John Amaechi OBE didn’t pick up a basketball until he was 17. Within a few years, he was playing at the highest level of the sport in the NBA.

But John doesn’t see his story as proof of natural talent. Instead, he credits the people and environments that allowed him to discover what he was capable of, and believes far too many people never get that opportunity.

Founder of APS Intelligence, organisational psychologist and author, John has spent his second career studying what enables people and leaders to perform at their best.

In this conversation with Georgie Ainslie, he challenges the idea of the “natural leader” and explains why extraordinary leadership is built through behaviours that can be observed, practised and learned.

They discuss why potential is so often overlooked, how class and stereotypes influence who we see as talented, why leaders need to become better at difficult feedback, and the difference between genuine vulnerability and simply admitting defeat.

John also reflects on the extraordinary journey that took him from a small basketball gym in Manchester to the NBA, why he never actually fell in love with basketball, and why retiring from the sport ultimately felt like freedom.

His latest book, It’s Not Magic, argues that great leadership isn’t mysterious. The skills can be understood, developed and repeated.

This is a conversation about leadership, human potential, identity, feedback and the people who help us become capable of more than we imagined.

FAQs

Who is John Amaechi?John Amaechi OBE is a psychologist, author, speaker and former NBA basketball player. After retiring from professional sport, he moved into psychology, leadership and organisational consultancy.

How old was John Amaechi when he started playing basketball?John says he first picked up a basketball at 17, before eventually moving to the United States and reaching the NBA.

Does John Amaechi believe great leaders are born or made?He is unequivocal: great leaders are built. He argues that the behaviours associated with effective leadership can be identified, practised and learned.

Why does John Amaechi think potential is often missed?John argues that people make assumptions based on labels, background, class, accent, race, gender or occupation, which can prevent them from recognising someone's underlying ability.

What does John Amaechi say about giving feedback?He believes giving useful feedback is a basic leadership skill that too many managers avoid because it feels uncomfortable. Withholding important feedback, he argues, can ultimately harm the person receiving it.

What does John Amaechi mean by vulnerability in leadership?For John, vulnerability isn't about collapse or helplessness. It's about knowing and clearly communicating the specific areas where you lack knowledge or expertise, allowing others to contribute.

What is John Amaechi's book It's Not Magic about?The book explores the behaviours and skills behind extraordinary leadership, challenging the idea that great leaders possess some mysterious innate quality.

Did John Amaechi enjoy playing basketball?Interestingly, he says he never truly fell in love with basketball itself. He loved many of the people and experiences around it, but describes feeling a great sense of freedom when his NBA career ended.

#JohnAmaechi #Leadership #HighPerformance #HumanPotential #Psychology #PerformancePeople

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic champion Eve Muirhead is coming out of retirement for one more shot at the Games.

Four years after stepping away from curling at the top of the sport, Eve joins Georgie Ainslie to explain why she has returned, what she still wants to achieve and why this comeback will look very different from the first act of her athletic career.

Eve reveals how a call from British Curling opened the door to a mixed doubles campaign and why Olympic gold in that discipline feels like “unfinished” business.

She also reflects candidly on the pressure that came with being one of Team GB’s leading athletes. Eve discusses hiding a serious hip problem, struggling with her mental health and reaching the point where a clinical psychologist told her that, in a conventional job, she would have been signed off for six months.

She explains how getting help allowed her to rediscover the fearless competitor she had been earlier in her career, and why her biggest lesson now is simple: perform for yourself, not for other people.

Eve also takes Georgie behind the scenes of her time as Team GB’s Chef de Mission, talks about completing the London Marathon in 3:25, her love of HYROX and CrossFit, and what she has learned from seeing elite sport from both sides.

Now she is back on the ice, targeting another Olympic cycle, but with a very different perspective on performance, pressure and success.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

______

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Will Cole is a functional medicine practitioner, New York Times bestselling author and one of the leading voices in personalised health. His latest book, Heal Your Cells, explores how inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition and lifestyle can influence the way our bodies function at a cellular level.

