The Man Behind the All Blacks Mentality: Gilbert Enoka on Building Character & Connection

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qIn this profound conversation, Gilbert Enoka, the legendary mental skills coach behind the New Zealand All Blacks' success, shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his approach to high performance and the habits he’s famous for.Gilbert opens up about the ‘ghosts’ from his past that still influence his work, explaining how early deprivation made him acutely sensitive to others' emotional states. This gift allowed him to become an emotional detective, observing subtle cues in athletes before training and meetings to meet unexpressed needs, a skill he calls game-changing.The discussion explores pivotal concepts that transformed the All Blacks, including:Red Head vs. Blue Head thinking: Understanding how survival instincts (red) and rational decision-making (blue) must work together under pressureThe 2007 turning point: How a devastating World Cup loss led to embracing pressure rather than avoiding itSqueeze drills: Deliberately practicing skills under pressure to prepare for critical moments"Better people make better All Blacks": Why character development became central to the team's philosophyThe misunderstood "no dickhead policy": How leaders actually enforce team standardsSweeping the sheds: The true meaning behind this famous ritual of humilityGilbert shares intimate stories about working with legends like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. This conversation offers rare insight into the human side of elite performance, reminding us that the greatest competitor we face isn't external—it's ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen reflects on the mindset, discipline, and calmness that defined his legendary career, and his unforgettable rivalry with Michael Schumacher.He opens up about the “Finnish Ice Man” mentality that helped him stay composed under pressure, the near-fatal crash that reshaped his outlook on life, and the decision to retire at his peak with clarity and purpose. Mika also shares lessons from McLaren’s golden era on leadership, teamwork, and the psychology of high performance.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the wisdom of a true champion, proof that greatness is built not just on speed, but on composure, humility, and knowing when to step back.🚨 PartnersVestaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-mens-yt Hive👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp Simba👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Sage👉 Audio link: FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-ytHP 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does high performance really demand from the human mind? In this conversation, world-leading organisational psychologist Adam Grant explores how the best performers think, learn, and lead.Adam unpacks why great leaders build challenge networks instead of echo chambers, how to recognise when ego is driving your decisions instead of growth, and why real loyalty means speaking up, not staying silent.This is a practical and profound guide to sustainable success, one that brings clarity, calm, and confidence to anyone striving to perform at their best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qWhat makes great communicators stand out isn’t confidence, charisma, or talent, it’s clarity.In this episode, cognitive scientist and Harvard professor Steven Pinker joins Damian to explore the hidden psychology behind how we speak, listen, and understand one another. He explains why the real art of communication isn’t about what we say, but about how we build common knowledge, the shared understanding that allows people to think, decide, and act together.Pinker calls it one of the most overlooked habits in high performance: the ability to step outside your own head and see the world as others do. It’s how leaders create alignment, how teams build trust, and how ideas truly land.Together, we explore:Why "everyone knows it" is completely different from "everyone knows that everyone knows it"The essential habit of knowing when to make the unspoken spoken (and when not to)How to use focal points to coordinate without wordsThe three types of human relationships—and why mixing them up destroys trustWhy blunt honesty can be just as damaging as ambiguityWhether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this episode will transform how you think about language, relationships, and coordinationSteven’s new book ‘When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…’ is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a sport long dominated by men, Susie Wolff has carved her own path, turning barriers into breakthroughs and setbacks into strength. From proving her place on the grid to leading a complete transformation of F1 Academy, Susie’s story is one of belief, vision, and resilience.In this episode, she opens up about being dismissed as a “token gesture,” the determination it took to be taken seriously, and how she rebuilt her career after painful setbacks. Susie also shares her bold approach to leadership, creating cultures built on trust, empowerment, and authenticity, and the powerful partnership she shares with Toto Wolff, grounded in mutual respect and open communication.This is a conversation about courage, conviction, and carving out your place in the world, on your own terms.