In this episode of Founders Future, with host Milan Kohut, we’re joined by Dr. Haley Perlus, a sport and performance psychologist, keynote speaker, author, and coach who applies elite athletic mental strategies to business, sport, and well-being. Haley shares how a pivotal moment at age 12—when a coach placed pressure-filled expectations on her performance—sparked a lifelong fascination with mindset and performance under pressure. That early experience became the foundation for her career, guiding her academic path through a PhD in sports psychology and shaping her mission to help individuals perform at their best when it matters most.

The conversation explores Haley’s work across three core domains: elite and Olympic-bound athletes, corporate leaders, and individuals focused on health and personal performance. She discusses her emphasis on live, deeply personalized coaching, her belief in process over rigid long-term planning, and the importance of authenticity in both leadership and business growth. Throughout the episode, Haley reflects on referrals as the backbone of her practice, the role of pressure as a performance enhancer, and why staying aligned with values—rather than chasing trends or external metrics—has been key to building a sustainable, meaningful career.