The Hidden Skill Behind High Performance

Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back. In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, and Paul McKenna. They explore how to filter feedback, value the right opinions, and view criticism as a privilege rather than a burden. From finding joy without seeking validation to praising effort instead of identity, this conversation shows that confidence grows when you listen to the right voices, and stop giving attention to the wrong ones. A practical guide to living with more authenticity, courage, and clarity. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4 Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849 Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0 Mark Manson: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7   Paul McKenna: https://pod.fo/e/2112fb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp Tom Aspinall is one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC. But behind the power and precision is something far more human: fear. Tom is one of the rare fighters willing to sit down and talk about feeling genuinely scared. He candidly admits that the higher you climb, the more is at stake, and the more the fear grows. He reveals the crucial mental habit he developed: moving past the inner battle, the ‘second fight’ against himself, to harness fear as a force for high performance. In this powerful episode, Tom shares the habits that turn high-pressure panic into laser-sharp focus: Reframe Fear as Fuel: Learn how to direct the adrenaline rush of fear toward opportunity, just like Tom, who tells himself, "This is the moment when I'm at my sharpest".The Golden Rule of Action: Discover the importance of simply showing up and why consistency always beats intensity when building success.The Power of Belief: Tom discusses the pivotal role his father played as his coach and cheerleader, relentlessly believing in him even when he struggled to believe in himself.The Ultimate Commitment: Hear Tom's chilling, yet honest, perspective on the ‘spiritual aspect’ of his sport and the level of commitment required to reach the very top. If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment, or wished you knew how to stay steady when it matters most, this conversation with Tom is worth your time. Listen to the full episode with Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic teams. He opens up to Jake and Damian about stepping into chaos, restoring belief through culture and communication, and the power of difficult conversations in transforming leadership. Zak also reflects on his unconventional journey from a rebellious kid in California to leading a global motorsport powerhouse, and why loyalty, trust, and humility remain at the heart of his success. This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead under pressure, proof that true high performance starts with people, not power. 🚨 Partners  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au Gemini 👉 transform your small business accounting with faster payments. Get started for free today at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-sage-au  Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation  HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​​England and Harlequins rugby legend Joe Marler opens up like never before, about the moment in 2018 when he hit breaking point, walked out on his family, and believed the world would be better off without him. What follows is an unfiltered journey through mental health, accountability, and rediscovering purpose. Joe reflects on the catalyst for his breakdown, the decision that saved his life, and the teammate’s message that made it all worth sharing. He also reveals what it was like to play under Eddie Jones, the pressure of “Test Match Tuesdays,” and the emotional drive that makes great teams go beyond just winning. Raw, honest, and deeply human, this is Joe Marler finding strength through vulnerability and proving that the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q There’s a difference between being tough and being strong, and Billy Billingham knows it better than most. As a former SAS soldier, Billy has faced war zones, exhaustion, and moments most of us can barely imagine. But when you strip it all back, his greatest lesson isn’t about combat,  it’s about control and why the ultimate habit you need is discipline and the drive to go a little bit further. In this episode, we explore how discipline, humility, and calm under chaos have shaped every chapter of Billy’s life. From a teenage turning point after being stabbed to leading the world's most elite military forces and protecting some of Hollywood’s most high-profile stars, he’s learned that strength isn’t about aggression, it’s about staying grounded when everything around you isn’t. Together, we unpack: Why discipline matters more than motivationHow to stay calm when pressure peaksWhat “controlled aggression” really meansThe difference between fear and focusWhy true leadership starts with humility Billy’s new book ‘Further - 10 lessons the SAS taught me about life’ is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.