The New Peak

Bethany Rodgers is Director of People at Sheffield Students’ Union and the first woman in her family to attend university. Her love of learning helped her build a meaningful career—and led to 16 years of continual professional development.When she was invited to commit to another qualification, Bethany decided she wanted something different: more time with the people she loves and the freedom to walk her dog without feeling guilty about an assignment.Bethany and Nicola explore ambition, professional growth and the choices we make along the way. Listen for an honest conversation about recognizing how far you've come, enjoying what you've achieved and making room for life beyond work—without giving up on ambition or growth.🎧 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Saying No to Another Qualification01:10 – When Learning Becomes a Need to Achieve02:34 – Why Ambition Feels Loaded for Women05:50 – The Grandfather Who Made Learning Possible07:37 – When Drive Becomes Pressure09:59 – Qualifications, Credibility and the Cost of Expertise12:36 – Stopping After 16 Years13:19 – When Life Feels Too Short to Keep Striving15:20 – Putting Relationships Before the To-Do List17:23 – Choosing a Slower Pace and Accepting the Trade-Off

Everyone thought Kimberly Lyall was fine. She was leading, rebuilding, and showing up — but behind the scenes, she was carrying an enormous amount of pressure. In this episode, Kimberly shares her experience becoming a CEO at 26, navigating a devastating organizational crisis, and learning what it takes to lead through uncertainty without losing yourself. A powerful conversation about leadership, responsibility, discomfort, and sustaining performance under pressure.

In this episode, Robin shares what she actually sees in high performers under pressure: the physical signals that appear long before performance drops, the bio mechanical reality of dopamine spikes and rising cortisol, and why the body eventually stops waiting to be heard.We also get into the "whirling dervish" moment — Robin's image of pulling yourself out of the tornado and standing in the eye of the storm — and her three buckets framework for sustainable performance across mind, body, and soul.A grounded, practical conversation for high performers who want to sustain their best without paying the price later.Ready to do something about it before the crash?Robin O'Grady is an international speaker, corporate culture specialist, athletic trainer, aerial arts performer, and member of the CAPS National Board — and she reads bodies for a living→ nicolamccrabbe.com/coaching🎧 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction — Robin O'Grady: speaker, corporate culture specialist, athletic trainer, aerial arts performer, CAPS National Board member01:35 – What high performers look like under pressure — functioning well on the surface while quietly breaking down02:20 – The physical signals — eye twitch, sleep disruption, weight changes, grinding teeth, recurring injuries06:40 – The sleepwalking client story — what happens when the body gets what it needs regardless07:40 – The whirling dervish — pulling yourself out of the tornado and standing in the eye of the storm09:00 – The dopamine spike problem — why achievement culture keeps high performers hooked and cortisol rising14:20 – Recovery when it's already too late — what it actually requires and why people go back too soon19:30 – What leaders can do — gentle awareness conversations and the drip drop approach22:10 – The three buckets — mind, body, soul — and filling all three outside of work26:50 – Robin's closing message — your work needs you, and this vessel is the only one you get

If you’re a high achiever or leader who looks successful on the outside but feels exhausted on the inside, this episode is for you.In this solo episode of The New Peak Podcast, Nicola McCrabbe shares her personal journey with perfectionism, burnout, and the pressure to constantly prove herself. From growing up on a farm in Ireland to becoming a professor and eventually experiencing burnout twice, Nicola explains how perfectionistic thinking can quietly drain your energy, relationships, confidence, and health — even while you continue to perform at a high level.This episode explores the hidden connection between perfectionism and burnout, why high performers often normalize stress, and how sustainable leadership requires a different approach.If you struggle to switch off, constantly question whether you’re doing enough, or find it hard to enjoy success before chasing the next goal, this conversation will resonate deeply.🎧 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome00:44 – How perfectionism took hold02:25 – Perfectionism defined02:45 – What the pressure looked like day to day03:29 – Burnout as a professor03:50 – The cost of perfectionism04:24 – The kitchen table moment04:43 – The link between perfectionism and burnout05:25 – Finding another way forward05:51 – Two habits to practice05:57 – Reducing what's on your plate: focusing on what adds the most value and subtracting the rest07:20 – People pleasing and how to say no07:50 – Managing the inner critic in your head

Six-time Olympic medalist Cindy Klassen joins Nicola McCrabbe to discuss the realities of performing under pressure, overcoming setbacks, and sustaining success over time. From getting cut from hockey teams to recovering from a career-threatening injury, Cindy shares the mindset shifts that helped her stay resilient and grounded. This conversation explores leadership, joy, perspective, and what it really takes to perform at a high level without burning out. A powerful episode for leaders, athletes, and high-performers alike.🎧 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Growing up in a sports-driven family03:30 – Getting cut from hockey at age eight06:50 – Dreaming of the Olympics in women’s hockey10:10 – Transitioning from hockey to speed skating12:00 – A setback at the beginning of the season – accident on the ice13:50 – Missing the World Cup season and rebuilding hope17:00 – Coming to terms with losing — and moving forward19:15 – Being proud of myself – I did the best I could but didn’t win20:09 – Racing with joy, not fear22:40 – The big moment – when a young boy gave new meaning to racing25:00 – Fun (not worry) is usually when we do our best25:50 – Supporting each other gives a boost to the team27:15 – Drive and effort are key to success29:50 – Stepping away to refresh, get perspective and take the pressure off (drop the media)32:00 – Having a big goal and a little goal for momentum33:18 – Life after sport, identity, and always being the oldest