In this episode, Will joins Georgie to examine what good health really means, and why being told your results are ‘normal’ doesn’t necessarily mean you are functioning at your best.

They discuss the impact of chronic stress on the nervous system, why high performers can be particularly vulnerable to burnout, and the importance of treating recovery as part of performance rather than something that happens when the work is finished.

Will also explains why fatigue isn’t always simply a sleep problem, the relationship between stress and inflammation, why cortisol shouldn’t automatically be viewed as the enemy, and why sleep remains one of the most powerful tools available to us.

They also explore nutrition, supplements, coffee, trauma and what Will calls ‘shameflammation’, as well as his belief that the pursuit of wellness itself can become counterproductive.

His message is ultimately a simple one: consistency matters more than perfection, more isn’t always better, and you cannot obsess your way into better health.

Heal Your Cells by Dr. Will Cole and Dr. Josh Axe - discover how to activate cellular healing to reverse chronic inflammation and reclaim lasting health. Available now wherever books are sold.

https://thehealthinstitute.com/products/heal-your-cells

FAQs

What does Dr Will Cole mean by “healing your cells”?

Will describes cellular health as addressing the underlying factors that can contribute to dysfunction, including inflammation, stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies and environmental influences. His approach is based on identifying what may be affecting an individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model.

Can chronic stress affect physical health?

According to Will, prolonged stress can affect the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. He discusses how persistent stress may contribute to inflammation, disrupted sleep, fatigue, hormonal changes and the feeling of being simultaneously “wired and tired”.

Is cortisol bad for you?

No. Will explains that cortisol is an essential hormone and part of the body’s natural response to stress and inflammation. Rather than simply trying to lower cortisol, he believes it is important to understand why it may have become dysregulated.

What does Dr Will Cole say about sleep?

He describes sleep as one of the most underrated foundations of health and recovery. Rather than viewing sleep as a luxury, he argues that consistent, good-quality sleep is fundamental to reducing stress on the body and supporting performance.

What is Will Cole’s advice for high performers?

He argues that sustainable high performance requires recovery. Continually operating under stress without adequate rest may eventually reduce effectiveness and contribute to burnout. His broader message is to prioritise consistency, self-compassion and habits that support health rather than trying to optimise every aspect of life.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir James Dyson joins Georgie Ainslie at Dyson’s office in Malmesbury to discuss his move into Bath Rugby ownership, the future of professional sport and why he still believes failure is more valuable than success.

A longtime Bath supporter, Dyson explains why he had “not at all” a moment’s hesitation when Bruce Craig offered him the opportunity to invest in the club. He discusses the financial realities of English rugby, his ambition to help secure Bath’s long-term future and his hope of seeing a new city-centre stadium built “like a coliseum”.

He also considers where engineering and science could influence rugby performance, from medicine and injury prevention to data, psychology, speed and developing young players.

Away from sport, Dyson gives his assessment of artificial intelligence. He questions whether AI can ever produce genuinely disruptive thinking, describes its reliance on existing information as “plagiarism” and explains why he would not yet trust it to provide a reliable answer without human judgement.

Dyson also reflects on the 5,127 prototypes he built over five years while developing his vacuum cleaner technology, why he finds failure more interesting than success, and why he believes “there’s nothing worse than being satisfied”.

The conversation also explores Dyson Farming, robot-picked strawberries, British food security and how curiosity can turn wasted resources into new opportunities.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

_____

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Hazel Wallace joins Georgie to explore why female physiology still isn’t properly accounted for in health, nutrition and performance.

Hazel is a former NHS doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, bestselling author and founder of The Food Medic. She explains how women have historically been treated as “small men” in medical research, and why that can have serious consequences, from misdiagnosis and adverse drug reactions to gaps in our understanding of hormones, nutrition and performance.

