As regular listeners to Better Under Pressure know, I often draw connections between the principles found in sport and those that underpin leadership and performance coaching, identifying habits that are highly transferable to the business world and everyday life. No surprise then that I loved this conversation with Dr. Ara Suppiah, Chief Medical Officer for LIV Golf (and keeping players like Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Anna Nordqvist on course) Known as “the elite athlete’s secret weapon”, this episode is packed with high-performance insights and tips that I hope you’ll find useful and can apply to your own life when pressure shows up!

I love this episode because, in addition to discussing pressure, difficult deals, and making no money for two years, we also explore what happens when you decide to trust the universe and how to navigate moments of uncertainty. I'm talking to Joti Balani, a remarkable leader who walked away from corporate success to build something extraordinary in the world of AI. She has over 25 years’ experience in technology & design, leading AI and Automation projects for Fortune 500 enterprises and government agencies. But she walked away from that predictable career with prestigious titles to start again from scratch, founding and building Freshriver.ai - what she now calls an organism rather than a company – that is attracting top talent who are seeking meaningful adventure in the AI world. Alongside this, Joti speaks at global industry, academic, and social impact events, such as CES and Fintech Connect, and is a member of the Infrastructure Masons NYC Chapter, collaborating with Data Center Industry leaders to ensure AI is sustainable and carbon-neutral as it grows exponentially.  This episode explores how she navigated the pressure of reinvention and how invisible forces can align when you truly commit to your purpose, as well as the role of what I call spirit and discipline in creating a meaningful future. So, this episode is for you if you're wondering: - Can I leave corporate life and create something transformative?- How can I stay grounded if I’m pioneering an unknown path? Or- What if my next chapter is about impact, not just income?

When I ask most guests on Better Under Pressure when they first experienced pressure, they normally say it was from either parents or school in exams or on sports day, but when you’re born into a notorious cult where you’re raised knowing the world is ending and you are one of god’s endtime soldiers, the pressure is on a whole other level. Petra Velzeboer managed to escape from the cult in her early twenties, and started a family and working, only to find the latter not too dissimilar to those original pressures of the cult - which is why - to use her phrase - she crashed. So it’s no wonder that, when she managed to very consciously extract herself from that second cycle, Petra became a psychotherapist and champion of mental health support with her organisation - PVL - combatting psychologically toxic cultures and promoting mentally healthy work environments.

Working out the things that don’t count so much in your day or your week can be tricky. It’s very easy to fall into the trap that everything is a priority. In Alice Dyson’s case – as CEO and founder of the dynamic entertainment and production company, Framewood Media, it’s particularly tough.   Welcome to The Better Under Pressure podcast, I’m Sara Milne Rowe and in this episode I’m talking with Alice Dyson.   A pioneering female leader in the music industry, Alice is a champion of innovation in media, storytelling, and entertainment. Previously the Director of the British Phone-agraphic Industry, she’s been involved in everything from releasing films with Helena Bonham Carter to recording the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in St Paul’s Cathedral. She is also deeply passionate about sport, health and science - all of which has led to her creating Geo-genomix—a pioneering initiative to help people achieve better health outcomes through personalised insights. Today she shares, amongst other things:   💪 How - despite a chronic autoimmune condition - she’s learnt to channel pressure into opportunity; 💪 What she means by ‘Navigating the Nos’ 💪 What helps in her pursuit of making it into the England over-45 masters hockey squad.   Let’s find out how she manages her energy to be… Better Under Pressure.

This episode of BUP is special: In the summer of 2019 Claire Danson, European Triathlon Champion collided with a tractor while she was out training, her future instantly transformed from professional triathlete to life in a wheelchair.  As performance coaches, at Coaching Impact we work with many athletes and leaders in the sector, but my conversation with Claire goes down as one of the most inspiring I’ve had on this podcast. Claire’s story of resilience and reinvention as a para-athlete offers profound insights into our relationship with pressure. Do listen, Claire is deeply inspiring and is full of practical tips to apply whatever pressure you might be under. 

