Untapped Potential

James Stephenson is a pioneer in holistic athlete development, where elite performance and human wellbeing are inseparable. A two-sport international athlete for Great Britain, Olympic coach, and ordained Anglican minister, James brings a rare blend of high-performance experience, spiritual depth, and social impact to his work in sport. For nearly a decade, James has lived with his family on the Zambian/DRC border, using sport as a vehicle for community empowerment, identity, and healing. His mission goes beyond medals—he's focused on the deeper purpose of sport: to elevate lives, foster connection, and unlock human potential. James believes coaching is less about imposing frameworks and more about holding space—helping athletes explore who they are, what they value, and how sport can serve their growth beyond performance. He champions emotional intelligence, positive language, and values-based development as the new frontier of excellence in sport. This week, James shares his journey from elite competition to global impact, the power of asking better questions, and why true success means aligning with your soul. If you've ever felt the tension between chasing results and living fully—this conversation is your permission to reimagine what's possible. Talking Points: Why elite sport must evolve from performance obsession to purpose orientation What indigenous cultures can teach us about community, wisdom, and wellbeing The difference between a career built on knowledge and a life rooted in wisdom How validating values like love, connection, and joy transforms athletes Coaching as holding space—not solving, but listening deeply Reclaiming sport's true essence: self-actualization, not just achievement The power of language in shaping athlete identity and internal dialogue How wellbeing and spiritual fulfillment can elevate—not detract from—performance Creating freedom for athletes to explore who they are, not just what they do If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach's Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Connect with Stevo: Linkedin

As you know this podcast is where we challenge the status quo and explore what's possible in the world of high-performance sport. Today, I want to dive into a concept that's set to redefine the very foundation of competition, human development, and the role of sport in our society: The Gaia Games. If you've ever felt that the current sports system is broken—driven by short-term success, burnout, and transactional relationships—you're not alone. But what if we could reimagine sport as a regenerative, holistic, and deeply human experience? That's what the Gaia Games are all about. The Gaia Games Sport has the power to shape culture, inspire action, and elevate human consciousness—yet the current system is broken. Elite sport is often driven by medals, money, and ego, leaving behind the deeper purpose of play, connection, and transformation. The Gaia Games is reimagining sport—not just as competition, but as a regenerative force for people and the planet. Rooted in sustainability, indigenous wisdom, and collective consciousness, this movement blends high-performance excellence with grassroots inclusivity, creating a new global model for sport. And this is why I'm so excited to share this conversation. The Gaia Games is more than an event—it's a vision for the future of sport. Resources Porangui: https://www.porangui.com/ Zach Bush: https://zachbushmd.com/ Wisdom Keepers: https://www.wisdomkeepers.earth/ Dr Joe Dispenzer: https://drjoedispenza.com/ The Gene keys: https://genekeys.com/ Dr Mattias Desmet: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychology-Totalitarianism-Mattias-Desmet/dp/1645021726 Medicine Festival: https://medicinefestival.com/ Global Consciousness Project 2.0: https://gcp2.net Quantum Physics: The Unified Field Theory, explored by physicist Nassim Haramein, proposes that everything in the universe is interconnected through an underlying energy field (https://spacefed.com/) The United Nations Climate Change initiative is actively working to elevate the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action (https://unfccc.int/news/cop29-adopts-baku-workplan-to-elevate-voices-of-indigenous-peoples-and-local-communities-in-climate). The Donut Economics framework challenges traditional financial models by balancing human well-being with planetary boundaries (https://doughnuteconomics.org/about-doughnut-economics). The IOC is a non-profit organization, yet it generates staggering revenues, primarily from broadcast rights (61%) and sponsorships (30%). In the four-year cycle leading up to the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, the IOC accumulated $7.6 billion in revenue https://wired.me/business/costs-profits-of-olympic-games/ While the IOC claims that 90% of its income is reinvested into sport, only a small fraction reaches the athletes themselves https://www.sportspro.com/news/ioc-olympic-games-financial-report-2023-revenue-expenditure/ Increased financial pressure on athletes, many of whom struggle to fund their training: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/articles/c5yg3lg9e3vo A significant economic burden on host cities, leading to infrastructure that often falls into disrepair after the Games: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/30/a-massive-betrayal-how-londons-olympic-legacy-was-sold-out Shanti Naidoo-Page - founder of the biome project: https://www.biome-project.co.uk/ Schuman Resonance: https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/entire-earth-resonates/ Connect with Richard: Linkedin Men Behind Sport The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach's Guide to Lasting Change

Maximilian Lankheit is a game-changer in football leadership and high-performance strategy. From advising top football clubs to leading high-performance teams, Max has spent his career aligning ambitious visions with real-world execution—ensuring success both on and off the pitch. Max believes leadership is a contact sport—one that requires trust, process, and the ability to adapt. His passion lies in building strong identities, developing people-centered cultures, and creating sustainable, long-term success. In this conversation, we go beyond results and league tables to explore what truly drives performance in sport. And this is why I'm excited to share this conversation. Max offers powerful insights into leadership, human performance, and redefining success in football. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of what it means to lead in high-performance environments, this one's for you. Talking Points: Understanding and embracing your unique self in leadership. Why vulnerability is key to growth and effective leadership. Moving beyond goal orientation and reconnecting with personal principles. The three levels of culture: aspirational, operational, and basic needs. How to adapt plans and strategies without losing your North Star. The role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in coach development. The power of communication in building trust and driving positive change. If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach's Guide to Lasting Change Camino Frances Dr Michael Gervais book Connect with Max: Linkedin

Abi Okell brings a wealth of experience from her work with GB Snowsport, British Gymnastics, and GB Taekwondo. From the NHS to the world stage at the Paralympic and Olympic Games, Abi has dedicated her career to empowering athletes through tailored rehabilitation and health initiatives. Abi's passion lies in creating safe spaces to address the unique challenges female athletes face—breaking taboos, fostering open conversations, and ensuring that support staff are as respected as coaches in the high-performance world. With expertise in musculoskeletal injuries, female health, and athlete well-being, Abi brings an inspiring perspective on what it means to truly support performance at every level. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this episode. Abi shares her journey, insights, and the lessons she's learned about balancing professionalism, advocacy, and personal growth in the demanding world of elite sport. Talking Points: Breaking taboos and creating safe spaces for female athletes. Supporting male allies in fostering understanding without blame. Managing 24/7 availability and setting boundaries in high-pressure roles. Championing respect for support staff alongside coaches. Transitioning from NHS to elite winter sports and its impact on Abi's career. Balancing personal growth, soft skills, and technical expertise. Cultivating belonging and fun as keys to peak performance. Turning self-pressure into growth and managing expectations. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox Connect with Abi: Linkedin

