Bulletproof Leadership with Thalia Burt explores fitness, mindset, and resilience strategies to help leaders, performers, and business professionals sustain peak performance and mental clarity.

In Episode 10 of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with Thalia Burt, founder of The Bulletproof Dancer and former international performer, to explore how fitness, mindset, and resilience can transform leadership performance — whether on stage, in business, or at the highest levels of sport.

Thalia shares her journey from Cape Town to the West End, her transition from performer to entrepreneur, and how discipline, health, and mental strength underpin her coaching for performers and leaders.

Listeners will learn:

• Why fitness and nutrition impact leadership performance

• How to build mental resilience for business and life

• Small daily habits that create lasting results

• How to navigate setbacks and self-limiting beliefs

• The power of discipline over motivation in success

🎯 Perfect for business leaders, performers, and anyone seeking an edge in performance, mindset, and health.

Performing Perfectly helps business leaders communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact. From boardroom presence to high-stakes storytelling, we train leaders to perform when it matters most.

Explore our training: 🔗 https://www.performingperfectly.co.uk/training

📧 Contact Performing Perfectly

• Website: https://www.performingperfectly.co.uk

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

Christopher Key, Managing Director of Performing Perfectly, helps leaders elevate their presence, storytelling, and impact, blending his professional theatre experience with executive coaching expertise. 🔗 https://www.performingperfectly.co.uk/team

Thalia Burt is the founder of The Bulletproof Dancer, a coaching platform focused on health, mindset, and resilience for performers and leaders. A former international musical theatre performer, she now works with clients worldwide to enhance both physical and mental performance.

📧 Contact Thalia Burt

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaliaburt

• Bulletproof Dancer: https://www.instagram.com/thebulletproofdancer

• Website: https://www.thebulletproofdancer.com

FA Coach Guy Whittingham on Leadership, Mindset & Career Transitions In this episode, FA Pro Licence course leader Guy Whittingham shares how he went from Army PTI to Premier League striker to elite coach—exploring resilience, leadership, and communication in high-performance settings.

You’ll hear how military mindset, emotional intelligence, and adaptability shaped Guy’s coaching philosophy — and how business leaders can apply the same tools to lead under pressure.

• The mindset shift from soldier to striker to coach

• Adapting from team-first to individual elite performance

• How the FA identifies and develops future top-tier managers

• Leadership insights from managing Portsmouth during crisis

• Trust, resilience, and communication in elite environments

• Applying sport psychology to leadership in business

• 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-whittingham

• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whittguy (please confirm this handle)

• 🌐 FA Learning: https://www.thefa.com/learning

Drop the Act is brought to you by Performing Perfectly.

Performing Perfectly trains business leaders to think, speak, and lead like elite performers — without the fluff. From FTSE 100 execs to sports stars, they help people communicate under pressure and own the room.

Their workshops focus on storytelling that sells, presence that lands, and mindset strategies from sport, stage, and high-stakes environments.

🌐 Website: https://www.performingperfectly.co.uk 📩 Email: [email protected] 📞 Phone: +44 (0)1234 567890 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly

Christopher Key is a communication specialist, performer, and founder of Performing Perfectly. He helps leaders and teams communicate with confidence, clarity, and conviction under pressure — whether on stage, in the boardroom, or on camera.

In this episode we re-visit our best bits from Season 1 & 2. Breath control, elite team rituals, performance mindset, breath control, overcoming fear and high performance take centre stage in this curated “best‑of” episode. Featuring Annesley Park, Lucy Key, Richard Wallace, and Dan Lowe—these highlights dive into practical techniques and powerful stories guaranteed to elevate your communication and leadership game.

Complacency Creeps in Quietly The moment you feel comfortable, you’re already losing edge. Staying alert and self-aware is what keeps high performers sharp.

The Sound of Presence Pitch, pace, pause, and tone aren’t optional—they’re the difference between being listened to and truly heard.

The Breath Beneath the Words Controlling your breath can transform nerves into grounded confidence. It’s not just calming—it’s strategic.

Your Tribe Makes You Stronger Trust, vulnerability, and support are performance tools too. When your people have your back, everything changes.

Old Habits, New Standards Growth means recognising when your default settings no longer serve you—and choosing to evolve.

Purpose Over Perfection What matters isn’t flawless delivery. It’s showing up with clarity, intention, and connection when it matters most.