How was Richard’s relationship with business pressure shaped by his relationship with his mentally and physically disabled sister.  What can we learn from that kind of family tie? Richard Medcalf found himself on a relatively smooth academic path through school and university before becoming the youngest ever partner at a top strategy firm. After over a decade in an elite strategic team at tech giant Cisco, he took the strategic decision to found Xquadrant and set himself the mission of helping the world’s top CEOs and entrepreneurs become world-changing forces for good. Over 25 years of strategic knowhow have made him excellently placed to write his book, “Making TIME for Strategy” and I’m delighted that today he is Making TIME for us.  In our conversation we discuss what his life with his sister taught him, how much he values bringing humour into business and thankfully he won’t be sharing his Freddie mercury impression!

Today’s episode is a fascinating conversation with a remarkable woman: Major Rosie Wild. Rosie is a British Army Officer and Professional Athlete who, following major injuries and a knee operation, went on to win the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst—the first woman to do so since men and women were integrated into the same platoons. In 2020, Rosie became the first woman in history to pass the Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company), qualifying to serve in the airborne forces at 16 Air Assault Brigade, where she deployed on numerous operations, including the evacuation of personnel from Kabul. Rosie is an accomplished and competitive triathlete. After she came 15th in the London Marathon and 2nd at Ironman Copenhagen, the British Army began supporting her in training and racing as a Professional Triathlete. In September 2024, Rosie competed in the Ironman World Championships, where, out of a field of almost 1,400, she placed 30th. In our conversation, Rosie shares: - Why she isn’t lit up by goals- How she uses complacency- And why winning has become all about being willing to lose.

Today I’m talking to Dr. Mindy Lane, a sub-specialist surgeon in the United States with 25 years of experience. Her understanding of how to thrive under high-stakes pressure in the operating room has enabled Mindy to also become an accomplished EK-WESS-TREE-UN. In the OR, she was able to lead her team with steady hands and a clear mind to save lives. In the dressage arena, she harnessed the pressure—and her horse, Fjurie—to achieve the highest levels in national competitions. As Mindy says, the principles of calm, control, and precision apply in both hospital and horse riding. She now specialises in bridging the gap between industry and medicine. Her goal is to make a significant impact on global health through innovative solutions. Whether it’s in the operating theatre, the arena, or the boardroom, Mindy believes that being "better under pressure" isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life. In our conversation, Mindy shares: - When a winning strategy doesn’t work anymore - How a data-driven scientist deals with gut instinct - And what happened when she saw in her daughter a side of herself she didn’t like

Today I’m talking to Professor John Amaechi CBE, an organisational psychologist and founder of APS Intelligence, where he is the Leadership Transformation expert.  His book, The Promises of Giants, was a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, in which he draws on his early life in Stockport, his rise to becoming the one of the first Britons to play professional basketball in the NBA and his career since – working with organisations to build authentic and ethical cultures. John is Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, a non-exec director of a FTSE 250 company, and in 2023, received the Sport Industry’s Integrity & Impact Award. Oh, and he’s also passionate about Star Wars. He was hugely influenced by his mother, and he lives his life inspired by her words, that “the most unlikely of people, in the most improbable of circumstances, can become extraordinary.”  In our conversation, John shares… - What he means by sustainable high-performance… - Why he is deliberately hard to get hold of and what, as a former elite sportsman, - And he hates about going to the gym. 

Today I’m speaking with Rupal Patel, a woman who has had an unconventional career, as suggested by the title of her best-selling book, From CIA to CEO.As a CIA analyst and field agent, she advised four-star generals, earned War Zone Service Medals, and was recognised by the CIA Director for “superior support to the President.” She then transitioned into the business world.Rupal’s trailblazing business work has been featured in USA Today and Business Insider, and in 2023, she was named one of the “Most Influential Women of the Year.”She is committed to developing the next generation of leaders and change-makers through her pro bono work for Virgin Startup, and through her roles as Entrepreneur in Residence at London Business School and Alumni in Residence at the University of Chicago.In our conversation, Rupal shares…- What can be gained from riddles over dinner,- The creative benefits of leaving things to the last minute,- And what she discovered by ‘leaning into the laziness.’