David Faulkner MBE is a trailblazer in culture, people, and team development across business, education, and elite sport. With an Olympic, World, and Commonwealth Team Leader background, David has worked with some of the most accomplished athletes and organizations, cultivating environments where people thrive under pressure and excel together. Awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to sport, David's career is rooted in fostering people-centric cultures and performance-driven conditions. His relationship-focused approach, strategic thinking, and ability to lead with positivity and humor have made him a sought-after leader, mentor, and public speaker. David believes that high performance stems from unlocking the potential within people and creating spaces where self-awareness, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose drive extraordinary results. Through his work in the UK, Europe, and the USA, David has helped teams and leaders navigate complex challenges with confidence and resilience. And this is why I'm thrilled to bring you this conversation. David offers transformative insights on leadership, communication, and culture, redefining what it means to achieve success in sport and beyond. Talking Points: From teenage athlete at Oxford to elite sports leader—how trust and belonging shaped David's journey. Creating fearless environments where people thrive and perform their best. Redefining leadership: inspiring teams with clarity, purpose, and humanity. Why focusing on process, not outcomes, drives sustainable success. Lessons from education and pastoral care on building self-aware, resilient teams. Balancing structure with instinct—how David navigates high-performance environments. The problem with over-engineering in sport and why people should come first. Managing emotions, behaviours, and relationships to lead with agility and authenticity. Living with purpose: removing self-doubt and inspiring others with integrity and humour. A behind-the-scenes look at David's leadership style and daily practices. The power of consistent effort, faith, and embracing mistakes in achieving success. If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox Connect with David: Linkedin

Denise Holland is a leader in the spiritual nature of human psychology behind sports performance—the most undiscovered competitive advantage! With over 35 years of experience, Denise has coached at the highest levels, from World Championships to England's Super-league, and even led the Scottish Thistles to the Commonwealth Games. Her unique approach helps athletes and coaches PlayFreely™—unlocking focus, awareness, and optimal performance when it matters most. Denise's journey was transformed by an epiphany into the spiritual nature of existence and human consciousness, which reshaped how she supports sportspeople to achieve their full potential. By demystifying the human mind and focusing on the formless intelligence behind life, Denise empowers individuals to access their true capabilities when it matters most. As a coach and thought leader, Denise inspires athletes, coaches, and teams to explore what's possible—helping them understand that identity is never on the line and that curiosity about who we are can be a gateway to optimal performance. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation. Denise offers a revolutionary perspective on sports performance, redefining how we understand pressure, resilience, and team cohesion. Talking Points: The system: fear, empowerment, and the internal journey Feeling our thinking: understanding the connection between thoughts and emotions How results, jobs, and status impact our identity Pure love as a requirement for growth Breaking free from the paradigms that hold us back Crossing the bridge to spiritual excellence The shift from belief to knowing The simplicity of circumstance: How a loss feels immediately versus later Exploring the euphoria of winning and its temporary nature Time's role in processing loss—what if it doesn't take time? Team cohesion as a living experience and resilience as a magnet Lessons from Māori culture and its impact on team dynamics Intrinsic motivation and its role in sport systems Becoming an explorer of what's possible Getting curious about who and what we truly are If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox Clarity by Jamie Smart 3 Principles Connect with Denise: Linkedin Website

J.P. is a leadership coach, partners with leaders to support their learning, growth, and impact on the world. He believes that great teams drive results and that effective leaders are intentional in creating strong team cultures. J.P began his career as a professional basketball coach and educator, leading athletes and students, establishing high standards, and fostering an inclusive culture. This experience immersed him in a world reliant on team culture and intentional leadership. After hiring a coach to improve his own leadership, he pivoted his career to help others transform themselves and their teams. As a coach, J.P. helps his clients find balance, gain clarity in their leadership, grow in self-awareness, develop personal practices to enhance performance and leadership skills, cultivate team relationships, develop people, and raise standards. J.P. offers unique expertise in leadership development and team culture, leveraging his background in sports to help clients create connected, collaborative, and high-performing teams. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation, J.P. has a great perspective on what leadership and culture is and how to truly come together. Talking Points: Team culture leads to personal growth Showing up as a coach Seeing blind spots as a coach Taking personal responsibility to do the work Defensive and closed to open and curious The importance of meditation Pleasure/escape vs action = numbing Addiction high functioning Training the ability to be mindful in the body Thinking and feeling in the body Recognising where you're at Mindful in action to come off autopilot Creating Culture is like cultivating a garden Biggest obstacle is the nuances If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Men Behind Sport Support The Coach Toolbox James Clear - Atomic Habits Tao de chin Stoicism Connect with J.P: Books Podcast Linkedin Website Instagram X

Sarah is the current sport psychologist for the Republic of Ireland women's national team, coach mentor and a high-performance coach with Mindflick. She has over a decade of experience working in professional sport, education and business. Her work has included individual athletes and teams including the Premier league, ECB, various professional golfers and Sport Coach UK. Sarah has a passion for working with people, hence she can be found with elite and non elite teams, athletes, coaches and across sport, education and business to enhance human performance and develop understanding of what a healthy high performance cultures look and feel like. Sarah takes a human-centred approach that provides personal programmes of support enabling the performers to reach their potential and sustain positive performance changes. Firmly believing that we are humans first and athletes, coaches, and leaders second. And this is why I'm excited to bring this conversation to you. Sarah gets beneath the surface of those she works with, and the power of doing this allows people to see who they are beyond their superficial job title, identiity and cv. Talking Points: Dysfunctional and tangled professional relationships The entry point to inner work Being comfortable to pay the cost The power of knowing our own history to know who we are being What would Sarah do differently Performance environment, culture, people, strategy Parenthood - lens around When everything falls apart Doing the work properly means doing the work on myself If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox The Holistic Psychologist Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn Performance Edge Mindflick

Ryan is currently the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Lead at Aquatics GB. Ryan has also worked at many presitgious organisations including Kitmanlabs: the FA; UK Sports Institute, UKSCA, Scottish Institute of Sport and he has also been a Sports Science Lecturer. As well as his full time role at Aquatics GB, Ryan is also engaged in his PhD specializing in Multidisciplinary Team Problem Solving. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation with Ryan. He is breaking down the true facets of what makes teams of people come together to make a real impact in the areas they focus on - well away from the limitations of relying solely on technical dogma. Talking Points: The problem of being trained as a practitioner to stay within “lane” Achieving and outcomes of success Failure is a catalyst for change - yet we're all scared of it Stepping out of competency beyond it to make transitions Management vs leadership - taking people on a journey to MDT solutions Clinical governance vs personal perspective Changing thinking from depth of knowledge into transfer of knowledge Importance of metacognitive skills The importance of transcending transactions about your own gain and power If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Register for OPEN DAY Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox The Creative Act Stealing Fire Recapture the Rapture Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn Blended Intelligence

