Talking Performance

The rugby is just the price of entry. Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw explains what he believes actually wins: a curious, competitive mindset that turns into daily habits, and a coaching group willing to be coached itself.Laidlaw's path runs from rugby development in Taranaki, to the Hurricanes as an assistant, to relegation with London Irish, to head coach of the All Blacks Sevens through COVID and an Olympic final, and back to 15s. Now he's the Super Rugby champion coach. Jay Carter, who has spent time with both Laidlaw and the Chiefs, asks what the Hurricanes do differently.Laidlaw shares:Why he brings in outsiders like coach developer Rusty Earnshaw and Christian Penny, and the bumps and bruises that came with Rusty's first visitThe difference between coaching (the X's and O's) and leading (how intentional you are with relationships and environment)The mistake that cost the Hurricanes a sticky patch last season, when they didn't take senior players with them early enoughHow being bottom of the table after five games taught him that "nearly there" doesn't mean you'll get there next yearHow his response to a player turning up late has changed, including a story about leaving two starters at the hotelWhy he's focused on "going backwards to come forwards" and resisting what he calls the disease of moreYou'll also hear about new private ownership, the demands on young professional players, how he thinks about leadership groups, and the three words he'd want players to use to describe him.Most teams chase more plays and more rugby things. This conversation makes the case for refining what you do well, building the right people around you, and being slow to react to small problems. It matters if you coach, lead a team, or want to see what sits behind a championship environment.Perfect for coaches, leaders and anyone curious about high performance culture. It's a candid, tangent-friendly chat with a coach who admits he got plenty wrong along the way.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

In this episode, Jay Carter shares a podcast with Ian Renshaw & Keith Davids of The Constraints Collective. They explore the evolution of skill acquisition theories, ecological dynamics, and practical coaching applications across various sports. They discuss how understanding perception, action, and environmental constraints can enhance athlete development and performance. If you want to learn more from Ian and Keith two titans in the space check out their podcast and learning materials at The Constraints Collective.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

In this episode, Craig Harrison discusses his new book 'Coach by Design' and explores innovative approaches to coaching that emphasize environment design, learner agency, and systemic change in sports. This conversation offers practical insights for coaches aiming to foster holistic, adaptable, and engaging learning environments.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

***THIS IS A REPUBLISHED EPISODE FROM 2024***Foxy is fresh off winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and I thought it would be a great time to re listen to his podcast. With what he achieved in mind so much makes sense, his mindset is world class and he almost perfectly describes how he played the 18th at Birkdale by describing what he does under pressure.It is a cool listen, I do hope to get Foxy back on once the dust settles and do a follow up on this episode, but in the mean time I think you will both enjoy this and get a lot out of it. Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

In this episode of Talking Performance we explore how systems thinking and complexity science reshape our understanding of sports performance, injury prevention, and organizational change. Scott McLean, a seasoned researcher and consultant, dives deep into how integrated systems and holistic insights can help clubs and practitioners breakthrough traditional barriers.In this episode: Scott McLean’s background in sport science and transition into complexity consultancy The fundamental principles of systems thinking and emergence in sports performance How complexity influences injury mechanisms, athlete behavior, and team dynamics The importance of shared understanding and communication across disciplines The pitfalls of reductionist approaches and the risks of Fixes that Fail archetype Strategies to integrate holistic system perspectives into decision-making Practical examples from football, golf, and elite sports organizations The role of culture, language, and diversity in managing complex sports environments Challenges and opportunities with AI, data overload, and the future of sports science .Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

In this episode of Talking Performance, Dan Vann shares his journey from sports coaching to mental skills and performance coaching, highlighting practical strategies for stress management, goal setting, and resilience. Discover how integrating mental skills can enhance performance in sports, corporate, and everyday life.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

Most leaders and coaches are afraid of showing their vulnerability, in this interview Cameron Schwab reveals why your “limp” is actually your greatest strength in leadership. At just 24, he became the youngest AFL CEO in history, navigating a club in deep struggle while grappling with his own insecurities. Now, he shares how embracing imperfections, drawing out your true self, and cultivating a growth-oriented mindset can unlock authentic leadership and foster powerful trust. In this candid conversation, Cameron discusses the crucial difference between leadership based on authenticity versus performance masks.Cameron dives into how past experiences, family influence, and risk-taking shape the way we lead—especially when confronting complexity and ambiguity. We break down practical frameworks inspired by Rick Rubin and insights from elite sport to help you create environments where trust, honesty, and growth thrive.You'll learn: Why having a “limp” — a metaphor for your vulnerabilities and mistakes — is key to genuine influence. How to communicate with integrity and meet people where they are — even in challenging organizational cultures. The four essential coaching postures: sounding board, truth teller, idea sharer, and partner — and how to use them to navigate tough conversations. The importance of mental resilience and self-awareness in avoiding ego-driven leadership pitfalls. How to design a systems approach to leadership that empowers others and sustains success amid chaos. Whether you're an aspiring leader, coach, or simply passionate about creating meaningful influence, this episode is a masterclass in turning vulnerability into your most strategic asset. Cameron's honest stories, layered insights, and fresh perspectives will inspire you to reframe your approach to authenticity, trust, and growth. Perfect for those ready to lead with integrity and embrace the full complexity of human performance.Cameron Schwab is a thought leader in leadership development, known for his innovative work with CEOs and high performers. His journey from AFL's youngest CEO to thought-provoking artist and coach provides a unique vantage point on human resilience, self-discovery, and organizational culture.If you're committed to leading from the heart while navigating the uncertainty of modern work and life, this episode will shift your perspective and power your next move. Ready to embrace your limp and unlock your true influence? Hit play now.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