Today I’m talking to Alina Addison, ex-accountant, ex-investment banker, executive coach, and now author. Alina left Romania as a young adult. Soon afterwards, she went into accountancy with PwC before joining Rothschild & Co. There, she became the first woman to be promoted to Managing Director and Head of Trading—all while working four days a week. In her book, The Audacity Spectrum, Alina combines personal experience with extensive research to share her mission. She wants to ignite audacious leadership in people through a bold mix of courage, care, and nonconformity. In our conversation, Alina shares… - What she learnt from being that boarding school toddler, - Why her life changed thanks to a friend’s audacious question, and - How she ended up completing two degrees in two countries—at the same time!

Welcome to season 2 of Better Under Pressure! I’m very excited to be kicking it off today in the company of none other than my business partner, Simon Scott. Formerly a Royal Marine Commando Officer and diver, who was awarded the Sword of Honour, Simon found that his time in the Marines satisfied both his desire for challenge and his fascination with explorers like Ernest Shackleton. After 11 years, he left and has since been coaching leaders in various industries, and increasingly in sport. He has supported people like Alex Danson, who captained GB Hockey to Olympic gold, worked with Dave Brailsford at INEOS Cycling, and is currently on the training ground with Steve Borthwick and his coaches at England Rugby.He is also an active trustee of the Adaptive Grand Slam charity, which trains and enables disabled adventurers in extreme expeditions. In our conversation, Simon shares what he learned when given a can of beans without an opener, how his father, a rowing coach, helped him become a runner, and what he believes makes up an explorer’s mindset.

Today I’m talking to award-winning actor, comedian, and writer, Hugh Dennis. Best known for BBC1’s critically acclaimed sitcom OUTNUMBERED, he has also played an emotionally tortured Bank Manager in the BAFTA-winning show FLEABAG, Toby in the sitcom, NOT GOING OUT, and was an ever-present panellist on BBC 2’s long-running weekly satirical show MOCK THE WEEK.  Hugh has also been a regular for over 25 years on BBC Radio 4, both writing and presenting their Friday night comedy THE NOW SHOW. In our conversation, Hugh (whose real name is Pete, by the way) shares…- Why he thinks allowing a bit of self doubt is a good thing.- How his job at Unilever helped keep him grounded- And what having a bishop for a father taught him about performance.

Today I’m talking to Genevieve Shore, a serial non-executive Director who has held Board level positions within organisations across several industries, territories and cultures.  Her credit roll of organisations includes Santander, Arup, Moneysupermarket, Lego Education, STV and the RFU.  With her sporting background - having played international Rugby for England and winning the World Cup in 1994 - it’s no surprise that Genevieve is currently Chair of the Women’s Premier 15 Ltd. At the same time, she also chairs the North Highland Initiative - a non-profit organisation established because of King Charles III's commitment to support the people and businesses of the North Highlands.  In our conversation, Genevieve shares - What she means by positive pressure  - Her experience of toxic workplace bullies - And how teamwork in the changing room trained her for the boardroom.

Today I’m talking to Calum Clark, ex-international Rugby Union player turned high-performance psychologist.  Having started on the rugby trail aged just 15, Calum turned professional three years later and spent fourteen years playing at the highest level He turned out for three different Premiership clubs as well as England. In that time he experienced the highs of winning 3 Premiership titles and 2 European Cups and the lows of career-threatening injuries, disciplinary setbacks, and various off-field issues. Realising there was a lack of professional support, guidance and expertise to help navigate such things, he completed the first of two Psychology MScs alongside the final years of his playing career. He then became Head of Player Development and Wellbeing at Saracens, before going on to become their Head of Psychological Performance, with a number of his clients, including Ben Earl, going on to excel at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. In our conversation, Calum shares…- The importance of drilling - as an individual and as a team.- How we all need a north star…- And which pressure was worse - playing for England or finishing his Psychology thesis.