Despite Rusty being best known for his career as a professional rugby player with Bath & England Sevens and as a high performance coach, he also brings a wealth of global experience to the table. Rusty works extensively with top-tier organisations including England Rugby, Google, the NHS, and Premier League teams. His engaging storytelling, combined with deep insights into leadership, resilience, creativity, and team dynamics, ensure that creates impact when, & where, it matters. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation with Rusty. He is paving the way for people in organisations to do things differently. I invite you to devote the next hour or so to truly listening to what he has to say, and notice how it makes you feel. Talking Points: Why the best leaders are not at the top Stand up, practice, and spaces to make ridiculous suggestions Data versus emotion The over-seriousness of sport The importance of making work fun Storytelling is what starts movements Being super intentional Why everything Starts With Self If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Register for OPEN DAY Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox Connect with Rusty: LinkedIn The Magic Academy

Skye founded Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, which aims to engage parents in improving youth sports. Skye is a sought-after speaker for parents, coaches, clubs and players. A former professional player, Skye was a collegiate and youth All-American goalkeeper, Defensive MVP of the NCAA Final Four (1993) and State Champion track athlete. Skye has coached extensively at the grassroots, youth, and collegiate levels. An MBA graduate of the University of Richmond, Skye has earned her USSF “B” License, the National Goalkeeper License and is a Coach Educator for U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches. And this is why I am excited to bring you this conversation with Skye. She has vast experience in coach education and she offers very powerful perspectives that can help all of us become more aligned to a sporting system that makes a positive difference. Talking Points: The lone voice in creating a connection Putting a foundation of culture in place Past hurt informs future fear Why you can have the best strategy in the world but it's useless if the Human potential is missing Winning is a process bigger than you Why leadership is a show and not a tell If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell Soul: Beyond the Athlete by Jonathan Harding How to Create True Impact Exploring perceptions of performance support team effectiveness in elite sport Changes in head staff members in male elite-level football teams are associated with increased hamstring injury burden for that season: the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study Connect with Skye: X: @SoccerParenting Facebook: SoccerParenting http://www.SoccerParenting.com

Sid has worked with FTSE 100 companies, invested in, and mentored over 30 SME businesses, and had served as the CEO of Sale Sharks rugby for three years. What he discovered is that the most valuable asset in all sectors is people. Sid became involved in the sports sector because of its unique focus on human potential. He wanted to explore what lessons sport could offer and how they might overlap with the business world. As a CEO, he faced common challenges: limited resources, no increase in budget, limited beliefs and a product with limited room for change. All challenges are shared by leaders in many organisations. Achieving their objectives required a shift in behaviour. The same principles applied to maximising performance both on and off the field. To increase productivity Sid knew he needed a fully engaged workforce. Most importantly his first step was to employ a leadership style that demonstrated and embodied his message rather than staying at the usual level of just words on a wall. And this is why I am excited to bring you this conversation with Sid. I've heard many practitioners and coaches discuss the gap between the coaching staff and the CEO level, and so Sid's views and experience on bridging this gap is a powerful insight for all who work in performance sport and within in business outside of sport. Talking Points: The lone voice in creating a connection Putting a foundation of culture in place Past hurt informs future fear Why you can have the best strategy in the world but it's useless if the Human potential is missing Winning is a process bigger than you Why leadership is a show and not a tell If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox Connect with Sid: Linkedin

Over the last 20 years Brendan has worked with peak performers in all realms of sport and business which lead him to found, scale and achieve a 7-figure exit from one of the largest fitness education providers in the UK at the age 36. Brendan's work now consists of supporting coaches and educators through his business 'The Coaches Coach' with the goal for his clients to achieve their version of freedom which is powered by an amazing business delivering financial freedom and choices. And this is why I'm excited to bring this conversation to you. Brendan has transitioned multiple times, yet still uses the lens of coaching to support people to do incredible things. Talking Points: Why athletes are choosing consultants vs employed staff practitioner Why buy-in is always based on feeling Why it's not about the set and reps, it's about the coaching Impact driven entrepreneurship Taking the constraints away and doing your best work Why the structures in sport prevent freedom and doing our best work If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Project 20/20 The Coach Toolbox Connect with Brendan: Linkedin Brendan's Website X Instagram

Welcome to this week's episode of the untapped potential podcast with me Richard Husseiny, and it's slightly different to what you're used to. Season 3 is just around the corner, so it seems a great time to pause and reflect on what has already come in this podcast. Men Behind Sport Update Practitioner Project 2020: 12-week group coaching program starting Jan 2025 Key Themes: People Before Performance Courage to Create a New Way Authenticity and Following Your Heart Spirituality in Performance Well-being is Performance Opportunities and Interventions Universal quality: Embracing the complexity of human experience Addressing fear: Both individual (self-preservation) and organizational (financial) levels Prioritizing connection over technical knowledge comfort zone Exploring higher-order purpose beyond winning What's next Outline of who's to come on the podcast Season 3 of the Untapped Potential will be released next week on 15th October 2024 with more amazing conversations. These conversations are lifting the lid on what's going on, the issues that limit the impact we seek and some powerful reflections to empower and awaken a new way forward in how practitioners can successfully operate within sport. Practitioner Project 20/20 12 weeks (3 months) Live Coaching Support group Practical frameworks and resources to support your growth Networking Additional support from external speakers (TBC) This is a development process that focuses on the person behind their role - no technical skills whatsoever. Continuing Professional Development and sharpening our technical skill set has never been an issue. What we tend to overlook is that we don't just coach athletes, we coach people, and more important than the training we deliver is how we lead, communicate and build relationships in order to make our work most effective. Every practitioner believes they are an effective leader and communicator, but none of us ever receive any formal education or training in these areas. Leadership starts with understanding self, and this is what the Practitioner Project is solely aimed at! Who YOU are behind your role. Full details here: https://www.menbehindsport.com/the-practitioner-project The Coach Toolbox Enhance your impact at work and at home! Download FREE toolbox now: https://www.menbehindsport.com/coaching-tool-box-optin

Laurence is a two-time Olympic fencer, having competed for Team GB in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. Since retiring he spent time as Performance Director of a national federation. But at the start of 2022, he transitioned into a new career involving a combination of mentoring and coaching. His current role as Director of Mentoring at The True Athlete Project enables him to explore the most valuable and meaningful aspects of a life in sport, together with an amazing collection of people. Laurence is also the author of Becoming a True Athlete philosophy aimed at highlighting a more compassionate, holistic culture of sport. He believes we can unleash far more of our potential, as individuals and groups, through a better understanding of what drives us as humans. This requires tapping into our deepest sense of purpose and meaning in life, along the way connecting us more closely with nature and with each other. If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Talking Points: How performance psychology profoundly transformed his orientation and mindset as an Olympic athlete The challenges that opened Laurence up to new ways of thinking and being Why psychological performance inhibitors are simply a clenched mind that creates a barrier to the universal mind Why a spiritual approach represents performance psychology 3.0 Why performance answers may lie in spiritual philosophy rather than psychological training. How to reconnect to meaning in sport If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Coaching 1-2-1 and group: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Flow Genome Project Dr Joe Dispenza min-body research Conversation for the context of Dr Joe Dispenza's work Connect with Laurence: Linkedin The True Athlete Project X Instagram

