More Than Talent: How Culture Won a Championship

Unbound Performance Pod by Unbound Performance

Episode notes

What makes a team truly great? It’s not just talent—it’s culture. In this episode, we unpack what every team (sports or business) can learn from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship run. Drawing from an article in The Athletic, we explore the four pillars that defined OKC’s winning culture: presence, appreciation, shared voice, and fun.

From pre-practice mindfulness to celebrating the “cockroaches and hyenas” who do the dirty work, the Thunder didn’t just play basketball—they built something bigger than themselves. We talk about why that matters, how it applies to your team or workplace, and how culture can become your most powerful competitive advantage.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, captains, and anyone building a team that wants to win the right way.

Keywords
olympicssportsmindsetperformancementalmindset trainingsports psychologyleadershipconfidencemental healthparentingsocial mediagritmental performance trainingmindset training for athletesmental skills trainingmental toughness trainingbreathingbreath workmeditationcreativitybasketballNBACulture