Inside the Mind of Champions

Endurance icon and Ironman World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay shares the mental strategies she relies on to push through the toughest moments in training and racing. In this powerful micro-lesson, she breaks down how visualisation, positive self-talk, and reflecting on past wins can help you stay strong when things get hard. Whether you're navigating challenges in sport, business, or everyday lif...

Renowned psychologist and author Professor Binna Kandola shares decades of insight on equality, unconscious bias, and real-world examples of inclusion. Binna Kandola OBE is co-founder and senior partner of Pearn Kandola, a business psychology practice. He works with organisations including Citigroup, Nestlé, and the World Bank.  We explore what true workplace inclusion looks like, why targets...

Professor Vin Walsh is a renowned expert in neuroscience and a Royal Society Industry Research Fellow at University College London. In this episode, we unpack some thought-provoking topics about group dynamics, stress management, and the pivotal role of sleep and exercise in overall well-being. Vin shares his fascinating theories on the optimal size of work teams and the importance of understandin...

In today’s episode, we're thrilled to have with us Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion rower Grace Prendergast. We explore the nuanced dynamics of high-performing teams, the importance of effective communication, and the power of celebrating small wins. Grace shares her journey from elite athlete to executive search expert, emphasising the parallels between sports and business, espe...

Anna Hemmings’ journey from discovering kayaking at a local club to becoming a marathon kayak world champion is nothing short of inspirational. In this episode, Anna reveals her path to success, including the power of visualisation, mastering mental skills, and recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome. She also talks about the importance of discipline, feedback, and maintaining high performance ha...

Today we're unlocking the secrets behind the legendary All Blacks' winning mentality with insights from former captain Kieran Read. Kieran discusses the All Blacks' unique culture, where selflessness and knowing your role are key to success. He shares stories about how these principles helped them achieve an undefeated season in 2013, highlighting the power of teamwork under pressure. As a listene...

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us – elite triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay. She is the 2023 World Ironman champion and is renowned for her resilience and drive. Lucy was a talented swimmer and after several painful setbacks, she made the transition to triathlon, a decision which would change her life forever. We caught up with her ahead of the T100 Triathlon in London where she is h...

Martin Newman is a leading expert in customer centricity. Martin shares invaluable insights on the importance of strong leadership, cultivating a customer-focused culture, and aligning all employees towards a common goal. We delve into real-world examples from companies like Walgreens, Timpson, Home Depot, and Patagonia, illustrating how empowered staff and care for employees drive long-term succe...

Today we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood but crucial for achieving mastery: making mistakes. In high-performing organisations, mistakes are not only common but essential for growth and innovation. We'll explore the psychology behind our fear of failure with insights from experts like psychiatrist Dr Dehra Harris and Professor Guy Claxton. We'll also hear inspiring stories from el...

In this micro-lesson, we honor the memory of Duncan Fearnley, whose cricket bat craftsmanship has left a lasting legacy, just like the indomitable Sir Viv Richards, whose wisdom takes centre stage. Tune to hear how Viv applies the metaphor of traffic lights – understanding when the red light demands a pause, so you can hit the gas at the right moment. As a listener to the show, use the code PODCAS...

Professor Roger Steare is The Corporate Philosopher – a senior advisor on culture, leadership and organisational development, ethics and inclusion. He has a unique track record of challenging and supporting global corporations on billion-dollar risk management and remediation programmes. His work with BP after the Gulf of Mexico disaster was crucial to the company's recovery plan, with Roger's cul...

Welcome to Inside The Mind of Champions, where we delve into the insights and strategies of exceptional individuals in the world of sports and business. In this microlesson, we explore a powerful strategy used by Olympic gold medalist Helen Richardson-Walsh to overcome self-doubt and step up in critical moments. Join us as we dissect Helen's winning mindset and draw parallels to our own lives, gai...