Vicky is an experienced Coach and Coaching Consultant, as well as the founder of the Female Coaching Network. As an advocate for better coaching, Vicky has spent the last 20 years examining how coaches develop and how to create a safe and effective high performance environment for all. Her work with the Female Coaching Network has changed the sporting landscape not just for women who coach, but for those who are coached; from the creation and delivery of the first ever fully paid coaching internship with Premier League Football club Tottenham Hotspur, to consulting Nike, UK Athletics, Athletics Canada and World Athletics, in creating cultural and systemic changes for a safer and fairer environment for elite athletes and coaches in Track & Field. And this is why I'm excited to bring this conversation to the Untapped Potential. Vicky is passionate in creating real and sustainable change in sport, and not just deliver tick box projects. Talking Points: Fix a system, not the women What does the sports system actually mean Sport is a tool, not the be-all and end-all Low numbers of female coaches but high success rate Adapt coaching style - coach the person not the sport Sport is not separate from society Sport needs to be held accountable A Federations job is to cater for the athlete If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Coaching 1-2-1 and group: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Flow Genome Project Dr Joe Dispenza min-body research Conversation for the context of Dr Joe Dispenza's work FCN in the recent Guardian article The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Alice Milliat Women's World Games Connect with Vicky: Female Coaching Network Linkedin X Instagram

Jen Coe is dedicated to increasing the visibility of women in sports and promoting well-being across roles in the sporting world. She currently works within women's professional football in England as the Performance Well-being Lead across the Women's Professional Game, a role she is very passionate about. With over two decades of experience, she aims to nurture a culture of performance through well-being, where individuals can own and enjoy their sport performance journey and transition with confidence. Jen's work in coach development, sport psychology and coaching across a portfolio of Olympic and professional sports guides her work, aiming to combat negative behaviours and language through effective and authentic leadership. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation with Jen, she has a deeply grounded and inspirational approach that is creating a paradigm shift in spaces where performance sport has been stuck for too long. Talking Points: Jen's helicopter view into situation scenarios How courageous conversations can be had at the GM level The importance of actively challenging your own biases The importance of diversity of thought The need for checking and challenging hierarchy Foundation of well-being maximises performance The art of noticing How to prioritise wellbeing, the foundation for everything If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Coaching 1-2-1 and group: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Dropping the Struggle by Alison Maitland Jenna Ashford The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker The Gene Keys by Richard Rudd The Art of Contemplation Gene Keys by Richard Rudd Flow Genome Project Dr Joe Dispenza min-body research Conversation for the context of Dr Joe Dispenza's work Connect with Jen: Linkedin X Impact the game

Stevie is a former professional rugby player and part of the golden generation at the Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in Super League history. Stevie became the youngest grand final winner ever, won 3 Grand Finals, 2 Challenge Cups and was named captain at just 26. Amongst the highs, Stevie endured 10 operations, several mental health struggles, and had to retire from a brain injury at the age of 27. Stevie launched Mantality in 2016, inspiring conversation around mental health for men. Mantality now offers counselling and life-coaching services and engages people through a stigma-breaking podcast. Throughout all of the winning and losing in life, Stevie believes that the truest form of resilience is to realise the potential of our true selves. Stevie put this to the test by leading culture meetings as a captain of the Rhinos team in rugby league, one of the toughest sports there is. Promoting authenticity formed championship-winning teams and formidable relationships. Stevie believes that authenticity is the only thing that aligns success with fulfilment, and we all crave it. Stevie shatters the stigma around expressing how we truly feel in an increasingly complicated world. He has realised that authenticity aligns success with personal fulfilment, revolutionises internal comms and is essential for us to connect. And this is why I'm excited to bring you this conversation with Stevie. I believe authenticity is lacking in many HP departments primarily because of reasons such as low psychological safety, the value of depth of knowledge over the ability to share knowledge and the hierarchical nature of sport that restricts true collaboration. Talking Points: How Stevie gained awareness of the importance of being truly authentic to form formidable relationships. Why engineering smallness is prevalent is performance sport How sport focuses on the technical elements (told who we are meant to be, no one buys into) Blaming, shaming, fearing culture of sport and how to change it Inner compass and leadership - Stevie's perspective on this What the catalyst was to turn Stevie's awareness within himself The power of feeling safe without removal of threat If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Coaching 1-2-1 and group: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Profound mind-body connection research - Dr Joe Dispenza The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle: https://eckharttolle.com/power-of-now-excerpt/ The 3 Principles: https://threeprinciplesfoundation.org/ Introduction to Non-Duality by Rupert Spira: https://rupertspira.com/non-duality Connect with Stevie: Stevie Ward Website Linkedin X Instagram

Cath works as a speaker, consultant, facilitator, leadership and culture coach in business, sport and education to develop successful leaders & teams, with a focus on purpose, performance, motivation, inclusion and resilience. Cath draws on her careers as an Olympic rower and conflict diplomat, combined with her experience of working with a wide range of organisations across sectors to raise performance, transform cultures and develop effective leadership and teams. Cath's book 'The Long Win' was published in 2020 to acclaim across sport, education, business and public life. Cath writes monthly articles for The Guardian on topics of culture in sport. TAP Supporter for years, member of the Advisory Board. She is also the co-host of the Inside Out Culture Podcast. In this episode Cath discusses her mission to redefine what success looks like in the workplace – away from a narrow, short-term, win-at-all-costs approach towards a more meaningful, sustainable approach which she calls ‘The Long Win', based on: Clarifying what matters, developing a sense of longer-term purpose that relates to our daily work lives; Constant learning mindset with a focus on personal and collective growth & development; Connection, prioritizing human relationships in everything we do. Talking Points: The Olympic experiences that led Cath to rethink success The consequences of a win-at-all-costs approach What ‘high performance' actually means - particularly in relation to winning The big switch - improving versus rankings Metrics, incentives, distorting how people behave Why performance is about possibilities If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Criticisms of Competition and rewards by Alfie Kohn Changing The Game by Margaret Heffernan Citizens, Not Consumers by Jon Alexander Profound mind-body connection research - Dr Joe Dispenza Connect with Cath: Linkedin The Long Win by Cath Bishop X

