Performance Strategies & Stumbles

Stumbles Ep10 - Craig Turner - "I slept in..."

Listen Time: 29mins
In this episode, we welcome back Craig Turner to share two key reflections on mistakes made in his career and how they helped him to develop.
The first lesson is about the importance of authentic communication, honesty, and punctuality. Craig recalls a time when he was late for practice and didn't communicate properly with his coach....listen to the outcome of that event! The second lesson is about the dangers of collecting too much data without a clear purpose. Craig discusses how his team at Nike Academy had access to various sports performance monitoring technologies but struggled to make sense of the data. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of effective communication and purposeful data collection in the field of sports science.
A big thanks to LTAD network for their sponsorship of the episode AND their generous discount code for listeners to use to book tickets to their fantastic conference on June 1st and 2nd. Book here using the discount code 'collabpodcast' for 15% off tickets!
Do also visit www.collaboratesports.com to see our free "Data Decoded" webinar next week and what our other personal development opportunities involve!
Enjoy the listen!
Dan

Strategy Ep10 - Dr Craig Turner - Performance Hacks

Listen Time: 30mins - Sponsored by FK Pro (www.fkpro.co.uk)
This week's episode features Dr Craig Turner who is the current Head of Basketball Performance at the University of Pennsylvania.
Before this, he worked with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers as a Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning Associate. Craig has also held additional roles as the Director of Sport Science and Associate Strength & Conditioning Coach at N.C. State University, Sport Science Researcher in conjunction with the Nike Sports Research Laboratory, a Sport Science Consultant with NK Istra 1961 Football Club in Croatia, and an Applied Sports Scientist/Strength & Conditioning Coach with The Nike Academy. 
Craig shares with me, his insights on performance hacks. He discusses enhancing warm-up and session flow using the 1x20 principle, standardising testing processes, and training male and female athletes differently. Craig emphasises the importance of streamlining processes without cutting corners and highlights the use of AMRAP sets for females to optimise training intensity. He also suggests integrating testing into training sessions to get a true performance outcome.
Craig can be found via:
Instagram @ctsportscience
Twitter / X @ctsportsci
LinkedIn @ctsportsci
Website www.ctsportscience.com
Today's episode is sponsored by FK Pro, the most versatile suspension training equipment I have ever used. They enable several exercise set up hacks and the independent strap system means they can be used in unison or isolation, and as a result of their success, they have partnered with World Rugby on several Education Projects.
As a product, they fly under the radar in my opinion and should be looked at as one of the simplest, but most effective additions to your traditional equipment and resistance methods. Visit their website at www.fkpro.co.uk and use the exclusive discount code CS20 for 20% off at checkout! Reach out if you'd like to know more about how I have used FK Pro too.
Enjoy the episode!
Dan

Stumbles Ep9 - Andrew Lockwood - "He Broke Down With Enemy Fire Over Us"

Listen Time: 30mins
Andrew Lockwood rejoins me this week for his stumbles episode and how his mistakes have helped him in his work. Check back to last weeks episode to hear more about Andy's background in the military.
In this episode, one of his major mistakes was believing that leaders needed to maintain a certain distance from their team, which he later realised was not authentic to him.
Another mistake he made was not showing empathy towards a team member who was going through a personal issue, which affected their performance. Andrew emphasises the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership and suggests that everyone has the potential to be a leader with the right training and development.
He also discusses the significance of shared experiences and the need for leaders to create a space for open communication and understanding within their teams.
We hope you enjoy the episode. Andrew can be reached on via social media (@greywolfteams or @sandcvacancies) or email (andy@greywolfteams.com) if you'd like to ask him some questions.
Please do check out the group mentorships that start in July too with Collaborate Sports via this link: www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships - the early bird prices go up at the end of today!
 

