In this series, we’ve been exploring the multifaceted world of high-performance rowing coaching through the experiences and insights of Kieran Clark, Lauren Fisher, and Rich Chambers. In Part One, we delved into their unique journeys into coaching, shaped by pivotal moments, setbacks, and personal triumphs. Each coach’s path revealed the diversity of routes into the profession, underscoring how experiences as athletes and individuals contribute to their coaching philosophies.
In Part Two, we shifted focus to the art and science of coaching, unpacking the philosophies that guide Kieran, Lauren, and Rich in their work. From fostering adaptability and communication to creating meaningful experiences for their athletes, their perspectives illuminated the balance of technical expertise and human connection required to succeed in this demanding field.
Now, in this installment, we turn the spotlight onto the often-overlooked aspects of coaching: the importance of mental health, peer support, and navigating the challenges of collaboration and conflict. We explore how these coaches build trust, manage disagreements, and create environments where both athletes and fellow coaches can thrive. As the series continues, these reflections provide valuable insights not just for rowing, but for anyone striving to lead and grow in high-pressure environments.
Support for Fellow Coaches
Lauren emphasized the importance of vulnerability and trust in her relationships with fellow coaches, particularly the relationship she has curated with Rich and Kieran. She noted that these connections allowed her to have open, honest disagreements and meaningful conversations: “I’ve built a level of vulnerability and trust with these two and others, where I can happily disagree. But there are very few on the other side I’d even entertain having a conversation with.” For Lauren, this trust has been particularly valuable since moving to Canada to coach. “It’s nice to have these two or Shep to give good advice and bounce ideas off of them,” she reflected. Looking back on her experience, Lauren added, “It’s a blessing to have these two.”
Kieran shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the comfort of having a trusted line of communication with colleagues. “I know there’s almost an open line, and I don’t feel like any question is too stupid. Honestly, some of the questions I ask are probably the most stupid,” he said, appreciating the non-judgmental support from fellow coaches.
Rich added that collaboration and perspective-sharing are central to his coaching ethos. “You’re not giving away trade secrets; you’re just trying to do what’s right and do the best,” he explained. “Sometimes you need a different perspective, and you’ll always get really honest feedback. Sometimes you just need to be told you got that wrong or that you need to do something differently.”
Kieran also reflected on the camaraderie among the U23 coaching team in British Rowing, especially during events like the 2019 U23 World Championships in Florida. The schedule allowed for a more social atmosphere since racing typically concluded by lunchtime to avoid afternoon storms. “The British U23 team is unlike any other I’ve experienced in how well everyone works together. Everyone’s just trying to help each other get better at coaching—whether it’s rigging, polishing, technical advice, or telemetry. Everyone’s happy to pitch in,” he said. He emphasized the sense of unity: “We are a team both on and off the water, and I think we all enjoyed that for sure.”
Rich echoed this sentiment, recalling how every coach followed every race at the U23s. “The British team of coaches would cycle along the bank for each race, no matter the boat class,” he said. “At my first U23s, the men’s 8+ was the last event. I had loads of help polishing and cleaning the boat. You never felt like you were on your own, and that really stood out to me.”
Lauren also appreciated the openness and encouragement she received from colleagues, recalling a moment during her development role when she visited Kieran’s club. “When I got in the launch, you just gave me a megaphone and said, ‘You coach them; it’ll be good for them to hear a different voice.’ I really appreciated that vulnerability,” she said. Lauren reflected on the importance of acknowledging when help is needed: “Being vulnerable in a performance setting—saying, ‘I don’t know, I don’t understand, or I need help’—is really difficult. That’s what I appreciated most about Kieran and Rich. We can have a laugh about the fact that we all have our strengths, and that’s unusual compared to some environments I’ve worked in.”
Conflict Management
Kieran reflected on managing disagreements and emphasized the importance of effective communication. “Sometimes you just have to be happy that you said everything you needed to say and got your point across in the right way,” he explained. He acknowledged that not everyone will see eye to eye, and some conflicts may remain unresolved. Reflecting on his own development, Kieran shared, “There are probably some situations where I didn’t let things go, and it might have been better if I had.” He described a key insight from a coaching development assessment that identified him as “forcefully optimistic.” This, he noted, often requires self-awareness to determine whether such an approach is helpful in a given situation. “Sometimes it’s the right way, and sometimes it’s not,” he concluded.
Lauren also emphasized the challenges of navigating differences in coaching philosophies, particularly with those who are set in their ways. “Not everyone shares the same philosophy or skillset that I do, and I think it is important to respect their skillset, but also be confident in what you know to be true” she said. She highlighted a divide between coaches who are person-focused and those who prioritize results above all else. “For some, athletes are seen as tools to achieve success rather than individuals with their own needs and value,” she explained.
Through this series, we’ve explored the many dimensions of coaching in high-performance rowing, guided by the insights of Kieran Clark, Lauren Fisher, and Rich Chambers. In Part One, their unique journeys into coaching revealed how personal experiences, challenges, and growth shaped their perspectives and values. Part Two offered a deep dive into the philosophies and techniques they employ, emphasizing the balance of technical precision and human connection required to guide athletes to success. This final installment has shed light on the power of collaboration, vulnerability, and trust within the coaching community. From the importance of peer support to navigating disagreements and fostering unity, Kieran, Lauren, and Rich have demonstrated that the heart of effective coaching lies not only in what you do for athletes but also in how you connect with colleagues. These relationships provide invaluable feedback, fresh perspectives, and encouragement—essential for both personal and professional growth.
As we conclude this series, it’s clear that the role of a coach is far more dynamic and multifaceted than it may sometimes appear. Coaches are mentors, problem solvers, communicators, and collaborators; they are tasked with not only shaping athletic performance but also creating environments where athletes and fellow coaches alike can thrive. The reflections shared by Kieran, Lauren, and Rich serve as a powerful reminder that coaching is a journey of continuous learning—one that thrives on vulnerability, teamwork, and a shared commitment to growth. Whether you’re navigating the waters of rowing or any other high-pressure field, their insights offer lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the profound impact of supporting one another in pursuit of shared goals.
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