Spotless Isn’t Just Clean—It’s Culture

In this episode, we dive into a recent article by The Athletic that captured the quiet discipline behind a powerful image: a pristine visiting locker room left behind by Vanderbilt Football after a big win on the road. While it may seem small on the surface, this moment is a masterclass in leadership, intentional culture-building, and the idea that success begins with how you show up in the everyday, unseen moments.

We unpack Coach Clark Lea’s philosophy of “leaving every place better than you found it”—a mindset shaped by his early mentor Don Meyer, rooted in the ancient Greek concept of Arete, and reinforced by modern coaching models like the All Blacks' legendary “sweep the sheds” tradition. We explore how habits like cleaning up after yourself, making your bed, and taking personal responsibility for your space are less ...