In Episode 105, we explore what happens when a well-designed long-term plan is derailed by sudden external pressure, and how athletes, coaches, and support can respond in a constructive way.

We break down:

• How teams thrive when identity, communication, and process are aligned

• Why short-term panic destroys long-term performance

• How behavioural flexibility becomes your biggest asset

• What Bruce Tuckman’s team stages (Forming–Storming–Norming–Performing) can teach us during disruptive change

• The “Three Ants” analogy that reveals how people react when systems collapse

One leadership decision can shift an entire team culture from growth mindset to panic mode. But it doesn't have to be that way. Elite performers can stay adaptable when everything changes.

For the strategies that keep teams united, resilient, and performing under pressure, this episode is a must-listen.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In this episode of Brain in the Game, Dave Diggle sits down with Kym Cheeseman from Athlete Brand Academy to unpack the real business behind modern sport – and why young athletes and their parents need to understand it long before contracts, sponsorships or media opportunities arrive.

Whether your athlete is in a pathways, collegiate or feeder program, whether they play a TV-broadcast sport or a niche discipline, this episode breaks down the essential commercial, personal and developmental factors that turn raw talent into a long-term asset.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why today’s young athletes need both a performance pathway and a business pathway
  
• The rise of tipping-point parents and why education is the missing link
  
• Personal branding for athletes aged 15–20 – and why authenticity matters more than aesthetics
  
• The difference between an agent and a manager (and how to choose the right one)
  
• Why sponsorship is not a donation, and how athletes can deliver true ROI
  
• The pitfalls of having no Plan B and navigating early retirement through injury
  
• How US, UK and Australian systems shape athlete mindset and opportunity
  
• The psychological load parents carry when left out of the communication loop
  
• The commercial future of women’s sport and why female athletes are often more sponsor-ready
  
• The culture of self-belief, arrogance, tall-poppy syndrome and the underdog mindset in sport
  

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Parents of athletes aged 15–20 navigating high-performance pathways
  
• Young athletes stepping into elite, collegiate, semi-pro or pro environments
  
• Coaches who want better relationships with athletes and their parents
  
• Anyone curious about the business ecosystem surrounding modern sport
  

Because sport is no longer just sport.

It’s contracts, media, sponsorship, lifestyle, security, money, identity, reputation, wellbeing and longevity – and it begins far earlier than most realise.

Modern sports management isn’t just about who plays on the weekend.

It’s about how an athlete understands themselves, represents themselves, and builds a viable future – on and off the field.

Rather watch the video? You will find it here: https://youtu.be/hOAFWLizAkQ?si=sNcbkfxTlIYSvttm

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Athlete Brand Academy – Kym Cheeseman: https://www.athletebrandacademy.com.au/
  
• Work with Dave Diggle – High Performance Sports Mind Coach: https://www.smartmind.com/
  
• Subscribe to Brain in the Game on your favourite platform

In this powerful episode of Brain in the Game, we dig into one of the most emotionally charged dynamics in sport: the relationship between parents, coaches, and athletes – and the one mistake almost every parent makes, often without realising it.

As the season winds down and pressure spikes, friction builds. Parents want the best for their child. Coaches want to develop the athlete. Athletes just want clarity, support, and space to perform.

So where does it all go wrong?

We break down the core misunderstanding that leads parents to unintentionally derail their child’s progress:

Trying to control the sporting environment instead of supporting it.

Through practical examples, developmental models, and lived experience as a coach, athlete, and parent, Dave explains how role-confusion creates tension – and how clearer boundaries create thriving, confident athletes.