Strategy Ep9 - Andrew Lockwood - 3 Pillars of Effective Leadership

Listen Time: 30mins
This week I welcome Andrew Lockwood to the Podcast. With 20 years of experience in the British Army, Andy has Leadership development experience within the military and with civilian organisations (Sacramento Kings, Inter Miami, professional coaches). Andrew also runs a rugby/S&C-related charity delivering to teams around the world from international to grassroots. He is also the man behind S&C Vacancies and Grey Wolf Teams.
In this episode, Andrew discusses the three pillars of effective leadership in elite environments: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. He explains that high levels of these three elements lead to effective leadership and culture. Andrew emphasises the importance of developing these pillars organically and continuously throughout the year.
Takeaways
Effective leadership in elite environments is built on three pillars: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy.
Shared experience involves the micro and macro events that people in a team share, fostering trust and cohesion.
Mutual understanding includes understanding individual roles, expectations, and standards within the team.
Empathy is the ability to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and create a supportive environment.
Developing these pillars organically and continuously throughout the year is crucial for effective leadership and culture.
You can reach Andrew via social media (@greywolfteams or @sandcvacancies) or email (andy@greywolfteams.com)
Enjoy the Listen!
Collaborate Sports is also providing a number of unique personal development opportunities currently. Visit www.collaboratesports.com to see more!

Stumbles Ep8 - Ben Rosenblatt - "I'm not afraid to make mistakes.."

Listen Time: 29mins
Ben joins us this week for part 2 of his Strategies and Stumbles appearance on the podcast!
In this conversation, Ben shares some of the stumbles, mistakes, and lessons he has learned in his career. He discusses his willingness to make mistakes and take risks, as well as the importance of taking ownership and learning from negative impacts on others. Ben reflects on his experience as the Head of Sport Science at Birmingham City Football Club, where he made mistakes in understanding the physical training needs of the players. He also shares a significant stumble with the hockey team, where he realised the importance of motivation, connection to goals, and mastery in the training program. Ben emphasises the need for building support, galvanizing allies, and adapting to different contexts.
 
Key aspects you'll take from this listen are:
Takeaways
Don't be afraid to make mistakes and take risks in your career.
Take ownership and learn from negative impacts on others.
Understand the context and environment you are stepping into.
Build support and galvanize allies to achieve shared objectives.
Consider motivation, connection to goals, and mastery in training programs.
Adapt and flex your approach based on individual needs and contexts.
Thanks again to Ben, and if you haven't do check out his website www.292performance.com - if you liked this episode, please share to your networks!
Lastly - don't forget all the opportunities Collaborate Sports provides in addition to this podcast. We have a great webinar with Paul Laursen coming up on High-Intensity Interval Training. Check out the options at www.collaboratesports.com
See you next week
Dan
 
 
 

Streatgy Ep8 - Ben Rosenblatt - Performance Planning Insights

Listen Time 30mins - Sponsored by Remaker (www.remaker.co.uk)
This week we welcome Dr Ben Rosenblatt to the podcast. Bens career spans time spent in the English Institute of Sport, Birmingham City FC, the Intensive Rehab Unit, a Gold Medal with GB Womens Hockey and multiple European and World Cups with the England Football Team!!
 
Ben now focuses his time on elite support services to professional athletes through the company he founded and is now director of, called 292 Performance (www.292performance.com)
 
In this episode, we delve into the concept of performance planning. Ben shares his experience of working with high-performing athletes and the importance of understanding their goals, limitations, and enabling factors. Ben emphasises the need for clarity in the desired outcome and the importance of open communication and collaboration within the team.
 
He also refers to the critical need of being a master craftsman, having self-awareness, and practising empathy. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the performance planning process and the skills required to optimise it.
 
Thanks again to Remaker for sponsoring this episode. Remaker is a versatile and highly portable technology that can provide strength diagnostics in several unique ways  Please check out their website - www.remaker.co.uk and instagram: @remaker.uk
Lastly - enrolment is now OPEN for the next group mentorships with Collaborate Sports, in LTAD, Rehab, S&C Principles or Data Skills, starting in July. Check out www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships for more info!
 

Stumbles Ep7 - Rob Fowkes - "Stage Fright"

Listen time 27mins
In this episode, we welcome back Rob for part 2 of his series, where he delves into his various mistakes in his career path and how they have brought the best out of him.
Rob shares his interesting career path which has exposed him to a wide array of different populations, from personal training to youth coaching, to gen pop and teaching in schools, before specialising in elite sport. He refers to how this has been the catalyst for his growth.
Overall, we discuss:
Finding his voice and speaking up
Leaving his coaching on the table by not saying what he thought
Observing and learning from others at every opportunity
Respecting his personality and knowing when he needed to adapt his style
The notion of not wasting any opportunity and recognising there is an experience to be gained in more places than we think!
As mentioned in the show, our group mentorships go live next week.
You can see all that Collaborate Sports has to offer here: http://www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships
Dont forget to express interest if you want to have the information as its released over the weekend. Fill out the form on the site!
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Dan
 
