Michael Ceely's High Performance Podcast

In this episode of Michael Ceely's High Performance Podcast, high performance coach Michael Ceely sits down with professional soccer player and entrepreneur Sebastian Avanzini to explore the mental game behind elite athletic performance.

Sebastian's journey defies conventional wisdom: told he'd "never be more than average" at age 22, he transformed himself into a professional player, competing across Europe and Southeast Asia.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transform anger and frustration into competitive fuel
• The critical role of mentorship in breaking through mental barriers
• The playmaker mindset and how to focus on team success over individual glory
• Channeling athletic discipline into entrepreneurial success

Sebastian shares candid insights about anger management and the psychological blocks that almost derailed his career. He reveals how two key mentors helped him develop the skills needed to perform under pressure, including the coach who caught him lying during a tryout, but signed him anyway.

This conversation goes beyond typical sports psychology and explores how elite athletes can leverage their mindset for success in business. Sebastian discusses his transition from soccer player to entrepreneur, founding Eduvo, an education platform that connects high performers with world-class mentors.

This episode is for athletes, coaches, sport psychologists, and anyone interested in peak performance. If you're seeking to maximize your potential, this episode provides actionable strategies from someone who's conquered challenges in sports and in business. 

Guest: Sebastian Avanzini - Professional Soccer Player & Co-Founder of Eduvo
Host: Michael Ceely - High Performance Coach

Episode Highlights:
[01:55] Early mentors in Sebastian's life
[10:58] Channeling anger into athletic performance
[16:17] Ego management in team settings
[21:01] Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur

Connect:
Website: michaelceely.com
Guest: sebastianavanzini.com | eduvo.io

Frustrated with business networking? Annoyed by LinkedIn solicitors? Tired of happy hours where you end up with a stack of business cards and no connections? There’s a better way. The future of business networking is Gildre, a curated connection platform where members are vetted and matched. The result is a high-quality community of founders and entrepreneurs who support each other's endeavors.

In this video, networking expert and Gildre founder Brian Lee talks about why he and his cofounders started Gildre, and how traditional networking platforms and communities fall short of delivering a quality networking experience.

Whether you're a long-time business owner, startup entrepreneur, or venture capitalist, you’ll enjoy this episode of Michael Ceely’s High-Performance Podcast.

About Gildre: https://www.gildre.com
Apply to Gildre: https://www.gildre.com/membership

About Roamli: https://www.roamli.com

---
About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

#businesspodcast #founder #entrepreneur #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #networking #gildre #michaelceely

Diving deep into the psychology behind conflict avoidance, this episode explores two fundamental causes: environmental factors where leadership fails to create safe spaces for open discussion, and intrapersonal habits rooted in people-pleasing tendencies and fear of rejection. By understanding these underlying mechanisms, you'll recognize how avoiding necessary conversations actually builds resentment and diminishes your professional presence.

The heart of this episode offers three powerful, actionable strategies to transform how you approach workplace disagreements:

1. Learn to speak up without attachment to outcomes—breaking the connection between voicing opinions and fear of rejection. 
2. Discover how simply reframing "conflict" as "solution-seeking opportunities" can rewire your brain's response to disagreement. 
3. Implement weekly behavioral experiments that build your confidence through deliberate practice in low-stakes situations. 

Ready to transform how you handle workplace differences? Subscribe for more insights on professional development, leadership strategies, and communication techniques.

👉 Get the Leader's Guide to Resolving Conflict Avoidance: https://www.michaelceely.com/resource...

More about Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Gary Chupik is an international speaker, writer, and elite mindset coach. He works with high performers in sports, business, and leadership.

In this video, Gary explains how he helps high performers climb their proverbial mountains and achieve their goals.

Gary’s client list includes Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Keller Williams, NTT Global, USA Figure Skating, The Seattle Mariners, Stanford University, and the FBI.

Gary’s world-class, signature programs include the Elite Mindset Mental Training System and the Game Plan for Life.

Gary is obsessed with continuous self improvement. Listen and get inspired. Tap into your growth mindset and never give up on your dreams.

Get Gary's Elite Assessment: https://www.elitemindsetassessment.com
Use the code ELITE100

More About Gary Chupik:
Website: https://www.elitemindsetnation.com/
Gary on Instagram:   / elitemindset 
Facebook page:   / gary.chupik 

---

About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

#coaching #executivecoaching #sportpsychology #mindset #motivation #businesscoach #mentalperformance

Marc Azoulay redefines what is possible for men’s counseling. Marc is the founder of Men’s Therapy Online, a community and healing hub for men who want to get back on their feet or take their lives to the next level.

Marc recounts his journey from a rebellious punk rocker to a therapist and creating his own company. With the help of his team of licensed clinicians Marc provides men’s groups, individual counseling, and powerful wilderness retreats to his members. 

With a background in psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and Buddhism, Marc is able to help men uncover and destroy the unconscious barriers that hold them back. 

His mission is to help men become the best versions of themselves and truly show up for their lives, relationships, and community.

About Marc Azoulay: https://menstherapy.online

---

About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Syrenn uses AI-powered role plays to help organizations train employees much faster than traditional approaches. In this video, Michael Ceely interviews the founders of Syrenn, a Madison, WI based company that is revolutionizing the way people learn.

