641: Thriving Under Pressure

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm talking with someone who is truly changing the way we think about work and wellbeing. Jen Fisher is a global leader in this space — and honestly, she's just one of those people who makes you feel seen and grounded the moment she starts talking. Jen was Deloitte's first-ever Chief Well-Being Officer, which basically means she helped a massive organization rethink what it really means to support people. Her passion comes from her own journey through burnout and cancer, and she's used those experiences to build a career focused on helping leaders create work cultures where people can actually flourish, not just survive. She's the bestselling author of Work Better Together, the host of The WorkWell Podcast, a TEDx speaker, and the founder of The Wellbeing Team. But what I love most is her belief that hope isn't just a feeling… it's a strategy. And she helps leaders put that strategy into action. In this conversation, Jen and I dive into burnout, the future of work, wellbeing intelligence, and what it really takes to create organizations where people feel energized and valued. You're going to walk away feeling inspired — and maybe rethinking a thing or two about how you work and lead. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹 Learn more about Jen Fisher and Hope is the Strategy: Workplace Wellbeing Expert | Jen Fisher 🔹 Pre-order Jen Fisher's book:  Amazon.com: Hope Is the Strategy: The Underrated Skill That Transforms Work, Leadership, and Wellbeing: 9781394362974: Fisher, Jen: Books 🔹 Download the 2025 Confidence Crisis Study at https://confidencestudy.com/🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team at freementalbreakthroughcall.com 🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute at https://mentallystronginstitute.com/  Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important findings from the 2025 National Confidence Study: the unique confidence barriers women face at work. We break down the data on harsh self-talk, comparison, and feeling "not enough," and explore how these challenges are shaped by both internal patterns and cultural pressures. You'll hear why these confidence gaps matter, what leaders must understand, and the intentional steps women can take to quiet the inner critic and reclaim their strength. We end with one powerful reflection question and a confidence boosting power phrase you can use starting today. Quote of the Week: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com

Our 2025 Confidence Study reveals a striking truth: Gen Z is struggling most with confidence. Nearly half feel "not enough," and many battle constant comparison and a harsh inner critic.   In this episode, Cindra and Lisa unpack why this is happening, how it shows up at work and in life, and the simple things leaders, parents, and coaches can do to build Gen Z's confidence every day.   Power Phrase: "I choose confidence, not because it's easy — but because it's who I'm becoming." To download the Confidence Report, visit: www.confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm joined by someone who has dedicated his life to helping people break through limitations and step boldly into the impact they were meant to make. Markus Kaulius, an entrepreneur and bestselling author of Play a Bigger Game, is a force of nature when it comes to transformation. Markus built multiple businesses from the ground up, but what makes him remarkable isn't just his success, it's his mission. After experiencing deep personal loss and burnout, he rebuilt his identity from the inside out. Now he teaches leaders, athletes, and high performers how to rewrite their stories, live with courage, and take aligned action toward the life they truly want. His work is rooted in seven powerful principles that help people stop playing small and step into a life of purpose and possibility. Markus brings a rare blend of authenticity, intensity, and heart — and in this conversation, you're going to hear exactly why his message is resonating with audiences worldwide. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹 Learn more about Markus Kaulius and Play a Bigger Game at: https://playabiggergame.com/🔹 Download the 2025 Confidence Crisis Study at https://confidencestudy.com/🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team at freementalbreakthroughcall.com 🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute at https://mentallystronginstitute.com/  Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa talk about the timeless truth of high performance: You don't build confidence by eliminating fear. You build confidence by moving with it. Inspired by Dr. Susan Jeffers' classic book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987), this conversation explores why fear shows up, how it impacts performance, and how the world's best learn to step toward what scares them instead of stepping back.     What We Talk About in This Episode 1. Why Fear Is Universal — and Why This Topic Matters Fear is the #1 barrier to our potential. And as Dr. Susan Jeffers taught decades ago, fear never fully goes away. Instead, confidence grows when we act in spite of it. Courage isn't about being fearless—it's about moving forward with fear in hand.   2. A Story About Fear on the Court Cindra shares the story of a college volleyball player moments before a championship match—shaking hands, tight stomach, racing thoughts. She feared missing a serve. She feared letting her team down. And she walked onto the court anyway. That act of courage allowed her to deliver one of the best serves of her season. The lesson: fear doesn't disqualify you. It prepares you.   3. How Coaching Helps You Work Through Fear Every coaching client—executives, athletes, leaders—hits a wall of fear when they stretch themselves. Coaching helps you name the fear, normalize it, and learn tools to navigate it so you can keep moving toward who you're meant to become.   4. Where Your Mind Goes When You're Afraid Fear doesn't live in the present. It lives in the future. Fear is your mind projecting a worst-case scenario, pulling you out of the moment. Research shows that when we anticipate threats, our working memory, decision-making, and performance all take a hit. Your best performance? It always happens in the present moment.   5. Why Embracing Fear Is Important for Growth The things you fear often reveal the places you're meant to grow. And research backs this: studies from Harvard Business School show that when people reframe anxiety as excitement, they perform significantly better—whether in public speaking, singing, or even difficult math tasks. The goal isn't to eliminate fear. It's to choose courage anyway.   6. The Difference Between Fear and Courage Fear is a feeling. Courage is an action. You can't experience courage without fear—fear is the doorway. When Cindra wrote her first book, she was terrified no one would read it. But she knew she was supposed to write it. So she moved toward what scared her. That's courage.   Today's Big Takeaway: The world's best don't wait to feel fearless. They feel the fear—and do it anyway. Fear becomes a signal that they're doing something meaningful and important.   This Week's Power Phrase: "I lean into the fear — and let courage lead."   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm joined by someone who has spent his entire life helping people work with their natural strengths instead of fighting against them. David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, has literally grown up inside the Kolbe Concept — a system that helps leaders, teams, and organizations unlock instinctive strengths and achieve sustainable productivity. David is an author, strategist, and the visionary behind many of Kolbe Corp's most transformative tools, including the original algorithm for the Kolbe A Index. Over the years, he has helped thousands of professionals redesign the way they hire, collaborate, and lead by tapping into the way people naturally take action. His background is rare: part attorney, part economist, part innovation architect. You're about to learn why working with your natural instincts can change everything — your productivity, your energy, and your results. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation. Alright…let's jump into my interview with David Kolbe. You are going to love this one! HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹 Learn more about David Kolbe and the Kolbe A Index: www.kolbe.com/strategic-coach/ 🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team: www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com 🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute: mentallystronginstitute.com Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

