Discover
Locker Room Power

Locker Room Power
Author: David Sammel
Subscribed: 3Played: 212Subscribe
Share
© David Sammel
Description
Locker Room Power with David Sammel
Join author, coach, and performance consultant David Sammel for powerful weekly episodes that sharpen your mindset and unlock your potential. From insightful interviews where guests also interview David - to short, punchy solo shows, this no-nonsense podcast delivers proven strategies, myth-busting truths, and coaching insights that work in the real world.
With experience coaching Olympians and international athletes, David brings a unique mix of practical wisdom, storytelling, and humour. Whether you’re chasing goals or clarity, Locker Room Power will get you thinking and taking action.
226 Episodes
Reverse
After a setback, what separates elite performers from everyone else?
In this episode, David Sammel and Stefanie Teichmann unpack how resilient leaders turn challenges into growth. Learn how empathy, bravery, and self-awareness create stronger teams and sharper decision-making under pressure, from the locker room to the boardroom.
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for elite-level mindset frameworks that help you lead and bounce back like a pro.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:59 – How Top Athletes Bounce Back Fast
10:42 – Why Off-Field Life Drives Performance
22:01 – Nurturing Young Talent and Bravery
30:05 – From Sports to Business Insights
35:19 – Key Takeaways
37:00 – Final Wrap-Up
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #ResilientTeams #AuthenticLeadership #AthleteToExecutive #ConfidenceUnderPressure #BusinessPerformance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When the title disappears, who are you as a leader?
Stefanie Teichmann shares how leaving global brands like McKinsey, Nike, and Google sparked a deeper journey into self-awareness, courage, and authentic leadership. From trusting your gut to leading through AI-driven change, she reveals how clarity and adaptability define high-performance leadership today.
🎧 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for more lessons on confidence and leadership under pressure.
#LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #BusinessGrowth #TransformationalLeadership #AIinBusiness
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:20 – Career Journey: McKinsey → Nike → Coca-Cola → Google
03:53 – Pivotal Career Moments
12:01 – Decision-Making Models
13:45 – Trusting Gut Feelings
16:36 – Leading Under Pressure
26:42 – AI Strategy & Mindset
35:58 – Mentors & Leadership Lessons
44:57 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
46:22 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser
👉 Subscribe now for weekly insights on mindset and leadership.
👉 Explore more insights at https://www.davidsammel.com
👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel
👉 Follow on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel
👉 Join the conversation: https://x.com/DaveSammel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every leader starts as a beginner.
In this solo episode, David Sammel reveals why bravery, failure, and delegating to star players define authentic leadership. Learn how pressure-tested decision-making frameworks and a high-performance mindset fuel business success. From athlete to executive, discover how clarity → decisions → results creates the ultimate founder playbook.
Subscribe now and start building confidence under pressure.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
1:09 – The Myth of Instant Expertise
8:07 – Closing Thoughts
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipUnderPressure #HighPerformanceMindset #ConfidenceUnderPressure #AuthenticLeadership #FounderPlaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if success scares you more than failure?
In this reverse interview, David unpacks how fear of success blocks leaders and athletes, and why self-awareness and emotional intelligence create lasting growth.
Discover how to reframe failure, build resilient team culture, and embrace the mindset shifts that fuel performance in sport and business.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Hot Seat Setup
01:04 – David’s Mindset Shifts and Self-Awareness
12:08 – Fear of Success and Mental Blocks
21:08 – Book Recommendations & Coaching Lessons
31:40 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Get your freebie from Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z
Book a Session with Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #HighPerformanceMindset #AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamCulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What transforms athletes into resilient leaders?
David Sammel and Delmont Madison explore emotional well-being, mentorship, and life transitions that shape peak performance. From pivotal personal moments to the power of guidance, they reveal lessons that sharpen decision-making and build confidence under pressure.
