In this episode of the Hold The Standard Podcast, I sat down with performance coach and educator Tex McQuilkin for a sharp and deeply personal conversation on what it means to truly earn the title of leader.
From his early days coaching collegiate athletes to driving education at Power Athlete alongside John Welbourn, Tex breaks down the often overlooked elements of high-performance training ritual, rhythm, storytelling, and accountability. But this isn’t just a conversation about sets and reps. It’s about becoming someone people want to follow.
Together, they unpack:
- Why leadership must be earned, not assumed
- The hidden role of storytelling and identity in movement and coaching
- How to create transferable physical training for life’s unpredictable demands
- Why discipline and structure are the foundation for creativity and freedom
- The importance of coaching the whole person, not just the athlete
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or anyone seeking to build systems of integrity, this episode challenges you to reflect on the standards you uphold and who you’re becoming in the process.
This episode is about more than performance. It’s about becoming the kind of person others trust with their growth.
Curious to grow your leadership capacity? Head over to HoldTheStandard.com for more!
LISTEN.
8/27/25 WOD
DEUCE Athletics GPP
Complete 3 rounds of the following:
4 Seated Box Jumps
Complete 4 rounds of the following:
3 Power Cleans
Complete 4 rounds for time:
16 Alt Front Rack Reverse Lunges (95/65)
8 Burpee Over-The-Bar
DEUCE Garage GPP
6-6-6-6-6
RDL
Complete three rounds for quality of:
8 Paused DB Pullovers
:30 1/2 Kneeling Palloff Hold
Then, complete 3 rounds for reps of:
In :60
3 Box Jumps (30/24)
Max Double KB Swings (53/44)
-Rest as needed-