The Culture Captain: A 4-Level Framework for Athletes: Know Yourself, Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead the Team

"This book gives athletes the ultimate roadmap to becoming the type of leader every coach wants on their team." — Dusty May, Head Coach, University of Michigan (2026 NCAA Champions)

Great leadership is not magic — it’s a skill you can build. In this remarkable book, J.P. Nerbun gets to the heart of that skill, and provides a framework that allows individuals and teams to transcend the trap of wins and losses to grow into the best, most fulfilled versions of themselves.

—Daniel Coyle, New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code and The Talent Code

"A must-read on how to lead with integrity and authenticity—characteristics we need now more than ever." — Brad Stulberg, New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Excellence

Leadership isn’t for the chosen few; it’s the responsibility of everyone.

Most athletes want to be a difference-maker, but few know how. Most coaches want leaders, but few have a system to build them.

The Culture Captain provides the practical leadership tools and coaching every athlete needs. Drawing on J.P. Nerbun’s coaching conversations with over 100 elite athletes and research into the world’s greatest athlete leaders, this transformational guide is designed to be experienced, not just read. Through the fictional story of Lily and real-world examples of elite leaders, you will be coached through a proven 4-level leadership framework:

Know Yourself: Discover the values that drive your personal best. Lead Yourself: Master your internal state and become an example worth following. Lead Others: Build connections and master hard conversations. Lead the Team: Become a designer of elite team culture and chemistry. Whether you are a starter, reserve, or a veteran, leadership is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and mastered. Packed with practical examples, tools, and exercises, The Culture Captain is the ultimate guide for any athlete ready to lead themselves, lead others, and lead the team.

J.P. Nerbun is a leading expert on culture transformation and the author of four books on leadership. He is the founder and CEO of TOC , an ecosystem of online communities, courses, and coaching for sports organizations worldwide. An ICF PCC Executive Coach, he specializes in developing high-performance leaders and teams across the sports, education, and corporate sectors.