Discover how athlete experiences translate into leadership strategies that inspire, strengthen teams, and unlock long-term success.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
0:39 – Meet Delmont Madison
3:06 – Transition from Athlete to Professional Basketball
4:40 – Emotional Well-Being Drives Peak Performance
13:57 – Family & Mentors Who Shaped Leadership
19:47 – Pivotal Life Event That Changed His Path
24:31 – Building Athletes Compass with Dr. Charles
27:11 – Superpowers & Beliefs Behind Their Coaching Approach
34:18 – Preview: Delmont Interviews David (Reverse Interview)
35:26 – A Message to Athletes & Leaders Everywhere
37:43 – Closing Reflections
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Get your freebie from Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z
Book a Session with Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#AthleteDevelopment #PeakPerformance #LeadershipMatters #MindsetMastery #EmotionalWellbeing #BusinessGrowth #TheAthletesCompass #LockerRoomPower Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if your greatest business edge isn’t working harder, but reflecting deeper?
In this episode of Locker Room Power, Olympic coach David Sammel unpacks the Clarity Advantage, why deep reflection fuels sharper decision-making, stronger leadership, and business growth without distraction.
Discover why comparison holds you back, and take on David’s challenge: start with 10 minutes of reflection each week to unlock clarity.
Timetamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Sitting With Yourself & Reflecting
03:54 – Reflection vs. Meditation
06:06 – The Clarity Advantage & David’s Challenge
07:46 – Next Episode Preview: Delmont Madison
08:20 – Partner Shoutout: Redvanly
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #ClarityAdvantage #HighPerformanceLeadership #DecisionMaking #BusinessGrowth #SelfAwareness #PerformancePsychology #ReflectionForGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the real strength of leadership wasn’t about control, but about listening, adapting, and guiding others with clarity?
In this inspiring episode of the Locker Room Power podcast, David Sammel reflects on his own journey as a coach and leader. From the lessons he wishes he could give his 16-year-old self, to the mentors who shaped his career, David reveals why humility, adaptability, and communication matter more than tactics.
🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Mentorship Accelerates Growth – The right mentor provides clarity, accountability, and belief that fuels confidence.
2. Adaptability Creates Lasting Impact – Strong principles are vital, but leaders thrive when they evolve with challenges and people.
3. Communication Builds Trust – Asking better questions and listening deeply creates alignment and stronger relationships.
🎯 If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build teams that perform under pressure, this episode will show you what matters most.
Timestamps
01:00 - Introduction
01:22 - David’s Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self
09:34 - How Coaching Experience Changed David’s Perspective
15:12 - Evolution in Tennis and Coaching Styles
20:09 - Adapting Coaching for Modern Players
24:23 - Freedom and Responsibility in Coaching
28:12 - Balancing Principles with Player Identity
33:33 - Lessons Every Young Coach Should Learn
37:00 - The Importance of Communication and Questioning
40:07 - Guest Suggestions & Closing Remarks
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset, #CoachingEvolution, #MentorshipInBusiness, #PeakPerformance, #BusinessLeadership, #CommunicationForLeaders, #LeadershipGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the key to great leadership wasn’t talent or strategy, but belief, mentorship, and resilience?
In this episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, Ian MacDonald, Head of Performance Tennis at the University of Bath, shares lessons from his coaching journey that go beyond the court. He reveals how small goals lead to big wins, why authentic mentorship matters more than instructions, and how embracing setbacks fuels growth.
Along the way, Ian reflects on personal challenges, family support, and the mindset shifts that transformed him from a coach into a leader who inspires champions, on and off the court.
🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Belief and Mentorship Drive Success: Growth comes from trusting potential and offering authentic guidance.
2. Resilience Fuels High Performance: Setbacks become progress when leaders stay solutions-focused.
3. Relationships Build Winning Teams: Trust, communication, and care form the core of high performance.
Timestamps
00:00 – Meet Ian MacDonald
02:43 – Mentors Who Shaped Ian’s Approach
07:25 – Family Support in Coaching and Life
17:12 – Evolution of Ian’s Coaching Philosophy
24:03 – Lessons from the Underdog Mindset
29:51 – How Small Goals Lead to Big Wins
33:55 – Leadership, Family, and Career Choices
38:03 – Ian’s Beliefs and Coaching Superpowers
41:06 – Positivity, Potential, and Player Development
46:55 – Reflections on Success, Failure, and Growth
54:11 – Closing Thoughts and Next Episode
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingExcellence #HighPerformanceMindset #ResilientLeadership #TeamBuilding #PerformanceCoaching #PersonalDevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the secret to winning—whether in sport or business—wasn’t talent, luck, or even hard work, but clarity?
