Optimize Your Game, a Podcast from the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute

From Barefoot Dreams to World Cup Glory: Miami Host Committee Legend Gilberto Silva on Preparation, Pressure, and the Power of Football

On this episode of Optimize Your Game, Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Miami Host Committee Legend Gilberto Silva, World Cup Champion, former Brazil National Team midfielder, Arsenal great, and FIFA Technical Study Group analyst. Gilberto shares his remarkable journey from playing barefoot in a small village in Brazil, to working in a factory to help support his family, to earning one final chance at professional soccer — a chance that ultimately led him to the World Cup, the Premier League, and one of the most respected careers in the sport. Together, Dr. Kaplan and Gilberto explore what separates elite performers, and Gilberto reflects on the evolution of modern soccer performance, and why the mental side of the game is now as essential as nutrition, recovery, tactics, and physical training. The conversation also celebrates soccer’s unique power to unite people across countries, cultures, and generations — and the deep meaning of representing your family, your hometown, and your country on the world stage.

Leading Through Change: Donna Shalala on Leadership, Healthcare & What Comes Next

In this episode of Optimize Your Game, Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Donna Shalala—former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and past President of the University of Miami—for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and impact. Drawing from decades of experience across education, government, and healthcare, Dr. Shalala reflects on the realities of leading complex organizations, staying closely connected to the communities you serve, and navigating decisions that carry long-term consequences. She also looks ahead to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in healthcare—particularly its potential to improve patient outcomes. This conversation offers a rare look at leadership from someone who has operated at the highest levels—and what it takes to lead with purpose in moments that matter most.

The Miami Standard: Greg Mark on Hurricanes Football, Leadership and Building Champions

In this episode, Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Greg Mark, former standout defensive lineman and a longtime coach for the Miami Hurricanes. Greg shares what it takes to build champions the right way—developing young men, demanding accountability, and putting team before self. He reflects on the football culture he was raised in - earning your role on the team through patience, humility, and distinct contributions - not entitlement. The conversation also explores what Miami football has meant to him across decades as both a player and defensive line coach - offering a timeless perspective on leadership, legacy, and culture that transcends the game.

Innovating Health Care: HBS Professor Regina Herzlinger on Innovation, Transparency and Patient Power

Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Harvard Business School professor Dr. Regina Herzlinger — widely regarded as the “Godmother of Consumer-Driven Healthcare.” Together, they explore how empowering individuals to make informed choices can transform both personal health outcomes and the healthcare system itself. Herzlinger explains why transparency, interoperability, team-based medicine and the power of private innovation are essential to building a system that performs as well as the people it serves. She also shares deeply personal insights on resilience and what it really means to “bet on yourself.” A candid conversation at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and human performance—and a reminder that the future of healthcare begins with those bold enough to rethink it.    You can learn more about Dr. Herzlinger at HBS.edu.

100 Years of The U: Pat Whitely on Student-Centered Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pat Whitely, a cornerstone of student life at the University of Miami and a leader whose influence spans decades. As the U celebrates its centennial, Pat reflects on the evolution of student affairs and the strategies that have shaped a culture of excellence. She shares why prioritizing student well-being and safety isn’t just a responsibility—it’s the foundation for optimizing performance in every arena, from academics to athletics and beyond. This conversation is a deep dive into leadership, resilience, and the art of building systems that empower human potential. You can learn more about Pat Whitely and her work at https://studentaffairs.miami.edu.