The Accelerating Excellence Podcast

On today's episode we have Dr Ben Rosenblatt.   Ben famously led physical performance for the England men's football team. He has coached athletes to compete and medal at every Olympics since 2004. Ben was a key member of the GB hockey coaching team that won that famous gold out in Rio.    Ben is also the founder of 292 Performance, a team of high performing coaches that provide individual support to high performing athletes across the Premier League and multiple other sports. He has a PhD and a research interest in maximizing training efficiency and effectiveness and has consulted with sports teams all over the planet.    In this episode we're going to discuss how we design great practice that maximizes development trajectory. We're going to talk about lots of coaching techniques you can apply and of course we're going to discuss the characteristics of some of the world's most elite athletes that Ben's worked with.    I hope you enjoy. ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today’s podcast we have Danny Kerry.   Danny Kerry is a multiple Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medal-winning coach and performance director. He famously led team GB women to a penalty shoot out gold medal win in the Rio olympic final.    Danny has over 18 years coaching, and 5 olympic cycles in leadership experience. He is one of the most sought after advisors in sport when it comes to leadership, and building high performance teams.   In this episode we explore what high performance coaching looks like, we discuss the process of becoming a great leader, and how important it is to perform from your sweet spot.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today's episode, we have Keith Breslauer.   Keith is managing director and senior partner at private equity firm, Patron Capital. He founded Patron Capital in 1999, who manage approximately €4.5B.   Keith holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, Chicago Booth, and a Bachelor of Science from the New York University School of Business. Keith began his career at Lehman Brothers, where he worked for approximately 10 years before leaving to set up Patron.   He's currently a guest lecturer at Chicago Booth, Harvard University, and Said Business School at the University of Oxford. Keith has made a significant impact within multiple charities, most notably he's a trustee and lead donor for the Royal Marines Charity. Outside of his professional interests, he's an accomplished alpinist, mountaineer, and skier.   In this episode, we're gonna discuss the power of giving back, bouncing back from adversity, and what it takes to build an empire.    I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today's podcast we have Matt Watkinson.   Matt is the author of three fantastic books, Mastering Uncertainty, the ten principles behind great customer experiences and the grid. He's a CEO at the digital agency Methodical and a venture partner at VC fund Tiller Partners, both based in LA. Matt has dedicated his career so far to helping organisations create great products and services that make people's lives easier and more enjoyable.   In this episode, we're going to discuss coming through tough times how you can master through increase your odds of success power of determination and thinking big.   I hope you enjoy.    ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-watkinson/ https://www.matt-watkinson.com/   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today's podcast we have Csaba Konkoly.   Csaba is the co-founder and president of Hum Capital, an innovative funding platform that leverages AI to connect great companies with the right capital. Born in Hungary, Csaba's investing career has amassed a global network. Csaba's lived and worked in Budapest, Moscow, Geneva, London, New York, Miami, Singapore and Los Angeles, where he currently resides with his wife and three children.   As an LP, Csaba actively allocates to hedge funds, private equity and other alternative strategies such as private credit. Between 1997 and 2012, Csaba successfully built three hedge funds. As an early stage investor, Csaba has invested in five unicorns, True Car, Scopely, Trapped and Clutter. Together with Matt Watkinson, Csaba co-authored the must-read book titled Mastering Uncertainty, published by Penguin Random House.   In this episode, we discuss the role of randomness, the importance of partnership and the high performance lessons that transfer from investing to other high performance domains.   I hope you enjoy.     ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Csaba: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csabakonkoly/   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy.   https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304  

On today's podcast, we have Joe De Sena.   Joe is the CEO and founder of Spartan Race. Spartan hosts over 400 races in 60 countries with over 1 million participants every year. He's also a New York Times bestselling author of Spartan Up, Spartan Fit, and the Spartan Way. Joe grew up in Queens, New York, a working class kid in a mafia neighbourhood.    He had a successful career on Wall street as an equity derivatives trader before pivoting to compete in what would end up being hundreds of extreme adventure races in a single year. Joe competed in 50 ultramarathons and 14 Iron man events. Joe's a tireless worker, a serial entrepreneur, and a legend in adventure racing.    In this episode, we're going to discuss the value of doing hard things, the role significant emotional events have in our lives, and how we can better navigate adversity.   I hope you enjoy.     ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Joe: https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ https://www.joedesena.com/   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy.   https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304  