In this episode of Locker Room Power, performance coach David Sammel explores the clarity advantage—the power of having a simple, unwavering game plan. Drawing lessons from Novak Djokovic’s approach to Wimbledon, decades of coaching experience, and business giants like Nike and Amazon, discover why clarity consistently separates champions from the rest.
Key takeaways:
Champions succeed by sticking to a clear plan and making only subtle adjustments under pressure.
In business, simplicity in message and customer experience—like Amazon’s one-click buying—creates lasting success.
Complexity is the enemy of performance. Audit your systems, communication, and leadership to make clarity your edge.
If complexity is killing your performance, clarity may be the competitive edge you’ve been missing.
Timestamps
00:00 The Clarity Advantage & Djokovic’s Game Plan
01:34 Winners vs. Lesser Players
03:30 Business Examples of Clarity in Action
04:00 The Dangers of Complexity
04:45 David’s Leadership Advice
05:42 Next Episode Preview
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if you reached the end of your life and realized the only things you regretted were the moments you didn’t follow your gut?
In this inspiring episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, David opens up about life’s biggest questions, from regret and instinct to travel and guilty pleasures. Discover why he sees regret as “arrogant,” the unexpected cities that stole his heart—from Santiago’s vibrant charm to the Algarve’s tranquil beauty—and the life lesson he learned from a missed moment of instinctive kindness.
Key takeaways:
Trust your gut instincts, even when fear of judgment holds you back.
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about finding places that feel like home.
Balance discipline with life’s simple pleasures for lasting happiness.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
1:15 – David’s Travel Experiences and Favorite Cities
5:54 – David’s Holiday Home Preferences
8:03 – David’s Reflections on Travel and Family
13:35 – David's Reflections on Regret and Gut Instincts
15:22 – David's Family and Communication Challenges
16:28 – David's Guilty Pleasures and Food Preferences
20:47 – David's Balance Between Discipline and Indulgence
23:19 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Book a Consultation with David
https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations—subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From showgirl in Paris to fashion entrepreneur and TV personality, Shelagh Brayshaw’s life is a masterclass in reinvention. In this inspiring conversation, she shares how losing a 23-year TV role became a catalyst for new passions, why discipline from her Bluebell days still shapes her work ethic, and how enthusiasm and curiosity remain her secret to staying vibrant at 63.
Key takeaways:
Career setbacks can open the door to exciting new opportunities.
Early discipline builds resilience that lasts a lifetime.
Enthusiasm and curiosity are essential to staying engaged and fulfilled at any age.
Packed with unforgettable stories and hard-won wisdom, this episode will spark your own drive for growth—subscribe now to discover more powerful life lessons from remarkable guests.
Timestamps
0:00 – Shelagh Brayshaw's Life Changes and Reflections
1:37 – Early Life and Career Beginnings
3:09 – Transition to TV and Later Challenges
4:23 – Influences and Life Lessons
7:23 – Meeting Inspirational Figures
14:55 – The Importance of Enthusiasm and Curiosity
15:28 – Personal Reflections and Career Adjustments
21:36 – Memorable Moments and Experiences
24:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice
25:05 – Conclusion and Farewell
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message and let’s talk.”
Book a Consultation with David
https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/
Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations. Subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the next big leap in personal growth isn’t about replacing humans with technology — but making human expertise more powerful than ever?
In this forward-looking episode, high-performance coach David Sammel shares his vision for how AI can transform coaching, learning, and collaboration — without losing the human wisdom at the heart of it all.