In this episode I speak to Richard (RJ) Smith as he reflects on the evolution of athlete and coach development. RJ emphasises simplicity, critical thinking, and the power of relationships in high-performance environments. This conversation explores practical strategies for coaching, self-awareness, and fostering meaningful growth in sports and beyond. In this episode:The shift towards simplicity in coaching and athlete developmentHow experience and knowledge enable coaches to simplify without losing depthThe importance of critical thinking and self-reflection for continuous improvementStrategies for developing reflective practices and getting honest feedbackManaging diversity of athletes and balancing long-term growth versus immediate performanceThe concept of mattering and its impact on how coaches build trust and connectionLeveraging peer-to-peer coaching and social learning to accelerate developmentThe potential of integrated regional approaches for coach education and collaborationPractical approaches to foster a culture of innovation and experimentationFuture directions for coach development and leadership succession planningThis conversation highlights the significance of intentionality, the power of social learning, and the importance of trust and authenticity in leadership. It invites coaches to reflect on their practices, embrace experimentation, and develop a systems approach to sustainable high performance.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

Join us in this insightful episode where Christian Penny shares his expertise bridging Māori Tikanga, leadership, and complexity science to foster better collaboration, innovation, and performance in sports, business, and communities. Discover how cultural frameworks enhance team dynamics and how to navigate uncertainty with confidence.In this episode:Christian's background spanning from arts to high-performance sports leadershipThe role of Tikanga Māori as practical tools, not just cultural practicesHow different cultural environments influence dialogue and silenceThe importance of diversity and difference in team settingsStrategies for cultivating leadership skills that embrace complexityThe art of listening, silence, and presence in high-stakes environmentsThe significance of shared purpose and inquiry in evolving systemsPractical examples from rugby, business, and community settingsHow to introduce Tikanga principles across organizationsFostering the skills to handle uncertainty and changeResources & Links:Te Ao Māori - Māori World ViewRichard Young - Leadership and TensionCoach Accelerator ProgramHigh Performance Sport New ZealandDara Sheridan - Workshop in GalwayTikanga Marae FrameworkArchaeologist in KonamaraKiwis and Irish whakapapa storyNote: This episode explores frameworks rooted in Māori Tikanga and complexity science, offering practical insights for leaders, coaches, and organizations seeking to deepen connection, foster diversity, and navigate uncertainty with cultural intelligence.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/

Nick’s journey is fascinating. From one of New Zealand’s top amateurs, to early professional success, through a period where the game nearly broke him, and now into a phase where he’s playing some of his best golf with a completely different mindset.What changed?This conversation dives into that turning point. We explore how stepping away from outcome-driven thinking, and into a more free, self-expressive way of playing, unlocked both performance and enjoyment. It’s not about abandoning discipline or hard work. It’s about understanding who you are, and allowing that to show up when it matters most.We talk about the tension between structure and freedom, why many athletes end up playing “with handcuffs on,” and how identity, not just technique, shapes performance. Nick shares how his experience in the YouTube golf world helped him rediscover a version of himself that had been lost in the pursuit of perfection.There’s also an honest look at the realities of professional golf. The pressure, the internal dialogue, the sustainability of performance, and the importance of building a life that isn’t entirely dependent on results.Some of the key ideas we unpack: Why playing “freely” is easier said than done, and why it takes practice  The difference between careless, careful, and carefree performance  How identity and self-awareness shape decision making under pressure  Why many athletes drift into compliance instead of authenticity  The hidden cost of success when enjoyment disappears  How building something outside your sport can reduce pressure and improve performance This isn’t just a golf conversation. It’s about how we perform, how we relate to pressure, and how we avoid becoming the bitter version of ourselves in pursuit of success.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but something still isn’t clicking, this one’s worth your time.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://talkingperformancepod.com/