Great to be invited to speak again on BBC Radio 5 Live with Chris Warburton on the topic of cheating in Sport, Why Do People Cheat in Sports? A Light-hearted Deep Dive into the Psychology of Cheating Everyone loves a winner—it’s a universal truth. Whether on the pitch, on the court, or at the quirky World Conker Championships, victory brings …
Energizer or Energy Zapper? – Sir Clive Woodward
Sir Clive Woodward has been one of the most influential figures in my life. He has shared his wisdom at events like the FA Managers and Coaches Conference and even volunteered his time to speak with my MSc students at Brunel University—for free. His commitment to educating and inspiring others shows the kind of leader he truly is. One of …
Lessons from Heavyweight Boxing
What World Heavyweight Boxing Can Teach Us About Teamwork, Resilience, and Preparation: Lessons from Derek Chisora vs. Tyson Fury Have you ever wondered what goes through a boxer’s mind before the biggest fight of their life? I had the privilege of working with Derek Chisora for his heavyweight championship clash against Tyson Fury at White Hart Lane in front of …
The Power of Teamwork: A Journey Through Sport and Psychology
In 1982, Tottenham Hotspur made a bold and game-changing decision: they hired a psychologist, the brilliant John Syer. This groundbreaking move acknowledged that mental strength is just as vital as physical skill in achieving greatness. By 1985, after reading Syer’s book Team Spirit, I was hooked on the psychology of teams. The idea of blending individual strengths to create something …
The Oops and Arrgh Moments of Sports Managers (Frustrations 1-5)
Managing a sports team is a bit like juggling flaming torches—exciting, but you’re bound to get singed! Let’s talk about those oops and arrgh moments that drive sports managers up the wall:1. Inconsistent Performance: Ask Alex Ferguson how nerve-wracking it was when Manchester United started the 1992-93 season with a string of poor performances, only to turn it around and …
When Murphy’s Law Meets Sports Management (Frustrations 6-10)
Sports managers know well that anything that can go wrong will go wrong! Here are five more frustrations that test your psychological well-being: 6. Communication Issues: When Steve Kerr took over the Golden State Warriors, he prioritized fostering open, honest communication with his players and staff. His emphasis on collaborative dialogue and clear messaging wasn’t just a tool for sharing …
Navigating Career Transitions: Lessons from Athletes’ Journeys
Transitioning from Sports to a New Career Switching from athletic competition to a new career is a tough challenge for many athletes. Some successfully use their skills and fame to build post-sport careers, but others struggle with finding purpose and direction. This change is especially hard for those used to a structured life where coaches dictate their schedules, and support …
Unmasking the Competitive Spirit: Why Do Athletes Cheat? A Deep Dive into Sports’ Greatest Scandals
As a performance psychology expert, I’ve seen how the pursuit of greatness can lead people astray. Cheating in sports isn’t just about breaking the rules—it’s a complex mix of ambition, ego, and sometimes a lost moral compass. In this article, we’ll explore why athletes cheat and revisit some of the most notorious cheating scandals across sports. Why Do Athletes Cheat …
BBC Radio Kent – Andy Murray Retires
Exciting News: Discussing Andy Murray’s Retirement on BBC Radio Kent I am delighted to share my interview with Dominic King on BBC Radio Kent. We discuss the significant topic of Andy Murray’s retirement from tennis at the Olympic Games. This interview holds a special place in my heart as it encapsulates my professional journey with Andy and over 15 years …
The Joy of Pressure: Thriving Under the Spotlight
In a recent documentary, the brilliant and outstanding coach Paul Annacone (who coached Federer and Sampras) said: “Self-imposed pressure is the biggest catalyst to paralyse your ability to maximise your talent.” Wow! These words of wisdom are valid, too—the perceived pressure isn’t there. It’s created in your mind. That should comfort you as it allows you to change the channel …
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