Episode 205: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Dr. David Bailey — an internationally recognised coach, sports scientist, and performance leader whose career spans over two decades across Olympic, corporate, and professional sport.

David is currently Head of Performance Support with a World Tour professional cycling team, where he leads multidisciplinary sports science and performance teams competing at the highest level. Over the past ten years, he has helped drive innovation and integration across physiology, nutrition, technology, and data — guiding athletes and staff towards sustained world-class performance.

Before his move into cycling, David was a Senior Research Scientist at Nestlé, responsible for global sports nutrition research for PowerBar, and previously a sports physiologist with the English Institute of Sport across three Olympic cycles — Athens, Beijing, and London — supporting athletes in cycling, triathlon, and other endurance sports.

With a PhD in Exercise and Sport Nutrition from Loughborough University and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, David continues to shape the evolution of applied sports science and performance leadership — bridging the gap between research, technology, and real-world performance.

In this conversation, David and Pete explore the art and science of performance management — from the “aggregation of marginal gains” to the power of reflection, collaboration, and human-centred leadership in complex, high-pressure environments.

Topics Discussed:

David’s journey from academic research to elite performance leadership

The real meaning behind “aggregation of marginal gains”

Balancing data-driven insights with human-centred leadership

Lessons from Olympic sport, corporate R&D, and World Tour cycling

The future of performance leadership in the age of AI and technology

Where you can find David:

LinkedIn

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 204: In this episode, Andy McDonald speaks with Bryony Johnson, a Performance Chef with 19 years of experiencesupporting some of the world’s most elite athletes, including Anthony Joshua, Roger Federer, Sir Ben Ainslie, and Ellie Aldridge.

Bryony shares her journey through elite sport and the evolving role of the performance chef — bridging the gap between nutrition science and practical food delivery. She also lectures on the MSc in Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, offering future practitioners a real-world perspective on applied performance nutrition.

Drawing on nearly two decades in kitchens and high-performance environments, Bryony discusses the nuances of collaboration, the challenges of feeding athletes with individualised needs, and the impact of modern food culture on performance.

Topics Discussed:

The role and importance of a performance chef in sport

Effective collaboration between nutritionists and chefs

Challenges and strategies in adapting meals for athletes’ needs

The impact of food trends and fads on athletes’ dietary choices

Balancing whole foods and supplements in sports nutrition

Where you can find Bryony:

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 203: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Dr. Richard Young — an internationally respected performance leader whose career spans more than three decades across sports, science, and innovation.

Richard has been involved in 11 Olympic Games as an athlete, coach, researcher, technologist, and leader, working across over 50 sports and seven countries. His mission: to help athletes, teams, and organizations move from high potential to sustained higher performance.

Holding a PhD in physiology and biomedical engineering, Richard has applied his research to understand the human and systemic factors that underpin sustained success. He founded several influential international programmes, including the Technology and Innovation programmes for Great Britain and New Zealand, and the Performance Knowledge & Learning programme for New Zealand’s Olympic, Winter Olympic, and Paralympic teams.

Over six Olympic cycles, Richard has studied the crucial differences between medallists and non-medallists — exploring how leaders, coaches, and systems foster resilience, coherence, and repeat excellence. Today, he consults globally as a Performance Advisor, helping Olympic and professional sports teams, as well as leaders in business, health, and education, to declutter, align, and integrate performance systems for sustainable success.

In this compelling conversation, Richard unpacks the essence of leadership systems, showing how clarity, alignment, and simplicity drive long-term success — not just in sport, but across any high-performing environment.

Richard’s Career Journey — From athlete to innovation specialist across 11 Olympic cycles

Sustained Performance — What separates one-time winners from repeat performers

The System Approach — Understanding people, places, and things and how they interact

The 3×3 Dashboard from "Simplify" — Flow, self-awareness, evidence, values, and routines

Evolving Team Models — Moving from multidisciplinary to integrated system approaches

Optimal Team Size for Repeat Success — Why three is often the magic number

Values Alignment — How personal and organizational values must connect

The Iceberg Model — Making visible the deeper systems and values beneath the surface

Distributed Leadership — Tackling the bottleneck of leadership quality

Creating “Simple, Aligned, and Well” Environments — A blueprint for repeat success

Speed of Learning — Why adaptability separates sustained winners

Mentorship for Leaders — Building the next generation of performance thinkers

Personal Insights — Books, mentors, family, and life in New Zealand

Where you can find Richard:

LinkedIn

Website

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 202: In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, host Ben Ashworth is joined by Robbie Smyth, a Sports Physiotherapist currently working with the Sport Ireland Institute, where he serves as Lead Physiotherapist for the national swimming program.

Robbie has extensive experience across elite sport, having previously worked with Athletics Ireland, the Ireland National Team at the Paris Olympics, and as a Senior Physiotherapist with Meath GAA. His work focuses on bridging the gap between performance and rehabilitation for athletes competing at the highest level.

In this conversation, Robbie shares insights from his experience supporting world-class swimmers and discusses the nuanced demands of managing shoulder health in aquatic athletes.

Topics Discussed:

Where you can find Robbie Smyth:

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 201: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Jeremy Sheppard — an internationally respected performance coach, sport scientist, and leader in athlete development.

Jeremy has spent over two decades working at the highest levels of sport, from the Australian Institute of Sport to Canada Snowboard, where he currently serves as Performance Coach within the Slopestyle program. His work integrates movement, mindset, and medicine, creating high-performing environments where athletes thrive.

