Supporting Champions

Dawn Scott, High Performance Coach to the USA women’s national football team, who happen to have won two successive World cup titles and Olympic gold in 2012, is this episode's guest.

Show notes

Dawn Scott background, education and route into Sport Science

World Cup win with the USA team, back to reality and training, nutrition and appropriate recovery

Overview of Dawn’s background and career progression

Applied jobs in sport science weren’t the norm!

Basic applied sport science, paper and pencil wellness and basic heart rate monitoring

The USA approached Dawn and she moved out in 2010 

Dawn’s football background and being a Newcastle fan with her Dad

What got Dawn the job at a national level…?

Sharing your knowledge, understanding the process, what is your role in camp how do your define your role, find your niche and start to integrate your ideas?

It always has to be about the player, to impact them and their performance

Dawn discusses support team and individual temperament, what is required during match performances

Individualisation, knowing the players and how best to equip them for matches and for recovery. Going the extra mile.

Follow Dawn on twitter

https://twitter.com/DawnScott06

Follow us on line

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Nick Grantham, performance enhancement specialist and consultant, is this week's guest. Nick and I go way back to the mid 1990s and have worked alongside each other in the sphere of sports performance. Nick has worked with a range of elite teams, netball, gymnastics, basketball, premiership football, downhill mountain biking to name a few. Nick is also a leading light in taking an active role in developing content and advice for aspiring professionals and we’ve been increasingly aware that we share this as a motivation and a driver. So it was a great conversation, where we found there was some real overlap in our thoughts and perspectives, but as expected when I speak to Nick I find my thoughts and perspectives developed even further.

Show notes:

Nick’s background, education, short lived rubbish career in banking, night school and university.

Early career in Sport Science and the small community of like-minded people delivering applied work in the field.

Having experienced a career in banking it gave Nick the determination to be tenacious in the pursuit of opportunities at university.

Working at Lilleshall, gymnastic team, and the first strength and conditioning netball team role.

Investment in the non-technical career skills, balancing work loads, management, income sources and side hustles

Everybody is expendable and you will be replaced

The reasons Nick left the English Institute of Sport

The rewards of working with the general population and learning humility

Consultancy and the balance of selling yourself and the development of confidence in his own abilities, experience and skillset.

The motivation to write ‘You’re Hired’

Making personal connections

Being comfortable with being a specialist generalist, having a depth of knowledge and being able to work with diversity and making an impact, but know when you need to refer out

Career highlights

The one thing to change: the Negatrons!

Follow Nick online

https://twitter.com/coachnickg

https://www.instagram.com/zer0226/

http://nickgrantham.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youre-Hired-Nick-Grantham-ebook/dp/B00MENQMEE

Follow us on line

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Neil Chugani was a coxswain and a good one too. He coxed the Oxford crew to success in the boat race in 1991, he was World Champion in the coxed pairs in 2001, where I met Neil for the first time as Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell went for the double, double, both the coxed pairs followed by coxless pairs world championship finals in the space of two hours – a story I feature in my book How to Support a Champion. Neil shares the insight behind successfully leading, coaching, supporting a crew from within a boat and offers some perceptive advice about the dynamics that he had to manage in a unique role where he is in it, he is involved but not pulling on an oar. Neil has also held a number of prominent leadership positions, at BBC, Sky Broadcasting, a board member of UK Sport, interim CEO of British Rowing, Steward at Henley Royal Regatta and currently Chief Financial officer for Google in Europe Middle East and Africa. So what Neil hasn’t experienced about leadership in sports and business is probably not worth knowing about. What you will hear and what particularly stood out from this interview though is the level of thought, intentionality and consideration that Neil demonstrated in his views and actions, I wonder if this has developed through the roles he has held and the experiences he has had, or whether the wisdom he carries is the reason he has led at the very top.

Show notes

The physical requirements of a coxswain, personal characteristics and waterman ship

How do you learn to be a cox?

