I’ll be blunt: I’ve probably driven our team crazy with the creation and management of Leadership on the Links, our weekly podcast.
What started as a passion project quickly turned into a strategic platform—one that’s opened the door to some of the sharpest, most unfiltered conversations with leaders across the golf industry and beyond. It’s been a test of patience, persistence, and precision. And it’s evolving more than I ever planned.
I also appreciate the consistency of our audience, who show up week to week, and the new relationships I’ve developed because of it.
Here’s what emerged as top themes, traits, and comments I’ve pulled from our guests about what has made them successful, or allowed them to achieve success in their careers from 52 podcasts.
1. Complacency Is the Silent Killer
“Complacency doesn’t kill you all at once—it erodes you slowly until there’s nothing left to save.”
If you think maintaining the status quo is safe, think again. The biggest threat isn’t failure—it’s gradual irrelevance. Growth requires pressure, discomfort, and constant re-evaluation.
2. Playing Not to Lose Is Still Losing
“If you’re just trying not to fail, you’re already losing.”
The most successful leaders aren’t playing defense—they’re building, attacking, evolving. Every decision you make is either moving you forward or quietly dragging you back.
3. You Are the Author of Your Own Story
“You are the author of your own career story. If you don’t write it, someone else will—and you probably won’t like the ending.”
Stop following someone else’s playbook. Stop waiting for permission. The moment you realize it’s your responsibility—and your responsibility alone—is the moment your career actually starts.
4. Metrics Speak Louder Than Opinions
“If you can’t quantify your impact, you’re just telling stories.”
In today’s professional world, subjective opinions won’t move the needle. Hard results will. Leaders know how to turn effort into measurable outcomes—and they aren’t shy about showing it.
5. Relationships Drive Everything
“Your network’s value isn’t in who you know today—it’s in how many people they can introduce you to tomorrow.”
Success is interconnected. One relationship can change your entire trajectory—but only if you show up with authenticity, consistency, and a willingness to listen more than you talk.
6. Adaptability Isn’t a Perk—It’s the Standard
“Adaptability isn’t a skill anymore—it’s the baseline for survival.”
Rigid mindsets are already extinct. The people winning today—and tomorrow—are those who can pivot, learn, and lead without needing a manual.
7. Every Room Is a First Impression
“Every room you walk into is a first impression you either win or waste.”
You don’t get to control when opportunity shows up—you only control whether you’re ready for it. Appearance, presence, energy—it all matters more than you think, and it starts the second you enter the boardroom, breakroom, or the golf shop!
After 52 episodes, one thing is crystal clear:
Success doesn’t come down to luck, natural talent, or timing.
It’s discipline in how you think.
It’s speed in how you adapt.
It’s intentionality in how you build relationships.
It’s courage in how you lead—especially when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or invisible.
The next 52? We’re just getting started.
Subscribe to Leadership on the Links on your platform of choice. New conversations. Higher standards. And an improved host.
About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Bloom Golf Partners. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certificate in Talent Acquisition from Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 300 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.