Harry Cobden burst onto the horse racing scene at 16 and has since matured into a seasoned professional by his mid-twenties, known for his remarkable poise under the intense pressure of the sport. He is at the top of the jump jockey's championship with 138 wins at a 23% strike rate. The jump jockeys are the most courageous and resilient sports stars around. In this episode, we begin hearing from H...

Sir Dave Brailsford is a renowned leader from GB Olympic cycling and the ‘Team Ineos’ Tour de France teams. He coined the marginal gains theory where 100 components could be improved by one percent. Here, we uncover the importance of receiving feedback and its impact on personal and team performance. Visit Sporting Edge to find out more about how we use these bite-sized insights to drive improved...

Despite being born ten weeks premature and developing cerebral palsy, which impairs the muscular movement in his legs, Kipp Popert has grown to become the world No.1 disability golfer. From his early struggles with surgeries to his triumphs on the golf course, Kipp's story is one of unwavering strength and pursuit of excellence. In this fascinating conversation, Kipps talks candidly about what has...

As you are starting to wind down to these all-important holidays at the end of the year, I’ve gathered some insights to reflect on. They come from a recent podcast interview I was on with David Wright from The School for CEOs.  Tune in as we explore the key psychological characteristics of elite performers and how they are developed over time. We also explore the importance of having a growth...

Content warning : this episode covers the topic of suicide and depression. If you need resources or support, talk to your GP or a relevant health practitioner . Shaun Lane is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). He previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, New Zealand Warriors...

Lt Col Susie Hines is an experienced mental health nurse who transitioned to the British Army and has dedicated her career to managing and delivering clinical mental health services for defense personnel. This conversation comes from a webinar for the Sporting Edge Members.  Tune in as Lt Col Hines shares insights on the effects of executive stress, the prevention of burnout, and the importan...

Today we’re exploring how both the New Zealand All Blacks and South African Rugby team have created an emotional competitive advantage over their rivals. They’ve both harnessed their unique heritage, culture and a higher purpose to galvanise their teams. With the spotlight on World Cup winners the Springboks, we’ll hear about how Siya Kolisi and their players are living the philosophy of Ubuntu. W...

Jonny Wilkinson is one of the most respected sports stars in the world. His rugby playing career was underpinned by an intense perfectionism and attention to detail. He became a household name by kicking England's winning drop goal in the dying seconds of the 2003 World Cup with scores tied.  Jonny finished his career at Toulon helping them to win two Heineken Cups and the Top 14 championship...

We delve into the inspiring journey of Olympic champion Helen Richardson-Walsh MBE. Often, we only see the glorious moments of victory, but behind the scenes are the trials and tribulations that can make or break a person.  Helen shares her story of hitting rock bottom, battling mental and physical setbacks, and ultimately realising her dream of becoming an Olympic champion. Join us as we exp...

Once a successful jump jockey with 133 wins, Paul Nicholls OBE possesses the unique qualities essential to excel in this demanding sport. After a life-altering leg injury at 27, Paul transitioned to training racehorses. In three decades, he has brought 3,500 victories and earned over £4 million in prize money. His horses have triumphed in prestigious races, including the Grand National and Chelten...

In this micro-lesson, we're diving into a section from my recent interview with Andrew May on the Performance Intelligence podcast. This section covers confidence, resilience, and the importance of seeing ourselves as more than just our jobs. Join us as we reflect on the strategies and insights that can help you thrive in any high-pressure situation, both personally and professionally. As a listen...

In this episode, I pick some key insights from the Sporting Edge Digital Library about the effects of chronic stress and the need for recovery periods to sustain high performance. Tune in as experts share their personal experiences and insights on managing stress, prioritising well-being, and taking breaks to clear the mind. You will hear from: John Coates: former Wall Street trader turned neurobi...

As your profile builds, so do the external distractions. Being the 7th bowler of all time to reach 500 Test Match wickets, Stuart Broad has developed a mental game that is as impressive as his skills. In this episode, Jeremy unpacks a conversation with Stuart into the routines and strategies he uses to focus on his mind under pressure. You’ll hear how he bounced back from being hit for six sixes b...