This episode explores the power of mental toughness, high-performance leadership, and resilience with Adam Smith, a retired Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Group officer. Hosted by Zoë Routh, the conversation delves into what it takes to maintain focus under pressure, lead in extreme conditions, and push beyond personal limits.

The discussion covers a range of topics, including the influence of military and police training on decision-making, strategies for performing under high stress, and the mindset shifts necessary to overcome adversity—whether in combat, business, or personal challenges.

SHOWNOTES are here.

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Key Quotes

• “The way you respond under pressure is a direct reflection of the preparation you’ve put in.” — Zoë Routh

• “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building the capacity to handle uncertainty and make decisions under stress.” — Zoë Routh

• “Leadership in high-pressure environments isn’t about individual heroics—it’s about trust, discipline, and teamwork.” — Adam Smith

• “Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about how you train yourself to respond when it inevitably comes.” — Adam Smith

Questions Asked

1. What does it take to stay calm and effective in high-pressure situations?
2. What are the key factors that make high-performance teams work under stress?
3. What leadership lessons did you learn from your time in Special Forces and the Special Operations Group?
4. How do you develop mental resilience to push through physical and psychological barriers?
5. How do you build and maintain trust in high-pressure teams?

Take Action

1. Develop a resilience framework by implementing structured training for stress management.
2. Strengthen team trust through clear communication and shared challenges.
3. Adopt self-reflection practices to improve decision-making under pressure.
4. Invest in mental wealth initiatives that foster creativity, focus, and performance.

Tip of the Week

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Key Moments