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Brene Brown to Adam Grant: Too many people play not to lose rather than to win

November 08, 2025 / 00:40

This episode discusses sports metaphors, ego protection, and the importance of hard conversations in winning. The guest emphasizes playing to win versus playing not to lose.

The conversation features a chapter from the guest's new book titled "the tush push," which relates Newtonian physics to team dynamics.

The guest argues that prioritizing ego over winning leads to ineffective communication and performance, both in sports and organizations.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their approach to challenges and the necessity of difficult discussions for success.

TLDR

Winning requires hard conversations, not ego protection.

Episode

0:40

00:00:00

I use a lot of sports metaphors as you know including a chapter in the new book called the tush push because every team

00:00:06

could benefit from some Newtonian physics. I think for me I often talk about playing to win versus playing not

00:00:14

to lose. I'm not everybody's cup of tea as you can imagine but I just say look

00:00:19

what's more important to you to protect your ego or to win? And if you want to

00:00:24

win, we're gonna have to have these hard conversations. And if you can't have

00:00:27

these hard conversations, and you continue to play not to lose, let me tell you what that looks like. both on a

00:00:33

pitch, on a field, and in an organization.

Episode Highlights

Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose
A discussion on the mindset of competition and the importance of hard conversations.
“If you want to win, we're gonna have to have these hard conversations.”
@ 00m 24s
November 08, 2025

Episode Quotes

What's more important to you, to protect your ego or to win?
Brene Brown to Adam Grant: Too many people play not to lose rather than to win
If you want to win, we're gonna have to have these hard conversations.
Brene Brown to Adam Grant: Too many people play not to lose rather than to win

Key Moments

Ego vs. Winning00:19
Hard Conversations00:24