They discuss how the menstrual cycle can influence energy, motivation, sleep and recovery, why Hazel prefers women to be “cycle aware” rather than rigidly training around different phases, and the nutritional issues that disproportionately affect women, including iron deficiency.

The conversation also covers perimenopause, HRT, fertility, IVF and egg freezing, including why the months before conception or egg collection can be important from a nutritional perspective.

Plus, she shares the exercise she believes matters most for longevity, the supplement she recommends for many people in the UK, and the one principle she believes every woman should remember:

Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal.

FAQs

Who is Dr Hazel Wallace?

Dr Hazel Wallace is a former NHS medical doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, bestselling author and founder of The Food Medic, an educational platform focused on evidence-based health and nutrition.

How does the menstrual cycle affect performance?

Hazel explains that changing hormone levels can influence factors including energy, motivation, mood, sleep and recovery. However, she says the research does not currently support rigid week-by-week training prescriptions for every woman.

Should women train according to their menstrual cycle?

Hazel recommends being cycle aware rather than strictly “cycle syncing”. Tracking your own symptoms and recognising when you personally feel strongest or most fatigued can help inform training decisions.

Why is iron deficiency particularly relevant for women?

Women lose iron through menstruation and can have increased requirements during stages such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hazel says iron deficiency is an important issue in female health and performance.

Can nutrition affect IVF and egg freezing?

Hazel discusses evidence suggesting nutrition can influence fertility-related outcomes and highlights the importance of the period leading up to conception, IVF or egg collection.

What does Hazel say about perimenopause?

Perimenopause can last months or years and may involve changes in periods, sleep, mood, concentration, hair, skin and temperature regulation. Hazel recommends tracking symptoms and speaking to a healthcare professional if they become troublesome.

Does Hazel recommend HRT?

Hazel explains that HRT can be safe and effective for many women but is still a medication and isn’t appropriate for everybody. Decisions should be made with a doctor based on individual symptoms, risks and medical history.

Does Hazel recommend continuous glucose monitors?

Not routinely for healthy people. She says unnecessary glucose monitoring can sometimes create anxiety or food obsession.

What is the best exercise for longevity?

Hazel highlights resistance training, while also stressing that the best form of exercise is ultimately one you can consistently maintain.

The Performance People podcast is produced in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Whitehead MBE has spent much of his life challenging other people’s expectations of what a disabled person can achieve.

Born with a disability affecting both legs and told growing up that even walking would be a challenge, Richard didn’t begin his running journey until adulthood. In 2004 he entered the New York Marathon despite never having raced before, training at night on the streets of Nottingham with sports cups fitted over his stumps. It became the starting point for an extraordinary career.

In this conversation with Georgie Ainslie, Richard explains how he went from marathon runner to elite sprinter, why being told he was too old and didn’t have a place in the British team only strengthened his resolve, and what went through his mind before delivering the performance of his life at London 2012.

But Richard is equally candid about what success hasn’t changed. He discusses the discrimination and lack of opportunity disabled people still face, why Paralympians remain underrepresented in the media, and why he refuses to let either his disability or his medals define him.

Now 50, Richard is still competing, still pushing his own limits and using the Richard Whitehead Foundation to create greater access, representation and opportunity for disabled young people.

FAQs

Who is Richard Whitehead MBE?Richard Whitehead is a British Paralympic athlete, marathon runner, world-record holder and disability campaigner. He is also the founder of the Richard Whitehead Foundation.

How did Richard Whitehead get into running?Richard entered the New York Marathon in 2004 despite never previously having raced. He describes it as a way of challenging himself and changing perceptions of disability.

How did Richard Whitehead train for his first marathon?Before having the running blades he uses today, Richard trained at night around Nottingham using sports cups fitted over his stumps.

Why was Richard Whitehead nearly left out of the Paralympic team?Richard recalls being told by the performance director that he was too old and that there wasn’t a place for him in the team. He ultimately forced his way into contention through his performances.

What does Richard Whitehead say about disability discrimination?Richard argues that disabled people remain underrepresented and continue to face barriers across sport, employment, education and wider society.

