Untapped Potential

Howard Gray is one a very respected performance leader in collegiate and professional sport—a systems thinker, a mentor, and a culture shaper who’s spent two decades helping people and programs navigate the messy middle of high performance. From Texas A&M to Crystal Palace, Florida State to East Tennessee State, Howard’s fingerprints are on some of the most innovative and integrated performance environments in sport. But behind the credentials is a personal journey of reflection, burnout, and recalibration—of asking not just what works, but what matters. In this conversation, Howard shares what it’s like to lead from the inside out: the toll of imposter syndrome, the physical consequences of overpreparing, and the identity reckoning that came from always being “on.” He speaks candidly about the gap between leadership and wellbeing, why we need better backup systems (for people, not just data), and how resilience isn't built by grit alone—but by permission, pause, and perspective. Now working with organizations to reshape hiring, transitions, and staff development, Howard is driven by a deeper mission: to build environments where performance doesn’t cost you your health, your family, or your self-worth. Talking Points: Overpreparing, imposter syndrome, and why high performers often feel hollow inside The GI issues, anxiety, and coping mechanisms many leaders never talk about Taking time away from sport—and what it revealed about identity, family, and success The danger of tying your worth to your output Why senior leaders need to model vulnerability and sustainability Creating robust structures that support—not squeeze—staff How female-led programs are shifting the culture with care The patterns seen in those who walked away from the system What spirituality, reflection, and human connection now mean in Howard’s leadership Why sustainable success requires regular checkpoints—not just new goals If you’ve ever led from a place of overwork, or supported others while quietly struggling yourself, Howard’s story offers both a mirror and a map. It’s a conversation for anyone ready to build something more human—starting with themselves. Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Global Consciousness Project 2.0   Connect with Howard: Linkedin

Chris McCormick’s journey is anything but linear—from the weight room to the pulpit, from Division I sidelines to planting a church grounded in family, service, and spiritual leadership. Before becoming the Lead Pastor at Reliant Church in Indiana, Chris spent over a decade in collegiate athletics, serving as Director of Athletic Performance at universities like FAU and Gardner-Webb. But underneath the reps, metrics, and X’s and O’s, Chris felt a deeper call—a higher-order purpose that couldn’t be measured on the field. In this episode, Chris shares how discipling and coaching are two sides of the same coin. For him, discipleship isn’t about throwing Bible verses at people—it’s about presence, learning, and living with intentionality. He opens up about leaving a PhD program to pursue coaching, the role Chad Scott played in his journey at Liberty, and how prayer, storytelling, and belief—not just “feeling spiritual”—have become the foundation of his life and leadership. Now, as a church planter and father, Chris is redefining what it means to lead. Whether it’s honoring the Sabbath with his family on Fridays, or helping others encounter a higher power in everyday rhythms, he lives what he teaches: that transformation happens in relationship, not performance. Talking Points: Why discipling and coaching are deeply connected Leaving a PhD behind to follow a calling What Chad Scott and Liberty taught him about spiritual leadership The transition from performance-driven environments to purpose-driven ministry Sabbath as a discipline—not a luxury The role of ritual, storytelling, and higher purpose in everyday life Why coaching is about helping others become who they already are Navigating faith in a world obsessed with output Lisa Miller, Gaia Games, and the neuroscience of spiritual awareness How belief and prayer can shape your leadership—beyond feelings If you’re a coach, leader, or parent looking for a more rooted, spiritually-aligned way to lead and live—this one will speak to your soul. Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Dr Joe Dispenza The Awakened Brain by Jill Miller   Connect with Chris: The Reliant Church Linkedin

