Talking Toughness

Our guest today is Jonathan Passmore, a renowned global thought leader in the Coaching and Mentoring industry – a multibillion-pound sector that has generated both opportunities and challenges. Jonathan is a Professor of Coaching & Behavioural Change at Henley Business School and Senior Vice President at EZRA Coaching. He is also a prolific author, having written over forty books on coaching and related topics. Listen and learn.

Our guest today is Jonathan Passmore, one of the global thought leaders in the Coaching and Mentoring industry – a multibillion-dollar industry that has created opportunity and challenge in equal measure. Jonathan is a Professor of Coaching & Behavioural Change at Henley Business School and Senior Vice President at EZRA Coaching. He is also a prolific author, having written over forty books on coaching and related subjects. “Psychometrics are a great way of helping people to understand who they are. Using a variety of different tools helps you to see yourself through those different lenses.” - Jonathan Passmore Listen and learn.

Talking Toughness with Jake White (Part Three) 🏉 The concluding part of our episode with Jake White. We assure you that this will be one of the most engaging and valuable podcasts we've recorded. Jake White gained recognition as the coach of the Springboks Rugby Union team that triumphed in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He has coached at the highest levels worldwide, including in Japan, Australia (Brumbies), South Africa (Sharks), Tonga, and France (Montpellier) — and now he returns to South Africa with the Bulls. His experience encompasses work with a variety of cultures. Jake possesses a grounded understanding of mental toughness and recognises its significance in his team’s success. He offers valuable leadership insights that are relevant across various fields, not limited to sports. Additionally, he is deeply passionate about youth development. Jake White takes a comprehensive approach to individual and cultural development within teams, which is both refreshing and illuminating. There is much valuable learning being shared here. You can find part three and the previous episodes using the links below.

Talking Toughness with Jake White (Part Two). Our guest for these webinars is Jake White. We assure you that this will be one of the most engaging and valuable podcasts we've recorded. Jake White gained recognition as the coach of the Springboks Rugby Union team that triumphed in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He has coached at the highest levels worldwide, including in Japan, Australia (Brumbies), South Africa (Sharks), Tonga, and France (Montpellier)- and now he returns to South Africa with the Bulls. His experience encompasses working with a variety of cultures. Jake possesses a grounded understanding of mental toughness and recognises its significance in his team’s success. He offers valuable leadership insights relevant across various fields, not limited to sports. Additionally, he is deeply passionate about youth development. Jake White takes a comprehensive approach to individual and cultural development within teams, which is both refreshing and illuminating. There is much valuable learning being shared here. 

Our guest for these webinars is Jake White. We can promise that this is one of the most interesting and useful podcasts that we have recorded. Jake White achieved a degree of fame as the coach of the Springboks Rugby Union team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Since he has coached at the highest level around the globe – in Japan, Australia (Brumbies), South Africa (Sharks), Tonga, and France (Montpellier)- and now back in South Africa with the Bulls. He has worked with and managed a multiplicity of cultures. And he has a very down-to-earth understanding of mental toughness and its importance in the success of all his teams. He has useful insights into leadership that apply to all sectors, not just sport. He also has a deep interest in and passion for the development of young people. Jake White adopts a “big picture” view on individual development and its relationship with team and cultural development, which is both refreshing and insightful. There is a lot of learning being shared here. Part one of three episodes. 

In Part 2 of our podcast with Kirstin Davis and Euan Woolley, we are talking 'Mental Toughness, Resilience, Performance and... Wellbeing'.  Only a decade ago, psychometrics were mainly used to identify the most productive and to explore how productivity could be enhanced. Today, we look at this through the lens of 'wellbeing'. "I wrote a book about 10 years ago on sports psychology, and it was all about performance. The second edition came out this year, and a lot of it is about 'wellbeing'."  Prof. John Perry Welcome to Part 2 of our show. Listen, learn, and enjoy.

