Talking Performance

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.

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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. 

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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/

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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. 

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

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.

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

Dr Jay-Lee Nair joins the pod for round two after her first appearance talking about perfectionism in episode 99.

I really enjoyed this chat, we just let it flow and I got to ask a number of questions that interested me and will help me to improve my coaching capacity. Dr Jay-Lee is a great thinker and is able to give practical examples which are easy to relate to. 

I trust you will enjoy the pod

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

Laughton Kora, a musician and artist, shares his perspective on creativity, learning, and the music industry in a conversation with Jay Carter. 

They discuss their random meeting on a plane, their shared love for golf and music, and the importance of process and collaboration in creative endeavors. Laughton reflects on his early musical training and the influence of his father, as well as his time at drama school and the impact it had on his approach to performance. 

He also talks about his experience with the band Kora and his decision to leave in order to pursue his own artistic vision with his new band, Black Comet. 

In this conversation, they discuss the process of creating music and the importance of allowing space for creativity. They also touch on the pressure of consistently producing new music and the challenges of writing for an orchestra. 

Laughton shares his experience of creating unique sounds for film and art projects, using unconventional instruments and natural elements. They also discuss the similarities and differences between playing music and playing golf, including the importance of commitment and adapting to mistakes

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/

This week I am joined by Darren Shand who discusses his background and journey to becoming the All Blacks manager. 

He talks about his early days in sports like cricket, hockey, and rafting and shares his transition to working in Canterbury Rugby and eventually taking on the role of All Blacks manager. 

He highlights the importance of humility and building a strong team culture. This conversation explores the key themes of leadership and team dynamics within the All Blacks rugby team. The chapters cover topics such as punctuality and accountability, shared leadership, creating an environment of expectations, fostering open communication and trust, encouraging vulnerability and collaboration, the concept of 'disagree and commit', choosing the right leaders, evolving leadership styles, evaluating what works, balancing diversity and unity, navigating decision-making and hierarchy, maintaining well-being in a high-pressure role, and the challenges of decompression and professionalism. 

He shares insights on player preparation, creating a supportive environment, empowering players to make decisions, and supporting players in difficult situations. 

Darren also reflects on the challenges and growth he experienced during his time with the All Blacks. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team culture, dealing with adversity and pressure, and accepting the outcome and moving forward. .

Support the Show.

https://talkingperformancepod.com/