Dr. James Hewitt, Human Performance Scientist, speaker, and author.James combines first-hand experience as a full-time racing cyclist with ground-breaking work and research, proven on Formula 1 tracks and with Fortune 500 companies, to provide actionable, inspiring, science-backed insights at the intersection of leadership, wellbeing, peak performance, and the future of work. 

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva is joined by Dr. James Hewitt - a renowned human performance scientist who has coached Fortune 500 leaders, F1 drivers, and elite athletes. Together, they explore what it takes to perform at a high level without burning out.

James shares why rest is a discipline, how our daily rhythms influence productivity, and why leaders should optimize rather than maximize. From microbreaks and chrono-working to the neuroscience behind recovery and performance, this episode offers a compelling mix of science, martial arts wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone navigating the demands of modern leadership.

Key themes:

- The timing principle in cognitive performance
- Microbreaks, circadian rhythms, and recovery cycles
- Why working smarter starts with self-awareness and rest
- How leaders can model sustainable performance habits
- The long-term power of “minimum effective dose”

Whether you're leading a company, a team, or just yourself, this episode offers a blueprint to unlock your black belt in leadership through sustainable high performance.

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