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High Performance

Welcome to High Performance. Through fascinating conversations with remarkable guests, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes uncover the secrets behind High Performance and explore how we can all become the best version of ourselves.

We focus on uncovering the learnings from top performers in every field, from sport to entertainment, business, health and wellness.​ No matter where our guests have excelled, they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share.

On High Performance we find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top and keep them there.

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Want to get the most from High Performance? Download the new High Performance app for FREE to access every episode, enjoy exclusive documentary and masterclass content. 

You’ll get instant access to insights from the world’s best, will receive daily motivational boosts and can create your own personalised High Performance playlists.

Simply click here or search High Performance in the App store to get started.

The High Performance Podcast

Thomas Frank is the brilliant mind behind Brentford's remarkable journey in the Premier League. Known for his innovative thinking and people-first leadership, Thomas has taken the club from strength to strength, earning respect as one of football's most exciting managers.

In this episode, Jake and Damian dive into Thomas’s unique approach to leadership and culture-building. He reveals the unseen factors behind Brentford’s success, from empowering cultural architects within the team to creating an environment of belief and optimism that fuels high performance. 

Thomas also opens up about the role of data in his coaching strategy, explaining how it shapes decisions and impacts the club’s growth. He shares lessons learned from other Premier League coaches and reflects on the pivotal moments where his influence truly changed the course for Brentford. 

This episode offers an exclusive insight into the mindset and strategies driving success both on and off the pitch, exploring Thomas' views on leadership, innovation, and cultivating a winning culture in one of the world's most competitive leagues.

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/Heights

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Thomas Frank: The Secret To Brentford's Success & What's Next (E311)

After the incredible 2024 Championship Race, Jake and Damian chats with the CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown, to unpack the incredible moments and emotions surrounding the final race. Zak opens up about the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the race day and how he fostered a winning mentality within his team.

He also talks about working with Andrea Stella, the valuable lessons learned along the way, and the emotional intelligence required to support drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri through the intense highs and challenging lows of Formula 1. From leading a 1,000-strong team to making split-second, high-stakes decisions, he discusses the mindset shifts and strategies that keep McLaren at the forefront of competition. 

This episode offers an inspiring deep dive into leadership, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in one of the world’s most demanding sports.

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Zak Brown: How McLaren Shocked F1 & Norris vs Verstappen Rivalry (E312)

In this episode, Jake and Damian chat with the Founder and CEO of base, Ben Foakes, about his journey from BMX athlete to successful entrepreneur. Ben opens up about the challenges he faced, how a setback in his sports career led him to rethink his path, and the mindset he built to tackle new challenges, leading him to build a business rooted in confidence and strong values.

Listen in for powerful insights on resilience, focus, and turning setbacks into opportunities and hear how Ben was able to build his company from ground up, focusing on core values and visions.

Base offers cloud-native media services to securely store, process, and manage content at scale. They help you migrate to the cloud, build a content hub, and streamline workflows.

Learn more: https://base-mc.com/case-studies/high-performance-streamlined-its-editing-workflow-with-base/

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

3 Steps to Lasting Change, with Ben Foakes

Mo Gilligan is one of the UK’s most celebrated comedians and TV personalities who has become a household name thanks to his unique blend of humor and charisma. From humble beginnings to headlining sold-out shows and hosting major events, Mo’s journey is both inspiring and entertaining.

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Mo to uncover the choices that shaped his career. Mo opens up about the tough decisions he had to make, including turning down certain opportunities to focus on long-term goals. He shares how these decisions shaped his career and personal growth. 

Mo also reflects on hosting high-profile events like the BRIT Awards, the role emotional intelligence plays in his life, and how therapy has helped him stay grounded. He talks about how being aware of his environment and building relationships with like-minded people has helped him grow both personally and professionally.

 

This episode provides a deep dive into Mo’s journey, offering insights into how self-awareness, goal-setting, and emotional intelligence have driven his success. 

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Mo Gilligan on the Reality of Fame and the Power of Therapy (E313)

Oliver Burkeman is a renowned author and expert on the psychology of productivity. He is best known for his work exploring how modern life’s obsession with productivity often leaves us overwhelmed and unfulfilled.

In this episode, Oliver dives deep into the dangers of idolising productivity, discussing how society's relentless focus on getting more done can actually be ruining our lives. He explains how we’ve come to put productivity on a pedestal and the ways this mindset leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Oliver also shares practical insights with Jake and Damian on how to create healthy habits and get things done more meaningfully. He offers advice for parents and others juggling multiple roles on how to find moments of joy in everyday life instead of chasing after unattainable, Instagram-perfect moments.

This episode explores how we can shift our focus from profit-driven pursuits to activities that ignite our passion, encouraging us to embrace the journey itself rather than fixating solely on the outcome, as we navigate the complexities of modern life.