Cox heart rates, decision making and keeping a cool calm head

The Double-Double 2001 -managing Matthew Pinsent & James Cracknell and balancing the events Neil’s two careers, one in rowing and the second in finance ….. and technology

Sporting applications into business for Neil are clarity of thought and, clarity of purpose and review of performance relative to intent

The myriad of individual objectives in business makes it difficult to create alignment between people in business which differs from a sporting world

Leadership roles in business and decision making

Decision making at the board level, understanding the perspectives of others, diversity

Management of decision making, balancing opportunities versus risk: focussing on the climate rather than the weather

Henley Royal Regatta – changes reflecting the nature of the sport today, live streaming etc

Self-belief: belief in your own potential

If you want to follow Neil you can do so on Twitter and Instagram at https://twitter.com/neilchugani

https://www.instagram.com/neilchugani

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Emma Hatton star of the West End talks about her career, Emma has starred in some of the biggest musicals and lead roles, Scaramouche in We will Rock You, Elphaba in Wicked, Eva Peron in Evita and recently Grizabella in Cats. We discuss Emma’s origins as an athlete, the pull of performing on stage, the art form that Emma performs and how she does that, the persistence and knock backs, sustaining performance from a physical and mental perspective. I got in touch with Emma because I had an inkling that this world is extremely demanding and that Emma would be able to articulate that and I have to admit I found this interview utterly fascinating as Emma gave such rich insights into how she performs.

Show notes:

Emma’s origins as a long jumper, following her passion to study sport

Not sure what next, take a year out to do something interesting and fun – London School of Musical Theatre

The cost on personal relationships for Emma when aspiring for success in her career

Honouring Emma’s previous marriage by being extra determined to succeed

Early successes from Emma’s raw talent, feeling the music, learning to sing by listening to people

The determinants of musical theatre and the importance of connecting with the music

Pacing and sustaining performance to offset the cost of 8 shows each week

The responsibility of the roles balanced by the context of a paramedic sister

Portraying the characters appropriately

Acclimatising to the pressure of performing on the West End

Importance of social support

Preparation and focusing on what you can control

Coping with rejection

Pressure of the big notes and the external pressure of holding a role

Pressure to perform when you’re not physically or mentally 100%

Getting into the right mindset for performing and the benefit of having a sporting background, doing what it takes to get the performance out 

Emma now supporting and championing others to learn from her insights If you want to follow Emma you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmahatton1

Twitter at https://twitter.com/emmahatton1

https://www.emmahatton.com

Emma’s music is of course on iTunes and Spotify

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is triple World champion, Olympic champion, European Champion and British record holder in the heptathlon and World indoor champion in pentathlon. Perhaps more significantly Jess is an icon of British sport and global track and field athletics – as much for carrying the weight of expectations of a nation at the London Olympics in 2012. To give you an example a 4000m2 portrait of Jess was painted beside the Heathrow airport runway emblazoned with the message, welcome to our turf, that was the message that greeted every athlete, coach, official, reporter and spectator to the London Olympics Now I had the privilege of working with Jess from her Junior days all the way to her retirement and still work with her now, but this conversation was a chance to look back on the entirety of her career and recap, reflect and in some cases help each other remember aspects of the journey. So it was great to take a chance to take stock with Jess but it was equally a dose of what also makes jess uniquely Jess, what makes her so adored, revered and connected to people is her overwhelming sense of values, ego-less sensibility, grounded kindness, and personability.

Show notes

Life after retirement

First GB selection at 15 and school sports day. School athletics and experimenting with events within the sport

Changes in physiology after pregnancy

A defining career moment and important lesson in approaching training… have no weaknesses

The balance of endurance over power, the way in which Toni focussed the training towards Jess’s strengths

The mental challenges within the heptathlon event.

Mila, Jess’s dog, Jess talks about the impact of Mila and the distractions she brought

2007 Osaka, First World Championships, placed 4th. Excited and motivated to do her best

A bank of confidence derived from hard training particularly in the 800m

2008, Götzis, a turning point in Jess’s career. Toni and Jess changed too much, and injury struck!

Injury and the devastation of pulling out of competition and the ramifications of not being able to compete in the Olympics

Team Jennis pulling together to get Jess back on track. Unloaded training in order to cope with injury and maintain fitness

A change in training, sensible training and sensible recovery introducing new elements in order to allow the body to offload

2009 planning after injury, planning the comeback!

The face of the Olympics- how did that happen…?

The World Championships, Daegu, and a 2nd place. Happiness tinged with sadness, what do I need to do to win?!

