Chasing Influence

Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life

Non-Fiction - Sports
314 Pages
Reviewed on 09/28/2023
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Dr. Troy Urdahl is a distinguished educator, coach, and author with a deep-rooted passion for inspiring positive change in the lives of others. Armed with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Dr. Urdahl boasts over two decades of experience in leadership and coaching across various educational settings.

As an award-winning high school athletic director and hall of fame coach, Dr. Urdahl has left an indelible mark on countless individuals, instilling in them the values of teamwork, resilience, and purpose. His commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to his students and athletes have earned him widespread acclaim and admiration within the educational and athletic communities.

Driven by a desire to empower others to reach their full potential, Dr. Urdahl penned his transformative book, “Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life.” Rooted in personal experiences and inspired by the profound impact of influential mentors, the book chronicles the journey of Coach Stick Olson—a remarkable figure whose life went beyond the realm of sports to impart timeless life lessons.

Through “Chasing Influence,” Urdahl leads readers on a journey of self-discovery, significance, and purpose. Drawing on his expertise as a coach and educator, he offers invaluable insights on leadership, relationships, and the pursuit of meaning in life. With each page, Dr. Urdahl inspires readers to embrace their unique strengths, overcome adversity, and leave a lasting legacy of positive influence.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life by Troy Urdahl is a motivating and insightful book that offers a comprehensive guide to coaching for personal and professional growth. Urdahl's approach is focused on not only achieving success but also fostering lasting and meaningful transformation in individuals' lives. The book revolves around transformational coaching, which goes beyond simply achieving goals and delves into the process of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and holistic growth. Through different stories, the author emphasizes nurturing a solid foundation of values, purpose, and character. This sets the book apart from traditional coaching manuals. Urdahl encourages coaches to foster genuine connections, use active listening, and have a strong sense of responsibility toward their clients. This holistic approach to coaching ensures that individuals achieve their goals and experience personal growth that positively impacts all areas of their lives.

Troy’s writing style is clear, engaging, and highly informative. He skillfully combines personal anecdotes, real-world examples, and practical coaching strategies to create a well-rounded narrative. The book is structured in a way that is easy to follow, with concepts building upon each other as the reader progresses. The author's insights into the coaching process are both profound and accessible. The author’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding and working with individuals as unique beings, allowing coaches to tailor their approach to each person's needs. Troy Urdahl's dedication to creating lasting transformation and his emphasis on ethical coaching make this book a relevant and practical guide for both aspiring and experienced coaches alike.

Paul Babcock

Wow! I was amazed how Troy was able to masterfully weave all these stories together. If you want to be a great coach, follow the example of Coach Stick. I was fortunate to play for Gordie Gillespie, so I felt like the story was about him.. coaches can make a great impact on their part of the world and Troy demonstrates that perfectly. I have been telling everyone about this book!