Kevin has coached rugby at every age group and every level of the game. He was the first full-time professional Head Coach for the Wales National Rugby Team from 1995-1998, Kevin was also Head of Elite Coach Development at the RFU for nearly 15 years and was responsible for the continuing development of England coaches, Premiership coaches and coaches in the elite academies. After 15 years as Head of Elite Coach Development within the Professional Rugby Department at the Rugby Football Union, Kevin founded Teaching Learning Coaching Ltd, a coaching consultancy to help coaches, leaders and people become the best versions of themselves - and this is why I am excited to have Kevin on the podcast. He has over 40 years experience as a teacher, coach and coach developer, and his perspectives have a lot to offer the high-performance culture. In this episode, you'll hear the wisdom of a man who has spent his life in high-performance sport. To me, he speaks humbly with deep grace and has a vast amount to offer to anyone who supports athletes in elite sport. Talking Points: Retrospective perspective of his career - what he'd do differently The knife edge between people focused & task focused Why the missing point is at the CEO level and it should be the next level of education The importance of being a critical-thinking friend to coaches The importance of knowing what you stand for as a coach How to build trust to be then able to hold the mirror up and give healthy challenge Why there is a dehumanisation of sport that comes from the over focussing on data of sport which defines athletes, players and coaches by numbers If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help spread this content to the practitioners who need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligence Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn

Dan is a strength & conditioning coach with over a decade of experience working with athletes who have achieved success at a professional and international level. In 2019, after years of consulting in the sport of gymnastics, 'Dan Lonsdale Gymnastics Strength & Conditioning' was launched. Dan now supports over a dozen clubs across the UK and Europe as well as providing coach education on various topics related to gymnastics strength & conditioning, and has spoken at various highly attended education events within the sport. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss going from a driven intern to burnout and what he has done to align himself and his career to now work for him rather than against him. Talking Points: The trap of feeling you should or shouldn't The whirlwind of the first year of employment The issue of just racking up hours The inauthenticity of being measured and "professional" Internal vs external pressure The journey to self-awareness The power of connecting with activities that provide joy The importance of seeking personal support to become a better coach Freeing yourself by being open to new environments Connecting with purpose and making positive change Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Flow Genome Project Stealing Fire The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert Connect with Dan Dan's Linkedin Dan's Instagram

Adam is a former Scotland international rugby union player and rugby union coach. He is also Co-Founder of the U.K.s leading natural wellness brand Pure Sport. His latest business development is Zappaty, which helps individuals and businesses send files of all shapes and sizes around the world. What You'll Learn: In this episode, you will hear how Adam uses his inner compass, and how this has allowed him to transition through chapters of his life, rather than hold on to identities for too long. What has allowed him to do this skillfully is his journey into himself and getting to know who he is beyond the egoic stories as an athlete and coach - similar to what we all tell ourselves. Talking Points: Why Adam entered into coaching after his career as an athlete The power of Adam's inner compass What connecting to his heart means to Adam What music gives Adam What success is to Adam now Adam's perspective on awareness and spirituality Adam's catalyst to turn his awareness within How Adam has learned to shed his identities Adam's perspective on what he sees that needs to change within sport to allow practitioners to fully express themselves and their talents Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Flow Genome Project Stealing Fire The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle: https://eckharttolle.com/power-of-now-excerpt/ The 3 Principles: https://threeprinciplesfoundation.org/ Introduction to Non-Duality by Rupert Spira: https://rupertspira.com/non-duality Connect with Adam Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ashe-8a365612b/ Pure Sport: https://puresport.co/ Zappaty: https://www.zappaty.com/home Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7t9ABoPNrvKGw4GNBbY8BI

Rob has over eight years of experience in elite sports in the UK, Europe and the Pacific, where he currently leads a project for the International Olympic Committee to support the country of Vanuatu to win their first Olympic Medal at an Olympic games. Rob Francis has also founded Move Mojo. His mission with Move Mojo is to get as many people to take part in safe and fun strength and conditioning as possible. The positive effects of physical activity are incredible, and he believes nobody should miss out due to any disability. And this is why Rob's voice is an important one to have on the Untapped Potential podcast. He has purposely stepped away from a full-time role in performance sport and transferred his skills to a purpose-focused business. Talking Points: The challenges of his non-linear path in sport Moving away from a one-dimensional view The issue of putting the team or organisation first The reality of chasing the rabbit in your career Navigating push back Breaking the glass ceiling of your career Opening up to his inner development Having the courage to act intuitively to get clear on purpose Uncovering your transferrable skills Creating an inspiring life Defining a proactive plan If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Keir Rites of passage Connect with Rob: Move Mojo: https://movemojo.com/ Rob Instagram: Rob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-francis-742b0718b/

Mark is the CEO of UK Coaching and Chair of Boccia England. He is a familiar face within the sport and physical activity sector. He started his career as a PE teacher and later went onto roles at Youth Sport Trust and then British Gymnastics. During his time at UK Coaching, Mark has steered the organisation through significant change and just as coaches are there for their participants, so UK Coaching is there for the coach. Mark feels that it is about time that coaches were perceived as people too. UK Coaching is an association that connects and supports approximately 180,000 coaches from grassroots to elite level through its UK Coaching Club. It's tagline: “The team behind the nation's coaches, providing support, tools and guidance which assists coaches to be GREAT, inspires people and transforms lives.” And this is why Mark is an obvious choice to have on the Untapped Potential Podcast. Some quotes from Mark: “Coaching is all about the right environment,” he tells the Leaders Performance Podcast. “So we've got psychologists, nutritionists, that sort of athlete support personnel that we wrap around the athlete and I think what we need to start thinking about now is that coaches are people too and how do we wrap the same sort of support, differently, around the coach? “If you work for a financial organisation, you've got a head of culture or people or HR, and there's certain things in place in your work environment. Well, that shouldn't be any different in our sector, maybe in our sector there's a bit of catching up to do. “People are your greatest asset and the more that we can look after people and the more we can make the environment the right environment, the more people are going to succeed.” Talking Points: The journey of supporting the coach Mark's path to supporting people The "hard skills" not the soft skills of human connection The blind spots of CPD Time out to reflect and develop There is no end point in achievement The bigger piece Make time for your health Balance never stops The power of nature If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Radical Candor by Kim Scott Profound mind-body connection research - Dr Joe Dispenza Connect with Cody: UK Coaching Linkedin

Chris has been involved in the sports industry for almost 15 years, including roles as a sports analyst at Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion. Chris then pivoted in his career and started his own business, In-Play Sports. In-Play Sports is a company whose mission is to ensure analysts and coaches always have access to professional-level video analysis tools so they can break down performance with ease and deliver feedback efficiently. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we cover Chris's personal experience of some of the challenges he has faced as a practitioner, and how he overcame them. As well as diving deep into how he now helps practitioners across a variety of topics allowing them to thrive in their career. Particularly around pivoting, letting go of identity and carving out a path that supports a rounded life. If you've ever thought about pivoting, changing careers or working for yourself, you will get a lot from this conversation. Talking Points: Chris's challenges as a performance analyst The practitioner's rites of passage The loneliness of relocating for a job Masters degrees vs experience The importance of clarity on what you want Why Chris pivoted in his career The courage needed to pivot and the benefits to doing it If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Chris's LinkedIn In-play Sports Chris's Website Chris's Youtube/Podcast

