The High Performance Podcast

When you think of Alun Wyn Jones, you probably think of leadership, loyalty, and a rugby career built on sheer will. But behind the caps, the tackles, and the intensity, there’s a habit that mattered more than any stat: He built what he believed in, and he protected it like it was his.In this episode, we go beyond the legend to explore the mindset that made Alun Wyn Jones not just a great player, but a builder of culture. We talk about the IKEA Effect, the psychological principle that says we value what we build, and how Alun embodied that every day, through effort, not ego.We explore:Why working hard is more than grit, it’s a form of ownershipHow investing in yourself changes the way you show upWhat true leadership looks like when no one’s watchingWhy buy-in is earned through action, not talkThe hidden cost of letting others build for youWhether you’re trying to lead better, show up stronger, or build something that matters, this episode is for you. Because high performance isn’t about flashy moments. It’s about building something worth fighting for.Listen to the full episode with Alun Wyn Jones: https://pod.fo/e/2b6885Here is more information on the studies referenced: The IKEA Effect (Michael I. Norton, Daniel Mochon, Dan Ariely 2012)

Formula One driver Carlos Sainz has always made bold choices, but none bolder than betting on Williams. In this episode, the F1 star opens up about turning down easier options to join a long-term project led by James Vowles, and why trust, people, and honesty mattered more than numbers or hype.He also addresses the Red Bull rumours head-on, sharing his real thoughts on Max Verstappen, why he never made that call, and the reality of playing second fiddle in a team built around one superstar. It’s not bitterness, it’s clarity.Beyond the politics and paddock talk, Carlos gets real about the personal price of chasing a championship: the constant obsession, the missed moments, and the challenge of being present when your mind is always in the car.This episode is a rare look at the mindset behind the helmet, raw, reflective, and deeply human.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners

As UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 builds momentum, here is a powerful conversation with England Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022.In this episode, Sarina shares with Jake and Damian the leadership principles that shaped a Euros-winning team, highlighting the power of connection, clarity, and trust. From her personal grief in the days leading up to EURO 2022 to guiding England to glory, this is a masterclass in calm, values-driven leadership.Listen in as Sarina reveals the power of clarity, connection, and calm leadership, and offers lessons that reach far beyond the pitch.Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/2013d6

This episode is all about something we don’t talk about enough in high performance, not just how we deliver, but how we’re remembered. When I sat down with Gary Barlow, he talked me through something he calls the Show Graph, a way of shaping emotion and energy through a performance. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating moments that connect, and leaving people with something that lasts. And what struck me most? This habit, refined over decades on stage, isn’t just for concerts. It’s something we can all use, whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a talk, launching a product, or just trying to get through to people in a meaningful way. In this episode, we explore:Why people remember moments, not timelinesHow to open with impact, and close with meaningThe emotional architecture behind unforgettable experiencesLessons from the world’s toughest rooms, northern working men’s clubsWhat leaders, teachers and performers can borrow from a world-class showWhether you’re leading a room, launching an idea, or giving a talk that matters, this conversation is a guide to crafting moments that last long after the lights go down.If you’ve ever wanted to communicate in a way that lands, this one’s for you. Listen to the full episode with Gary Barlow: https://pod.fo/e/17fc0bHere is more information on the studies referenced: When More Pain Is Preferred to Less: Adding a Better End (Daniel Kahneman, Barbara Fredrickson, Charles Schreiber, Donald Redelmeier 1993)Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions (Barbara Fredrickson 1998)

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice.In this episode, Mark opens up about the mental toll of refereeing, the loneliness that comes with the job, and the weight of every decision made under the glare of millions. He reflects on his journey from a tough childhood to managing the chaos of modern football, both on the pitch and online.He also shares the reality of dealing with abuse, the pressure from media and fans, and how he built trust with players to take control of the game without backing down.This is powerful insight into the pressure, psychology, and resilience needed to thrive in one of football’s toughest roles.Mark's new podcast 'Whistleblowers' is out now.🚨 PartnersFORA  Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/foraHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it. Use HP50 here: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners

Avoiding tough conversations might feel easier, but it often holds us back.In this episode, Jake and Damian unpack why leaning into difficult conversations is essential for growth, connection, and real leadership. With insights from guests like James Vowles, Emily Maitlis, Charles Duhigg, and Joleon Lescott, they reveal how feedback, when delivered and received with clarity and care, can transform relationships.From reframing criticism to preparing with empathy, they explore practical ways to handle emotional discussions, without defensiveness or blame. Whether it’s shifting from accusation to curiosity or learning to speak with respectful candor, the episode is full of tools you can use right now.Listen in as Jake and Damian explore how mastering hard conversations can unlock trust, growth, and stronger human connection.Here is more information on study by Amy Edmondson and Psychological Safety Listen to the episodes mentioned:Charles Duhigg: https://pod.fo/e/22db6cJoleon Lescott: https://pod.fo/e/25003cLes Ferdinand: https://pod.fo/e/2c5bdaGary Lineker: https://pod.fo/e/12b34cEmily Maitlis: https://pod.fo/e/19028aJames Vowles: https://pod.fo/e/21794fRene Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6

What if the thing that makes you extraordinary isn’t something you’re born with, but something you choose?In this episode, Jason Fox, former Special Forces operator, bestselling author, and host of SAS: Who Dares Wins, shares the habits that helped him move from feeling unremarkable to performing under extreme pressure. Not because he believed he was destined for greatness, but because he learned how to respond when it mattered most.We explore what it means to stay calm in chaos, how to build resilience when life doesn’t go to plan, and the mindset shift that can turn self-doubt into strength.Jason talks about identity, trauma, his daughter’s quiet courage, and the power of asking better questions in difficult moments. Questions like:What would the best version of me do right now?What if I’m more capable than I think?What would courage look like here?This is a conversation about finding your footing when the world tilts, and discovering that the superpower you’re searching for might already be in you.Listen to the full episode with Jason Fox: https://pod.fo/e/24412fHere is more information on the studies referenced: The Batman Effect: Improving Perseverance in Young Children, Published In: Child Development, 2016 Rachel White et al (University of Michigan)

Graeme Lowdon is a seasoned motorsport executive best known for co-founding the Marussia F1 Team. In this episode, Graeme dives into the heartbeat of Formula One as the ultimate team game. He shares how success isn’t just about speed or strategy, but about having a diverse group of talented individuals united by a common purpose. Graeme also opens up about the difficult moments that come with the sport, especially handling loss and uncertainty. He talks candidly about the emotional impact when a team member is hurt and the importance of resilience and trust during those times.This episode offers a rare, honest look at what it takes to build and lead in one of the toughest environments in sport.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners

Who are you when the job title drops away? This episode digs deep into the question we often avoid but desperately need to ask ourselves.Jake and Damian dive into the importance of knowing who you are beyond your role, sharing honest and powerful insights from guests like Simon Sinek, Phil Heath, Ali Abdaal, and John McAvoy. They unpack how easy it is to confuse identity with achievement, and why that can leave us lost when the spotlight fades.From writing your own obituary to asking a friend what truly makes you you, this episode offers simple yet profound ways to reconnect with your real self, beyond the job, the status, or the performance.It’s a grounding reminder to live with purpose, let go of regret, and define success on your own terms.Listen to the episodes mentioned:Simon Sinek: https://pod.fo/e/18ee0ePhill Heath: https://pod.fo/e/2313e6Ali Abdaal: https://pod.fo/e/213471John McAvoy: https://pod.fo/e/f0815