From decades of experience coaching Olympians, elite athletes, and C-suite leaders, David explains why AI won’t replace coaches — it will amplify them. You’ll discover how technology can make learning deeply personal, remove wasted time, and connect people across the globe in ways we’ve never seen before.
You’ll hear:
- Why AI + human insight beats either one alone
- How personalized learning will replace generic advice
- A vision for global coaching collaborations in real time
- Why the real edge comes from using AI as leverage, not a shortcut
- The mindset shift you need to stay ahead in a tech-driven world
This isn’t a conversation about fear — it’s about opportunity. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or a lifelong learner, this episode will challenge how you think about AI, education, and your own potential.
Listen closely — it might just change how you prepare for the future.
#DavidSammel #TheLockerRoom #AI #HighPerformanceCoaching #FutureOfWork #MindsetShift #AthleteMindset #Leadership #AIInSports #CoachingTools #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this eye-opening second half of the episode, Matt Cardle flips the script and puts me in the hot seat — as we explore what greatness, truth, and perception really mean in today’s world.
From legendary tennis careers to questioning the narratives we’re raised on, our conversation dives into the mindset behind long-term success and independent thinking.
You’ll hear:
🎾 My take on what really defines greatness — and why it’s not just about the stats
🧠 A story that shows how two people can experience the same moment… and walk away with completely different truths
🌍 Why asking “What shape is the Earth?” isn’t about conspiracy — it’s about learning to think critically
💡 The mental skill I believe separates high performers from the rest
🎤 How challenging ideas has helped me sharpen my identity and confidence
This episode isn’t just about tennis, truth, or titles — it’s about how you choose to see the world.
Tune in. It might just change how you approach your next decision.
Links:
David Sammel:
https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/
https://davidsammel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Matt Cardle:
Join the mailing list to pre-order the new album: https://mattcardle.tmstor.es/splash/9302
https://www.instagram.com/mattcardleofficial/
#MattCardle #DavidSammel #TheLockerRoom #MindsetShift #PerspectiveMatters #Greatness #CriticalThinking #HighPerformance #GOATDebate #PodcastClips #QuestionEverything
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discover the truth behind fame, art, and the narratives we rarely question.
What If Everything You’ve Been Told… Isn’t the Full Story?
In this powerful conversation, X Factor winner and artist Matt Cardle opens up about the moments that shaped his life — and how one event completely shifted the way he sees the world.
From surviving childhood illness to navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, Matt shares raw, honest insights about what it really takes to stay true to yourself in a world full of noise.
You’ll hear:
This isn’t just a story about success — it’s about identity, critical thinking, and finding your voice in a world that wants to define it for you.
Listen closely — it might just change the way you see your own path.
Links:
David Sammel:
https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/
https://davidsammel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Matt Cardle:
Join the mailing list to pre-order the new album: https://mattcardle.tmstor.es/splash/9302
https://www.instagram.com/mattcardleofficial/
#MattCardle #TheLockerRoom #MindsetShift #CreativeJourney #XFactor #TruthTellers #Resilience #Artistry #IndependentArtist #DavidSammel #PodcastClips #HighPerformanceMindset
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Take the FREE Mental Toughness Quiz: https://david-znj3ujyb.scoreapp.com/ and discover what's holding you back from peak performance.
Discover the hidden patterns that could be stopping your next breakthrough.
The Breakthrough You’re Waiting For Might Be One More Rep Away
In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most misunderstood truths about success:
Breakthroughs don’t happen when things are easy — they happen when you keep going through the hardest moments.
Drawing from real stories of elite athletes and founders I’ve coached, I share what separates those who win from those who quit right before the finish line. Whether you’re building a business, chasing a goal, or just trying to stay in the fight, this episode is for you.
You’ll hear:
• Why breakthroughs often arrive when you’re ready to give up
• How one athlete changed her entire career by focusing on “just 5 more meters”
• What a founder did during the 2020 market collapse that helped him come out stronger
• The science behind why resilience beats intelligence when things get uncertain
• The key mindset shift that high performers use to stay in the game longer than everyone else
This is more than motivation—it’s a mindset reset.