Cody Royle coaches head coaches in elite sports. After a decade coaching Canada's men's AFL national team, he now mentors fourteen coaches in seven different team sports around the world. Cody is the author of three influential leadership books; Second Set Of Eyes, Where Others Won't and The Tough Stuff. His coaching focuses on the performance and well-being of coaches so that they have access to their best coaching skills when they need them the most. Some of Cody's quotes: “I believe the greatest source of competitive advantage available in professional sports is the optimization of the head coach.” “While we scrounge around for a new squat technique to try to uncover a 0.01 per cent improvement in an athlete, I believe there are multiple percentage points of talent sitting dormant within our head coaches.” “To realize this untapped potential requires a shift in our thinking. We must begin to think of coaches as performers. We must appreciate what a coaching performance entails. We must begin to seek better coaching, not more coaching.” This is why I'm so excited to have Cody on, as he is leading the way in this space. So get ready to give your full attention as you won't want to miss a moment. Talking Points: Cody's challenges as a head coach Treasure in the pain The healthy side of competition High performance doesn't exist without emotion and spirituality included Coming to terms with becoming whole human beings The limitations of the scientific method The trajectory of personal struggle The ultimate human pursuit The power of external practitioner support If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage (EP007) Connection, Belonging and Space Lead to Success in Complex Environments with Jack Nayler Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness by Owen Eastwood Connect with Cody: Second Set of Eyes by Cody Royle Cody's Website Linkedin Twitter

Nicolai is a highly regarded strength and conditioning coach, from Australia and has over a decade of coaching experience in elite sport. She has previously worked with NSW WRL state of origin, New Zealand black sticks and physical performance manager for the Australian Hockeyroos to name a few and now she is head of performance for AFLW. Nicolai has also done powerful work on female leadership and systemic gender bias. She is the co-founder of Women in Sport whose mission is to invest in, support, empower and connect women in sport for a stronger community. And this is why I wanted to have Nicolai on, because I want to dive into the challenges female coaches and practitioners currently experience, and what we can do to change that. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we take a very personal journey through Nicolai's experiences as a person, her struggles, the very human stand-out moments of why she works in sport and the qualities of her North Star performance environment. Talking Points: Challenges of the incessant drive to become better The importance of not grinding through life Developing her human side Being aware of others Developing people through performance Getting to know the person is the glue to performance The struggle of perfectionism The practice of acceptance Working out how much is too much Why sport needs to accept we don't need to give everything to the role If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Culture Code by Daniel Coyle Black Box Thinking by William Syed (EP008) Intention, Trust and Ownership in the Chapters of a Career in Sport with Ben Young (EP009) Why Athletes Thrive if Performance Staff Thrive with Kaarle McCulloch Connect with Nicolai: Nicolai's Linkedin Women in Sport

Welcome to this week's episode of the untapped potential podcast with me Richard Husseiny, and it's slightly different to what you're used to. We are 12 episodes in, so it seems a great time to pause and reflect on what has already come in this podcast. Key Points: The aim of today's episode is the following: Key themes that stand out to me Opportunities and interventions that work Next steps - what you and your department can do What's next - Outline of who's to come on the podcast I also wanted to let you know I am taking a break over Easter, the podcast will return on 7th May 2024 with more amazing conversations. These conversations are lifting the lid on what's going on, the issues that limit the impact we seek and some powerful reflections to empower and awaken a new way forward in how practitioners can successfully operate within sport. Resources Mentioned: One-to-One Coaching Program: Read Full Details Practitioner Rites of Passage Dr Joe Dispenza Research Heart Math Institute - Heart Brain Coherence Soma Technologies [Paper] Outrage Fatigue: Cognitive Coast and Decisions to Blame

Ian's vision as CEO of the British Athletes Commission led to the sector strengthening the support offered to vulnerable adults in sport. He also played a key role in the DCMS review of duty of care in sport assisting Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. These became the platform for Ian to deliver sustainable positive change in sport, and mental health provision and for the next generation of sport leaders to apply his values, skills, and experience. Ian has brought together his significant experience in sport and his passion for helping others under the umbrella of DOCIAsport the company he founded in 2017. He brings a refreshing and independent view to all aspects of duty of care in sport from the perspective of coaches, officials, athletes, administrators, and the sector itself. Ian delivers change through consultation and collaboration, leading and embodying his values of helping others, equality, inclusion, fairness and honesty. What You'll Learn: In this episode, Ian shares some of the highs and lows of his career including some personal challenges, but what is clear is the impact he has had on the sporting system and many individuals by bringing attention to some hugely important issues. And this is why I'm excited to have this conversation with Ian. He has a view that I don't know or understand with regard to the funding and system perspective. Talking Points: The jigsaw of performance sport The cost of the performance systems' pursuit of medals The cost this had on Ian The seduction of sport to the detriment of allowing it to define who we are Developing your personal board The greatest challenge and most important journey is looking within Turning the performance system into a society Why independent support is key If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Paper: Exploring Mental Health and Illness in the UK Sports Coaching Workforce UK Coaching GB Gymnastics Whyte review The Long Win by Cath Bishop Original Sins by Matt Rowland Hill Connect with Ian: Ian's LinkedIn DOCIA Sport

Pete has been a performance director and strength and conditioning coach in elite sport and human performance for over 20 years. This has seen him be involved in coaching athletes for 4 Summer and one Winter Olympic Games. He is currently the performance director at Hintsa Performance. Pete has also held a variety of leadership or board positions in business, church and charities. Currently Advisory Board Chairman at US start-up Rewire Fitness Inc., and Advisory Board at UK start-up Hytro. What You'll Learn: In this episode, Pete shares his insights on what has allowed him to maintain a career at the highest level whilst maintaining a thriving family and personal life. Talking Points: The balance between striving and acceptance Why knowing values isn't enough When to push and when to step away The power of faith to offer a framework to thrive Why practitioner potential is determined by doing inner work beyond the coach Courage to stand in integrity If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Connect with Pete: Pete's Twitter Pete's Instagram Pete's Linkedin

Dan is a high-performance coach, with a career spanning over 15 years of work in elite sport, both in the UK and the USA including the UK Sports Institute, England rugby 7's and the Houston Astro's MLB team to name a few. Dan lectures at Brighton University and is also the founder of Collaborate sports where he is passionate about creating real-world learning opportunities for developing coaches and practitioners to enhance their impact and success within performance sport organisations. What You'll Learn: In this episode, Dan shares his experience, some of his main challenges, how he has maintained a successful career whilst having a balanced life outside of work, why he founded collaborate sports and the skillsets he offers to practitioners and finally what he sees needs to change in sport to facilitate the full potential of practitioners. Talking Points: Learning from mistakes Self-preservation and developing comfort in being vulnerable Self-awareness and leadership The issue with blindly moving through the ranks Agile solutions in the moment Being brave enough to challenge the status quo If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Connect with Dan: Collaborate sports Dan's X Dan's Instagram Dan's LinkedIn

