S4:E45 Breaking the Fear Culture in High-Performance Coaching with Brian Vancauwenbergh
Brian Vancauwenbergh is part of a new generation of coaches—committed to developing young athletes while building a career that honours boundaries, wellbeing, and the courage to live by your values. With a background in physical coaching across youth football, Brian’s work bridges technical development with the human realities of what it means to coach sustainably in high-performance sport.
Brian’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From grinding long hours for low pay to stepping into fatherhood at a young age, he found himself caught in the cycle of overwork and constant availability—until it reached a breaking point. Walking away mid-season wasn’t giving up; it was reclaiming self-respect and redefining what success means on his own terms.
And this is why I’m excited to share this conversation. Brian speaks openly about the reality of burnout culture in sport, the fear many young coaches have around saying “no,” and the emotional cost of sacrificing family for career. He shares how getting clear on his values opened the door to a new chapter at Anderlecht, where he will focus on youth development in an environment aligned with who he is and how he wants to live.
If you’re questioning the cost of your career or feel stuck in a role that’s draining you, this episode is for you.
Talking Points:
- Walking away mid-season: the moment Brian knew he couldn’t keep going
🔥 Saying yes to everything—and why it nearly broke him
🔥 Becoming a father and re-evaluating what truly matters
🔥 Setting boundaries as a strategy, not a weakness
🔥 Why youth development deserves greater respect in sport
🔥 Breaking the “fear culture” in high-performance environments
🔥 Moving from chasing prestige to choosing peace
🔥 Preparing for his new chapter at Anderlecht
🔥 The importance of building a coaching community rooted in authenticity
🔥 One truth Brian wishes he’d learned earlier in his career
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Resources:
- The Empowerment Blueprint
- The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change
- Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement!
- Dr Joe Dispenza
