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Performance expert James King continues his discussion from last episode on high performance, drawing from his experience working with elite athletes and business leaders. He introduces the concept of three mental "switches": the on switch (full focus and energy for training or competition), the control switch (recognising and resetting unhelpful thoughts under pressure), and the off switch (deliberate recovery to maximise adaptation and prevent burnout). True excellence, he insists, comes from mastering these switches and maintaining structured routines.
James also highlights the importance of honesty in self-assessment and business leadership, stating that improvement often requires uncomfortable truths and discipline. He encourages listeners to take action on insights gained rather than passively consuming information.
Takeaways
Follow James King
https://jamesaking.com/
https://jamesaking.com/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/
https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence
https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesaking_
https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/
https://www.facebook.com/Mrjamesaking
Books on this episode
Accelerating Excellence https://amzn.to/3E4VVY2
Metronomics by Shannon Susko https://amzn.to/42ishst
Principles by Ray Dahlio https://amzn.to/4jrVhEb
Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley https://amzn.to/42oekcp
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO.
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James King is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and performance expert with a background in trading, technology, and investment management. He has passed elite military selection tests and led performance programs in UK special forces. In sports, he has advised world champions, Olympic gold medallists, and top-tier athletes. He focuses on aligning individual strengths with business needs to drive engagement and long-term success.
In this first of two-part episodes, James dissects talent identification and performance optimisation, particularly in high-stakes environments like trading. He emphasises aligning individuals’ strengths, interests, and values with job demands to create “concordant performers”.
Takeaways
Follow James King
https://jamesaking.com/
https://jamesaking.com/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/
https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence
https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesaking_
https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/
https://www.facebook.com/Mrjamesaking
Books on this episode
Accelerating Excellence https://amzn.to/3E4VVY2
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO.
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Graham Winter is a renowned psychologist, consultant, and best-selling author. He has worked with elite organisations, including Australian Olympic Teams, the ICC Academy, and Think One Team Consulting, focusing on leadership and high performance.
Graham dives into the chaos and challenges of leading in high-pressure environments, as he shares practical tips to help leaders thrive amid uncertainty. He champions the power of debriefing, self-care, and balancing tasks with people – a “battle rhythm,” as he calls it. His ADEP framework (Achieve, Develop, Enjoy, Partner) is a no-nonsense way to dodge burnout and keep energy levels up.
He’s big on leaders being more coach-like, asking better questions, and building environments where success feels inevitable. His parting wisdom? People first, tasks close behind.
Takeaways
Follow Graham Winter
https://www.thinkoneteam.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-winter-b4b5a59/
Graham’s books
Toolkit for Turbulence https://amzn.to/4aeK85m
Think one Team https://amzn.to/4g5bUms
Mindful Cricket https://amzn.to/407GXrG
First be Nimble https://amzn.to/40x919q
The Man Who Cured the Performance Review https://amzn.to/3DTFUEd
Books recommended:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown https://amzn.to/4jsuozQ
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO.
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster.
A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Entrepreneur, business coach, and speaker Shivani Gupta has 30+ years of experience helping businesses thrive by engaging and nurturing talent. Shivani shares her insights on leadership, talent retention, and the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture. She discusses the concept of “Shoshin”, or a beginner's mindset, and how it can enhance leadership effectiveness.
She also delves into the challenges mid-sized businesses face in retaining key talent and the necessity of viewing employees as assets rather than liabilities. Shivani emphasises the importance of succession planning, effective feedback mechanisms, and coaching frameworks for managers. She concludes by discussing what constitutes a better business and the significance of personal growth through habits.
Takeaways
Follow Shivani Gupta
https://www.askshivani.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/askshivani/
Books on this episode
Getting your people to step up by Shivani Gupta https://amzn.to/41FR2yt
Atomic Habits by James Clear https://amzn.to/3C4HcvP
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joey Coleman helps companies retain customers and employees using his 100-day methodology. He’s an award-winning speaker and best-selling author, with companies like Whirlpool and Zappos as clients.
Joey talks about the importance of personalised customer experiences to foster loyalty and engagement. He highlights the connection between customer and employee experience, suggesting that both are essential for business success. Joey encourages businesses to focus on small, impactful gestures that make customers feel valued, ultimately enhancing both customer and employee satisfaction. He says that creating remarkable experiences doesn’t require large investments, just intentionality and focus on the human element, making it a rewarding endeavour for everyone.
Takeaways
Follow Joey Coleman
https://joeycoleman.com/
Joey Coleman's books
Never Lose a Customer Again https://amzn.to/4gMCktZ
Never Lose an Employee Again https://amzn.to/3VzFPeO
Books Joey recommends
The Experience Maker: How to Create Remarkable Experiences That Your Customers Can’t Wait to Share by Dan Gingiss https://amzn.to/4g773BQ
Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates by Brittany Hodak https://amzn.to/3W0ifZd
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Gary Kunkle is an economist and thought leader on management decisions driving sustained, profitable growth. He leads the Tugboat Institute’s executive education programs and consulting services, offering data-driven insights for business success.
Gary discusses the strategies for sustained business growth, emphasising continuous improvement, strategic flexibility, and collaboration with suppliers. He says the key factors for success include growth planning, team spirit, leadership development, financial health, and innovation. Gary explains that sustained growth companies prioritise expanding market share rather than entering adjacent markets.
