Talking Performance

In Ep 163 I am joined by Dom Vettise who shares his journey into psychology and sports, discussing his transition from corrections to high-performance sports psychology. 

Dom emphasizes the importance of care and connection in high-performance environments, the understanding of behaviors and coping strategies, and the significance of feedback and communication in coaching. 

Dom also explores the role of values in performance and how they can be revisited and adapted over time. He highlights key traits of high-performing athletes, including curiosity and a desire for continuous improvement. 

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In this conversation, I interview Andy Friend, a seasoned rugby coach with a rich history in the sport. We discuss Andy's journey from coaching in the professional game since 1994 to his recent role with the Brumbies women's team. 

The conversation delves into the importance of creating a positive environment in sports, the role of questions in coaching, and the significance of cross-pollination between different sports. Andy shares insights on managing diverse player personalities, the evolution of coaching styles, and the key behaviors necessary for team success. 

They also touch on the challenges facing rugby in Australia and the potential for growth in women's rugby leading up to the upcoming World Cups.

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As many of you know I am reading and recording DG's book "Unleashing Greatness" and with that DG and I are connecting each week and reviewing each chapter.

In this conversation we discuss the importance of courage, integrity, and commitment in achieving world-class performance. We reflect on our journey and the role of mentorship, self-reflection, and the balance between habits and skills. 

DG emphasizes the need for patience and the courage to listen to one's inner voice, which can lead to significant personal growth and success.

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My guest this week is Alex McKenzie and he is one of the true gems of nz coaching, he is a quiet humble man who I just love connecting with and love how he sees the world. 

He lead the Coach Accelerator Programme which is a programme run by HPSNZ to support the growth of High Performance Coaches and more recently has taken up a role with NZ Rugby as High Performance Coach Development Manager for NZ Rugby.

During this chat Alex emphasizes the importance of diversifying coaches' experiences and knowledge base to avoid simply copying and pasting coaching methods. 

He believes in the value of asking questions to help coaches think deeply about their coaching and develop a deeper understanding of the skills they are teaching. He also acknowledges the need for a balance between prescription and allowing coaches to figure things out for themselves.

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This was just a chat between two mates and not originally intended for a podcast! 

The chat revolves around the themes of pursuing dreams, finding fulfillment, and the importance of self-learning. 

The conversation also touches on the regret of not being strong enough to be honest with others and the importance of sustained effort and dedication to the process of learning. We explore themes of curiosity, courage, and integrity.

Curiosity is seen as a key driver for learning and growth, while courage is necessary to live on the edge of one's potential. The importance of acting with courage in all areas of life is emphasized, as it trains the habit of courage. 

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This week I am joined by Teina Moetara who I first met a few years back when I was part of the HPSNZ Coach Accelerator Program and he hosted us at Manutuke Marae. 

It was an epic experience which I wont try to explain here but it is fair to say it had a massive impact on me, I am still learning more about this space and believe it could be a massive competitive advantage for NZ Sport if we could lean in to this space. 

I hope you enjoy this chat with Teina

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In this episode Richard Young shares his background in sports and coaching, highlighting his curiosity and experimentation in finding what matters in performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating systems that work for individuals and teams, focusing on the core elements that lead to sustained high performance. 

Richard discusses the concept of anti-fragility and how it can be developed and trained. He also explores the differences between medalists and non-medalists, emphasizing the importance of learned skills and the ability to adapt to challenges. 

The conversation explores the importance of principles, communication, and interconnection in coaching and high-performance sports and emphasizes the need for coaches to be principle-focused and have a deep understanding of their athletes. 

They touch on the importance of routines, trust in the process, and the courage to stick to systems. The concept of performance leadership is introduced, emphasizing the need for leaders to empower athletes and create a supportive environment.

Richard has a website which goes by the same name as his book https://www.simplify2perform.com/

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Andrew Gaze reflects on his early days in rugby, his rugby career, and his roles at Adidas and the his work with New Zealand Rugby. He also shares his involvement with the Coach for Life Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting, recognizing, connecting, and celebrating performance coaching in New Zealand. Coach for Life focuses on developing an athlete-centered and holistic coaching philosophy, reducing the dropout rate of youth in sports, and promoting sustainable success for coaches.

Key themes from the conversation include the importance of building strong relationships with athletes, the need for coaches to continually develop and be open to change, the challenges of overloading and overtraining young athletes, and the value of cross-sharing ideas among coaches. The discussion also highlighted the challenges of funding and sustainability in the sporting landscape, as well as the recruitment and retention of coaches

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Peter Arnott shares his background in golf coaching and his innovative approach to practice and skill acquisition. He highlights the importance of understanding how the environment shapes behavior and advocates for a holistic coaching approach. Pete discusses his co-authored books on the constraints-led approach to golf coaching and Tiger Woods' practice methods, offering valuable insights into the differences between blocked and mass practice, the role of technology in coaching, and the importance of meeting players at their current development level.

In this part of the conversation, Jay and Pete explore non-negotiables for golf practice, the significance of playing more golf, and the concept of "studying for the wrong exam." They delve into the use of think-aloud techniques, the role of caddies in golf, and the application of systems thinking in coaching. 

Pete also shares stories about his mentors and his involvement in a coaching cohort focused on philosophy. 

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Susie Muirhead, former captain of the Black Sticks hockey team and Olympian, discusses her career as a hockey player and her work with Raise My Game. She emphasizes the importance of leadership and creating a culture of equal voice and contribution within a team.

Suzie explains how Raise My Game uses card decks to facilitate conversations between coaches and athletes, focusing on holistic development and forward-looking plans. 

The process encourages ownership and motivation from the athletes and involves the coach and circle of support in the discussions, while addressing the challenges of managing multiple coaches and stakeholders in an athlete's journey.

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https://talkingperformancepod.com/