In this episode we delve into:

• The one mistake parents make that causes almost all conflict in sport – Why taking control, giving technical advice, or ‘fixing’ the athlete’s problems pushes the child and coach away.
• The Parent–Coach–Athlete triangle and why it becomes volatile – We unpack the emotional, structural, and seasonal triggers that turn small issues into big friction.
• The developmental control curve (what athletes need at each age) – From 90% coach control in early childhood to 90% athlete ownership in adulthood, and why parents often miss this shift.
• The difference between raising a human vs growing an athlete – Coaches coach. Parents parent. When roles overlap, athletes suffer.
• How to avoid bringing training home – Keeping sport at sport protects the relationship and the athlete’s mental wellbeing.
• The two magic questions every parent should ask – Game-changer.
• Why venting is healthy, and overreacting isn’t – How parents can be a safe sounding board without escalating issues or undermining the coach.
• How coaches can build trust with parents (and stop the ambush conversations) – Creating structured communication channels that prevent conflict and increase collaboration.
• How athletes can navigate both relationships without burnout – Understanding roles, boundaries, and how to communicate their needs clearly.

Rather watch the video? You will find it here: https://youtu.be/bMLpV2_3mi8?si=pQ8YrNShnkDT_LWo

Episode 99 – Knowing Your Role In High Performance Sport: https://www.smartmind.com/podcasts/brain-in-the-game-sport-mind-coaching-podcast/episodes/2148754402

https://youtu.be/pE7BygxebTg?si=hEU7Q7Z1ahjPAgS3

This episode of Brain in the Game is a little different. It’s personal.

In this episode I share a story from a time when I worked in high-risk, high-pressure environments where failure wasn’t an option, and the valuable lessons I learned and carried with me throughout my career that could help you too.

I also detail two mental frameworks to help you stay calm, focused, and ready to perform, even when everything around you is in chaos.

Pressure is part of the deal, so how do you handle it?
Your brain is wired for survival, not high performance. It panics, it overthinks, it floods you with 'what-ifs'. The key to performing under extreme pressure? Learn how to work with your own instincts.

The Power of Simplification
When your heart's racing and the stakes are high, your job is to cut through the noise and focus on only what matters.
Ask yourself:

• What’s essential here?
  
• What’s just a distraction?
  
• What’s the simplest next step?
  

The 'Bubble' Technique: Your Secret Weapon
Picture this: chaos everywhere, crowds, noise, mistakes, pressure from coaches, other competitors. Can you block it all out?
Learn how to create your own mental 'bubble' and choose what comes inside. Everything else? Let it go.

Don’t Just Hope You’ll Cope, Prepare for the Pressure
Waiting for things to go perfectly is a recipe for disappointment. Build a process you can trust, no matter what’s happening around you.

These mental frameworks will help you stay calm, locked in, and ready to execute, especially when things around you are out of your control.

So take these strategies into your next competition – they’re your edge.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pressure - is it really that bad? https://youtu.be/39CbUkzrdFE?si=CZ3W4kHTFV1khNgQ
• https//www.smartmind.com

In this episode of Brain in the Game, we go deep into the Performance Anxiety Cycle, the mental loop that can sabotage your game day execution if you don’t know how to manage it. We discuss:

• Why anxiety is NOT a weakness and how every elite athlete faces it
• The 8 phases of performance anxiety and how they build on each other
• How to stop overthinking, stay calm under pressure, and deliver when it counts
• The key mindset shifts to stop anxiety from ruining your chances at selection
• How to turn fear into focus so you can consistently perform at your best

If you’ve ever had sleepless nights before a big competition, felt sick with nerves before stepping onto the field, or doubted yourself in critical moments, this episode is your playbook for overcoming it.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In this milestone 100th episode of Brain in the Game, we dive deep into the essential but often overlooked skill of collaboration and how it impacts elite performance.

In this episode we discuss:

• Mapping Your Entourage:
Discover how to identify the key people in your support network and understand their roles, frequency, and impact on your journey.
• The Collaboration Mindset:
Learn how to take ownership of your relationships and set clear expectations with coaches, peers, and support teams.
• Shifting Control for Growth:
Find out why your role in the coach-athlete dynamic must evolve as you mature, and how it helps you thrive under pressure.
• Action You Can Take Now to Boost Performance:
Practical tools to assess your current collaboration and build a high-performance team dynamic that will serve you throughout your career.