The founders, Nati Solomon Fett and Colin Guest, embody a high-performing entrepreneurial spirit that viewers and listeners will find truly inspiring.

If you're an executive, business owner, or entrepreneur, you'll want to "get in the arena" and slay your competition after experiencing this podcast.

More about Syrenn: https://syrenn.co

Starting Block of Madison: https://www.startingblockmadison.org
---
About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Nelson Repenning is Professor of System Dynamics and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. 

His new book, There’s Got to Be a Better Way, documents the success of applying the Dynamic Work Design model to help organizations become well-oiled machines. Nelson and his coauthor Donald Keiffer have helped a diverse range of businesses, ranging from cutting-edge genetics companies to old-school manufacturing icons like Harley Davidson.

All high performers, from champion athletes to CEOs to startup entrepreneurs… they all work in systems. If you’re unaware of the system in which you operate, you can have all the talent and drive in the world but still fail, due to the system’s invisible barriers.

Pre-order the book, There’s Got to Be a Better Way: https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Got-Be-Better-Way/dp/1541704622

More about Nelson Repenning
MIT Profile: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/dire...
ShiftGear: https://shiftgear.work
Dynamic Work Design: https://shiftgear.work/what-is-dynami...

---
About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist, TEDx and keynote speaker, podcaster, and author. Adam uses the power of connection to help high performing individuals get better results. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies to Silicon Valley executives to professional athletes.

Adam’s new book, Super Psyched, is about the four types of human connection and how you can create your own unique connection formula for better results and a happier life. Super Psyched has gotten praise from the likes of Daniel Pink, Guy Kawasaki, and Mel Robbins.

Adam and I had a great conversation about connection, with topics ranging from Star Wars to the Golden State Warriors to men's mental health.

About Dr. Adam Dorsay: https://dradamdorsay.com

Adam’s book: https://dradamdorsay.com/super-psyche...

Adam's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Adam's interview with Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors:    • SuperPsyched Podcast Episode #24 | Go... 

Adam’s TEDx talk. Emotions: The Data Men Miss:    • Emotions: The Data Men Miss | Adam Do... 

Adam’s TEDx talk. Friendships in Adulthood: 5 Things to Know:    • Friendships in Adulthood: 5 Things to... 
---
About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Brenda K Reynolds is a 2-time best-selling author, a TEDx and international speaker, and the founder of BKR Consulting. With a background in corporate leadership and business, Brenda helps her clients lead with clarity and confidence during times of change. 

Brenda’s journey of tumultuous transition during the 2008 financial crash forged her philosophy of “the power of the pause” which she uses in her consulting business, empowering leaders to respond rather than react. 

Executives, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other high performers will love this episode and take away valuable nuggets of wisdom from a woman who turns fog into clarity. 

Brenda’s latest book, 5 Frogs: Reflections on the Road to Resilience, outlines an insightful acronym using the word FROGS to illustrate the process of change:

F. REAKING OUT

R. EFLECTING & RESPONSIBILITY

O. VERCOMING OBSTACLES

G. ROWING

S. OVEREIGN SELF

Brenda explains how all people can use this model of change to transform their lives in a positive and healthy way.

About Brenda K Reynolds:

Website: https://www.brendakreynolds.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendakreynolds

Brenda’s books: https://www.brendakreynolds.com/author

Brenda’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/7JZMfUHuTo4

---

About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Rewire Fitness: https://rewirefitness.app

Get 20% off Rewire Fitness (affiliate link): https://rewirefitness.app/order/?special-offer=michaelceely20

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Dr. Kimberly Wagner explains how sport psychology works and how performance psychology skills apply to all high performers, in the business world and beyond. 

Her background working with Major League baseball players, combined with her experience in her clinical practice, has allowed Dr. Wagner to formulate skills and techniques that allow people to create massive positive change. 

Dr. Wagner’s online course, Believe It, Achieve It, incorporates all of her expertise into a highly-focused learning environment that helps athletes, entrepreneurs, executives, business owners and others perform at a higher level.  

1. Introduction - Dr. Kimberly Wagner: 01:11
2. What is sport psychology: 02:14
3. Dr. Wagner’s background in sport psychology: 04:18
4. Sport psychology tips for baseball player: 09:42
5. Psychotherapy vs. Coaching: 16:34
6. Visualization: 19:08
7. High Performance Psychology in the business world: 20:12
8. Social and relationship skills in sports and business: 21:34
9. Are you coachable? The willingness to learn: 23:56
10. Dr. Wagner’s course, Believe It, Achieve It: 26:46
11. Confidence: The number one secret to high performance: 31:03
12. The power of self-talk: 31:30

About Dr. Kimberly Wagner:

Website: https://drkimwagner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kimberlywagner/

Dr. Wagner’s Course, Believe It, Achieve It: 

https://kimberly-wagner.mykajabi.com/believeitachieveit

---

About Michael Ceely: https://www.michaelceely.com

Rewire Fitness: https://rewirefitness.app 

Get 20% off Rewire Fitness (affiliate link): https://rewirefitness.app/order/?special-offer=michaelceely20

Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.