Charlie spent years in the world of elite sport, helping athletes at Leicester City and Arsenal perform at their peak. But while his career was progressing, inside he was questioning whether the path he was on truly aligned with who he wanted to be and how he wanted to live. Choosing to step away from a “dream job” wasn’t an act of quitting, but of stepping towards a life of deeper purpose and alignment. Today, as a performance coach, Charlie helps high-performers sustain excellence without losing themselves and guides individuals seeking clarity and direction in their careers and lives. In this conversation, Charlie shares his journey of leaving the high-performance bubble to pursue meaningful work, how he’s reframed success, and why creating space to listen to yourself is essential for sustainable performance and personal fulfilment. If you’ve ever questioned whether the success you’re chasing is costing you your wellbeing, or if you’re looking for a new way to define achievement in your life, this episode is for you.   Talking Points: The moment Charlie realised he was no longer aligned with his career path Why stepping away from elite sport was an act of courage, not failure Moving from proving yourself to performing with purpose Creating space for honest reflection in high-pressure environments How to pursue excellence without sacrificing wellbeing Supporting high-performers to find clarity and balance The role of intentionality in career and life decisions Why success is empty if it isn’t aligned with your values Charlie’s journey into writing and sharing his perspective with a wider audience Helping people feel less alone in their struggles while navigating transitions   If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify to help this content reach the coaches, leaders, and practitioners who need these conversations most.   Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Dr Joe Dispenza   Connect with Charlie: Charlie's Substack Linkedin Instagram

Brian Vancauwenbergh is part of a new generation of coaches—committed to developing young athletes while building a career that honours boundaries, wellbeing, and the courage to live by your values. With a background in physical coaching across youth football, Brian’s work bridges technical development with the human realities of what it means to coach sustainably in high-performance sport. Brian’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From grinding long hours for low pay to stepping into fatherhood at a young age, he found himself caught in the cycle of overwork and constant availability—until it reached a breaking point. Walking away mid-season wasn’t giving up; it was reclaiming self-respect and redefining what success means on his own terms. And this is why I’m excited to share this conversation. Brian speaks openly about the reality of burnout culture in sport, the fear many young coaches have around saying “no,” and the emotional cost of sacrificing family for career. He shares how getting clear on his values opened the door to a new chapter at Anderlecht, where he will focus on youth development in an environment aligned with who he is and how he wants to live. If you’re questioning the cost of your career or feel stuck in a role that’s draining you, this episode is for you. Talking Points: Walking away mid-season: the moment Brian knew he couldn’t keep going Saying yes to everything—and why it nearly broke him Becoming a father and re-evaluating what truly matters Setting boundaries as a strategy, not a weakness Why youth development deserves greater respect in sport Breaking the “fear culture” in high-performance environments Moving from chasing prestige to choosing peace Preparing for his new chapter at Anderlecht The importance of building a coaching community rooted in authenticity One truth Brian wishes he’d learned earlier in his career If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify to help us reach the coaches and practitioners who need these conversations most. Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Dr Joe Dispenza   Connect with Brian: Linkedin Instagram

Eamon Devlin is a trailblazer at the intersection of sport, data, and psychology—reimagining how teams communicate, perform, and grow. A coach, researcher, and founder of Minute9, Eamon combines deep academic insight with lived experience, offering elite teams a new lens on what actually drives high performance on game day. Born in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Eamon’s journey has been shaped by intensity—from surviving a mental health crisis to navigating the corporate world, and ultimately finding his calling in coaching. His work today is rooted in recovery, clarity, and a refusal to accept "how it's always been done." Through Minute9, Eamon has built a game-day communication system that blends data, psychology, and lived experience to uncover blind spots in elite sport. Whether consulting with national teams, Premier League clubs, or GAA sides, his goal is to bring intentionality and insight into the hours that matter most. This week, Eamon shares his personal and professional journey—from breakdown to breakthrough, from tradition to transformation—and why better communication isn't just a tactical edge, it's a cultural shift. If you believe coaching is more than shouting from the sidelines and performance is more than intensity, this episode is for you.   Talking Points: Growing up during the Troubles and the early roots of resilience The mental health crisis that became a career turning point Why game-day communication is often messy, and how to clean it up The surprising influence of baseball on team sport culture and rituals Why “less is more” when it comes to half-time talks Data, psychology, and the art of keeping things simple under pressure How trust, not tactics, is the real game-day advantage The power of asking what role owners and leadership play on match day Flat coaching structures and player autonomy: lessons from MLB Letting go of the ego: why coaches shouldn’t be the stars of the show   If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, by doing this, you’ll help spread this content to the practitioners who need it most.   Resources: The Empowerment Blueprint  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Dr Joe Dispenza   Connect with Eamon: Linkedin Minute9

