The podcast for normal people who want to do abnormal things.
Hey, I am Pete Laverick, an Ex-professional athlete living a pretty normal life in Hong Kong. I talk to people who many of us view as 'abnormal', or having achieved abnormal things.
I want to know if these 'abnormal' people are that much different from the rest of us, what was it that made them go from being normal people, living normal lives, to wanting to do something completely different and make that first step outside of their comfort zone.
The podcast for normal people who want to do abnormal things.
Hey, I am Pete Laverick, an Ex-professional athlete living a pretty normal life in Hong Kong. I talk to people who many of us view as 'abnormal', or having achieved abnormal things.
I want to know if these 'abnormal' people are that much different from the rest of us, what was it that made them go from being normal people, living normal lives, to wanting to do something completely different and make that first step outside of their comfort zone.
In this episode of Abnormal, I interview Cherie Walker, head coach of Cirque du Soleil, who shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of coaching elite performers. We discuss the rigorous training processes, the importance of character development, and the cultural dynamics within a diverse team of artists.
Chapters00:00 The Art of Performance Selection02:54 Training the Unseen Skills06:06 Behind the Curtain: Coaching Dynamics08:52 The Role of Trust in Performance12:02 Cultural Dynamics in a Diverse Team15:12 Building Trust and Communication18:01 Navigating Challenges with Elite Athletes20:51 Influence Beyond the Stage25:24 The Social Side of Performance29:11 Pushing Boundaries in Performance30:08 Understanding Risk in Performance Acts31:11 Stability vs. Risk in Shows32:29 The Journey of Skill Acquisition35:03 The Importance of Early Training36:22 The Collective Effort of Performance37:04 Maintaining Group Culture38:20 The Rewards of Coaching39:36 Life on the Road41:27 Longevity in Performance Careers44:40 Advice for Pursuing Abnormal Goals