Building Leaders Through the Next Play Mindset

In Episode 7 of The Words Matter Podcast, CoachRivers sits down with longtime Northwest basketball leader Brant Minor to introduce an exciting new initiative launching this spring: The Next Play Mindset Workshops.

Designed specifically for high school athletes, thisleadership series is built to help players develop the tools that too often get overlooked in today’s development culture. Athletes are training harder than ever physically, but many are not being taught how to lead, communicate, handleadversity, or stay mentally prepared when things do not go their way.

The Next Play Mindset Workshops will focus onbuilding confident leaders who know how to prepare, stay accountable, and respond to challenges during the most important development window of the year.While many athletes focus only on workouts and highlights during AAU season, this program helps them develop a clear mindset, structure, and leadership approach that can change the way they compete all summer long and beyond.

Coach Rivers and Brant share why this program was created,what athletes and parents can expect from the sessions, and how leadership development can become a true separator for players preparing for their next season.

The episode also offers a deeper look at Brant Minor’sjourney from competing in the Oregon High School State Championships at Grants Pass High School to walking on at the University of Portland, an experience that shaped his belief that discipline and perseverance can unlock opportunity.

Today, Brant continues to impact the Northwest basketballcommunity through Max Hoops events, the G.R.I.T. AAU program, and his work at Pacific University helping students pursue higher education.

This conversation is about leadership, preparation, andhelping the next generation of athletes grow beyond the game.

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#BrantMinor
#NextPlayMindsetWorkshops
#ChrisRiversRAPP

WORDS MATTER PODCAST EPISODE SIX
Guest David Jefferson Founder of Stackin Kickz

Produced By Pac West Group

In Episode Six of the Words Matter Podcast, host Christopher Rivers sits down with David Jefferson, founder of Stackin Kickz, for a thoughtful conversation centered on identity purpose community and legacy.

David Jefferson story is not simply about building a brand. It is about becoming a man who understood himself before the world understood his work. What began as a creative outlet rooted in sneaker culture became a source of confidence expression and connection long before it became a business. In this episode David reflects on how fashion served as his voice and how identity often forms before success ever shows up.

The conversation explores what it meant to build StackinKickz in Portland without a clear streetwear blueprint to follow. David shares the doubts, fears and internal pressure that existed behind the scenes during the early years and how those experiences continue to shape how he creates today. It is an honest look at trusting vision when validation is quiet, and belief must come from within.

As the episode moves deeper the focus turns to purpose alignment and faith. David speaks openly about building from love not just strategy and how spirituality guided his leap into entrepreneurship. Rather than chasing success he explains how he learned to listen for calling and alignment recognizing that some paths choose you. This part of the conversation invites listeners to reflect on whether their growth still aligns with their original why.

Beyond clothing David impact extends into schools, correctional facilities and mentorship spaces. Through his Definition of Success work, he challenges people to rethink what success actually means.

He speaks on the responsibility he feels as a visible Black business owner and the importance of staying grounded while carrying influence. From breaking misconceptions around money and status to navigating leadership with humility, David offers insight into impact beyond product.

In the final quarter the conversation turns reflective. David breaks down his belief that success is a science that must be taught and understood. He shares the first piece of self-work he believes people must do when they feel lost or unsure of purpose. He also reflects on the words and values that guide how he moves today and the legacy he hopes remains beyond any brand or recognition.

This episode is grounded intentional and deeply human. Because when the noise fades and the lights go out the words remain.

#WordsMatterPodcastPDX #WordsMatter #DavidJefferson

#StackinKicks #PWGProduction #ChrisRiversRAPP

#Leadership #Entreprenuership

The Words Matter Podcast PDX Episode Four

Guests: Reggie Guyton and Tony Hampton

Hosted by Christopher Rivers

Produced by The PAC West Group

Two Portland basketball legends turned business and community leaders join host Christopher Rivers for a real conversation on competition, leadership, and legacy.

Reggie Guyton, a serial entrepreneur of more than 30 years, and Tony Hampton, Founder and Managing Principal of AVH Consulting, share how their journeys from the hardwood to the boardroom have been fueled by faith, mentorship, and resilience. Together, they co-host the Runn It Back Podcast, where sports, business, and life lessons collide.

In this episode, they unpack how growing up in Portland’s basketball culture shaped their work ethic, how they’ve navigated success in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, and what fatherhood and faith have taught them about true legacy.

This is leadership through experience. This is what it means to run it back with purpose.

Watch now and subscribe to The Words Matter Podcast for more authentic conversations in sports, leadership, and self-development.

#WordsMatter #WordsMatterPodcastPDX #ChrisRiversRAPP #ReggieGuyton #TonyHampton #RunnItBackPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #FaithAndFamily #Legacy #PWGProduction