Sarah Gregg and Jill Ritchie are trailblazers in the world of intuitive psychology and transformative coaching. As co-founders of the Intuitive Psychology Association (IPA), they’ve fused modern psychological science with intuitive wisdom to create a groundbreaking framework for personal growth. Sarah, a psychologist and bestselling author, brings her expertise in the "psychology of Flow," while Jill, an accredited coach and energy healer, infuses the power of self-trust and vulnerability. Together, they’re redefining how we heal, lead, and live authentically. Sarah and Jill believe that true empowerment comes from within—blending evidence-based tools with the courage to listen to our intuition. Their passion lies in empowering coaches and individuals to break free from old patterns, uncover their purpose, and create lives of deep fulfillment. In this conversation, we dive beyond traditional coaching to explore what it really means to align science, spirit, and self. And this is why I’m thrilled to share this episode. Sarah and Jill offer profound insights into personal transformation, intuitive leadership, and the art of living authentically. If you’re ready to explore how psychology and intuition can unlock your potential—or inspire others to do the same—this one’s for you. Talking Points: Discovering your authentic self through the lens of intuitive psychology. Why intuition and vulnerability are essential for healing and growth. Moving beyond external validation to trust your inner compass. The synergy of science and spirituality in creating lasting change. How to blend psychological rigor with intuitive self-leadership. The role of self-awareness in coaching and personal empowerment. The power of aligning purpose with action to build a better world. If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, by doing this, you’ll help spread this content to the practitioners who need it most.   Resources: Men Behind Sport Support  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Intuitive Psychology Diploma 22 Questions   Connect with Sarah & Jill: Linkedin (Sarah) Linkedin (Jill) Instagram

Jordan has a background in athletics and a unique blend of academic and practical experience, Jordan spent over seven years at Liverpool FC, rising from intern to First Team staff—despite never intending to work in football at all. Jordan is a guide for human potential in elite sport, and has recently stepped away from his prestigious role to pursue alignment, authenticity, and a deeper sense of purpose. Jordan’s passion has always been rooted in helping others grow—not just as athletes, but as people. Yet, his own journey has been marked by contradiction: loving the role of supporting player development, while feeling increasingly misaligned with the environment of professional football. His decision to leave LFC was born not from failure, but from deep inner clarity—one that required listening to his body, confronting long-held patterns, and choosing self-respect over external status. Now, Jordan brings a rare voice to the conversation around identity, mental wellbeing, and the realities of working in high-performance sport. He speaks openly about imposter feelings, emotional complexity, and what it means to step away from a “dream job” that never quite felt like his dream. Through his story, he invites others to explore success on their own terms, beyond contracts, club walls, and industry expectations. This week, Jordan shares what it was like to hand in his notice at one of the biggest clubs in the world, the emotional release that followed, and why he believes the most courageous thing you can do in sport is to stop performing and start being. Get ready for a raw and refreshing conversation on purpose, paradox, and finding freedom beyond the game. Talking Points: From sprinting to football: how Jordan’s journey started in resistance Loving the work but not the environment—living with daily contradiction The physical and emotional toll of misalignment in elite performance The moment he knew: “I’m done. I can’t do it anymore.” Why leaving a ‘dream job’ isn’t failure—it’s freedom Redefining success from external validation to internal clarity Identity beyond sport, and the challenge of rebuilding it The courage to feel, not just function, in high-performance roles Why performance staff need space to process, breathe, and just be Creating environments that value both excellence and emotional truth If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, by doing this, you’ll help spread this content to the practitioners who need it most.   Resources: Men Behind Sport Support  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! Intuitive Psychology Diploma Dr Joe Dispenza   Connect with Jordan: Linkedin Instagram

