#40 Coach K’s Playbook: Inside the Leadership DNA of Duke Basketball
What does it take to build a dynasty — not just in sport, but in life?In this episode of Performers, we go deep into the mind of Mike Krzyzewski — better known as Coach K — the winningest coach in college basketball history. His autobiography Leading with the Heart is more than a book on hoops — it’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, team culture, and adaptive leadership.Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down Coach K’s high-performance philosophy — from game-day adjustments to lifelong traditions — and discover what it truly takes to lead with strength, humility, and courage.In this episode, you’ll discover:🏀 Why reliability beats predictability in leadership 🧠 The mental preparation behind real-time adjustments 🗣️ How presence, posture, and tone become coaching tools 🔥 The moment Duke flipped the script on UNLV — and why they were ready 💡 Why elite teams don’t just execute — they reset 📖 The power of tradition and why identity shapes performance 🎯 Why the best leaders ask: “What does this group need right now?”Whether you're a coach, athlete, entrepreneur, or leader in any field, this episode will challenge you to reflect, reset, and lead with purpose.Support the show by paying what you can here: DONATEListen on Spotify: SpotifyListen on Apple: AppleWatch & Listen on YouTube: YouTubeBuy the book: Leading with the Heart Socials:Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/ Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/ Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
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#39 Think Like a Grandmaster: The Psychology of Success with Garry Kasparov
What separates the elite from the exceptional? Is greatness just talent — or something deeper, more deliberate?In this episode of Performers, we explore the mind of Garry Kasparov — chess grandmaster, world champion, and one of the most formidable strategic thinkers of all time. His book How Life Imitates Chess is more than a treatise on the game; it's a playbook for decision-making under pressure, self-awareness, and long-term performance.Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they decode Kasparov’s lessons — from growing up in the Soviet Union to battling IBM’s Deep Blue — and uncover what it truly means to lead, think, and perform at the highest level.♟️ Why talent is nothing without environment 🧠 The true meaning of self-awareness in decision-making 🔥 How to build intuition through reps, reflection, and risk ⚔️ Why aggression, done right, creates psychological pressure 💡 What separates tactical thinkers from long-term strategists 🚧 How success breeds complacency — and how to avoid it 🎯 How to use failure, not fear it, as a pathway to masteryWhether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or someone chasing high performance, this episode is your invitation to sharpen your strategy, master your mind, and play to win — in every arena.Support the show by paying what you can here: DONATEListen on Spotify: SpotifyListen on Apple: AppleWatch & Listen on YouTube: YouTubeBuy the book: How life imitates ChessSocials:Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/ Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/ Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chapters00:00 The Foundation of Success: Talent vs. Hard Work05:51 The Role of Environment in Performance10:47 Discipline and Imagination in Strategy14:58 The Importance of Self-Awareness17:42 Adapting to Change: The Key to Success21:21 The Power of Asking 'Why?' in Strategy24:56 Tactics vs. Strategy: Understanding the Difference29:07 Navigating Pressure: The Importance of Planning31:07 The Power of Innovation32:54 Embracing Failure for Success34:15 The Importance of Decision-Making36:25 The Role of Intuition in Performance41:13 Aggression and Psychological Pressure44:30 Complacency: The Silent Enemy49:41 The Impact of Catastrophic Losses54:40 Human Intuition vs. Machine Calculation56:51 Lessons from Performance Reviews
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#38 Bowled Over: Freddie Flintoff’s Fight With Demons and Discipline