Career moments which show you ‘this isn’t going to be easy’ are beneficial but hard to take

The 800m at the Olympics 2012

80,000 people watching at the start of the hurdles during the Olympics!

Keeping the mind clutter free, best performances came when I was really happy

A change in training regime when Reggie came along, quality sessions… not long sessions

Retirement with no regrets

Jennis Fitness and the future, for women to stay active throughout pregnancy and after

Steve asks “What tip would you give to your younger self?”

If you want to follow Jess you can do so on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jessicaennishill/ If you’re interested in taking Jess up on the offer of her training you through her new app then go to https://www.jennisfitness.com/ and also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearejennis/

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

This week’s guest is Dr Hannah Critchlow, cellular and molecular neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge. Hannah has recently released her new book the ‘science of fate’, exploring whether our genetic code determines our path or instead whether our genetic code acts as a start point from which we get to choose who we become. I grabbed 15 mins with Hannah between sessions at the Cheltenham Science Festival and we had interesting conversation that covered a lot, explored some interesting concepts, but in many ways hinted to a pivotal moment in time where the study of genetics is at a delicate cross-roads about how our new found understanding of the area is applied for the future of the human race.

Show notes

The concept of free will and what neuroscience tells us about how we’re formed

New understanding of neuroscience and genetics asking us fundamental questions about who we are 

Neuroscience of resilience and the role of BDNF – Brain derived neurotrophic factor – helping nerve cells to flourish 

Characteristics are multi-factorial in nature yet many companies are now offering genetic screening

Connection to gene doping in sport and the latest on managing the dial of gene expression

The link to epigenetics and transfer of characteristics based on a stressor – a gap in our understanding!

Neuroscience of well-being, what can be done? Exercise, foods, life long education, social connection

What can we do to ensure we flourish? Expression and acts of compassion, practicing gratitude – develops a feeling of moral awe and have a profound effect on the mind and body!

Follow Hannah on Twitter https://twitter.com/hancritchlow

Buy her new book The Science of Fate https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/hannah-critchlow/the-science-of-fate/9781473659285/

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Matt Dixon is a professional triathlon coach and founder of Purplepatch fitness. Matt is former professional triathlete and elite swimmer, now coach and has set up a highly successful performance training and coaching support business. Purple patch has a roster of numerous world class triathletes that Matt and his team of coaches have supported to hundreds of ironman and half ironman victories. But they also have a slogan of 'Performance Training for Time-Starved People' which is fascinating as a growing group of their clientele are executives searching for an outlet and a health and performance goal but clearly having to manage work, life and their sporting endeavours.

Thanks to Andy Blow from Precision Hydration for putting me in touch with Matt.

I caught up with Matt at his family home when I was speaking over in the US.

Triathletes - performance driven people

The intellectual challenge of triathlon

How to do a triathlon poorly!

The value of failing

Work ethic

Not allowed bottles on the pool deck… 

It’s great to work hard but in order to maintain balance you need to recover

Why do we train?

Drop weight, drop weight drop weight…poor behaviours

My actions, my behaviours, my mistakes that proved fruitful 

Subjects like strength & conditioning, nutrition and recovery were only given lip service

The barometer of success is more work

The four primary subjects of consistency endurance component, nutrition, recovery and strength & conditioning as an educational. Recovery is part of the programme - the Recovery Coach

Stressors - the components of recovery

Stress, recovery & adaptation 

Supporting people that are ‘time starved’

How did Purple Patch start? 

I want to change the way endurance sports are coached 

The scaling problem - without diluting quality 

Set up your business with multiple oils wells

Content marketing opens an environment of sharing globally 

The best coaches to have worked with are those which have an environment of sharing

Elite and professional athletes unapologetically driving towards world class performance 

Amateur athletes to improve but not at the expense of the other areas of your life 

Purple Patch attract people that are time starved and high performers 

Redefining what it takes to be successful 

the classic sense for many coaches is to take a training programme and dump it on top of life 

We don’t start with the training programme we start with life 

The growth of executives searching for a sporting outlet

A training programme cannot be just about the prescription of training

Empowering athletes to make adjustments 

Prescription is the first act of coaching, but it’s the execution of the why that is imperative 

Purple Patch focus on triathletes but also globally performance driven individuals 