Annesley Park – Ocean Rower & Mindset Coach Atlantic-rowing survivor who shares her harrowing capsizing story and how curiosity overcame fear. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annesley_park/

Lucy Key – Director, Performing Perfectly Breath‑control specialist teaching techniques to calm nerves, support communication, and optimise performance. Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com/ Instagram: 

Richard Wallace – CEO, Liverpool Media Academy (LMA) Expert in building culture, collaboration, and resilience through trust and strategic challenge. Website: https://www.lma.ac.uk/ Dan Lowe – Former Red Arrows Pilot & Leadership Speaker Reveals elite team rituals, anti‑complacency tactics, trust under pressure, and high‑stakes debriefs. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-lowe-redarrows/

• Drop The Act / Performing Perfectly — Email: [email protected]

• Listen on: YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • WebEmbed

• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformingPerfectly

Across two powerful seasons of Drop the Act, Christopher Key has explored what it truly means to show up when it counts—from theatre stages to boardrooms, classrooms to high-stakes conversations.

This special feature pulls together the most resonant highlights so far: bold insights, real vulnerability, and practical tools that reveal how breath, voice, mindset, and human connection shape how we perform under pressure.

🌐 Website: Performing Perfectly Website🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-key

📍 About Performing Perfectly: Performing Perfectly helps professionals show up at their best in high-pressure situations—when it really counts. Hosted by Christopher Key, this podcast reveals the mindset, tools and preparation that underpin elite performance, from operating theatres to boardrooms.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Performing-Perfectly

Contact Us:

• • 🌐 Website: https://www.performingperfectly.co.uk

  • 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@performingperfectly

  • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly

  • 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly

Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.

#LeadershipUnderPressure #NonverbalCommunication #DropTheAct #ChrisKey #ExecutivePresence

Words matter—but how you show up matters more. 🎭 Special Feature Episode – Chris on the How to Strive Podcast 🎙️

This week, we're switching things up on Drop the Act. Instead of hosting, Chris steps into the guest seat for a powerful conversation with Nick Adkins on the How to Strive podcast.

From directing Les Misérables across continents to helping business leaders find their voice, Chris dives deep into the art of non-verbal communication, feedback that lands, and how to truly perform under pressure—whether you're on a stage, in a boardroom, or leading a tough conversation.

If you're someone who leads, teaches, pitches, or performs when it matters most… this one's for you.

• How to command a room without raising your voice

• The 5-to-1 rule of feedback that builds trust

• What theatre teaches us about presence under pressure

• Why your posture and tone may be miscommunicating confidence

• How rehearsal and preparation beat "winging it" every time

• The body language mistakes even smart leaders make

🎙️ Featuring: Christopher Key, Associate Director, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Wizard of Oz (UK Tour) Guest on How to Strive with Nick Adkins

🌐 Website: Performing Perfectly Website🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-key

📍 About Performing Perfectly: Performing Perfectly helps professionals show up at their best in high-pressure situations—when it really counts. Hosted by Christopher Key, this podcast reveals the mindset, tools and preparation that underpin elite performance, from operating theatres to boardrooms.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Performing-Perfectly

Contact Us:

• Performing Perfectly Website

• Performing Perfectly on Instagram

• Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn

Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.

#LeadershipUnderPressure #NonverbalCommunication #DropTheAct #ChrisKey #ExecutivePresence

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key talks with Annasley Park — former professional cyclist, yoga instructor, somatic coach, and one of only nine women in history to complete a solo, unsupported 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.

On Friday 28th March, Annasley made history at The Alnwick Garden by finishing this grueling journey from Gran Canaria to Barbados in nearly 55 days. Battling extreme weather, dangerous animals, sleep deprivation, and a capsize, she turned this epic challenge into a powerful metaphor for life’s ups and downs.

Annasley shares her inspiring story of resilience, mental wellbeing, and personal growth — inviting us to embrace the waves of life’s uncharted waters and find meaning in the journey, not just the destination.

• Finding Freedom in Movement — How cycling became Annasley’s sanctuary and language beyond words.

• Resilience in the Face of Trauma — Turning personal and shared struggles into a driving force.

• Solo Atlantic Rowing — What 55 days of solitude and survival taught her about life and leadership.

• Mental, Physical & Emotional Well-being — Why holistic health is crucial for sustainable success.

• Inspiring Change — Using adventure and storytelling to shift attitudes on mental and digital wellness.

