Why Brannon Snead Says His Leadership Style Was Misunderstood as Arrogance—and What It Teaches Young Athletes About Focus, Perception, and the Pressure to Lead Before You’re Ready

“I Was So Focused… They Thought I Was Arrogant”

Brannon Snead didn’t talk a lot.
He let his actions speak.

But in a world where leadership often looks loud, his intensity was misread. People saw arrogance where there was really just focus. Determination. Pressure.

And that realization didn’t come until years later, when he had time to slow down and reflect.

Has your drive or focus ever been misunderstood as ego?
Drop your story in the comments on the full video and help others see the difference.

Leadership Started Young—But It Came with a Cost

Brannon wasn’t just “on the team.” He was the captain.
Over and over again.

He was the communicator, the anchor, the guy people leaned on—on the field and later in law enforcement.

But constantly carrying that weight meant he never got to just be a kid.
Never really got to enjoy the moments, celebrate wins, or take the pressure off.

Now he says:
“I wish I would’ve smelled the roses. I wish I had just been a teenager.”

Being the Rock Can Feel Like Isolation

The challenge with early leadership is that you’re expected to be solid—even when you’re not ready.

Brannon admits his mother raised him to be a survivor, to own responsibility, and to carry himself with confidence.
But there’s a difference between confidence and connection.

If no one knows what’s driving you, they assume you're just trying to be better than them.

Coaches and Mentors: Teach Your Leaders to Be Understood

Natural leaders often rise early—but that doesn’t mean they’re equipped yet.

Here’s how to guide them:

✔ Teach communication, not just control
✔ Encourage leaders to share what’s driving their intensity
✔ Normalize joy and connection, not just pressure
✔ Watch for signs that leadership is becoming emotional isolation

How Sore to Soaring Trains Leaders to Connect—Not Just Compete

At Sore to Soaring, we don’t just build captains. We build leaders who relate.

✔ We help athletes communicate their drive
✔ We train them to lead with humility and clarity
✔ And we remind them that perception can shape their legacy

🌍 Learn how we prepare young athletes to lead with empathy and strength:
👉 https://www.soretosoaring.org

Disclaimer:

The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.

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