What is the Richard Whitehead Foundation?The foundation works to improve opportunities, participation and representation for disabled young people and young adults.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

______

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

______

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the best way to improve your sleep is not going to bed earlier, but waking up at the same time every day?

On Performance People this week, Georgie Ainslie speaks to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr Michael Breus, known as The Sleep Doctor, about sleep science, chronotypes and the link between sleep and high performance.

Dr Breus explains how sleep affects recovery, concentration, decision-making, emotional control and sporting performance. He also challenges common sleep myths, including the idea that everyone needs precisely eight hours.

The conversation explores his four chronotypes: lion, bear, wolf and dolphin, and how your natural body clock can influence the best times to sleep, work, exercise and make important decisions.

Michael also discusses sleep trackers including Oura, WHOOP, Garmin and Apple Watch. While wearables can help identify useful trends, he warns against treating sleep scores and deep sleep data as completely accurate. For people who already feel anxious about sleep, checking a tracker every morning can make things worse.

Georgie and Michael also examine the lack of female sleep research and the impact of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause on sleep. They discuss why sleep apnoea in women can be overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Finally, Dr Breus shares five practical tips: wake up at the same time every day, stop caffeine by 2pm, avoid alcohol for three hours before bed, finish exercise four hours before bed, and get morning sunlight, water and deep breaths.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.

After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.

Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.

You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.

UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.

Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates people who fulfil their potential from those who never quite turn it into action?

Adrian Gore is the founder and CEO of Discovery Group, the business behind Vitality, serving more than 50 million customers worldwide. His new book, The Four Principles: Multiply Your Impact in Life and Leadership, explores the habits and decisions that drive performance in business, sport and everyday life.

Adrian explains his four principles: disciplined optimism, focused urgency, declared goals and the Pareto tail. He explores why elite performers need more than talent, why pressure can sharpen performance and how a small number of decisions can shape an entire career.

We discuss why golfers putt better to save par than they do for birdie, how loss aversion motivates athletes and leaders, and why publicly declaring a goal makes it harder to step away when things become uncomfortable.

Adrian experienced that himself when he announced that he would run a five-minute mile. He did not achieve the target, but the attempt transformed his fitness and later helped him run a Boston Marathon qualifying time in his sixties.

He also shares the thinking behind Vitality, explains why optimism should be treated as a discipline rather than a personality trait, and reveals how his 2.30am “golden hour” helps him protect time for his most important work.

This is a conversation about leadership and business through a performance lens: setting meaningful goals, responding to setbacks and recognising which actions will have the greatest impact.

Find The Four Principles by Adrian Gore on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Principles-Multiply-Impact-Leadership/dp/1035076489

Connect with Adrian Gore here:

Adrian Gore (@adriangoreofficial)

https://za.linkedin.com/in/adrian-gore

#AdrianGore #TheFourPrinciples #SportsPerformance #Leadership #HighPerformance #PerformancePeople

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.

After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.

Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.

You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.

UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.

Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to perform when the margins are measured in hundredths of a second, the pressure is immense and one mistake can end everything?

Recorded live at the J.P. Morgan sponsored Aurora event in Båstad, Sweden, Georgie Ainslie sits down with two of Sweden’s most successful skiers: Olympic alpine champion Sara Hector and cross-country star Ebba Andersson.

Sara reflects on the six-year wait between podium finishes, the serious knee injury that threatened her career and the mindset shift that helped her win Olympic giant slalom gold. She also explains why fear of failure cannot simply be suppressed, what it feels like to race at the limit and why elite athletes must learn not to empty the glass in every training session.

Ebba shares the conversation with her father that pulled her out of one of the lowest periods of her career, why she changed her approach after the Beijing Olympics and how better recovery, nutrition and trust in her own instincts helped her reach new heights.

Together, they discuss performance anxiety, comparison, recovery, resilience, discipline and the importance of staying present when everything is at stake.