• The Journey is the Goal — Life’s waves are about learning from the highs and lows, not rushing to the finish.

• Resilience is Built in Reflection — Introspection and self-awareness strengthen our ability to navigate challenges.

• Nature as Teacher — Immersing in the outdoors fosters mental clarity and emotional healing.

• Purpose Fuels Performance — Aligning mission with personal values sustains motivation in tough times.

• Lead with Vulnerability — Sharing struggles creates connection and drives meaningful impact.

Annasley Park is a remarkable adventurer and coach with a decade of experience in high-pressure environments. After competing as a professional cyclist at World Tour level for Great Britain and exploring careers from alpine chalet host to superyacht deckhand, she earned certifications as a yoga instructor and somatic coach.

Her current mission is to inspire a generational shift in mental, physical, and emotional wellness, using her solo Atlantic rowing challenge as a platform to raise awareness and funds for charity. Annasley invites us all to embrace life’s uncharted waters with courage and reflection.

Contact Us:

• Performing Perfectly Website

• Performing Perfectly on Instagram

• Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn

• Contact Annasley via LinkedIn

Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.

In this powerful episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Sophia Cashman and Mr. Benedict Sherwood—two exceptional surgeons at the forefront of NHS leadership and patient care. Together, they take us inside the operating theatre to explore the life-or-death communication, real-time decision-making, and emotional intelligence required to lead under pressure.

What unfolds is an unflinching, honest, and surprisingly human look at leadership, teamwork, and trust—offering vital insights for any business leader seeking to build resilient, high-performing teams.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How surgeons prepare to perform when the stakes are highest

• Why communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about timing, tone, and trust

• How to lead when things go wrong, not just when they go right

• What businesses can learn from surgical debriefs and team briefings

• How to manage emotions, personalities, and pressure with grace

• Why great leaders aren’t always liked—but they are respected

🩺 About Dr. Sophia Cashman & Mr. Benedict Sherwood:

Sophia Cashman is a Consultant Urological Surgeon specialising in bladder dysfunction, complex urinary infections, and reconstructive urology. She’s also a rising leader in NHS training and education, passionate about communication and clarity under pressure.

Benedict Sherwood is a Consultant Urological Surgeon and clinical leader with over 30 years in the NHS. He specialises in robotic surgery and prostate cancer care and is a trusted educator and mentor at one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals.

Together, their insights offer a rare blend of clinical excellence and leadership wisdom forged in high-stakes environments.

🎭 About Christopher Key & Performing Perfectly:

Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead using techniques drawn from the performing arts.

🔗 Connect with Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com 📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

💡 Like What You Heard? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders looking to Drop the Act and lead with clarity, empathy, and presence.

Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most.

In Part 2 of this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite performance, and what business leaders can learn from one of the most precise teams on the planet.

• How the Red Arrows use tone and timing for split-second decisions

• Why communication isn’t optional—it's life or death

• What business teams can learn from military preparation and debriefs

• The power of visual signals and body language

• How Daniel mentally prepared to fly at 1,300 mph, 250 ft off the ground

• Why self-belief and ego (in the right measure) are essential to performance

Daniel is a former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor who served for over 16 years. His experience spans global combat training missions, elite-level aerobatics, and the kind of trust-driven teamwork that only exists at 700 mph in tight formation.

Connect with Dan Lowes: 🌐 Website: www.daniellowes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @daniel.lowes 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellowes 🐦 X (Twitter): @Daniel_Lowes

Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a training company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead through the power of performance.

Connect with Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com 📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

This episode is just the beginning. In the next instalment, Chris and Dan dive even deeper into the mindset of elite performers, sharing more stories, strategies, and takeaways for anyone serious about communication and leadership.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders who need to hear what it means to Drop the Act and lead with clarity and confidence

Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite performance, and what business leaders can learn from one of the most precise teams on the planet.

• How the Red Arrows use tone and timing for split-second decisions

• Why communication isn’t optional—it's life or death

• What business teams can learn from military preparation and debriefs

• The power of visual signals and body language

• How Daniel mentally prepared to fly at 1,300 mph, 250 ft off the ground

• Why self-belief and ego (in the right measure) are essential to performance

Daniel is a former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor who served for over 16 years. His experience spans global combat training missions, elite-level aerobatics, and the kind of trust-driven teamwork that only exists at 700 mph in tight formation.

