Strength and conditioning coach Brett Bartholomew, Kansas State ’08, has trained some of the world’s best athletes, including 2016 Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski. “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching NFL, UFC and special forces athletes,” said Bartholomew. “I work with them on speed, agility and movement-based training and have helped them build strength and conditioning in the weight room. I also help athletes sharpen their speaking skills.”

As the founder of Bartholomew Strength, a performance consulting business for athletes, coaches and corporations, Bartholomew also travels internationally to speak to groups about human performance, culture and leadership. “My favorite part about my profession is the relationships I develop with these tremendous athletes,” he said. “Mentoring people from the inside out and helping them learn what they are capable of achieving is one of the best feelings.”

Bartholomew believes his career trajectory started with roles he held as an undergraduate SigEp, including social chairman, risk management chairman, and Sound Mind and Sound Body chairman. “These roles gave me a taste of what it’s like in the professional world and inspired me to use the wealth of knowledge I gained in Kansas Beta with the athletes I train every day.”

Today, SigEp values are at the core of Bartholomew’s business. “I owe a lot of my success to the ‘sound mind, sound body’ mentality that Kansas Beta embraced. I admired the chapter’s commitment to upholding the fraternal values and began utilizing these values in my everyday life. I very likely wouldn’t have the rewarding career I wake up to every morning if it weren’t for Kansas Beta,” he said.

The mind-body connection is at the core of Bartholomew’s work with his clients. “The quality of any training session is directly correlated with the intention behind each movement,” he said in a recent interview with outsideonline.com. “You should be completely focused on each and every rep. Research shows that your mind cues your body and helps with force production.”

“I’m really trying to get other coaches and athletes to embrace what I call ‘conscious coaching’ or ‘conscious training.’ Don’t just go with the flow. Use your head. Whether you are considering a new exercise, program or nutrition strategy, look for evidence that something actually works,” he said.

Bartholomew discusses these ideas in his recently published book, “Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In.” The book, which is available on Amazon, also explores the science and art of bettering one’s life in the areas of training and leadership management.

When he is not hard at work with clients, Bartholomew is busy developing his own sound mind and body. He stays balanced by reading, hiking, training and boxing. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Liz, and their family, friends and dogs.

Despite his busy schedule, Bartholomew stays connected with Kansas Beta brothers, including Adam Griffin, ’07; Larry Duncan, ’07; and Drew McCart, ’11. He also attends chapter events when possible. “My continued support of Kansas Beta has allowed me to be a mentor to the undergraduates and reinforce important life lessons that will help them excel not only in the Fraternity but in all aspects of life,” he said. “It is my hope that our brothers will also use their resources, knowledge and talents to make a meaningful impact on future generations and ensure our chapter’s continued excellence.”

To learn more about Bartholomew’s work, visit bartholomewstrength.com.