What does it take to go from a working-class kid in Lancashire to becoming one of England’s most iconic cricketers?How do you navigate fame, failure, and ferocious expectation — while hiding the battles no one else sees?In Second Innings, Freddie Flintoff lifts the lid on life beyond the boundary — from Test match highs to private struggles with identity, eating disorders, and pressure. It’s a brutally honest account of what it means to perform when the world is watching… and when your biggest opponent lives in your own head.Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they unpack the mental highs, emotional lows, and powerful mindset shifts behind Flintoff’s unforgettable career — and what it means for your own pursuit of excellence.🏏 How Flintoff’s working-class roots shaped his resilience and drive. 🧠 Why emotional chaos — not calm — became a secret weapon. 🔥 The creation of “Freddie” — a performance persona built to survive elite sport. 💡 How self-awareness, not sport psychology, helped him find clarity under pressure. 🎯 The cost of chasing meaning over money in a professional system. 🏆 Why true performance is about connection — to self, team, and purpose.Freddie Flintoff’s story isn’t just about wickets and wins — it’s about managing your mindset when the spotlight’s blinding, the dressing room’s cold, and your body is breaking down. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or someone navigating your own “second innings,” this episode will challenge the way you think about resilience, identity, and what success really means.Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspodListen on Spotify: SpotifyListen on Apple: AppleWatch & Listen on YouTube: YouTubeBuy the book: Fred Flintoff 2nd Innings Socials:Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/ Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/ Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chapters00:00 The Elusive Balance of Emotions03:42 Introduction to Andrew Flintoff06:38 Flintoff's Early Life and Family Influence10:30 The Duality of Andrew and Freddie15:05 The Importance of Belonging in Cricket20:15 Navigating Early Career Challenges25:12 The Missionary vs. Mercenary Mindset30:38 Struggles with Identity and Eating Disorders33:40 Mental Challenges in Performance38:42 The Role of Leadership in Team Dynamics40:52 The Pressure of the Ashes45:14 Managing Performance Anxiety49:20 Mind Games and Warm-Ups51:05 The Joy of Winning54:09 The Power of Visualization#PerformersPodcast #FreddieFlintoff #AndrewFlintoff #SecondInnings #MindsetMatters #CricketMindset #AthleteMentalHealth #MentalPerformance #HighPerformance #SportsPsychology #CricketLife #AshesHero #PerformanceUnderPressure #ResilienceInSport #InnerGame #DualIdentity #VisualisationTraining #SportAndStruggle #EatPerformRepeat #FromLancsToLords #CricketCulture #PressurePerformer #FredVsAndrew #PlayingWithFire #EmotionalResilience #DressingRoomCulture #PerformancePsychology #AthleteWellbeing #MissionOverMoney #BelongingInSport #MentalToughness #SelfAwarenessWins #UnmaskingThePerformer #MindsetOfChampions #EnglandCricket #RedRosePride #Ashes2005 #BehindThePersona
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#37 Fueling the Dream: How Lewis Hamilton Conquered F1
What does it take to rise from a council estate in England to become the greatest driver in Formula One history?How do you turn sacrifice, pressure, and expectation into unstoppable momentum?In My Story, Lewis Hamilton reveals the grit, mindset, and family devotion behind his meteoric rise — from racing remote-control cars in his hallway to standing on Formula 1 podiums around the world. This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a masterclass in focus, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they unpack the lessons, stories, and strategies behind Hamilton’s incredible journey — and how you can apply them to your own pursuit of greatness.In this episode, you’ll discover:🏎️ How Lewis’s family built an environment for high performance from humble beginnings. 🧠 Why emotional management — not just talent — is the secret weapon of elite performers. 🔥 The "engine room" parenting model that shaped Hamilton’s competitive fire. 💡 How to protect your energy and build mental systems for resilience. 🎯 The critical mindset shift from "earning respect" to "chasing mastery." 🏆 What it takes to stay grounded when the world wants to put you on a pedestal.Lewis Hamilton’s story isn’t just about winning races — it’s about winning the internal battles that most people never even see. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode offers powerful strategies to stay humble, stay hungry, and stay ready.Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspodListen on Spotify: SpotifyListen on Apple: AppleWatch & Listen on YouTube: YouTubeBuy the book: Lewis Hamilton: My Story Socials:Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/ Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/ Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Lewis Hamilton's Story03:09 Family Influences: The Role of Parents06:37 Mental Strength: Balancing Emotions and Performance12:25 Finding Inspiration: The Bond with His Brother15:04 Overcoming Challenges: School and Bullying17:11 The Spark of Passion: Discovering Racing25:58 Building a Legacy: The Early Days of Karting25:58 Building Belonging and Confidence27:50 First Principles Thinking in Racing30:46 The Complex Father-Son Relationship32:54 Investment vs. Sacrifice in Racing36:31 The Journey to McLaren39:32 Transitioning to Formula One42:05 The Power of a Quiet Ask45:58 Becoming a Team Player50:20 Preparation Beyond the Track55:40 Navigating Sudden Visibility58:08 Team Dynamics and Rivalry01:02:12 The Breakthrough Win01:03:02 Managing Expectations and Tensions01:05:05 The Pressure of Success01:10:07 Coping with Physical Pain01:13:18 Learning from a Rival01:16:15 Navigating Emotional Friction01:19:13 The Final Race and Its Lessons #PerformersPodcast #LewisHamilton #MyStory #FormulaOne #F1Champion #Resilience #MentalStrength #EliteMindset #HighPerformance #F1
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#36 From Rage to Rings: Ray Lewis’s NFL Journey and Unbreakable Mindset
What does it take to rise from abandonment, abuse, and poverty—and become the fiercest linebacker in NFL history?Ray Lewis wasn’t just a force on the football field—he was forged in the fire of adversity. In I Feel Like Going On, Lewis takes us deep into his story: fatherless beginnings, relentless self-discipline, a near-career-ending scandal, and a comeback story for the ages.Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the darkness and drive behind one of football’s most feared—and revered—leaders of all time.🏆 Why pain became Ray’s comfort zone—and the fuel for greatness 🔥 How he turned childhood scars into unmatched discipline and intensity 💪 What it means to chase demons and why some of the best are driven by their darkest wounds 🧠 How Lewis simplified the game—and life—into one relentless principle: beat the man in front of you 💡 Why leadership isn’t always about talking—it’s about showing up, even when it hurtsRay’s story is raw, physical, emotional—and deeply human. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, you’ll walk away with lessons on identity, drive, and how to finish what you start.🎧 Ready to redefine what toughness really means? Press play now.Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspodListen on Spotify: SpotifyListen on Apple: AppleWatch & Listen on YouTube: YouTubeBuy the book: I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory Socials:Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/ Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/ Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Ray Lewis's Early Life06:04 The Impact of Abandonment and Family Dynamics14:04 Finding Solace in Sports: The Role of Football21:40 Mindset and Identity: The Essence of Competition28:00 Confronting the Past: A Father's Absence28:58 The Burden of Legacy31:19 Channeling Anger into Motivation33:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery35:42 Wrestling with Identity and Experience37:41 Cross-Training and Skill Transfer40:03 Chasing Demons for Motivation42:54 The Road to the State Title44:34 The NFL Draft Journey56:45 Trivia and Early Career Insights57:21 The Rise of Ray Lewis58:53 Controversy and Resilience01:00:55 The 2000 Ravens Defense01:02:17 Super Bowl Glory and Personal Triumph01:04:25 Reconnecting with Family01:06:49 Transforming Pain into Purpose01:08:24 The Comeback Journey01:11:15 The Power of Purpose01:15:27 Life Lessons from Ray Lewis
Are you fascinated by greatness? Well, this is NOT another interview podcast! Instead we condense entire autobiographies and take you inside the minds of the world's most extraordinary athletes, coaches, and performers. Your hosts, Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young, are sport psychology experts who will guide you through the pages of autobiographies revealing the mindsets, strategies, and habits that propelled the world’s best to the pinnacle of their fields. 'Performers' is crafted for anyone who aspires to greatness by helping you to extract and apply lessons to your life and career.
South Africa