Which habits keep you performing well? You can follow Matt on twitter @Purplepatch https://twitter.com/purplepatch If you’re interested in more from Matt, have a listen to his podcast episode 59 and 66 are particularly good ! https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/podcast He also offers squad based training support, that you can look up https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

Joining us this week on the Supporting Champions podcast is Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), Dr. Emma Ross. I first met Emma at a scientific conference in 2009 and she blew me away with her ability to communicate and translate complex ideas and concepts. A few years later I appointed Emma as Head of Physiology at the EIS and after moving on from the system in 2016, I have kept a close eye on how people and schemes of work progress, develop and grow. This is exactly what Emma has done, particularly in her work on an essential project around the female athlete. In this conversation you will hear about several concepts around the female athlete and obvious discussions around things such as the menstrual cycles, taboo, equality, ethics and positive/negative behaviours that can enrich or erode cultures in different directions. Inevitably we discussed some potential implications and applications of support both inside and outside of sport.

Show notes

Steve and Emma begin by exploring Emma’s background growing up, her journey in sport as a keen rugby player and endurance runner and the role she currently holds at the EIS.

After becoming a mother and embarking on the female athlete project at the EIS, Emma has spent a lot of time reflecting on the support she received from her parents growing up and the influence that has had on her work in academia and sport.

Get out and speak out loud – one of Emma’s top pieces of advices for any aspiring sport scientist. Growing up, Emma spent a lot of time in debating groups and acknowledges this accelerating the skills required to lead and influence people.

Steve and Emma begin to explore Emma’s PhD research on monitoring the mechanisms of fatigue during physical activity via transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques.

After transitioning from PhD studies and academia into her role at the EIS as Head of Physiologist, Emma discusses some of the challenges and lessons learnt from this period.

Steve asks Emma to share some of the origins, background, data and insights on the female athlete campaign and how this is now optimising the support of the female athlete within the system.

Emma discusses some of the behaviours that can enrich or erode the ability to optimise female athlete support, particularly around the importance of role models, removing taboo and ridding cultures of silence, secrecy and judgment.

Emma extends on the importance of female role models and diversifying the workforce in sport and beyond in order to optimise and innovate.

Emma expands more on how she now shares her role with another female leader within the EIS so that she can sustainably support and develop her family and career.

Steve rounds off the discussion by asking Emma what her top tips would be for sport and business leaders to better embrace females in the workforce and as leaders.

Follow Emma on Twitter https://twitter.com/ezross 

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.

In this week’s episode I am joined by Dr. Tom Waller (Senior Vice President Whitespace, Innovation and R&D at lululemon athletica). After completing his PhD at Loughborough University in sports technologies, where I first met Tom, he went on to work at Progressive Sports Technologies and onto Speedo as Head of Aqualab at a time where skinsuits were at their peak at having an impact on world record swimming times. Now at lululemon athletica, Tom heads up a team of innovators and experts inventing their products. Tom shares his philosophies on innovation, how critical it is to engage with user needs, the importance of lateral thinking and what the future might bring with the science of feel.

Show Notes

Steve and Tom begin by discussing the origins of lululemon’s name before delving into Tom’s background and his journey with Progressive Sports Technologies, Speedo and lululemon.

Steve enquiries about Tom’s experiences of being mentored by Professor Mike Caine throughout his PhD at Loughborough University.

Tom discusses the importance of being purpose driven, lateral thinking and connecting diverse dots in generating new innovation and perspective in a radically changing world.

Steve asks how Tom brings technological innovation in lululemon’s products to the mass market. In particular he expands on the differences between meaning and association with a product.

Tom expands on lululemon’s concept ‘the science of feel’, how we require different ‘feels’ in different contexts to perform optimally and gives us an example with the sports bra.

The importance of feel as a sensory feedback source for athletes to optimise performance. The science of feel was an idea conceptualised by LuLuLemon to help manage the dialogue between body and mind.

Tom offers more insight into the culture at lululemon – they’re a team of entrepreneurs who have a strong collective and individual alignment on purpose, vision and goals.

Steve asks Tom, what is next? Follow Dr. Tom Waller online Connect with Tom on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommwaller

Visit LuLuLemon here www.lululemon.co.uk/ www.lululemon.com

Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs

Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve

Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions

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

A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/

If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/

or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.