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Strategy Ep7 - Rob Fowkes - Performance Impact Quadrants

Listen Time 29mins - Sponsored by Remaker (www.remaker.co.uk)
In this conversation, Rob Fowkes, the lead strength and conditioning coach at the Western Force Super Rugby team, discusses his strategy for developing physical performance in rugby players. He shares a unique approach of linking 2 key metrics in a quadrant manner, to make athletes understand their strengths and weaknesses in a simple and meaningful manner.
He emphasises the importance of creating a shared journey with the players and providing context for their physical development. Rob explains his model of physical performance, which focuses on impact, repeatability, and robustness. He also discusses the process of intervention, player involvement, and program design. 
Robs previous experience is impressive. As a coach who has worked in rugby union at all levels from grassroots junior teams to professional and international levels as well as completing extensive work within schools, academies and other establishments within the long term athlete development space, Rob flies relatively under the radar, so I was pleased to have him join me for this discssion.
You can reach Rob at rob.fowkes@westernforce.rugby if you have any questions!
Thanks again to Remaker for sponsoring this episode. 
The Remaker tech unlocks S&C performance insights through the portable and versatile Remaker Link, a smart carabiner, connected via Bluetooth to the Remaker App on any smart phone or tablet.
The live, user-friendly display of metrics, which can be analysed in session or monitored over time via the App & remotely via the Remaker Portal, enables coaches, physios and athletes alike to test, train, track and transform performance.  
With Remaker, give exercise meaning by evidencing the impact of every rep and motivating athlete buy-in to every session.
Find more details here:
www.remaker.co.uk
@remaker.uk on instagram
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/remakerltd
 
 

Stumbles Ep6 - Simon Harries - "I wasnt strong enough in my recommendations"

In this episode, Simon reflects on his early career mistakes, rehab mistakes, program design and testing mistakes, and soft skills and communication mistakes.
He emphasises the importance of clear principles, understanding the end goal, and being rigorous in assessments.
Simon also highlights the need for effective communication owning up to mistakes and how considering the specific ways you communicate to deal with adversity in a performance team.
If you haven't listened to Simons's excellent strategy episode from last week, track back and listen, and check out the information in the show notes for more about Simon and where to follow him!
If you are enjoying the series so far, consider a few other personal development opportunities Collaborate Sports can provide you.
In July we launch the next cohorts for a range of group mentorships, which you can register your interest for here. All information on these pathways is released in the first week of April.
Alternatively, you can join us for some interactive discussions on advancing your career in these free webinars with me and several elite coaches. Register your FREE spot here. 
Please share the pod across your socials and I welcome any feedback on the content so far, so reach out if you've got any ideas on upgrading the content so far!
All the best
Dan
 

Strategy Ep6 - Simon Harries - Revolutionise your Rehab with Running Frameworks

In this episode I am joined by Simon Harries, Head of Strength & Conditioning at NSWIS, and Founding Director of Performance Compass, a business focused on mentorship and consultancy for rehab-related matters.
We discuss the concept of a rehab running framework and its importance in safely and effectively returning athletes to play. Simon explains the evolution of rehab approaches and the need for flexibility and creativity in building a framework. Simon emphasises the importance of specificity in different sports and the consideration of injury profiles. We discuss common key performance indicators and criteria in rehab and categorising running drills. Simon also shares insights on structuring rehab phases, progressing intensity, using data in rehab, and determining return to play. He concludes by highlighting the importance of communication with coaching staff.
 
Some specific areas we delve into are:
Definition of a Framework
Evolution of Rehab Approaches
Building a Rehab Running Framework
Considering Injury Profiles
Common KPIs and Criteria in Rehab
Categorising Running Drills
Progressing Intensity in Rehab
Creating an Exercise Library
Structuring Weekly Sessions
Layering Volume and Intensity
....and so much more!
You can find out more about Simon via his LinkedIn profile here and he has permitted any listener wanting to reach out to do so via email:  simon@performancecompass.com.au
If you are interested in the Rehab Simplified Group Mentorship, you can access the programme details here and register your interest via this form to express interest in joining the next cohort in July!
If you'd like to read the article written by Simon for Sportsmith, you can access that here also!