Kaarle is a former professional cyclist with a 15-year career that led her to being at the top of her sport of track sprint cycling in Australia and the world. During her time as an athlete, Kaarle won 4 World Championships, Olympic Bronze (London 2012) and 3 Commonwealth Games Titles. Since retiring in 2021, Kaarle has stepped into the realm of performance practitioner where she was appointed as the coach of the Women's Podium Sprint group for the British Cycling team. She is now both a performance coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport and Deputy Chef Du Mission for the Australian Olympic Committee as they head into the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. What You'll Learn: In this episode, Kaarle shares he very unique lens of both a world-class athlete and a high-performance coach. You'll experience what an inspiration she is with regard to her integrity and courage to do things against the accepted "norm." We dive deep into her personal journey, the areas she's struggled with personally and professionally, and the non-technical attributes she has developed in her self-growth to allow her to have perspective and the courage to live with such strong integrity. Talking Points: What made a good practitioner/coach vs a great one Why Kaarle left her coaching role with British cycling Kaarle's 3 pillars of coaching Boundaries and protecting time The key non-technical skills that have helped Kaarle, and what she feel is important for practitioners to develop in themselves (non-technical) What makes an elite performance staff department environment in Kaarle's experience If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Kaarle's LinkedIn article Clarifying High Performance and the Role, Responsibilities, and Requisite Attributes of the High-Performance Director in American Professional Sport: Paper Here

Ben has a vast array of experience and is currently Head of Strength & Conditioning at Inter Miami CF. Previously he has worked at the pinnacle of rugby at Saracens and England as well as the pinnacle of English football at the English FA with both men's and female national teams including European championships and world cups. Ben is also passionate about helping high-performance coaches, practitioners & and graduates get better results through clarity, systems & and processes. Ben radiates clarity, intention and the embodiment of processes. What You'll Learn: In this episode, Ben shares his experience, advice and fantastic insight into how he tackles challenges head-on with intention that has enabled him to have a sustainable career as a practitioner at the elite end of professional sport. Talking Points: Ben's experience of burnout and what he did to recover Ben's North Star with regards to the optimal performance department Why intention is crucial The importance of knowing self in 360 degrees Facing challenges head-on Intentionally seeking memories vs the easy route The non-negotiable boundaries How Ben detaches from the pressures of work If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Flow Genome Project Stealing Fire Rise of Superman Connect with Ben: The Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning Playbook Linkedin

Jack's career path has been pretty unconventional. He is currently Head of Sports Science at Everton FC. Previously he has spent the last 10 years at Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, and Celtic. An incredible resumé that many in the industry would love to have. His experience is pretty unique, and the way he leads is also in a less common style from what I've heard in many discussions with practitioners. And this is why I'm excited to have Jack on this episode What You'll Learn: In this episode, we dive into his personal experience and what has enabled him to operate successfully as a practitioner in these high-performance environments. As well as some of the struggles Jack has had to navigate, which may not be obvious when you look at a resumé like Jack's. Talking Points: Jack's struggle with imposter syndrome and how he works with it Importance of belonging and connection for true open innovation & collaboration The power of honesty How Jack experienced the grief after Nick Broad died What did PSG & Chelsea do well that made him feel supported and a sense of belonging What can performance environments learn from this? How do we get access to more percentage points of potential within the human side of practitioners within this system? How Jack detaches from the pressures of work If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Making Sense of Complexity (Cynefin) by Dave Snowden Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R. Sunstein Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Connect with Jack: Jack's LinkedIn Jack's website: Swoop Consults

Stu Singer is a highly experienced sport psychologist (PsyD, ABD), performance consultant and founder of WellPerformance, who has worked with teams in the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, Major League Soccer, & the National Women's Soccer League He's passionate about helping people sharpen their high-performance skills in a healthy, sustainable way. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss Stu's own challenges that he has faced as a practitioner in performance sports, and how he sees the issues affecting practitioners in elite sports through the lens of a psychologist. Talking Points: Getting it “wrong” as a practitioner, overworking and how that impacted his life How he now stays anchored to his values The importance of walking the walk with regards to values and practices to maintain optimal self The challenge of breaking self-imposed stories and the freedom that creates Best practices for practitioners to think about for a sustainable career His perspective as a trained sport psych on what he sees that needs to change within sport If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching Program - 1-1 & Group options: Read Full Details Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life by Jon Kabat-Zin Clarifying High Performance and the Role, Responsibilities, and Requisite Attributes of the High-Performance Director in American Professional Sport: Paper Here Connect with Stu: Stu's Website: Well Performance DOSO Mindfulness App: Check it out Follow Stu on Twitter Follow Stu on Instagram

Tulshi is a highly experienced coach and has worked for elite organisations such as Hintsa Performance and Mercedes AMG Petronas, where was the first performance manager and coach for the world championship-winning Formula One team. Tulshi is the founder of the podcast: Unapologetically You. Tulshi and her co-host Kelly discuss their personal experiences regarding exhaustion, stress and anxiety and how you can find ways to integrate healthier habits to prevent burnout and build happier, healthier relationships at work and home. Tulshi has also recently published her first book Happiness Within: A Journey of Reflection and Self-Discovery What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss Tulshi's burnout, the challenges in being able to see it, and the process of reflection that has unlocked significant freedom in her career and life. Tulshi is another powerful female voice to add a perspective that I don't have with regards to the nuances female coaches experience in elite sport and her wisdom with regards to reflection and self-growth. Talking Points: Tulshi's inner drivers that led her into a career in pro sport Her process of burnout and how she overcame it The process of reflection Tulshi uses that enables her to live authentically and with integrity The key practices Tulshi uses to support her health and wellbeing If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Connect with Tulshi Follow on Youtube Follow on Instagram Tulshi's book: Happiness Within: A Journey of Reflection and Self-Discovery Tulshi's Website

Ivi is a Performance Coach and sport scientist from Brazil who has worked at the top level in professional female soccer. She was recently part of the Brazil team at the 2023 Women World Cup. Her current position is now working for the Ireland Senior Women's football team and as lead sport scientist at Lewes FC. She is passionate about not only the holistic physical preparation of athletes but also empowering young coaches in their own journeys in the world of sports. Through the mentorship she leads, Ivi shares her own journey and experiences to provide guidance for young coaches in order to help and support them in their own career. What You'll Learn In this episode, we dive into the human connection aspect of performance. We discuss why taking personal responsibility is crucial to curating our experience in career and life. By doing so it will unlock the shackles that currently hold back most high-performance environments. We also discuss some of Ivi's struggles in her career, how she navigates those struggles and what she sees as the next steps we need to take as practitioners to evolve our environments into ones that utilise our full potential. This is a really great conversation because we cover topics that are hidden and rarely spoken about within the seriousness of performance sport Talking Points: Ivi's inner drivers that led her into a career in pro sport The areas she's struggled with personally and professionally The non-technical attributes she has developed in her own journey of understanding herself The importance of connecting to feelings and practical ways of embracing authenticity What non-technical skills she feels are crucial to empower us as practitioners and coaches If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Connect with Ivi Follow Ivi on Twitter Follow Ivi on Instagram Ivi's Website & Mentorship