Because if you can take the heat just a little longer, everything can change.
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/
Links:
Website: https://mindsetcollege.co.uk/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
X: https://x.com/davesammel/
Keywords: breakthrough mindset, high performance habits, mental toughness, resilience under pressure, success mindset, elite athlete mindset, pushing past limits, mindset shift, breakthrough moments, motivation for entrepreneurs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Take the FREE Mental Toughness Quiz: https://david-znj3ujyb.scoreapp.com/ and discover what's holding you back from peak performance.
The Tables Turn: When the Student Becomes the Teacher
What happens when one of your own athletes flips the script and puts you in the hot seat?
That’s exactly what happened when Luke Johnson, currently World #11 in doubles, sat me down and started asking the tough questions. This wasn’t just a casual conversation—it was a deep dive into the lessons, failures, and breakthroughs that have shaped my journey as a performance coach.
This is not your typical coaching interview. It’s raw, honest, and reflective—a genuine exploration of what it really takes to grow, evolve, and stay humble in a world that often tries to convince you that you already know it all.
In our conversation, I opened up about:
• The one person who completely changed how I approach coaching and life (spoiler: it wasn’t who you'd expect)
• Why I had to let go of trying to “change” people—and how that surrender made me a far more effective coach
• The beliefs and habits I had to unlearn to become the coach I am today
• How a stage play exercise during COVID shifted the way I understand communication
• Why I believe the best coaches invest in themselves just as much as they invest in their athletes
• My core belief about what our journey on this planet is truly about
Here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve come to accept: You can’t change anyone. All you can do is create the right conditions for them to change themselves.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to “fix” others, struggled with people ignoring your advice, or wondered how to keep growing when you’re already successful—this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about coaching, influence, and leadership.
The real lesson? There’s incredible power in giving up control and putting your energy where it matters most—on yourself.
Luke’s questions went straight to the heart of what separates a good coach from a great one, and what it really means to keep evolving, even when you think you’ve got it all figured out.
Follow Luke Johnson:
https://www.instagram.com/lukecjohnson/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Take the FREE Mental Toughness Quiz: https://david-znj3ujyb.scoreapp.com/ and discover what's holding you back from peak performance.
From "Average" Junior to World #11: The Mental Game That Changes Everything
What does it take to go from an ordinary junior player in Leeds to becoming one of the world's top 11 doubles players?
In this raw and inspiring conversation, professional tennis player Luke Johnson reveals the mental strategies, setbacks, and breakthroughs that transformed his career—and his life.
Just weeks after this interview, Luke suffered a devastating wrist fracture at Queen's Club, forcing him to miss his first seeded Wimbledon and the entire grass court season. But his response to this setback perfectly embodies everything we discuss in this episode about resilience, perspective, and the champion mindset.
You'll discover:
• The ONE question Luke's coach asked that completely transformed his serve and confidence
• How a grandfather who "took no BS but was extremely kind" became Luke's guiding force—even 8 years after his passing
• Why Luke's 2022 knee injury became the turning point that launched him to world-class success
• The "business mindset" shift that separated Luke from players who stay stuck
• How to build confidence BEFORE you win, not after
• Luke's simple but powerful philosophy: "Everything's probably going to be okay"
This isn't just about tennis—it's about the mental game of life. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone facing challenges, Luke's journey proves that average beginnings don't determine extraordinary endings.
The real lesson? Confidence doesn't come from winning. It comes from knowing you're prepared. Setbacks aren't endings—they're redirections. And sometimes the path to greatness requires changing direction entirely.
If you're tired of waiting for external validation to feel confident, or if you're dealing with setbacks that feel overwhelming, this conversation will shift your perspective on what's truly possible.
🧠 Ready to build unshakeable mental toughness like Luke? Take our FREE quiz: https://david-znj3ujyb.scoreapp.com/ Discover your mental strengths and get a personalized roadmap to peak performance.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Visit https://www.davidsammel.com/ to learn more and discover how to unlock your full leadership potential.