In his BBC Maestro course Time Management, Oliver Burkeman will teach you how to reframe your approach to time and embrace your human limitations.

https://www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/oliver-burkeman/time-management/

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Oliver Burkeman: Why Productivity Is Ruining Lives (E314)

One of High Performance’s biggest missions is to help transform the mindsets of young people. That’s why we created the High Performance Foundation, to give students the resilience and soft skills they need to thrive in the future. 

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Sam Stoffel, entrepreneur and CEO of Outplayed, to discuss why he’s supporting the Foundation and his incredible journey from university student to leading a multi-million-pound business. Sam also shares the valuable lessons he's learned while building his own company, offering insights on the importance of relentless determination, trusting your instincts, avoiding complacency, and balancing work with self-care. 

Listen in to gain actionable insights that can elevate your own journey and help you adopt a high performance mindset. To learn more about the High Performance Foundation, click the link here: https://www.highperformancefoundation.org/

Things I wish I’d known when I was younger

Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, one of the most successful drivers in the history of motorsports. Known for his calm demeanour and competitive spirit, Johnson has shaped the world of racing with his incredible talent and leadership.

In this episode, Jimmie opens up about his journey into racing, starting at a young age. He shares the invaluable lessons passed down by his father and how they shaped his career. Jimmie also talks about the highs and lows of his NASCAR journey, including the challenges of stepping into a new world and the pressures of performing on the big stage.

He dives deep into the mental aspect of racing, discussing how he handled criticism and setbacks. He also reveals the techniques he used to stay focused and how he built a strong team culture. With honesty, Jimmie reflects on his mistakes and how feedback from others helped him grow, both as a driver and as a leader.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion, exploring not just his triumphs but also the challenges that moulded him into the extraordinary competitor he is today.

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Jimmie Johnson: NASCAR Legend Speaks Out On The Hidden Dangers Of Racing (E315)

In this episode, we revisit a deeply inspiring conversation with TV personality Rylan Clark. He opens up to Jake and Damian about how he overcame a breakdown and battled depression by focusing on small, daily victories. 

Rylan also discusses the power of micro-achievements in reclaiming his life and how he transformed early criticism into a successful, decade-long career. Listen in to hear his powerful journey of resilience and self-discovery. 

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Ross Clark: Meet the Real Rylan

What an amazing year it's been for High Performance, and as we are in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, we’ve brought something a little different. In this episode, Jake and Damian take part in a quiz of the year, where they listen to some fascinating and memorable lines they've heard over the course of the year and try to guess who said them.

Listen in and enjoy this fun, lighthearted challenge as they test their memory, relive some incredible moments, and add a little festive cheer to the season!

The High Performance Quotes of the Year Quiz

Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author and expert on stoic philosophy, known for his books like ‘The Obstacle Is the Way’ and ‘Daily Stoic’. Through his work, he helps others apply ancient wisdom to modern-day challenges, exploring themes like discipline, perseverance, and self-awareness.

In this episode, Jake talks with Ryan about stoicism and how its principles can improve everyday life. Ryan covers ways to overcome procrastination, build discipline, and face life’s challenges with purpose and clarity.

He shares insights on the power of reframing obstacles as opportunities and the danger of living in constant comparison with others. Ryan also unpacks the stoic practice of ‘Memento Mori’, a powerful reminder of mortality, and how it can be used as a tool for living a more meaningful life. 

This conversation is packed with practical lessons for living a more intentional, disciplined, and authentic life, grounded in the wisdom of stoicism and Ryan’s own journey. 

🚨 Partners

Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: https://hppod.co/HP

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/Heights

FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Ryan Holiday: Why I'm Embracing Death in 2025 (E316)

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Premier League footballer Ollie Watkins, discussing his staggering journey from non-league football to reaching the Champions League.

England and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins joins us on High Performance after a breakthrough season, achieving the most assists in the Premier League. Ollie opens up to Jake and Damian about his route to the top, discussing his rejection from Exeter City at age nine, struggling with concentration, and his determination to prove people wrong.

Reflecting on key mentors and moments throughout his career, Ollie highlights the impact of High Performance culture, emphasising the importance of humility and consistency instilled by coaches such as Unai Emery. He advocates for breaking down the stigma around mental health challenges among athletes.

Ollie also recalls the pressure of scoring his first goal for Aston Villa, highlighting the memorable feeling of a weight being lifted from his shoulders when his aim became a reality. He shares a defining moment against Arsenal, where his goal and celebration asserted his belonging in the Premier League.

This episode uncovers the remarkable journey of one of England's most promising footballing talents; from Ollie’s humble beginnings, to his Premier League success and Champions League aspirations.

Partners:

Huel 👉 hppod.co/huel Discover all 154 health benefits at uk.huel.com/benefits

Eight Sleep 👉 hppod.co/eightsleep

Manual 👉 hppod.co/manual

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

hppod.co/partners

Ollie Watkins: From Non-League to the Champions League, how I climbed football's most competitive ladder (E265)

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