Welcome episode 3 of The Untapped Potential Podcast with today's guest Keir Wenham-Flatt Anyone who knows Keir will know he has some strong perspectives with regard to performance sport, which is why I wanted to bring his voice to the podcast. Keir has a vast amount of experience as a strength & conditioning coach across many elite environments, most notably in professional rugby. From NRL, Argentina Rugby, & Japanese Rugby, and stints at American universities. He also founded, built and now sold the very successful Strength Coach Network. However, this is NOT why I wanted to talk with him. What You'll Learn In this episode, we dive into the non-technical aspects of performance. We discuss some of Keir's struggles in his career, how he's navigated his struggles and what he sees as the next steps we need to take as practitioners to evolve our environments into ones that utilise our full potential. This is a side of Keir you may not have seen before, which is why I feel it's a powerful episode of the Untapped Potential Podcast. Talking Points: Keir's inner drivers that lead him into a career in pro sport The achievement feedback loop His struggles with low self-esteem and how he's overcome that The non-technical attributes he has developed in his own journey of self-growth What non-technical attributes he empowers the practitioners and coaches in SCN to develop The 4 P's of job selection How practitioners can create freedom to choose their working environment Where do we go from here? If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details The Status Game by Will Storr Waking Up by Sam Harris Transcendence by Scott Barry Kaufman Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson Flow Genome Project Connect with Keir: Strength Coach Money Moves Keir's Twitter Keir's Instagram

Welcome to this episode of the Untapped Potential podcast with today's guest Callum Walsh. Callum is a hugely experienced practitioner who has over 15 years of experience in elite performance management. He has worked in several leagues and competitions across different cultures and continents, including the Premier League, Euro 2016 Championship, Championship, League 2, Turkish Super Lig, and Brazilian Serie A. He has also collaborated with various coaches and stakeholders at multiple levels, from international senior and junior teams to world-leading performance institutes such as EXOS and Aspire Academy. His mission is to apply his scientific knowledge, practical skills, and cultural awareness to help athletes and teams of staff achieve their full potential. And this is why I wanted Callum to be on the untapped potential podcast. His voice in the space of helping coaches and practitioners is greatly needed and I'm super excited to share this with you, particularly around his own personal struggles, the solutions he has used personally and his doctorate research. What You'll Learn In this episode, we dive into the non-technical aspects of performance that underpin the success or failure of a performance department. We also discuss some of Callum's struggles in his career, how he's navigated his struggles and what he sees as the next steps we need to take to as practitioners to begin to evolve our environments into ones that begin to utilise our full potential. Hit the play button now. Talking Points: Callum's inner drivers that lead him into a career in pro sport The areas he's struggled with personally and professionally The non-technical attributes he has developed in his own journey of understanding self What his doctorate is revealing about our performance environments What non-technical he feels are crucial to empower us as practitioners and coaches If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Clarifying High Performance and the Role, Responsibilities, and Requisite Attributes of the High-Performance Director in American Professional Sport: Paper Here The Creative Brilliance of Dyslexia: Watch Here Connect with Callum: Callum's Linkedin Callum's Twitter

Welcome to the Untapped Potential podcast with its host Richard Husseiny. Untapped Potential focuses on real stories from performance practitioners that highlight the inconvenient truths within performance sport that affect so many. We are guided by measuring our success by external benchmarks, fueled by a relentless drive to upskill only through the technical lens. This leaves us with huge blindspots within ourselves that limit our happiness and the impact we deliver. It's easy to learn the scientific principles of our trade. The hard part is mastering our human side, which has been forgotten amidst the data, programs, promotions, medals won & papers published. In this podcast, we aim to carve out the non-technical specific skills required to thrive and activate the untapped potential within the men and women who serve in the support roles behind the world's best athletes. This Untapped Potential unlocks the qualities that are most important for you to show up in your role, career and life in your fullest expression - leading to a desperately needed change in culture within our high-performance environments that unlocks profound impact and deeper fulfilment in your being. Richard shares the reasons why this podcast is here, what you as a practitioner are going to get from it and you'll learn some of Richard's personal story about what drove him to create Men Behind Sport in the first place. Talking Points Why this podcast has been created What to expect from this podcast My journey to founding Men Behind Sport My research: Common themes, the cost, real examples Solution: Beyond the Coach a.k.a. Practitioner Needs Analysis (taking personal responsibility) If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it. Resources: Men Behind Sport: www.menbehindsport.com Practitioner Needs Analysis Coaching (1-1 & GROUP OPTIONS): Read Full Details Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Symptoms and Well-Being Among Elite Sport Coaches and High-Performance Support Staff: Read Full Article Beware of the blues: Wellbeing of coaches and support staff throughout the Olympic Games: Read Full Article Stakeholder conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness in English Premier League Football academies: Read Full Article Man's Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust by Viktor E. Frankl Read Book

Welcome to the Untapped Potential Podcast The podcast focused on the men and women behind sport who serve the world's best athletes. My research of 160 highly successful practitioners supporting some of the world's greatest athletes, on one level, achieved a great deal within high-performance sports and academia. Yet on a much more personal level, many are quietly suffering to maintain the perception of being successful and happy. This is the inconvenient truth sitting just under the surface within our high-performance environments. Practitioners are driven to make an impact in high-performance sport yet feel lost with direction, stuck and pigeonholed by their identity in sport, and are consistently hovering at the brink of burnout from improving athletes at the expense of themselves. The cost of this truth ranges from divorce, absent parent, and physical and mental illness, all of which contribute to limiting the performance impact we all strive so hard to achieve. The human element has been forgotten. with many top practitioners now finding ways to leave our beloved industry. Until now this message has been just through my voice, as the conversations I've had have been confidential. It is now time to bring you those conversations from the practitioners themselves who are stepping up to support the change so desperately needed in our high-performance environments. Athletes have a vast array of options within their support network, but there is very little currently aimed at offering this unique support for senior performance staff. The Untapped Potential is the voice of the Practitioner. We are guided by measuring our individual success by external benchmarks, fueled by a relentless drive to upskill only through the technical lens. This leaves us with huge blindspots within ourselves that limit our happiness and the impact we deliver. It's easy to learn the scientific principles and X's & O's of our trade. The hard part is mastering our human side, which has been forgotten amidst the data, programs, promotions, medals & papers published. In this podcast, we aim to carve out the non-technical specific skills required to thrive and activate the untapped potential within the men and women who serve in the support roles behind the world's best athletes. This Untapped Potential unlocks the qualities that are most important for you to show up in your role, career and life in your fullest expression - leading to a desperately needed change in culture within our high-performance environments that unlocks profound impact and deeper fulfilment in your being. Episode 1 will be released in January 2024. This trailer is for you to spread the word. Sign up to make sure you catch the release of the untapped potential - The voice of the practitioner is here. See you in January 2024!