Optimising your relationships with coaches, peers, and support teams can give you the edge you need.

Mental Gladiator 4-Week Program
Ideal for athletes ready to develop mental resilience and dominate under pressure.

Main Arena Coach 12-Week Program
Perfect for coaches aiming to unlock the full potential of their athletes and teams.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the crucial question arises: "What's my role?"

Athletes, coaches, and parents alike grapple with how to best support each other during this pivotal time. In this episode, we dive into the essential roles and strategies for successful preparation and performance.

Parents:

• Support Crew: Focus on logistical support – nutrition, hydration, and rest.
• Emotional Anchor: Provide moral support without delving into performance specifics.
• Boundaries: Avoid engaging in detailed post-training analyses; maintain a calm environment.

Coaches:

• Right Information, Right Time: Share concise, actionable feedback.
• Collaboration: Foster open communication, allowing athletes to express needs.
• Emotional Awareness: Recognise signs of overwhelm and adjust support accordingly.

Athletes:

• Preparation Funnel: Follow the structured approach – non-negotiables, needs, wants, nice-to-haves.
• Self-Reliance: Develop and trust your own preparation system.
• Incremental Transition: Gradually shift from student mode to performer mode as competition nears.

Parents:

• Moral Support: Be present and positive without interfering.
• Stay Calm: Focus on enjoying the moment rather than critiquing.
• Simple Acts: Provide comfort and basic needs without adding stress.

Coaches:

• Minimal Interference: Avoid last-minute technical instructions.
• Encouragement: Offer reassurance and boost confidence.
• Trust Building: Help athletes trust their preparation and abilities.

Athletes:

• Execution: Focus on performing what you've practiced.
• Mindset: Enter the competition with a clear, confident mindset.
• Enjoyment: Embrace the experience and trust in your hard work.

Join us as we break down these strategies, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you support your athletes and teams effectively.

And if you'd prefer to watch this, go to: https://youtu.be/pE7BygxebTg?si=9qwnqGBX5V3cWYue

It’s a real pleasure to have Pete Steinberg join us on this episode of Brain in the Game, where we have a lively and varied discussion on the universal principles of leadership. From the field to the boardroom, we delve into the parallels between leadership in sports and business.

Pete, with his extensive background as head coach of the USA Women’s Rugby Team leading them to two Rugby World Cups, and highly sought-after business consultant, emphasises that the core principles of leadership – such as motivation, skill development, and creating conducive environments – are consistent across both domains. We also discuss the unique skillsets elite athletes bring to organisations.

• Pete's journey from coaching rugby to consulting in business.
• Similarities and differences in leadership across sports and business.
• Insights on selecting and developing effective leaders.
• Value of athletic skills in the corporate world.
• Strategies for continuous improvement in leadership roles.
• Purpose-driven coaching and its impact on athlete transformation.
• Importance of coach wellness and structured support systems.
• Navigating leadership transitions and overcoming "Leadership Shock".

Tune in to learn the transformative potential leadership can bring when aligned with personal purpose and intention, that supports both leaders and their teams.

And if you would prefer to watch the video of our interview, you will find here: https://youtu.be/ZzUoq4pkbP0?si=Ar5-WtWZcEGprubE

To delve deeper into Pete Steinberg's insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership, get your copy of his book, 'Leadership Shock' which provides a comprehensive framework for overcoming challenges and thriving in high-pressure roles.

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3Lhx3MV
Amazon.com.au: https://amzn.to/3zqJ28p
Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3VOHLiV

If you'd like to hear more podcasts for athletes and coaches specifically around building effective teams, especially for those in a leadership team, we have put them into a handy playlist for you. Simply go to: https://www.smartmind.com/team – your on-the-go playlist will be sent straight to you.