Jeron Peters is a seasoned high-performance leader, known for his relentless drive to raise standards and evolve the systems behind elite sport. With nearly 20 years of experience across physiotherapy, performance, and management roles—including time with top clubs like Ajax and Club Brugge—JP knows the grind from the inside out. But behind the impressive resume was a personal storm—burnout, identity loss, and the pressure of always needing to be “on.” From leading departments without formal management training, to balancing dual roles and battling internal guilt about rest, JP was stuck in what he calls “the golden cage” of high performance. And this is why I’m excited to share this conversation. JP opens up about the emotional cost of chasing excellence, the shifts that helped him reclaim his voice, and how he's now building a life—and leadership style—aligned with who he truly is. This one’s a powerful listen for anyone navigating the tension between proving yourself and being yourself. Talking Points: Burnout, breathlessness, and the hidden costs of 24/7 performance culture The moment JP realized he couldn’t keep saying, “I’m fine” What happens when your assumptions about success start to unravel Moving from self-protection to self-awareness in leadership Owning mistakes, letting go of perfectionism, and failing forward Bridging the gap between medical, coaching, and leadership “tribes” Culture as unwritten behavior—and how to shift it through small experiments Trusting your gut, even when it means walking away from the “dream” The power of sabbatical space: time to reflect, reset, and reclaim direction Redefining success from status to self-respect If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, by doing this, you’ll help spread this content to the practitioners who need it most.   Resources: Men Behind Sport Support  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement! The Telepathy Tapes Institute of Noetic Sciences   Connect with JP: Linkedin

Rick Cotgreave is a specialist in human transformation—guiding elite athletes, coaches, and leaders through the deeper layers of transition, identity, and performance. From his days as an England lacrosse player to his work in high-performance sport and leadership development, Rick brings a powerful blend of lived experience, curiosity, and wisdom. Rick’s journey began with chasing performance—and like many, believing “I’ll be happy when…” But a pivotal moment of identity reckoning launched him on a new path. Now, he supports others in moving from role-based definitions of success to something more grounded, sustainable, and human. And this is why I’m excited to share this conversation. Rick breaks down the myths of success, explores the spiritual and psychological dimensions of transition, and offers practical insights into how we can lead—and live—with deeper alignment. If you're navigating change, questioning your identity, or searching for more than just titles, this one’s for you. Talking points: From lacrosse to leadership: when the joy becomes a job Breaking free from the "I'll be happy when..." mindset The power of identity work in performance and transition How First Steps helps athletes navigate life beyond sport Leadership as a human-first endeavor—what that actually means Using mindfulness and neuroscience to guide transformation Introducing spiritual language into high-performance spaces Interrogating the mantra of “Better Never Stops” Simple, effective tools for navigating transitions with clarity Why curiosity—not certainty—is the key to growth If you're enjoying the Untapped Potential Podcast, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, by doing this, you’ll help spread this content to the practitioners who need it most.   Resources: Men Behind Sport Support  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement!   Connect with Rick: Linkedin

Jake Lister is a new generation coach—blending the demands of modern football with a deeply human approach to development, wellbeing, and mentorship. As an Academy Coach at Sheffield United Women and a Coach Developer at The FA, Jake’s work bridges the grassroots and elite, the tactical and the transformational. Jake’s journey in coaching began in 2014, driven by a passion for helping players grow—not just on the pitch, but in life. But his path hasn’t been without challenges. From navigating health issues to stepping into new fatherhood while managing dual coaching roles, Jake has had to redefine balance, resilience, and what it really means to lead by example. In this conversation, Jake opens up about the cultural weight and social currency of football, and how he’s learning to shift from chasing external validation to creating space for joy, presence, and purpose. He brings refreshing insight into the role of coaches not just as instructors, but as energy-setters, emotional anchors, and guides in the identity-building process of young athletes. This week, Jake shares his evolving coaching philosophy, why traditional metrics fall short, and how visualization, intention, and emotional safety are becoming essential tools in modern sport. If you're curious about the future of coaching and what it means to mentor with meaning, this episode is for you. If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify platforms, and by doing this you will actively help in spreading this content to the practitioners that need it.   Talking Points: The emotional and cultural weight of building a career in football coaching Navigating new fatherhood, identity shifts, and life outside the game Health challenges and how they sparked deeper reflection and lifestyle change Moving beyond performance metrics toward holistic athlete development Emotional regulation, resilience, and identity as critical outcomes of coaching Visualization, intention-setting, and the power of mental clarity Why coaches need to manage their energy as much as their session plans Creating psychological safety and connection in team environments Reclaiming the joy of football—for players and coaches Letting go of “shoulds” and tuning into what really matters   Resources: Men Behind Sport Support  The Coach Toolbox The High-Performance Coach’s Guide to Lasting Change Gaia Games Summit 2026: Join the Movement!   Connect with Jake: Linkedin