Guy Monseair, originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, is the Head Coach and Executive Director at City Island Rowing in Bronx, NY. He brings a diverse background, including experiences in sports during his early life, and later, entrepreneurship in art galleries and horticulture. His transition to full-time coaching reflects his passion for rowing and commitment to developing athletes. Guy emphasizes continual improvement and the holistic development of young athletes.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts pre-dawn with an early morning coaching session in small boats with our elite developing athletes, taking advantage of the calm water and no other boat traffic. At the boathouse, I start with a team briefing, reviewing our goals for the morning training sessions. I make my day productive by sticking to a structured schedule, prioritizing tasks, and always building in time for one-on-one coaching. Keeping a close connection with my athletes ensures I stay productive and impactful.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by involving my whole team, especially our veteran athletes and Captains in the brainstorming process. When I have a new concept for training or a team-building activity, I discuss it with my coaching staff and athletes, gathering their inputs and suggestions. This collaborative approach not only enriches the idea but also ensures buy-in from everyone involved, which is crucial for successful implementation.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing integration of technology in sports training excites me. Tools like biomechanical analysis and performance tracking software are transforming how we understand and enhance athlete performance. This technology allows us to make data-driven decisions that refine our training methods and improve outcomes.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My most productive habit is the consistent review of our training sessions. After each session, I review the videos and take notes on what went well and what didn’t, which helps me adjust future plans and keep improving. This reflection ensures that no issue is overlooked and every session is as effective as possible. I frequently share these videos with my athletes so that they can also evaluate their performance.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about the small setbacks and focus more on the bigger, long term picture. Early in my career, I often got caught up in day-to-day problems, which distracted me from long-term goals. Understanding that setbacks are part of the journey and learning from them is a crucial and valuable tool in creating a methodology that is consistent from season to season and year to year, so that athletes and parents know what to expect. Finally invest in Team Culture. It’s one of the uniquely great things about City Island Rowing, when a team feels more like an extension of your family.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that not every athlete should compete. I think there’s a place in sports for participants who wish to engage purely for the love of the sport and personal improvement, without the pressures of competition. This is a contentious view in the competitive world of sports, where performance often trumps participation. Any time we can get a youngster out of the house and away from the screen, is awesome… and who knows what unrealized athletic potential may be waiting to be discovered.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Regular self-evaluation. I constantly assess my coaching methods and personal development, always asking, “Am I better today than I was yesterday?” This habit of introspective thinking and continuous improvement is something I think everyone could benefit from, regardless of their profession…. Especially if you don’t like the answer!
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk, ideally in a natural setting, often with my camera in my hand and a dog at my side. It’s a moment to decompress, breathe, and detach momentarily from the pressures of coaching. This brief break allows me to return with a clearer mind and renewed focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building a strong community presence has been key. By engaging with local schools, clubs, and community centers, and offering workshops and open days, I’ve not only increased interest in rowing but also built a supportive network that has propelled our club’s growth and reputation. Recently I visited a nearby Bronxville High School and worked with their gym teachers on how to coach indoor rowing, hopefully spurring an interest in the next generation of rowers.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I tried to do everything myself rather than delegating tasks to others. This led to burnout and less effective coaching. Learning to trust my team and delegate was challenging but necessary. The lesson was clear: empowerment not only builds a stronger team but also improves personal well-being.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An app that connects retired athletes with local sports programs for guest coaching sessions. This would provide valuable insights for up-and-coming athletes and help retired athletes give back to the community and stay connected to the sports they love. There is currently “tag-a-long” which is great, but geared toward access to professional or elite coaches and former athletes. I think there are plenty of experienced athletes that could share a wealth of experience and re-engage with the rowing community.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello is a lifesaver for organizing my coaching life. It helps me manage training schedules, track athlete progress, and share updates with my coaching staff. It’s user-friendly and ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. It’s about the 1936 U.S. men’s Olympic rowing team. The story is a fantastic source of inspiration and offers valuable lessons on teamwork, perseverance, and the spirit of competition.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched “The Dawn Wall” on Netflix. It’s a documentary about climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s quest to scale the seemingly impossible Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. What captivated me wasn’t just their physical prowess but their mental resilience and strategic planning. It’s a powerful testament to human determination and the importance of teamwork, as both climbers relied heavily on each other’s strengths to succeed. This film resonated with me deeply, reinforcing the belief that with the right mindset and support, any formidable challenge can be overcome. It’s an inspirational watch for anyone who values perseverance and teamwork, both on and off the water.