Life isn't perfect for anyone—and that's exactly the point.
In this deeply personal episode David Sammel cuts through the social media facade to deliver a powerful reminder about what it means to be human.
Through the lens of professional tennis player Luke Johnson's recent injury setback—just as he was reaching career-high rankings and preparing for his first seeded Wimbledon—David explores how we all face unexpected challenges that test our resilience.
If you're dealing with setbacks, comparing yourself to others' highlight reels, or wondering why life feels messier than everyone else's appears to be—this episode offers genuine perspective and hope.
You'll discover:
• Why everyone's life is messy somewhere, no matter how perfect it looks online
• How to reframe setbacks as temporary delays rather than permanent defeats
• The healthy way to deal with disappointment without falling into self-pity
• Why "things not turning out" isn't failure—it's simply being human
• How to use forced downtime as an opportunity for growth in other areas
This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything's fine—it's about developing the mental strength to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with grace and perspective.
Because the goal isn't to avoid challenges—it's to build the resilience to handle them when they come.
As David reminds us: "Life overall is fantastic, but it's also messy for everybody, and we're all just doing our best to manage things as well as we can."
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Visit http://www.davidsammel.com/ to learn more and discover how to unlock your full leadership potential.
It's not just about building wealth—it's about creating the freedom to give your children the time, opportunities, and experiences you want them to have.
In this inspiring episode, Caroline Tolman shares her journey from tennis scholarship recipient to successful property entrepreneur, revealing how a chance encounter with a Robbie Fowler property ad changed everything for her family.
Through honest conversation, Caroline opens up about the two people who shaped her mindset—her motivational mother who taught her to "complete the task" and never settle for 9 out of 10, and tennis coach Steve McLaughlin whose tough-love approach built her resilience and work ethic.
If you're wondering how to transition from employee to entrepreneur, struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, or looking to create more family time and financial freedom, this episode offers genuine insights from someone who's walked the path.
You'll learn:
- How her mum's "complete the task" mentality shaped her success
- Why Steve McLaughlin's coaching style ("my grandma could have got that and she's been dead 10 years") built mental toughness
- The wake-up call moment: "Why are you working to build someone else's dream?"
- How they invested £15K in property education after a £1K starter course
- Why "don't sweat the small stuff" became her life philosophy
- The importance of finding mentors who are 2-3 years ahead of where you want to be
- Why success takes much longer than you think—but consistent action over time pays off
This is a conversation about family values, entrepreneurial courage, and the power of the right mindset.
Because sometimes the people who push you hardest are the ones who believe in you most.
Follow Caroline Tolman for more insights on property investment and entrepreneurship:
Website: https://www.carolinetolman.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinetolmanproperty/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
👉 Visit https://www.davidsammel.com/ to learn more and discover how to unlock your full leadership potential.
It's not just about building wealth—it's about creating the freedom to live life on your own terms and give your family the opportunities you dreamed of.
In this inspiring episode, Caroline Tolman shares her remarkable journey from tennis scholarship recipient to successful property entrepreneur, revealing how she and her husband built a £6+ million property portfolio that allowed them both to leave their 9-5 jobs.
Through candid conversation and practical insights, Caroline unpacks the pivotal moment that changed everything—a two-hour property seminar that shifted their entire perspective on building wealth and creating freedom.
If you're feeling trapped in the employee mindset, wondering how to create more time and financial freedom for your family, or considering property investment, this episode delivers genuine wisdom with actionable strategies.
You'll learn:
- Why "working to build someone else's dream" was the wake-up call that changed everything
- How to overcome the people-pleasing trap that keeps you stuck
- The importance of having mentors and coaches throughout your journey
- Why consistent action over time beats motivation every time
- How to balance ambitious business goals with family priorities
This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, family values, and the courage to bet on yourself.
Because sometimes the biggest risk is staying exactly where you are.
Follow Caroline Tolman for more insights on property investment and entrepreneurship:
Website: https://www.carolinetolman.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinetolmanproperty
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices























