The Olympic Mindset Podcast

What if standing differently could change your life?Dr. Amy Cuddy is a world-renowned social psychologist, bestselling author of Presence, and the mind behind one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time. Her research on body language, personal power, and self-efficacy has transformed how people show up in high-stakes moments—from job interviews to leadership roles.In this raw and insightful conversation with Dominic Broad, Amy reveals how nonverbal behaviour can shape how we think, feel, and connect with others.She discusses:Why confidence is about presence, not pretendingThe power of self-affirmation to reduce stress and improve performanceThe dangerous collapse in confidence many girls experience in adolescenceHow we can help kids—and ourselves—take up more spaceWhy kindness and trust matter more than strength in leadershipHer journey through bullying, Harvard, and parentingTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights03:04 The Power of Body Language05:56 Stereotypes and Gender Dynamics08:48 Encouraging Empowerment in Children11:58 Self-Efficacy vs. Self-Confidence15:02 The Role of Body Language in Relationships17:52 The Impact of Power Poses20:53 Cultural Perceptions of Power24:11 The Importance of Personal Networks26:55 Psychology in Everyday Life29:59 Leadership and Personal Power33:00 Navigating Relationships and Kindness36:01 Reflections on Bullying and Support38:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts45:24 Teaching Excellence at HBS47:35 Building Trust as a Leader52:02 Understanding Trust Cues57:03 Embracing Opportunities and Risks01:01:40 The Journey of Leadership01:06:08 Overcoming Procrastination01:11:39 Finding Purpose and Passion01:14:23 Advice for Young Leaders01:17:00 Nurturing Children's AgencySound Bites: "You're not a noun, you're a verb." "Girls start to collapse." "Trust before strength." "Personal power activates the approach system." "You can't please everyone."dyLanguage #Confidence #SelfEfficacy #Presence #Leadership #Trust #PowerPoses #Kindness #Mindset #Empowerment

Bonus Episode:In this episode of the Olympic Mindset Podcast, Daniel Dawkins, managing director of Aspire People, shares his insights on leadership challenges, particularly focusing on imposter syndrome, the recruitment crisis in education, and the importance of creating a supportive culture for teachers. He discusses the shift in perception of teaching from a vocation to a profession, the significance of mental health and wellbeing, and the need for schools to prepare supply teachers effectively. Daniel emphasizes the noble nature of teaching and the importance of self-care for educators.TakeawaysImposter syndrome is a common challenge for leaders.Hard work and self-belief are crucial for overcoming doubts.The recruitment crisis in education is a pressing issue.Reducing barriers to teacher training is essential.Teaching should be viewed as a vocation, not just a job.Inclusive school cultures lead to better outcomes for students and teachers.Mental health and wellbeing are vital for educators.Teachers need support and preparation when entering new environments.A good diet and exercise contribute to mental health.Education recruitment should prioritize the wellbeing of teachers.Sound Bites"Hard work beats talent every time.""Behaviour is communication.""We love teachers."Chapters00:00 Navigating Leadership Challenges03:06 The Recruitment Crisis in Education06:09 The Shift in Teaching as a Vocation08:57 Creating a Positive School Culture12:05 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Education14:53 Managing Mental Health and Wellbeing18:03 The Future of Teaching and Recruitment

Who would play you in a Hollywood movie about your life? Darren Cox is one of few living people to have his life and achievements taken to the silver screen. In this thrilling episode Dom's joined by Darren Cox, the visionary behind Gran Turismo Academy, named after the popular PlayStation game. Discover Darren’s journey from transforming virtual racing into a real-world motorsport phenomenon to his insights on achieving excellence in high-pressure environments. Darren shares his strategies for overcoming challenges, embracing innovation, and realising your full potential. Check out www.OMPcoach.com to learn more

Have you ever felt like you don't fit in?Kavitta Ghai discovered her lack of belonging in the school system was as a result of her autism and ADHD. She has since harnessed these challenges and used them as her 'superpowers' on her journey to raising $6.3 Million!Join us as we welcome Kavitta Ghai, co-founder and CEO of Nectir, who shares her inspiring journey, the challenges of raising funding and what it means to be VC backed.Discover how neurodivergence has fuelled her creativity, innovation, and resilience in life and business. Kavitta dives into the mindset shifts that helped her overcome challenges, build a successful company, and turn obstacles into opportunities.This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to embrace their uniqueness and unlock their true potential.

Fatima Whitbread – Nature vs. Nurture: Overcoming Trauma to Become a ChampionIn this episode of The Olympic Mindset Podcast, we are joined by the legendary Fatima Whitbread, an Olympic medalist, World Champion javelin thrower, and a beacon of resilience. Fatima’s story is one of extraordinary courage, as she overcame a harrowing childhood marked by trauma and abuse to rise to the pinnacle of sport.We explore the powerful interplay of nature versus nurture in shaping her journey, from the influence of raw talent to the transformative power of finding love, belonging, and purpose. Fatima shares deeply personal insights into how she turned pain into fuel, channeling her struggles into a relentless drive for success.This conversation isn’t just about athletics—it’s about the human spirit and the mindset required to triumph against all odds. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, battling your own challenges, or curious about what it takes to be a true champion, Fatima’s story will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.Tune in to hear how Fatima Whitbread embodies The Olympic Mindset: resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of transformation.

Unlocking Peak Performance with Professor Steve PetersIn this compelling episode, we welcome Professor Steve Peters, world-renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author of The Chimp Paradox. Learn how to understand and manage your inner chimp, the primal part of the brain that can either derail or drive your success.Professor Peters shares his revolutionary mental framework, which has been a game-changer for elite athletes, leaders, and individuals striving for peak performance including Steven Gerrard, Sir Chris Hoy, Ronnie O'Sullivan and the Liverpool Football team.Discover actionable strategies to:Boost mental resilienceMaster emotional controlImprove overall well-beingWhether you’re aiming for personal growth or professional excellence, this episode offers powerful tools to unlock your full potential.The man behind the success of Steven Gerrard, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Sir Chris Hoy!

In this exclusive live episode of The Olympic Mindset Podcast, we bring together two titans of leadership in their respective fields to dive deep into the realities of leading at the highest level.The CEO of a multi-academy trust shares candid insights into the pressures of running educational institutions, the bold idea of decoupling trusts, and the toughest challenges facing education leaders today. What does it take to inspire teachers and students in a system under strain?Joining the conversation, Christian Malcolm, Team GB's Head Coach, reveals the untold lessons from coaching elite athletes, the parallels between sport and education, and how to build resilient, high-performing teams when the stakes couldn’t be higher.This is a raw, unfiltered look at leadership under pressure, tackling the intersections of ambition, strategy, and well-being in education and elite sport. If you’re a CEO, educator, coach, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is for you.🎙️ Listen now and discover the mindset required to thrive when the odds are stacked against you.Keywords: education leadership, multi-academy trusts, Christian Malcolm, Team GB, elite coaching, challenges in education, high-performance teams, resilience, leadership podcast, The Olympic Mindset Podcast.

Will It Make the Team Go Faster? Ben Hunt-Davis on Getting Everyone AlignedIn this powerful episode of The Olympic Mindset Podcast, our host sits down with Ben Hunt-Davis, Olympic gold medallist and author of Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?, to explore how leaders can get their teams fully aligned behind a common goal. Ben doesn’t just talk about winning medals; he reveals how the same mindset that powered his rowing team to Olympic gold can be applied to leadership and business.Ben shares:The one question that transformed his team’s performance and can do the same for yoursHow to create laser-focused goals that everyone buys intoThe key to building a culture where every decision is driven by resultsWhether you’re leading a company or managing a small team, Ben’s insights will give you practical strategies to drive better results, get your staff on board, and create a winning mindset across the organization.This is a must-listen episode for anyone serious about team performance, leadership, and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

In this episode of The Olympic Mindset Podcast, host Dominic Broad sits down with renowned sleep expert and physiologist Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan to explore the p connection between sleep, energy management, and high performance. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ramlakhan shares practical insights into how athletes, leaders, and professionals can improve their sleep habits and reduce stress to optimize both physical and mental well-being.Dominic and Dr. Ramlakhan dive into topics such as:The importance of quality sleep for sustained peak performanceSimple daily habits to enhance energy levels and reduce burnoutThe science behind “Tired but Wired” and how to combat itPractical tools for achieving work-life balance in high-pressure environmentsRecognising trauma and ACES, and how to overcomeWhether you’re a professional, athlete, or leader looking to boost performance or someone seeking better sleep and overall health, this episode offers actionable takeaways.n this episode of The Olympic Mindset Podcast, host Dominic Broad sits down with renowned sleep expert and physiologist Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan to explore the profound connection between sleep, energy management, and high performance. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ramlakhan shares practical insights into how athletes, leaders, and professionals can improve their sleep habits and reduce stress to optimize both physical and mental well-being.Dominic and Dr. Ramlakhan dive into topics such as:The importance of quality sleep for sustained peak performanceSimple daily habits to enhance energy levels and reduce burnoutThe science behind “Tired but Wired” and how to combat itPractical tools for achieving work-life balance in high-pressure environmentsWhether you’re a professional, athlete, or leader looking to boost performance or someone seeking better sleep and overall health, this episode offers actionable takeaways.Tune in to learn from Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, and discover how to unlock your best self through better sleep and energy management!