Takeaways
Follow Dr Gary Kunkle
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garykunkle/
Books on this episode
Theory of the growth of the firm by Edith Penrose https://amzn.to/4g4A9Sb
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Rendall grew up in Milwaukee, overcoming challenges with determination and resourcefulness. With a Doctor of Management degree and a background in psychology, he thrives as a speaker, leadership professor, stand-up comedian, and endurance athlete.
David examines how to embrace individuality and leverage unique strengths for personal and professional fulfilment. He stresses rejecting societal norms, finding work that energises, and building businesses aligned with one’s passions. He highlights the value of differentiation, even when it seems unconventional. He says that ultimately, authenticity and joy lead to meaningful contributions and success.
Takeaways
Follow David Rendall
https://www.drendall.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverendall/
https://www.facebook.com/daverendall
https://x.com/daverendall
David Rendall’s books
The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness https://amzn.to/3zZ7Ept
Pink Goldfish 2.0: Defy Normal and Exploit Imperfection: 1 https://amzn.to/3U7RD7k
Book David recommends
The Power of Different by Gail Saltz https://amzn.asia/d/3orQlnD
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hermann Simon, an expert in strategy, marketing, and pricing, is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of Simon-Kucher, the world’s leading price consultancy. A professor and prolific author with over 40 books, he is the only German in the “Thinkers50 Hall of Fame” and holds honorary doctorates from multiple universities worldwide.
Hermann stresses the importance of proactive pricing strategies. He suggests that businesses should adjust prices ahead of inflation rather than waiting too long, as delays can result in lost revenue. He discusses the concept of hidden champions, small- to mid-sized companies that lead in niche global markets. He explains how these companies achieve success through ambition, focus, and globalisation, and a long-term focus; a model he contrasts with the American preference for fast, extreme success.
Takeaways
Follow Hermann Simon
http://www.hermannsimon.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhermann/
https://twitter.com/hermannsimon
https://www.facebook.com/hermann.simon.50
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZnVfMkFXvm2GLpy5VsVdtA
Hermann’s books
Manage For Profit, Not For Market Share: A Guide to Greater Profits In Highly Contested Markets https://amzn.to/4dLa60s
True Profit!: No Company Ever Went Broke Turning a Profit https://amzn.to/4dPG6k1
Beating Inflation: An Agile, Concrete and Effective Corporate Guide https://amzn.to/3A4F1qL
Beat the Crisis: 33 Quick Solutions for Your Company https://amzn.to/4dLkqWz
Hidden Champions of the Twenty-First Century: The Success Strategies of Unknown World Market Leaders https://amzn.to/4dMv5Af
Confessions of the Pricing Man: How Price Affects Everything https://amzn.to/484PRcW
Hidden Champions in the Chinese Century: Ascent and Transformation https://amzn.to/4f2M8yO
Many Worlds, One Life: A Remarkable Journey from Farmhouse to the Global Stage by Hermann Simon https://amzn.to/3YsxBau
Books on this episode
Adventures of a Bystander by Peter Drucker https://amzn.to/4f63bQO
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gina Mollicone-Long is a renowned speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has spent 25 years helping thousands unlock their potential. With a background in engineering, a Master of Philosophy exploring science and religion, and two bestselling books, she blends science and strategy to drive transformative change.
Gina explores personal and business growth through neuroscience, mindset, and practical frameworks. The brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters perceptions and shapes behaviours. She discusses the ACME Model, and how it integrates neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), timeline therapy, and resilience training, which helps individuals and businesses achieve excellence.
Takeaways
Follow Gina Mollicone-Long
https://ginamollicone.com/
https://greatnessu.com/about-us/
https://greatnessgroup.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/GinaMollicone/
https://www.youtube.com/@GinaMollicone
https://x.com/GinaMollicone
https://www.facebook.com/GinaMollicone/
https://www.instagram.com/Gina.Mollicone/
Books on this episode
The Secret of Successful Failing by Gina Millicone-Long https://amzn.to/3ThCOyI
Think or Sink: The One Choice That Changes Everything by Gina Millicone-Long https://amzn.to/3TkBSK4
Unlimited Power by Anthony Robins https://amzn.to/3Zl4EOm
Mans search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://amzn.to/3Ze3eVZ
Your Brain Hallucinates Your Conscious Reality | Anil Seth Ted talk https://youtu.be/lyu7v7nWzfo?si=KaBCNeyTfkwIKv90
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Gladman is the Managing Director of Sales Leadership and Performance (SLP), with offices in Australia and the USA, specialising in building high-performing sales teams through training, coaching, and recruitment. His company uses comprehensive, data-driven sales assessments, which have evaluated nearly 2.8 million salespeople across almost 34,000 companies.
Greg Gladman discusses the importance of data-driven sales assessments to identify hidden weaknesses in salespeople. He stresses the risks of promoting top salespeople into management roles without the necessary skills. Greg advises business owners to avoid wearing the sales manager hat themselves, recommending a dedicated manager for teams of five or more.
Takeaways
Follow Greg Gladman
https://www.saleslp.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggladmanslp/
Books on this episode
Baseline Selling by Dave Kurlan https://amzn.to/4dFlpba
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the publisher's feed
A place for the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers.
The Evolution Partners is a weekly podcast hosted by Brad Giles. Join Brad as he engages in conversations with some of the world’s sharpest minds, learning a bit more about them and delving into what makes them tick.