Connect with Dan Lowes: 🌐 Website: www.daniellowes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @daniel.lowes 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellowes 🐦 X (Twitter): @Daniel_Lowes

Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a training company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead through the power of performance.

Connect with Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com 📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

This episode is just the beginning. In the next instalment, Chris and Dan dive even deeper into the mindset of elite performers, sharing more stories, strategies, and takeaways for anyone serious about communication and leadership.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders who need to hear what it means to Drop the Act and lead with clarity and confidence

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Richard Wallace, co-founder of Liverpool Media Academy (LMA)—a leading creative institution in media, music, and performing arts. Since launching LMA in 2009 with his brother Simon, Richard has grown the academy into a multi-campus success story, with major backing from Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie, and global superstar Robbie Williams.

Richard shares his journey from launching a bold new educational model to becoming a voice for change in how we develop talent across the creative industries. He opens up about the reality of imposter syndrome—even at the top, the evolution of modern education, and why collaboration—not competition—is the key to thriving as an artist or leader today.

From managing burnout to building confidence and culture, this conversation offers powerful lessons in leading with purpose, especially in a world where creativity and performance intersect.

• Imposter Syndrome? You’re Not Alone – Even the most successful leaders feel it. Here’s what to do with it.

• Education Is Changing—Are You? – Why the traditional model isn’t fit for today’s creative world, and how LMA is rewriting the script.

• Artists, Stop Competing—Start Collaborating – A fresh perspective on why teamwork outperforms ego.

• Balancing Work and Personal Life – The honest truth about protecting your energy in high-demand environments.

• Building Creative Confidence – Why belief is the foundation of every success story.

• Mindset matters – Believing in yourself—and those around you—is the first step to building something meaningful.

• Collaboration wins – Whether in education, business or the arts, shared success beats solo battles.

• Lead with empathy – Understanding the human behind the performer unlocks real potential.

• Reimagine the system – The world is changing—our approach to learning, leading, and growing should too.

About Richard Wallace: Richard Wallace is the co-founder of LMA (Liverpool Media Academy), a groundbreaking creative institution offering education in media, music, performing arts, and digital innovation. Since launching LMA in 2009 with his brother Simon, Richard has championed a vision to empower the next generation of creatives. With support from Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie, and global pop icon Robbie Williams, LMA has expanded across Liverpool and London. As a passionate leader and advocate for collaboration, Richard continues to inspire students and organisations to embrace change, unlock talent, and lead with heart. 

Contact Us:

• Performing Perfectly Website

• Performing Perfectly on Instagram

• Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn

• LMA Website

Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Leon Lloyd, a former England international rugby player, high-performance strategist, and leadership expert. With 11 major trophies, including English and European titles with Leicester Tigers, Leon has competed at the highest level against some of the world’s best athletes.

Leon shares his unique journey from professional sport to becoming an influential speaker and advisor for top organisations, including Microsoft, AMEX, the Premier League, and the UK Special Forces. He discusses how the skills and lessons learned on the field are directly transferable to building high-performance teams and sustainable success in the corporate world.

He dives deep into the leadership skills you can’t afford to ignore, the hidden struggles of life after sports, and the secret to managing big egos in elite teams. Leon also explores why success starts in the mind, how to foster a culture that outperforms raw talent, and how to navigate the challenges of starting over after a professional sports career.

Key Highlights:

• The Leadership Skill You Can’t Ignore – The one thing every leader needs to master.

• Life After Sports: The Battle No One Talks About – Navigating the challenges of transitioning out of professional sport.

• Managing Big Egos in Elite Teams – Strategies for maintaining harmony and performance.

• The Athlete’s Perspective on Success – Why mindset is the foundation of high performance.

• Team Culture vs. Talent – Why culture beats raw talent every time.

Takeaways for Leaders & Teams:

• Mindset is key – Achieving long-term success starts with the right mental approach.

• Building high-performing teams – Leadership, communication, and culture matter more than individual talent.

• Overcoming transitions – Whether in sports or business, starting over can be challenging but rewarding.

About Leon Lloyd: Leon Lloyd is a former England international rugby player with a decorated career, including 11 major titles. Now a sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance strategist, Leon helps organisations build resilient teams and positive cultures. With academic credentials, including a first-class honors degree and an MBA with distinction, Leon is committed to empowering teams and leaders to achieve lasting success.

Contact Us:

• Performing Perfectly Website

• Performing Perfectly on Instagram

• Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn

• Contact Leon Lloyd via LinkedIn

Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.