This episode was recorded live at Aurora in Båstad, Sweden.

Performance People is powered by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

FAQs

Who are Sara Hector and Ebba Andersson?Sara Hector is a Swedish alpine skier and Olympic giant slalom champion. Ebba Andersson is a Swedish cross-country skier with multiple World Championship titles and Olympic medals.

Where was this episode recorded?The conversation was recorded live at the Aurora car event in Båstad, Sweden, which was sponsored by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

What sports do Sara Hector and Ebba Andersson compete in?Sara competes in alpine skiing, specialising in giant slalom. Ebba competes in cross-country skiing and is known for endurance events.

What does Sara Hector say about performance anxiety?Sara explains that she cannot simply suppress anxiety or fear of failure. Instead, she has learned to allow those feelings to arise, accept them and return her attention to the next action.

How did Ebba Andersson recover from a major setback?After suffering a serious knee injury, Ebba reached a very low point. A direct conversation with her father challenged her to decide whether she would remain negative or take control of the situation and work towards returning to skiing.

How important is recovery to elite athletes?Both athletes describe recovery as central to performance. Sara says athletes do not improve during training itself, but through the recovery that follows it.

What is the “water glass” analogy discussed in the episode?Sara’s coach compares energy to a glass of water. If an athlete completely empties the glass during every training session, it soon becomes impossible to recover. The lesson is to leave something in reserve.

What is the main lesson Sara and Ebba give to young athletes?Ebba advises young people to listen to themselves rather than constantly following the opinions of others. Sara argues that attitude, discipline and clarity about personal values can carry athletes through periods when motivation disappears.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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Connect with Performance People

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_______

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TNT lead cycling presenter, Orla Chennaoui joins Georgie Ainslie for a conversation about anxiety, sobriety, cycling and life inside the Tour de France.

As this year’s Tour unfolds, Orla gives a brilliant insider’s view on what makes the race so brutal, beautiful and tactically complex. She explains why Tadej Pogačar is surrounded by riders who could lead other teams, how domestiques sacrifice their own ambitions to protect a leader, and why the Tour is not just 21 days of racing, it is a relentless machine of recovery, logistics, pressure and performance.

Orla also reflects on how she fell in love with cycling, from covering Team GB after Beijing to being drawn into the atmosphere, access and human stories of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

Away from the road, she opens up about the anxiety that has shaped much of her life, the online abuse that nearly pushed her away from television, and the decision to stop drinking 11 years ago, which she describes as the best decision she has ever made.

In this episode, Orla shares the story behind Ten Times Braver, the question that changed her life, and the tools she uses to manage fear, from box breathing to her “one song reset”.

This is a conversation about the hidden realities of elite sport, the pressure behind live broadcasting, and learning how to stop chasing happiness and start living it.

FAQs

Who is Orla Chennaoui?

Orla Chennaoui is a sports broadcaster best known for her cycling coverage, including the Tour de France. She is also the founder of Ten Times Braver.

What does Orla say about Tadej Pogačar and the Tour de France?

Orla explains how a rider like Pogačar is supported by an entire team, with riders around him sacrificing their own ambitions to protect and help him win.

Why does Orla say cycling is really a team sport?

Although one rider often gets the glory, Orla explains that Tour success depends on domestiques, tactics, protection, pacing, fuelling and constant sacrifice from the whole team.

Why does Orla think the Tour de France is so hard?

She describes it as 21 days of racing inside a 23-day event, with constant travel, recovery, hotel moves, logistics and pressure — like a Formula One weekend that never ends.

What personal struggles does Orla discuss?

Orla opens up about lifelong anxiety, imposter syndrome, online abuse, feeling like an outsider and the emotional crash that can come after live broadcasting.

Why did Orla stop drinking?

Orla says alcohol had become a way to escape anxiety. After becoming a mother, she realised she wanted her career, family and home life to thrive — and alcohol was the thing that had to go.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

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Connect with Performance People

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http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.