On today's episode, we have Dr. Duncan French.   Duncan is the Vice President of performance for the UFC. He's an absolute titan in the world of sports science and performance enhancement and a man whose remarkable career reads like an adventure novel of achievement and innovation.    Duncan is an internationally recognised expert in sports science, strength and conditioning and high performance coaching. His journey is a symphony of groundbreaking research, practical successes and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Duncan has cultivated his skills on both sides of the Atlantic. Hailing from the United Kingdom, he embarked on a journey that led him to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.   Currently, within the UFC, he's busy elevating Mixed Martial Arts to new heights of athleticism and scientific practice. It's no exaggeration to say that he's transformed the way fighters prepare, train and recover, enhancing the sport's overall competitiveness.    Some of Duncan's career highlights include key roles in premier organisations such as the English Institute of Sport, the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Yankees. His expertise has earned him accolades and invitations to speak at conferences and events worldwide, cementing his status as a global influencer in the realm of sports science and performance optimisation.   In today's episode, we'll discuss what it's like working with the likes of UFC superstars, such as Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov, how to gain a physical and mental edge and the standards in physical preparation in an elite sport.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Dr. Duncan French: https://www.instagram.com/dr_duncan_french/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-french-phd-a41bb9122   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy.   https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304  

James reflects on his conversation with Dr. John Demartini and discusses what it takes to truly access your potential. Part two of two.

James reflects on his conversation with Dr. John Demartini and discusses what it takes to truly access your potential. Part one of two.

On today's episode we have Dr. John Demartini.    John has a doctorate in human behaviour. He's delved deep into diverse fields, including psychology, philosophy, economics and theology. As a researcher, his contributions have been prolific to the fields of behavioural psychology and human potential, and have earned him international recognition.    A celebrated author, Dr. Demartini has penned numerous books, including bestsellers like The Breakthrough Experience and The Values Factor. John's work delves into the realms of consciousness, human behaviour and personal fulfilment, offering a roadmap to a life lived in alignment with one's true purpose and values.    In this episode we will embark on a journey through the life and wisdom of Dr. John Demartini. Exploring the transformative powers of his teachings and the profound impact he's made on countless lives. We’ll delve deep into his incredible insights into human behaviour and success full stop. This is an episode you won't want to miss.    I hope you enjoy.   -----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Dr Demartini: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QloGx6F3YzIVZtgEXA1dQ https://drdemartini.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drjohndemartini/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy.   https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists 🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304  

James draws on his conversation with Jerry Dipoto to discuss everything from talent identification to setting strong values and the importance of resilience.

On today's episode we have Jerry Dipoto.   Jerry is the maestro behind the Seattle Mariners front office. Throughout his illustrious career, Jerry has established himself as one of the most influential and dynamic figures in Major League Baseball. From his days as a talented pitcher in the big leagues to his masterful work as the Mariners general manager, Jerry's journey is a remarkable testament to the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Before taking the helm as the Mariners' GM, Jerry left an indelible mark as the pitcher with the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets and Colorado Rockies, displaying his elite skills on the mound.    However, it's his post-playing career that truly sets him apart. He's been a key figure in the baseball world with a remarkable tenure as the general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels and now the Seattle Mariners. Throughout his career, Jerry's talent evaluation, knack for building championship-caliber teams and unwavering passion for the game have been recognized and applauded. With a string of impressive accolades, including Executive of the Year honors, Jerry has a reputation for crafting inventive and exciting strategies to lead his teams to victory.    In this episode, we'll discuss his career highlights, strategic insights and innovative approaches to building a team for the ages.   I hope you enjoy. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy.   https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists  

James reflects on his conversation with Toronto Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro on talent identification and lays out a blueprint to help you build the best team possible.

