Early Mornings, Hard Lessons, and the Legacy of My Ice Hockey Coach
Books that changed my thinking, behaviors, and life
Hello,
Some moments stick with you—not because they seemed important at the time, but because they reveal their meaning years, even decades, later. This week, I’m reflecting on one of those moments, a small lesson with an outsized impact, taught by a coach whose influence has stayed with me my entire life.
Let me take you back to the early 1990s, high school. As a sophomore, I joined the varsity ice hockey team for my winter sport. Hockey wasn’t my best sport—not by a long shot. My motivation to play came from something as simple as thinking hockey was cool. Who wouldn’t want to speed down the ice, stop on a dime, and send a cloud of ice shavings into the air?
But what truly captured my attention was something I noticed during my freshman year: on game days, the hockey players walked into school wearing dress pants, a shirt, and a tie. That sense of polish, pride, and presence?
I wanted in.
So, I tried out, made the team, and quickly realized that earning the right to wear that tie wasn’t going to be easy.
Our school didn’t have its own rink, so we shared the county rink. That meant 4:30 a.m. practices every day before school. The mornings were freezing, but by the end of practice, we were all drenched in sweat from the grueling drills. Every second on that ice felt earned. Wearing the tie wasn’t just a symbol; it was a badge of honor.
And at the center of it all was Coach Grundstrom.
Coach was the epitome of class. He never showed up to a game without his tie and overcoat, setting a standard for how we carried ourselves—on and off the ice. He taught us more than hockey. He taught us discipline, preparation, and how to show up with pride. No matter how early the practice, he was there before us, clipboard in hand, with a plan to push us harder than we thought we could go.
Our team was talented—with some of the best players in the state. But talent alone wasn’t enough. There was a point in the season when we hit a wall. We weren’t playing as a team. We were disjointed, and it showed. It was during one of those tough practices that Coach stopped us, his disappointment palpable.
“Go home,” he said. “Look up the word synergy, and come back tomorrow ready to tell me what it means.”
It seemed like a small request, but I didn’t do it. I showed up the next morning embarrassed—not just because I didn’t know the definition, but because I felt I’d let Coach down. He asked me what it meant, and I had no answer. The look on his face—a mix of quiet disappointment and expectation—stuck with me. You better believe that after practice, I went home and learned everything I could about synergy.
I’ve never forgotten it.
At the time, I didn’t understand why it mattered so much to Coach. But now, decades later, it’s crystal clear. He saw what we couldn’t.
We had incredible individual talent on that team, but we weren’t working together. We weren’t greater than the sum of our parts. Coach knew that if we could harness our collective strengths—if we could truly grasp the concept of synergy—we’d be unstoppable.
That lesson has echoed through every stage of my life.
As an emergency medicine physician working in a Level 1 trauma center, synergy was the difference between life and death. No one person could save the sickest patients alone. It took a team—nurses, physicians, techs, and countless others—all working together seamlessly toward a shared goal. The best outcomes happened when we moved as one.
As the founder and CEO of Rosh Review, synergy became the foundation of our success. We didn’t just talk about it; we lived it. When every team member rowed in the same direction, aligned toward a common goal, we achieved extraordinary things—creating products that became indispensable to students worldwide.
And it all started with Coach Grundstrom and a single word.
What’s remarkable about Coach isn’t just the lessons he taught back then—it’s how he continues to teach them today. Over the years, he’s stayed connected to his players, cheering us on in life long after we left the ice. Every now and then, he’ll drop a comment on one of my Facebook posts or send a birthday message.
Just a few weeks ago, he left a note on a Three Book Thursday post: “Good job, young man. All the best. Coach.”
It was a small gesture, but it brought a big smile to my face—a reminder of the standards he set, the example he lived, and the lessons he taught.
Synergy.
It’s more than a word; it’s a guiding principle. It calls to mind the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s the understanding that true achievement comes from collaboration. Whether on the ice, in the ER, or building a business, this lesson continues to shape my life.
