the-scenes work

• Learning from mentors and shaping her coaching voice

[22:51 – 28:15] Leadership & Culture

• Morgan’s approach to building relationships with players

• Defining and reinforcing team culture

• What she loves most about impacting athletes off the court

[28:16 – End] Personal Reflections & Rapid Fire

• Favorite athletes growing up

• Advice for young players chasing their dreams

• Reflections on balancing life, career, and basketball