Chris Heller and Dianna Kokoszka sat down with Jim White, the legendary high school coach whose story inspired the movie McFarland, USA, to learn from his motivating leadership and coaching experiences. Heller and Kokoszka interviewed White on his experiences and lessons that can be garnered from them.

White’s story began in a small town in California where he began a cross country program at McFarland High School with boys who previously held a very poor outlook on life. Despite the odds being stacked against them, White and his team went on to repeatedly win the California State Championship, for a total of 9 out of his 14 years with the program.

Coach White took these young men under his wing and became a father figure to many of them, showing them how to work toward their goals and set higher ones.

The underlying theme throughout Coach White’s career has been attitude. “That’s the main thing that any team leader can have with a team; have a solid attitude, set goals and strive to achieve them” said White to Chris Heller. “You can’t always win but you can strive to win and get better and better.”

White shared a moving comparison to David and Goliath: when his team ran against large schools, they appreciated the level of competition and the opportunity to improve. That way, when competing against more evenly matched teams, there was no fear.

“You are going to have “Goliaths” and obstacles in your life and business; it’s only you that can control how you let those things affect you.”

Kokoszka asked how White handled situations that were beyond his control. White emphasized the importance of not looking at the negatives. Rather, focus on the positives and develop them.

Next, Heller asked about the role of practice, training and discipline. “That’s what it’s all about, discipline and trusting your coach or your leader.”

Kokoszka’s final question to White left the audience with inspiring words for any leader to live by: “Why is it important as leaders to take blame and give credit?”

“If you think it’s your fault that a situation didn’t turn out, admit it,” White responded. “We have to work to overcome things. If something is a negative we work hard to turn it into a positive.”