  On today's podcast we have Mark Shapiro. Mark's career has been a masterclass in leadership and innovation. He's a visionary president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays. Mark's a graduate of Princeton University where he played centre and offensive tackle for the Princeton Tigers football team. From his early days in the Cleveland Indians front office to his transformative leadership with the Blue Jays, Mark's journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence.   Before making his mark in Toronto, Mark was a driving force with the Cleveland Indians for over 24 years. He played a pivotal role in the organisation's resurgence, leading them to multiple post-season appearances, including an incredible run to the World Series in 2016. Mark is recognized as one of the most innovative minds in baseball management. His forward-thinking strategies, emphasis on player development, and keen eye for talent have not only yielded countless wins, but also reshaped the way baseball is played and managed. And now Mark's talents are shining as brightly as ever in the heart of Toronto. As the president and CEO of the Blue Jays, he's overseen the team's resurgence, leading them back to post-season and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in today's dynamic and competitive baseball landscape.   In this episode, we'll delve deep into the life and career of Mark, exploring the visionary leadership that has made him one of the most celebrated figures in baseball. From his early days as an intern to his transformation of two-story franchises, we'll discuss all things leadership, talent, and culture.     I hope you enjoy.     -----------------------------------------------------------------     Find Mark: https://twitter.com/MarkShapiro https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shapiro-0430b51a/   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists  

James draws on his conversation with Jason Henderson and explores the importance of building an elite mindset, along with demonstrating several techniques to help you develop your own.

On today's episode, we have Jason Henderson.    Hendo is a retired Master Chief in the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. For context, the NSWDG, as it is referred, is the absolute pinnacle of U.S. Tier 1 special forces. Hendo is one of the most experienced Special Forces operators on the planet. He's operated during the most active and violent period the modern special forces era has seen. He served 30 years with the SEAL teams conducting 16 combat tours from Kosovo right through to Afghanistan. Hendo was once described to me as the alpha of the alpha's within his U.S. Special Forces community.    Hendo is a black belt under Dave Camarillo in Judo and a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Gustavo Machado and is an extremely impressive powerlifter. He's also the founder of the Four Pillars Collective, a not-for-profit team of elite veterans who are committed to upskilling police with tools and techniques proven to reduce and even prevent conflict with the aim of helping to restore confidence in law enforcement.    In this episode, we're going to talk about extreme violence, the role of routines in performing under pressure and how to seize control of your emotions so you can deliver when it matters most.   I hope you enjoy.   -----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Hendo: https://www.hendosec.com https://www.fourpillarscollective.com https://www.instagram.com/hendosecurity https://www.instagram.com/fourpillarscollective   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists  

James reflects on his conversation with Sir Clive Woodward and discusses building elite performance tech teams, what it takes to win, and how to set and enforce high standards. 

Today on the podcast we have Sir Clive Woodward, Grand Slam winning international rugby player and British and Irish lion, accomplished businessman. He was England's first professional rugby coach and led England to become 2003 World Championships in Australia, where Johnny Wilkinson kicked that iconic drop goal against the Aussies to clinch it for England.    He won 12 consecutive games against Southern Hemisphere sides, which was unheard of for a Northern Hemisphere side to do back in 2003, and I'm not sure if that will ever be repeated again. He was Director of Sport for Team GB at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the London 2012 Olympics, and he's now busy producing a high performance talent factory within British Snow Sport, with the aim of producing that first gold medalist for Team GB.    In this episode we're of course going to talk about that iconic drop goal and what was going through Sir Clive's head at the time, but we're also going to focus on building elite performance tech teams, what it takes to win, and how to set and enforce high standards.    I hope you enjoy.     -----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Sir Clive: https://www.clivewoodward.com/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sirclivewoodward   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304  

In this lesson James reflects on his conversation with Ted Rath and discusses the importance of habits and understanding how they work, so you are best able to optimise them in your day to day life.

James discusses the importance of prioritising your development tomorrow, not your ego today, and examine why humility is so important in terms of optimising your development trajectory following his conversation with Gorm Thomassen.