If you've ever ended a day exhausted but unclear on what you actually accomplished, this episode is for you. Overwhelm and busyness have become the new norm. Many of us confuse being busy with being productive—which leaves us drained, and doubting ourselves.   In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa explore the mental game of prioritization and how high performers stay focused on what truly matters. You'll learn why prioritization is so hard, how clarity and completion fuel confidence, and what mindset shift is necessary to create real work–life harmony.   We also share two practical tools you can start today:   ⭐ The One Thing Question Ask yourself: "What is the one thing that, if I did it today, would make the biggest impact?" This question cuts through noise, strengthens self-trust, and builds confidence.   🚫 The Not-To-Do List High performers don't just plan what to do—they intentionally choose what to stop doing. You'll learn 3 things to remove that instantly protect your time and focus. We close with four powerful coaching questions to help you lead your day with clarity and intention. High performers don't do more — they do what matters most.   ✨ Key Takeaways Busyness isn't a badge of honor—clarity is. Completion builds confidence; overwhelm drains it. Protecting your time is a leadership skill. Rest isn't a reward — it fuels performance. Power Phrase of the Week: "Today, I do the work that truly moves me forward"   Quote of the Week: "Either you run the day, or the day runs you." — Jim Rohn   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In today's episode, Dr. Cindra is joined by Dr. Karen MacNeill — former Team Canada athlete and world-renowned mental performance consultant who has supported Olympians, executives, and high-pressure teams across multiple Olympic Games. Karen shares what competing taught her that no textbook ever could, and takes us inside the "pressure ecosystem" of the Olympic Games — revealing what athletes, coaches, and staff need most when the lights are brightest. She and Cindra discuss practical, in-the-moment resets to stay grounded under pressure, the most common thinking traps before big moments, and the habits that transfer from sport to business… plus the ones that don't. You'll walk away with simple and powerful strategies to settle your mind, disrupt unhelpful thinking, and perform with intention when it counts — whether you're on the field, in the arena, or in the boardroom. If you want more confidence, resilience, and clarity under pressure — this episode is a must-listen. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹Learn more about Karen MacNeill and Her Work https://macneillperformance.com/ 🔹To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ 🔹To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

In this episode, Dr. Cindra and Lisa explore one of the greatest drivers of motivation, resilience, and fulfillment: your WHY. Every one of us knows what we do in work and life…but very few of us stay deeply connected to the purpose behind it. When we lose sight of our why, stress rises and joy fades. When we own our why, we push through challenges, show up energized, and feel aligned with what truly matters.   What You'll Learn • Why purpose fuels confidence, performance, and grit • The difference between WHAT you do and WHY you do it • Why chasing only results can leave high achievers feeling empty • How elite performers flip the script using the Why ➜ How ➜ What approach • A simple exercise to uncover the deeper meaning behind your goals • How to communicate and live your why daily   The "So That…" Exercise Cindra guides you through a powerful reflection tool: 1️⃣ Write down what you do 2️⃣ Add "so that…" six times to dig deeper into your true purpose This exercise reveals what really drives you…and reminds you who you're becoming in the process.   Key Insight Purpose doesn't just inspire you on the good days. Purpose gives you the fire to keep going on the hard days.   Power Phrase of the Week: "I own my why. My purpose fuels me every single day."   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos  

Opening Quote: "Don't let the noise of others' negativity drown out your inner voice." — Steve Jobs Overview: In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff and Lisa explore how to rise above negativity—both from within and from others. Whether it's the self-criticism that follows a mistake or the draining energy of negative people, negativity can quietly chip away at our confidence and performance. Cindra explains the science behind our natural negativity bias and shares practical strategies to help you retrain your mind to focus on what fuels you, not what frustrates you.   What You'll Learn: 🔍The Science Behind Negativity — Why our brains are wired to focus on the negative and how understanding this bias helps you take back control of your mindset. 🧠 The Confidence Drain — How unchecked negativity slowly erodes confidence and creates subtle "leaks" in your energy, focus, and belief in yourself. 🛡️ Two Practical Tools to Reframe Negativity: • Guard Your Mind: You may not be able to control your first thought, but you always have the power to choose the second. • The 12-Second Rule: Learn to pause and fully savor positive moments for at least twelve seconds to help your brain store them as lasting confidence. 🌤️ Managing Negative Energy — Strategies for staying grounded and positive when surrounded by criticism or negativity from others. ⚡ Spotting and Resetting — How to recognize when negativity is taking over and use simple techniques to reset your focus and mindset quickly.   Key Insights: Negativity isn't the enemy—it's a signal. Awareness is your superpower. You can train your brain to see the good and build confidence one thought at a time. Power Phrase of the Week "I choose to rise above the noise and live my day with positivity and purpose." To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos