Stay Paid Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Lessons in Team Building from a Champion NASCAR Pit Crew Chief
Host/Author: ReminderMedia
Episodes Hosts: Luke Acree and Joshua Stike
Guest: Cody Smith, Co-founder of Deck Leadership and Former NASCAR Pit Crew Chief
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, hosts Luke Acree and Joshua Stike delve deep into the art of team building with their distinguished guest, Cody Smith. As the co-founder of Deck Leadership and a former NASCAR pit crew chief, Cody brings a wealth of experience from the high-octane world of motorsports to the realm of business consulting. The episode, titled "Lessons in Team Building from a Champion NASCAR Pit Crew Chief," explores the intricate dynamics of building high-performing teams, the significance of company culture, and actionable strategies to elevate business operations.

Cody Smith's Journey from NASCAR to Leadership Consulting

Cody Smith's entry into NASCAR was serendipitous. Originally a Canadian hockey player who immigrated to the U.S. with aspirations in sports, Cody found himself thrust into the competitive world of NASCAR pit crews. Over 13 years as a pit crew member and 10 years leading the pit crew department, Cody honed his skills in managing teams under intense pressure and strict time constraints.

Cody Smith [01:38]: "I was accidentally found my way into NASCAR years ago and was tapped to take over the worst picker department in NASCAR. Both teams outside the top 25 with half the budget to compete with other teams."

Under his leadership, Cody transformed two struggling teams into top contenders within five years, emphasizing that great design often emerges from restriction. This experience laid the foundation for his transition into motivational speaking and business consulting.

Transition to Motivational Speaking and Authorship

Cody's pivot to motivational speaking was almost accidental. Invited to speak at the NFL Combine through his then-employer, Cody received significant positive feedback from NFL personnel, including the New England Patriots. This validation prompted him to author the book "12 Second Culture," which draws parallels between the precision of NASCAR pit crews and effective business team dynamics.

Cody Smith [03:04]: "It was this validation point, and it was like, well, maybe I do have something to say. And so wrote this book and started speaking."

Despite moments of overconfidence and imposter syndrome, Cody embraced his role as a leadership guru, sharing insights from his high-pressure NASCAR background to inspire business leaders worldwide.

Core Principles of "12 Second Culture"

"12 Second Culture" encapsulates the essence of high-performance teams, drawing directly from the pit crew's necessity to perform flawless tire changes and refuels within strict timeframes. Cody emphasizes two main aspects:

1. Building the Program: Establishing a culture that values each team member and inspires them to perform at their peak.
2. Sustaining Excellence: Maintaining high standards and motivating team members consistently to operate on the edge of human capability.

Cody Smith [04:12]: "The guy that's a team member, they operate right on the verge of what's humanly possible."

Valuing and Caring for Team Members

A cornerstone of Cody's philosophy is the unwavering value placed on team members. He argues that in today’s fast-paced business environment, people are often undervalued, leading to diminished team performance. His approach involves:

• Personal Attention: Recognizing and celebrating personal milestones, such as birthdays and anniversaries, to foster a deeper connection.

  Cody Smith [07:18]: "If you can catch these people in these areas of margin, you have a chance to create huge impact."

• Intentional Communication: Regularly expressing appreciation and acknowledging hard work, which builds a positive narrative around leadership interactions.

Cody Smith [07:41]: "This hits people different. You become the first boss that changes that narrative."

High Standards in Hiring and Retention

Cody’s commitment to excellence is evident in his stringent hiring and retention processes. He shares insights into how Trackhouse Racing maintains its competitive edge through:

• Selective Recruitment: Only the best candidates, often from elite sports backgrounds, are chosen based on their ability to handle pressure and exhibit an ownership mentality.

  Cody Smith [11:14]: "If you can get through that, I'm going to send you for lunch with six of our people... that's a go or a no-go."

• Cultural Fit: Prioritizing team synergy over individual accolades, ensuring that each member contributes positively to the overall team dynamic.

Cody Smith [14:00]: "Justin Marks... let some exceptional people go. That is just an absolute conviction that you want to do it this certain way."

Cody underscores that maintaining high standards sometimes necessitates letting go of top performers who disrupt team harmony, emphasizing that the cost of teamwork outweighs the benefits of individual brilliance.

Unique Team Building Workshops

Expanding his expertise beyond publishing and speaking, Cody offers unique team-building workshops that simulate the fast-paced environment of NASCAR pit crews. These workshops include:

• Real-Life Simulations: Bringing race cars to corporate settings, wrapped in company colors, allowing teams to engage in hands-on pit crew activities.

  Cody Smith [21:03]: "We will put the guns and tires and wrenches, all that stuff in your hands, and we’ll talk about how to build high-performing teams."

• Athlete-Led Training: Utilizing former NFL players and other sports professionals to lead exercises that promote teamwork, efficiency, and rapid problem-solving.

These immersive experiences aim to instill the principles of high-performance teams in corporate environments, translating NASCAR's precision teamwork into business success.

Managing Underperformers

Addressing the inevitable challenge of underperformers, Cody outlines a transparent and data-driven approach:

• Performance Tracking: Utilizing AI technology to break down each pit stop into detailed metrics, ranking team members weekly.

  Cody Smith [21:25]: "Change your people or change your people."

• Problem-Focused Feedback: Instead of personal critiques, Cody advocates for addressing performance issues by focusing on the problem, not the person.

• Support and Improvement Plans: Providing underperformers with clear feedback and actionable plans to enhance their skills, while understanding that persistent issues may require personnel changes.

This approach ensures accountability while maintaining a supportive environment for growth.

Actionable Takeaways

Towards the episode's conclusion, Cody and the hosts highlight practical action items for listeners to implement in their own businesses:

1. Intentional Recognition:

   • Know Personal Milestones: Track and acknowledge team members' birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events.
   • Express Appreciation: Regularly communicate gratitude for team members' efforts and contributions.

   Luke Acree [24:46]: "Knowing the life dates is insanely practical."

2. Visual Goal Representation:

   • Mark Goals Visually: Create tangible representations of goals or missed opportunities to keep them top-of-mind.

   Luke Acree [25:12]: "The visual representation of the mess or the desire."

3. Create High-Performance Environments:

   • Simulate Team Challenges: Engage teams in activities that mimic high-pressure scenarios to build cohesion and efficiency.

   Cody Smith [20:11]: "We think we have one of the most unique team-building events in the country."

4. Data-Driven Performance Management:

   • Utilize Technology: Implement systems to track and assess team performance objectively.
   • Focus on Problems, Not People: Address performance issues with constructive feedback and support.

Conclusion

Cody Smith’s insights from the NASCAR pit crew translate seamlessly into effective business team building. His emphasis on valuing team members, maintaining high standards, and fostering a supportive yet performance-driven culture offers actionable strategies for entrepreneurs and agents aiming to elevate their businesses. Through intentionally recognizing personal milestones, visually tracking goals, and maintaining a transparent performance management system, leaders can cultivate teams that are not only efficient but also deeply committed and motivated.

Listeners are encouraged to implement these strategies to foster a life of freedom and business growth, aligning with the core mission of the Stay Paid Podcast.

Connect with Cody Smith:

• Email: seanpetep@seanpete.com
• LinkedIn: Cody Smith at Trackhouse Racing
• Phone: 434-216-5306

Stay Connected:
For more insights and actionable business strategies, subscribe to the Stay Paid Podcast and follow hosts Luke Acree and Joshua Stike on their social media channels.