Welcome to How Leaders Lead where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very

best leaders in the world. I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode,

you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader. That's what

this podcast is all about. You know, grit is one of those

buzzwords people sure throw around a lot. And to be honest with you, it can be hard to define.

But you know it when you see it and you sure as heck see it in our guest today, Mike McCoy.

This weekend, Mike has the honor of being the captain of the United States

team at the Walker Cup as our top amateurs compete against Great Britain and Ireland at St. Andrew's

legendary old course. Mike is one of the world's top amateur golfers, and he has been for decades.

He even earned a coveted amateur spot at the 2014 Masters,

and he's done it while building a successful career as the area president of a top firm,

Gallagher Insurance. That level of achievement in both golf and business just doesn't happen.

It takes an elite mentality, a big commitment,

and a willingness to do the hard stuff. In other words, it takes grit. And this conversation

will help you understand what that grit really looks like and why there's just no substitute

for it when it comes to your

success so here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours

Mike McCoy I was glued to the tube a few weeks ago watching Brian Harmon win the open at Royal Liverpool.

How'd that make you feel knowing that he's played on the Walker Cup a couple of times?

Well, I was thrilled for him.

I think back in 2009 at a Walker Cup practice session, Brian was my partner.

And I'll never forget, we were walking down the first hole, and he said to me, hey, don't be afraid to hit those putts past the

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