Across his career, Jeremy has held key roles with Surfing Australia, Australian Volleyball, and consulted with organisations including the New York Jets, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne Storm. Having contributed to athlete success at eight Olympic Games, multiple X Games, and World Championships, his experience spans continents, cultures, and disciplines.

In this conversation, Jeremy offers deep reflections on leadership, authenticity, and performance — exploring how character, creativity, and relationships drive sustainable achievement in sport and beyond.

Where you can find Jeremy:

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 200: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr. Enda King PhD MSc, one of the world’s leading sports physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts. Enda is currently the Aspetar Head of Elite Performance and Development.

Enda King PhD MSc has combined his roles as a sports physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher, and educator through his work with individual athletes and elite teams across a spectrum of sports and disciplines.

Through role as Head of Performance, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin led the development and delivery of their ACL and Athletic Groin Pain clinical and research pathways and their Elite Athlete Program Rehabilitating catering for players from Premier League, NBA, NFL, NHL, Premiership Rugby, European Tour Golf, National Hunt Racing, AFL and UFC.

Over 40 peer review publications and book chapters in the management of Athletic Groin Pain, Biomechanical Analysis after ACL reconstruction and the role of biomechanics in rehabilitation and athletic performance.

As an educator, has presented at scientific conferences, courses and workshops and consulted for elite teams world wide, in particular in relation to ACL rehabilitation, Athletic Groin Pain and Chronic and Recurrent Lower limb muscle and tendon issues.

Topics Discussed:

Understanding Athletic Hip & Groin Pain

Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

Functional Assessments & Key Considerations

North Star Principles of Effective Rehabilitation

Rehab Insights from the Sportsmith Conference

Where you can find Dr. Enda King:

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 199: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jess Elis, founder of Rehab Code and one of the sharpest minds in elite sports medicine.

Elis earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy before pursuing a PhD and multiple board certifications in orthopedics and sports. His career spans leadership roles as Director of Physical Therapy at EXOS and later as Vice President of Player Health for the New York Knicks. With a career dedicated to blending science, ethics, and athlete welfare, Elis offers a unique perspective at the intersection of research and practice.

Topics Discussed:

Exploring Ethics in Sports

Themes from the Research

Communication and Consent

Team Data Strategy

Ethical Considerations in Testing

The Human Element in Data Collection

-

Where you can find Jess Elis:

Rehab Code

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 198: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jeff Riepe, a distinguished expert at the intersection of sports science, rehabilitation, and human performance.

Riepe earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, followed by a fellowship in Clinical & Sports Biomechanics at the Movement Performance Institute under the mentorship of Chris Powers. His career spans elite sports medicine roles with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, numerous collegiate athletic programs, and the EXOS NFL Combine Training Program.

Specializing in advanced movement analysis, Riepe integrates cutting-edge technologies such as 2D and 3D high-speed motion capture, force plate analysis, and wireless electromyography (EMG) to optimize rehabilitation and performance outcomes.

Topics Discussed:

MoveLab's Advanced Biomechanics Lab

Data-Driven Rehabilitation Strategies

Integration of Clinical Research and Normative Data

Challenges in Late-Stage Rehabilitation

The Role of VO₂ Max

-

Where you can find Jeff Riepe:

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 197: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Nick Grantham — a leading authority in athletic preparation and performance enhancement, with over two decades of experience at the highest levels of elite sport.

Nick’s career has taken him from professional football to Olympic and Commonwealth Games programs, national governing bodies, and consultancy roles across a wide range of sports. Renowned for his no-nonsense, evidence-informed approach, Nick has helped shape the careers of athletes in football, gymnastics, netball, and beyond. As a published author and sought-after speaker, he is known for challenging conventional thinking and championing sustainable, athlete-centred development.

In this conversation, Nick shares candid insights on the evolving landscape of sports performance leadership, exploring what it truly takes to lead effectively in high-pressure, results-driven environments.

Topics Discussed:

Career Journey — From early S&C roles to consultancy and Premier League experience

Olympic & Multi-Sport Work — Coaching insights across gymnastics, netball, and professional football

Leadership Development — Lessons from mentors, management courses, and pivotal career moments

Leadership Philosophy — Values-based leadership, authenticity, integrity, and influence over hierarchy

Metaphors for Leadership — “Batman vs Alfred” and the power of tactical withdrawal

Building Trust & Influence — Humility, listening, onboarding quickly, and asking “silly questions”

Self-Development & CPD — Audiobooks, TED Talks, 360 feedback, and key reads like Dare to Lead and Radical Candor

Team & Talent Development — Reverse mentoring, psychological safety, and avoiding poor leadership promotions

Strategic Trends in Sport Leadership — Balancing “superstars” and “rock stars,” short-term vs long-term performance, and learning sideways from F1, business, and healthcare

This episode delivers a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical takeaways, leadership lessons, and reflections from one of the most respected voices in the performance community.

Where you can find Nick:

LinkedIn

Instagram

- 

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team

Episode 196: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Julia Donnelly — Head of Performance at Athletes Focused, where she provides performance services across multiple sports and professional organisations.

Julia’s applied work includes supporting the Scottish Women’s National Team age groups, Glasgow City Women, and other elite athletes. She recently completed her PhD exploring the menstrual cycle in football, adding valuable research to an underrepresented but vital area of sports science.

Topics Discussed:

Julia’s background and applied performance work across sport

Her PhD research on menstrual health in female athletes

How growing knowledge in this area can shape better athlete support

Insights from her recent published papers

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in athlete health, applied performance support, and the integration of research into practice for female athletes.

Where you can find Julia:

Julia’s Papers:

Sponsors

VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. 

- 

Where to Find Us

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

-

Our Team