Léo Girod has lived the hockey life from every angle. After playing professionally around the world, he eventually faced the same question many coaches do when their playing days end: what’s next? That question led him to an idea that would change his career and inspire others to rethink how they present themselves.

Girod founded GotMyTeam, a platform designed to connect teams, agents, and coaches. It came to him after sending over 200 emails to clubs while looking for a playing job, only to receive three replies. That experience, along with countless conversations with hockey executives, became the foundation for his message at TCS Live 2025: if you want to get hired, you need to make yourself impossible to ignore.

“Don’t just tell them you’re ready. Show them.”

Why Don’t Good Coaches Get Hired?

That question guided much of Girod’s research. He conducted a study that included 87 general managers from around the world, including Japan, Canada, United States, France, Norway, and Sweden. The study covered teams from youth hockey to the professional level. He wanted to know exactly what separates the coaches who get noticed from those who don’t.

The answers were consistent.

First, GMs emphasized the importance of respecting their time. Coaches often send the same copy-and-paste email to dozens of teams, but that approach rarely works. Instead, applicants should demonstrate effort. Show who you are, how you coach, and how your experience fits the team’s situation. Everyone in hockey works hard, so what matters is clarity and authenticity.

Second, your identity must align with their needs. Girod reminded the audience that no one hires a coach for knowing everything. They hire the right person for a specific purpose. Highlight your strengths and your philosophy. Include references from people who can vouch for your work, whether it's a manager, a former player, even an equipment manager. The equipment guy knows all, sees all. 

Every detail helps you become memorable.

Finally, you should be immediately recognizable. Reputation travels quickly in hockey circles. If your name comes up in a positive light, it can open doors before your resume ever does. Build that reputation with professionalism, integrity, and clear communication.

A Path Forward

The message hit home with the coaches in attendance, many of whom raised their hands when Girod asked if they had ever interviewed for a position. His talk wasn’t about tactics or systems. It was about opportunity and the preparation required to seize it.

“The way you communicate who you are is just as important as what you know.”

Girod’s approach bridges the gap between experience and opportunity. For every coach trying to move up in the game, his advice was both simple and powerful: do your research, personalize your communication, and make it easy for decision-makers to remember you.

Coaches’ Challenge

This week, look at how you present yourself professionally. Whether it’s your resume, your website, or even your emails, ask yourself one question: would I remember me?

Léo Girod’s session reminded us that coaching isn’t just about what happens on the ice. It’s also about how you tell your story and build your reputation so that when opportunity knocks, your name is already at the top of the list.

Noteworthy timestamps:

• 0:00 Why me?
• 1:50 Wake up call
• 2:45 Birth of gotmyteam/coaching experience
• 4:00 Why do good coaches don’t get hired? The study
• 5:15 Respect their time
• 8:20 Your identity matches their needs
• 12:00 They know your name
• 13:20 Showcase what makes you hireable
• 14:00 Coaching and development philosophy