WNBA HEAD COACH

“It’s been extremely helpful for me to have someone like Cody that I can trust and talk to. Even when you have experience like I do, no two situations are the same, so I rely on Cody to give me an unbiased opinion about what I’m going through.”

NBA HEAD COACH

“Working with Cody this past season in New Orleans was incredibly valuable for me. He became someone I trusted quickly to talk through the challenges that come with leading an NBA team. Cody has a unique ability to listen, ask the right questions, and bring clarity and perspective when you need it most. He made me a better coach and leader.”

NRL HEAD COACH

“Cody helped keep me level while also pushing my performance to all-new levels. For four seasons, he methodically planned out my weeks so that I can perform through the ups and downs of life in the NRL. My wellbeing, my coaching craft, and our club have all benefitted from his calming presence.”

MLB MANAGER

“Working with Cody has helped me capture my managerial philosophy. His ‘Four Crafts’ framework is a holistic model that gave me a new level of clarity and more precise language to articulate how I think about coaching and building World Series-winning teams.”

FOOTBALL MANAGER

“Cody has played a key role in my development as a coach. He consistently offers thoughtful, constructive support and has acted as a valuable second set of eyes—challenging my thinking, encouraging reflection, and helping me stay aligned with the coach I aspire to become. His insights and steady presence have been instrumental in my growth.”

MLS HEAD COACH

“Cody has been a big help over a number of years as I've transitioned from head coaching into the front office and back into head coaching. He's someone I can turn to when I need to speak without judgment, gain clarity, or make big decisions.”

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY HEAD COACH

“Every head coach needs someone in their corner. Cody makes a powerful case that the greats don't go it alone, they have a second set of eyes alongside them to help them perform during the most difficult situations that their sport presents.”

COLLEGE WATER POLO HEAD COACH

“The Tough Stuff made me re-think how I prepare for peak performance, which now starts with Day 1 training design and runs continuously through championship game day. By preparing to perform rather than evaluating other’s preparations, I feel more likely to do my job and less likely to undermine athletes’ and other coaches’ capacity to do theirs.”

COLLEGE BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

“The Tough Stuff resonated deeply for me. It helped reshape my perspective and made me feel seen. Cody brings so much empathy and wisdom to the coaching world through his words.”

NRL HEAD COACH

“After reading Second Set Of Eyes, I realized we had a missing piece in our program, so I went about finding a ‘second set of eyes’ for ourselves. Reading the book helped alter my thinking and improved our program overall.”

RUGBY HEAD COACH

“I really enjoyed Second Set of Eyes. It resonated with me because I have benefitted so much in my career from mentors and people who have helped guide me. You also get to a point in your career where you want to give back and this book describes exactly the benefits of that mentoring process and stimulates you into thinking about how to give back. It is a must read!”

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE HEAD COACH

“Reading The Tough Stuff was a pivotal moment for me as I transitioned into my role as head coach of a professional netball franchise. The book's powerful blend of resilience and practical advice has been a key source of inspiration in navigating the challenges of leadership, helping me stay grounded and focused on driving success for my team.”

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH

“I read The Tough Stuff while I was still serving as an assistant coach. I found it incredibly helpful to navigate my first year as a head coach at UNC. It didn’t make it easier, but I did feel like there was someone out there who understood the challenges head coaches face.”

AFL HEAD COACH

“Having been a head coach himself, Cody has a really good handle on the demands of the role and brings a unique empathy to his work. I have shared his books widely because he has a rare ability to put words to the nuances of the head coaching position — and that's where the gold is.”

OLYMPIC CYCLING HEAD COACH

“The Tough Stuff was very insightful and empathetic to the situations I’ve been in as a coach. I wish I had something like this as a resource before I got my job.”

SUPER NETBALL HEAD COACH

“The Tough Stuff is as confronting as it is comforting. A deep dive into the complexities, emotional toll and weight of being a head coach. This is for any coach riding the unrelenting wave of pro sport. It will inspire you to be brave and stay the course.”

RUGBY HEAD COACH

“By the time I finished The Tough Stuff, half the book was highlighted and the other half was dog-eared. Every page had a line that hit me square in the chest.”

NRL HEAD COACH

“The Tough Stuff was gold dust. Every lesson resonated and upon reflection so many similarities to what I experienced as a head coach. I would encourage head coaches, assistant coaches, and development coaches of all sports - and even players who think they may want to become a coach - to read this book. ASAP. Every part of The Tough Stuff resonated with my experience, both good and bad.”

MLB BENCH COACH

“Cody Royle has created a body of work that has been foundational in my work with coaches. His books, website, and social media content consistently provokes thought and reflection for me and my staff. He has been an immense help to me.”