And every time I think of it, I think of Coach Grundstrom—a man who raised the bar, not just for hockey players, but for everyone lucky enough to learn from him.
Welcome to this week’s Three Book Thursday.
1. Negotiation
Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict
Summary
I first discovered William Ury through a podcast interview with Tim Ferriss. It was one of those rare conversations that stops you in your tracks, sparking ideas you can’t shake. Only later did I realize I was already familiar with Ury’s work—his classic Getting to Yes (a future 3BT review) had been sitting on my bookshelf for years. That podcast led me to pick up his latest book, Possible, and what a gift it turned out to be. I wasn’t expecting how good it would be, but it was the kind of page-turner that delivers practical wisdom with every chapter.
Possible is about breaking through barriers—whether they’re in relationships, negotiations, or life itself. Ury draws on decades of experience to show us how to envision a brighter path forward, even in the face of entrenched conflict or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This isn’t just theory—it’s a playbook grounded in real-world successes.
One of the stories that stood out to me was Ury’s behind-the-scenes role in the negotiations between the United States and North Korea. Remember when Trump and Kim Jong Un met in a historic summit? Long before that moment, Dennis Rodman—yes, that Dennis Rodman—was sent to North Korea to help pave the way. People laughed, but it wasn’t a random stunt. It was calculated, and Ury played a critical part in orchestrating that delicate chess game. And, against all odds, it worked. It’s just one example of how unconventional thinking and a willingness to engage can transform the impossible into the possible.
What makes Possible so captivating is Ury’s ability to connect big ideas to everyday life. He doesn’t just recount high-stakes global negotiations; he makes his lessons deeply personal. His concept of “the third side” struck a chord with me. We often see conflicts as a clash of two opposing forces, but Ury asks us to step back and consider a bigger perspective—the common ground that lies beyond the immediate divide. It’s a powerful reminder that resolution isn’t about winning; it’s about creating something greater together.
For anyone navigating difficult conversations, leading in uncertain times, or dreaming of a better future, Possible is a masterclass in hope and action. Ury challenges us to rethink our limits, embrace creativity, and move beyond the status quo. His words are both a rallying cry and a practical guide, showing us that what we think is out of reach might just be a few brave steps away.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationships, lead with impact, or tackle big challenges, Possible is a reminder that the world doesn’t change because of grand gestures—it changes because people, like you and me, believe in what’s possible and are willing to do the work to make it real.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. -Ambrose Bierce
Insight: The longest distance in the world is the distance between the head and the heart.
Principle: Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? -Lao Tzu
Author: William Ury
Themes: Negotiation, Decision making, Personal development, Health and wellness
2. Leadership
Together Is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration
Summary
Together Is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration by Simon Sinek is a simple yet profound reminder that life’s greatest joys and successes are found in connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. This beautifully illustrated book blends practical wisdom with heartfelt storytelling to deliver a powerful message: none of us can go it alone—not in life, not in work, not in the pursuit of something meaningful.
I’m a huge fan of Simon Sinek. His work has shaped my thinking since the early 2010s, and I consistently return to it when I get stuck on a project or start something new. For anyone studying leadership or trying to be a better leader, Sinek’s insights are a blueprint for excellence. Some have even joked that we look alike (it’s gotta be the nose). But beyond the surface, it’s his ability to distill leadership principles into relatable and actionable ideas that makes him one of the best.
Unlike some of Sinek’s denser works, Together Is Better is lighter and more playful, but no less impactful. It takes you on a journey that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Each page offers bite-sized wisdom—an inspiring quote, a vivid illustration, or a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Sinek invites us to dream bigger, lead better, and live fuller lives by focusing on the people around us. He doesn’t just celebrate teamwork; he emphasizes the courage to build trust, the vulnerability to seek help, and the resilience to lift others as we climb.
For medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for personal and professional growth, Together Is Better serves as a much-needed reminder that the real magic happens when we connect. It challenges us to ask: Are we creating environments where trust can flourish? Are we leading in ways that empower others? Are we focused on the journey together, rather than the destination alone?