What makes a good, reliable psychometric? In this podcast, Kirstin Davis and Euan Woolley, experts in the use of psychometric measures, explore, with Doug and John, the field of psychometrics and why users and clients should be increasingly wary. The use of Psychometrics continues to grow in popularity. They are used in a variety of settings, such as workplaces, education, and coaching. But not all psychometrics meet the basic requirements for a good psychometric. And not all psychometrics are used properly. They are becoming popular, but is a popular assessment necessarily the right measure for the purpose at hand? Understood and used properly, they can provide a great deal of valuable information. They can be incredibly cost-effective. For example, using psychometrics in a coaching session might mean you can do more productive work and move people forward much more quickly, rather than spending a lot of time in sessions finding out the same information. "By definition, a psychometric test should be scientifically rigorous, and if it has never actually been scientifically tested, then it really doesn't meet the criteria to be called a 'psychometric'." - Prof. John Perry Welcome to Part One of this podcast. Listen, learn, and enjoy.

In part two of this podcast with Nathan Cornwell, we look at employability through the lens of the Mental Toughness framework. Understanding your mental toughness profile is crucial when navigating transitions, especially when moving to another country, immersing oneself in a new culture and taking on a new job. Transition requires adaptability, resilience, and a positive mindset. Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, building strong support networks, and maintaining a positive outlook helps to succeed despite initial difficulties. By cultivating their mental toughness, individuals can successfully transition to a new job in a foreign country, thrive in the new culture, and emerge stronger and more confident, both personally and professionally. Listen and learn.

Is employability the same as career guidance? It is not, and the difference matters in the 21st Century. This podcast episode features Nathan Cornwell, an organisational psychologist and talent management consultant who, although young, already has extensive experience working in different cultures around the world. He will share his unique insights on employability, particularly for ex-pats, and introduce the "FLARE" framework for leveraging overseas experience. The discussion will emphasise the importance of self-awareness and explore tools like psychometrics to understand personal values and identify suitable work cultures. Nathan's personal experience brings a unique and practical dimension to his support for his clients who seek to develop their careers in foreign territories. As he puts it himself, "I have walked in your shoes!” Listen and learn.

In this pair of Podcasts, we welcome a very special guest in Dr Maria Katsarou-Makin. Maria is the founder of the Leadership Psychology Institute where she brings together her deep knowledge of leadership and all that this implies together with 20 years of practical experience working with leaders and leadership teams to create an approach which really does help those who are in leadership roles and who aspire to leadership roles. In part two of our discussion with Dr. Maria Katsarou-Makin, we start with pondering about the effectiveness of leadership when the leader is mentally sensitive. Can a mentally sensitive person be an effective leader? Leadership self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership, as it allows leaders to make informed decisions, build strong relationships, and adapt their behaviours to better meet the needs of their team. It appears that self-awareness about our pattern of mental toughness or sensitivity is what is important here. This part of our discussion with Maria will deep dive into 'me as a leader' and my mental approach to the challenges of leadership. Listen, learn and enjoy this thoughtful conversation.

In this pair of Podcasts, we welcome a very special guest in Dr Maria Katsarou-Makin. Maria is the founder of the Leadership Psychology Institute where she brings together her deep knowledge of leadership and all that this implies together with 20 years of practical experience working with leaders and leadership teams to create an approach which really does help those who are in leadership roles and who aspire to leadership roles. All this is supported by her complementary interest in psychology and in executive coaching. Her work is rooted in an evidence-based approach - something we have noted in her dealings with us and which we very much admire. We are delighted that she has joined us to share her expertise and experience with you and us. In part one, we explore Maria's interest in Leadership which started in her childhood whilst watching her father setting up, developing, and growing a thriving business based in Nigeria. Reflecting the diverse cultural contexts in which Maria has worked and her personal experiences of leaders, good and bad, Maria suggests that leadership can be understood as a dynamic interplay between leaders, followers, and the situational backdrop. While leadership can be influenced by cultural norms, it also possesses the power to reshape those very norms, making it a complex yet essential aspect of societal development. We will also explore the notion of where the leader's intrinsic motivation comes from, how purpose provides the fuel, and how a leader's intrinsic motivation can be critical in fostering an environment where empathy and compassion thrive, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and impact of leadership in any context. Listen, learn and enjoy this thoughtful conversation.

Part Three of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Jason Wyatt, Adrian Green, Anthony Taylor, Dave Otter, Craig Hammer, Sara Ireland, Jim Loehr, John Mark Williams, Sylwia Rybak, and Sam Sloan.  In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence. 

Part Two of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Monika Lozinskiene, Joanne Taylor, William McKee, Paul Ryder and David Clutterbuck. In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence. 

Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence.  In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Part One of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Stephen Murphy, Alessia Mevoli, Lucy Myers, Gordon Ryan, Dan Abrahams and Peter Sewell.

In this discussion with Stephen Murphy, we consider the added value that good quality psychometrics can bring to coaching practice. However, not all psychometrics are the same. Some might be useful in some settings, others in other settings. It all comes down to coaches' better understanding of what psychometrics are and which measures can make a difference for the coach and their clients. This customised understanding fosters a deeper connection with the client and empowers clients to explore and find meaning in their experiences, making the coaching process more effective and fulfilling as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. Listen and learn.

In the next two episodes, we chat with Stephen Murphy. Until recently Stephen was, for many years, Vice President, Thought Leadership & Development for EMCC Global (European Mentoring and Coaching Council.) As Managing Partner for Clarity Consulting, he coaches and mentors senior business leaders, individually and in teams, towards greater self-awareness and operational impact. His experience spans a wide range of sectors including AI, Banking, Chemicals, Consulting, FMCG, Insurance, IIoT, Legal, Logistics, Media, Pharma, Software, and Wines & Spirits. This session explores the importance of 'reflective practice'. As soon as you reflect on something, you start to make sense of it. Effective reflection stems from creating an intentional space — both physically and mentally — where individuals can engage in deep thought and active listening. While coaching models can provide useful frameworks and guidelines, they can also impose rigidity that conflicts with the organic nature of conversation and growth. As coaching evolves, the ability to practice with a coaching mindset will likely become increasingly important, emphasising the significance of reflective practice in nurturing both personal and professional development. Listen and learn.

In this session with Dan Abrahams, we explore his perspectives on the differences and similarities between business coaching and sports coaching, highlighting how the context can shape the coaching approach. In addition, we delve into Dan's biopsychosocial model of coaching, which emphasises the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human performance and wellbeing. This model illustrates how our physical makeup, mental toughness, and social support systems interact to influence our ability to perform at our best, providing a holistic view that can enhance coaching effectiveness in both sports and business settings. "We have to understand and appreciate the human behaviour, is biopsychosocial informed." - Dan Abrahams Listen, learn and enjoy!

We're excited to welcome Dan Abrahams back today to delve into his insights on how we can elevate those who are already successful to aspire to and achieve even greater heights in an increasingly competitive landscape. Dan shares his strategies for sustaining peak performance, focusing on mental resilience, goal-setting, and adapting to the evolving demands of sports and personal challenges. Together, we explore how he fosters a growth mindset in athletes and coaches, empowering them to navigate competition while continuing to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. It's not just for those who work in sport. It's for everyone engaged in helping others to be the best that they can be. "I don't know what it's like to work in an office. However, I can see the relationship between a game face on the pitch and a game face in that facilitation." - Dan Abrahams Listen, learn and enjoy!

In this session of Talking Toughness, we will tap into the skills, experience and tremendous expertise of Dan Abrahams, a leading sports psychologist dedicated to simplifying the often unnecessarily complex world of sports psychology. Known for his innovative approaches and engaging insights, Dan works with a diverse range of clients, from athletes to coaches, helping them to incorporate practical strategies into their performance. His experience covers Formula 1 (Aston Martin), England Golf, England Rugby, leading European Soccer clubs as well as corporate clients. He has a deep interest in how people of all types mentally approach their challenges Through exploring his professional methods, we can illuminate how Dan demystifies key concepts in sports psychology, making them accessible and actionable for everyday life. Dan also runs his own podcast show, The Sport Psych Show, as he aims to demystify sport psychology for players, coaches and parents. "You know how you perceive the world is going to influence how you act in the world." Dan Abrahams. Listen and learn. 

In the second part of our discussion with Lucy Myers, the focus is on the evolving landscape of coaching and therapy, emphasising the importance of accessibility for individuals across all social statuses. As we see similar overlapping approaches such as coaching, mentoring, psychotherapy and so on emerge, Lucy highlights the vital role of professional bodies in avoiding confusion and particularly in defining therapeutic coaching to foster clarity, confidence, and change for clients. As practitioners adapt to the needs of a dynamic world, they aim to empower individuals by helping them recognise the advantages and disadvantages they can bring to a situation and navigate the journey toward effective change. This underscores the virtue of collaborative effort within the community of professionals in this field. The need for clarity has never been greater. Listen and learn.