Today I'm thrilled to welcome back Mollie Pearse, Meta’s Head of Marketing for EMEA, for round two of our insightful conversation on "Better Under Pressure." Mollie's journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to leading teams at top organizations like IMG, Octagon, HSBC, and LinkedIn before landing at Meta showcases her remarkable leadership and dedication to 'audience-first' marketing principles. Outside of work, Mollie's passion for pushing boundaries shines through her pursuits in ultra-distance sports, where she explores the depths of human potential while raising funds for charity. As our discussion unfolded, it was clear that there were too many valuable insights to fit into one episode, so we're back for more! In this episode, Mollie delves into: - The challenging decision to step back from a 24-hour endurance race and the importance of listening to one's body and mind.- Her approach to fostering a sense of belonging within teams, grounded in shared human experiences and authentic connections.- A pivotal interview experience where she embraced her unique strengths and dared to 'play her game.' If you missed our initial conversation, be sure to catch up before diving into this one!Connect with Mollie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-pearse-09842b28/?originalSubdomain=uk

Today I’m talking to Mollie Pearse, Meta’s Head of Marketing for EMEA. Having started her career as an entrepreneurial businesswoman and quickly learning the power of true ‘audience-first’ marketing, she has since led teams at IMG, Octagon, HSBC and LinkedIn before arriving at Meta.Mollie inspires her teams to think differently about commercial goals, enabling them to surpass expectations. When she isn’t doing that, she’s out exploring the limits of human potential by running, swimming and cycling ultra-distances to expand her comfort zone and raise money for charity.As I spoke with Mollie, it soon became abundantly clear there were far too many nuggets to squeeze into a single 50 minute podcast, so we broke it into two conversations.In this, our first conversation, Mollie shares…- How hating sport as a child helped her gain power over her environment…- What she learnt from swimming in open water through jellyfish…- And why we should all have our Personal Board of Directors.

Today I’m talking to Tendai Wileman, Chief of Staff and Director of Organisational Change at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust. Tendai grew up in Zimbabwe and went to university in South Africa, before completing an MBA at Warwick Business School. Over two decades, Tendai has held various corporate and operational roles in healthcare, and has spent the last 10 years leading large-scale change within and across functional and organisational boundaries. She is a sponsor of the LGBT+ network at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ and is passionate about diversity and inclusion, believing strongly that ‘that which unites us all, is greater than that which separates us’.  In our conversation, Tendai shares… - Her desire to keep learning and saying ‘Yes’ to the Discomfort Zone- Finding the balance between the external and the internal- And the questions she asks her NHS team when they are all under pressure

In this episode, I’m talking to Neil Mullarkey, a unique communication expert. You may recognise him from his performances in 'Whose Line Is it Anyway' and two 'Austin Powers' movies. He still performs most Sundays with the Comedy Store Players, Europe's top improv troupe, which he co-founded with Mike Myers. But he now travels the world bringing the skills of theatre and especially improv, focusing on creativity, collaboration and leadership to clients including EY, Deloitte, Vodafone, Accenture and Unilever.  His new book, *In The Moment*, was published by Kogan Page in June 2023. https://neilmullarkey.com/inthemomentbookMike Myers describes it as ‘a creative masterclass for every moment.'Matt Brittin (President of Google, Europe, Middle East, Africa) says, ‘Neil’s model and how he applies it in different ways is really simple yet powerful. In a world that's more volatile and uncertain than ever, businesses need leaders who can be agile, adaptive, innovative. Neil's always promoted this brilliantly , but without the business jargon. ’ Visit http://neilmullarkey.com/ (And, yes, Mullarkey is his real name)

In this episode, I’m talking to Emma Dagnes, Chief Executive of Alexandra Park and Palace, an iconic public building towering over north London that is over 150 years old, was the original home of BBC Television and is now home to world sporting events, indoor and outdoor concerts and festivals, a theatre and even an ice rink. It’s also where I have pushed buggies and walked with my family and my dog over the last 25 years. Of Emma’s 25 years working across entertainment, recreation and leisure, both in the public and private sectors, the last twelve have been at the Palace - helping to lift the organisation to be a recognised and respected cultural destination. Before becoming CEO, she led the growth of the trading subsidiary as Managing Director and then became Deputy CEO of the Charity, overseeing an award-winning restoration that cost £27 million.  In our conversation, she shares- How she learned that her dyslexia was a superpower- Why the original Alexandra Palace Theatre was worth its multi-million restoration - And the impact of seeing your purpose play out every day.