Whether you’re navigating a career crossroads, building a business, or simply looking for a spark to reignite your passion, Together Is Better is a fun and thought-provoking read that delivers timeless truths. It’s a book that will make you smile, make you think, and most importantly, make you appreciate the people who make your life and work worth doing.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: Fight against something, and we focus on the thing we hate. Fight for something, and we focus on the thing we love.
Insight: Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.
Principle: A star wants to see themselves rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around them rise to the top.
Author: Simon Sinek
Themes: Leadership, Culture, Personal development, Living a full life
3. Entrepreneurship
Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption
Summary
Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption by Ben Mezrich reads like a thrilling adventure—a journey of reinvention, risk-taking, and resilience. The book chronicles the dramatic rise of Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, the twins famously associated with the early days of Facebook, as they pivot from their public legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg to becoming pioneers in the world of cryptocurrency. It’s a story of unexpected second acts and the audacity to carve out a new identity in the face of failure.
I’ll admit, I never liked the Winklevoss twins. That feeling was entirely manufactured by their portrayal in The Social Network—a movie I love but one that painted them as entitled and out of touch. Beyond the movie, I knew almost nothing about them. But if Mezrich’s account is accurate, they’ve earned a newfound respect. It’s one thing to dabble in early-stage investments, but it’s another to go all in on something as absurd and speculative as cryptocurrency in its infancy. In the early 2010s, Bitcoin wasn’t just a gamble; it was a punchline. That they saw potential where others saw nonsense is a testament to their vision and conviction.
After their legal settlement with Facebook left them wealthy but dismissed by Silicon Valley as footnotes in someone else’s story, the Winklevoss twins found themselves at a crossroads. Rather than retreating, they dove headfirst into the uncharted world of Bitcoin—a currency met with skepticism, disdain, and outright mockery. Mezrich captures their transformation from tech-world outsiders to visionaries who helped legitimize cryptocurrency. The twins didn’t just make a calculated bet; they reshaped the narrative, building Gemini, one of the most respected cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.
This book is more than a financial narrative; it’s a testament to the power of reinvention. It challenges us to see setbacks as opportunities, to embrace the discomfort of being underestimated, and to take bold steps when others play it safe. For anyone who has ever felt written off or boxed into a single story, Bitcoin Billionaires is a reminder that your next chapter can redefine everything.
Favorite Quotes, Insights, & Principles
Quote: Success is rarely linear; it’s often the sum of detours, setbacks, and unexpected turns.
Insight: The best ideas often start with rejection.
Principle: Trust isn’t built in boardrooms; it’s forged in the trenches of adversity.
Author: Ben Mezrich
Themes: Entrepreneurship, Investing
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The lesson from Coach Grundstrom wasn’t just about synergy—it was about the kind of person he was and the example he set for all of us. Synergy mattered to him, yes, but it was his unwavering class, his quiet dedication, and his genuine care for his players that left an even deeper impression. He raised the bar—not just for how we played hockey, but for how we carried ourselves as people.
Decades later, it’s not the wins or losses that stick with me; it’s the way Coach showed up every day, always prepared, always expecting more from us, and always giving more of himself. He didn’t just teach hockey; he modeled discipline, pride, and kindness. Even now, over thirty years later, he hasn’t stopped showing up. A comment on a post, a birthday message—small gestures that remind me of the standards he set and the person he encouraged me to become.
That’s the real takeaway. Success, in life and in relationships, isn’t just about what we accomplish—it’s about how we make others feel, how we inspire them to rise to their potential, and how we stay connected long after the work is done. Coach Grundstrom didn’t just raise hockey players; he raised young men, instilling lessons that have shaped us long after we hung up our skates.
So, as you go through your week, think about the people who’ve quietly raised the bar in your life—the ones who’ve shown you what it means to lead with integrity and care. And maybe, consider how you can do the same for others. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we achieve, but the legacy of class, connection, and kindness we leave behind.
Best,
Adam
P.S. If you know, you know.