🚨 PartnersFORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-ytHP 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In high performance, we often celebrate success, the awards, the headlines, the restaurants, the fame. But for Gordon Ramsay, the real story lies in the struggle behind the spotlight.In this episode, Gordon Ramsay explores the true meaning of high performance, and the price of perfection. From growing up in a council house and losing his dream football career to standing beside culinary legends like Marco Pierre White and earning Michelin stars around the world, Gordon opens up about the relentless drive that shaped him. With raw honesty and trademark fire, he reflects on failure, family, and the hunger that still pushes him forward.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qStep inside the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures, Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan. In this special deep dive into his Essential Habits, Johann reveals the unique system he uses to stay grounded, lead with clarity, and achieve world-class results, from the Springboks and Munster to transforming Bath Rugby.This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, where Johann shares:The Notebook Habit: Why he carries a notebook everywhere and must 'Think in Ink' writing his thoughts down hourly for reflection, clarity, and decision-making.Stillness in the Storm: His foundational habit of beginning every morning with a moment of stillness to manage stress and stay calm in chaos.Unshakeable Trust: How he surrounds himself with a small circle of six mentors who are mandated to "always tell me the truth" even when he doesn't want to hear it.The Blueprint for Unmissable: The simple principle that "Rugby is what we do, it's not who we are," and his relentless drive to "become unmissable" by doing the things others aren't prepared to do.Before every game, Johann takes time to replay his week, not tactics or strategy, but interactions. He asks himself: Did I listen enough? Did I lift someone today? Did I stay true to my values? It’s a simple practice, but one that shapes everything about how he leads.This is a rare and special look inside the mind of a top-level head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson returns to High Performance to share the honest reality of life after success, the highs of global recognition, the setbacks of injury, and the emotional toll that comes with chasing greatness.She opens up to Jake and Damian about resetting after disappointment, learning to process frustration without losing focus, and her drive to push the limits as she targets a world record. Keely also reflects on the growing pressure of public expectation, the scrutiny of social media, and the freedom that comes from embracing authenticity over perfection.This is an unfiltered conversation about growth, self-belief, and staying grounded while pursuing excellence on the world stage🚨 PartnersHive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-auHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-ytHP 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philosopher and bestselling author Alain de Botton invites us to completely rethink what success really means. This profound and therapeutic conversation explores how true high performance isn’t about external achievement, but about realising your unique potential and finding peace within yourself.Alain challenges the obsession with being “special,” explaining why accepting our ordinariness can be the most liberating idea of all. He also discusses how envy can reveal our hidden potential, how we lose touch with our true selves by trying to please others, and why moments of crisis or even pain can be the body’s search for balance.This is a deeply human exploration of ambition, self-worth, and acceptance, an invitation to define success on your own terms.Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qThe pressure, the noise, the meaning of the occasion, it had all become too much.Two years later, he returned to the same stadium, the same stage, and this time everything was different. He scored one of the biggest goals of his career, not because his ability had changed, but because his mindset had.In this episode, I share what I learned from Dan’s transformation and the powerful lesson he now lives by: play the game, not the occasion. Together, we explore:Why high-pressure moments can derail even the best performersHow to “shrink the stage” and focus on what’s in your controlThe science behind reframing nerves as excitementWhat Newcastle United’s evolution teaches us about team mindsetHow to prepare for your own “Wembley moments” with clarity and calmHere is more information on the studies referenced: What Governs Choking Under Pressure? (Sian L. Beilock & Thomas H. Carr, 2001)When Paying Attention Becomes Counterproductive: Impact of Divided versus Skill-Focused Attention on Novice and Experienced Performance of Sensorimotor Skills (Sian L. Beilock, Wierenga & Carr, 2002)Get Excited: Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety as Excitement (Alison Wood Brooks, 2014)A Pre-Performance Routine to Alleviate Choking in “Choking-Susceptible” Athletes (Christopher Mesagno, Daryl Marchant, Tony Morris, 2008)The Effectiveness of Pre-Performance Routines in Sports: A Meta-Analysis (Anton G. O. Rupprecht, Ulrich S. Tran, Peter Gröpel, 2021.)Attentional Focus and Motor Learning: A Review (Gabriele Wulf, 2013)The Performance and Psychological Effects of Goal Setting (process vs outcome) (O. Williamson et al. 2024)Listen to the full episode with Dan Burn: https://pod.fo/e/2eb8b4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.