#45: The Mindset That Builds Champions | BYU Athletic Director Brian Santiago

Brian Santiago is the Athletic Director at BYU, one of the most respected leaders in college sports. Over nearly three decades inside BYU athletics, he rose from the coaching staff to Athletic Director, helping lead one of the most competitive and values-driven programs in the country into the Big 12 and national relevance.

But his journey wasn’t just about winning. From losing control as a young competitor to learning how to channel intensity, Brian shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership. From showing up for athletes in their hardest moments to building meaningful relationships across the world, this conversation reveals what it actually takes to lead at the highest level.

This episode goes deeper into belief, identity, and what winning really means. Brian breaks down why we are all born to win, why most people never reach their potential, and how to develop a competitive edge without losing yourself. It’s a powerful reminder that success without character is empty, and that the real game is who you become.

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Timestamps:
00:01:31 — Jimmer Fredette & What Real Greatness Looks Like
00:04:04 — 163 Shots, Almost No Misses (Inside Elite Competitors)
00:06:18 — Why Great Leaders Always Show Up for Their People
00:10:14 — The Power of Relationships (This Changes Everything)
00:12:34 — Why Most People Stop Seeing Others
00:19:57 — The Jacket Story (Real Leadership in Action)
00:25:12 — Turning an Enemy Into a Fan (The “Snake” Story)
00:27:53 — Why BYU Is “One of One” (Faith, Discipline & Focus)
00:31:05 — Why Top Athletes Choose Purpose Over Money
00:41:27 — We Were Born to Win (The Core Philosophy)
00:42:25 — The Lesson That Changed His Life (Control vs Intensity)
00:46:40 — “I Didn’t Come Here to Watch” (Winner Mentality)
00:59:27 — Find a Way. Never Let Up. (Final Message)

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