Performance People

Sir James Dyson joins Georgie Ainslie at Dyson’s office in Malmesbury to discuss his move into Bath Rugby ownership, the future of professional sport and why he still believes failure is more valuable than success.
A longtime Bath supporter, Dyson explains why he had “not at all” a moment’s hesitation when Bruce Craig offered him the opportunity to invest in the club. He discusses the financial realities of English rugby, his ambition to help secure Bath’s long-term future and his hope of seeing a new city-centre stadium built “like a coliseum”.
He also considers where engineering and science could influence rugby performance, from medicine and injury prevention to data, psychology, speed and developing young players.
Away from sport, Dyson gives his assessment of artificial intelligence. He questions whether AI can ever produce genuinely disruptive thinking, describes its reliance on existing information as “plagiarism” and explains why he would not yet trust it to provide a reliable answer without human judgement.
Dyson also reflects on the 5,127 prototypes he built over five years while developing his vacuum cleaner technology, why he finds failure more interesting than success, and why he believes “there’s nothing worse than being satisfied”.
The conversation also explores Dyson Farming, robot-picked strawberries, British food security and how curiosity can turn wasted resources into new opportunities.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
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ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
_____
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_____
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Hazel Wallace joins Georgie to explore why female physiology still isn’t properly accounted for in health, nutrition and performance.
Hazel is a former NHS doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, bestselling author and founder of The Food Medic. She explains how women have historically been treated as “small men” in medical research, and why that can have serious consequences, from misdiagnosis and adverse drug reactions to gaps in our understanding of hormones, nutrition and performance.
They discuss how the menstrual cycle can influence energy, motivation, sleep and recovery, why Hazel prefers women to be “cycle aware” rather than rigidly training around different phases, and the nutritional issues that disproportionately affect women, including iron deficiency.
The conversation also covers perimenopause, HRT, fertility, IVF and egg freezing, including why the months before conception or egg collection can be important from a nutritional perspective.
Plus, she shares the exercise she believes matters most for longevity, the supplement she recommends for many people in the UK, and the one principle she believes every woman should remember:
Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal.

FAQs
Who is Dr Hazel Wallace?
Dr Hazel Wallace is a former NHS medical doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, bestselling author and founder of The Food Medic, an educational platform focused on evidence-based health and nutrition.
How does the menstrual cycle affect performance?
Hazel explains that changing hormone levels can influence factors including energy, motivation, mood, sleep and recovery. However, she says the research does not currently support rigid week-by-week training prescriptions for every woman.
Should women train according to their menstrual cycle?
Hazel recommends being cycle aware rather than strictly “cycle syncing”. Tracking your own symptoms and recognising when you personally feel strongest or most fatigued can help inform training decisions.
Why is iron deficiency particularly relevant for women?
Women lose iron through menstruation and can have increased requirements during stages such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hazel says iron deficiency is an important issue in female health and performance.
Can nutrition affect IVF and egg freezing?
Hazel discusses evidence suggesting nutrition can influence fertility-related outcomes and highlights the importance of the period leading up to conception, IVF or egg collection.
What does Hazel say about perimenopause?
Perimenopause can last months or years and may involve changes in periods, sleep, mood, concentration, hair, skin and temperature regulation. Hazel recommends tracking symptoms and speaking to a healthcare professional if they become troublesome.
Does Hazel recommend HRT?
Hazel explains that HRT can be safe and effective for many women but is still a medication and isn’t appropriate for everybody. Decisions should be made with a doctor based on individual symptoms, risks and medical history.
Does Hazel recommend continuous glucose monitors?
Not routinely for healthy people. She says unnecessary glucose monitoring can sometimes create anxiety or food obsession.
What is the best exercise for longevity?
Hazel highlights resistance training, while also stressing that the best form of exercise is ultimately one you can consistently maintain.

The Performance People podcast is produced in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
______
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_______
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Whitehead MBE has spent much of his life challenging other people’s expectations of what a disabled person can achieve.
Born with a disability affecting both legs and told growing up that even walking would be a challenge, Richard didn’t begin his running journey until adulthood. In 2004 he entered the New York Marathon despite never having raced before, training at night on the streets of Nottingham with sports cups fitted over his stumps. It became the starting point for an extraordinary career.
In this conversation with Georgie Ainslie, Richard explains how he went from marathon runner to elite sprinter, why being told he was too old and didn’t have a place in the British team only strengthened his resolve, and what went through his mind before delivering the performance of his life at London 2012.
But Richard is equally candid about what success hasn’t changed. He discusses the discrimination and lack of opportunity disabled people still face, why Paralympians remain underrepresented in the media, and why he refuses to let either his disability or his medals define him.
Now 50, Richard is still competing, still pushing his own limits and using the Richard Whitehead Foundation to create greater access, representation and opportunity for disabled young people.

FAQs
Who is Richard Whitehead MBE?Richard Whitehead is a British Paralympic athlete, marathon runner, world-record holder and disability campaigner. He is also the founder of the Richard Whitehead Foundation.
How did Richard Whitehead get into running?Richard entered the New York Marathon in 2004 despite never previously having raced. He describes it as a way of challenging himself and changing perceptions of disability.
How did Richard Whitehead train for his first marathon?Before having the running blades he uses today, Richard trained at night around Nottingham using sports cups fitted over his stumps.
Why was Richard Whitehead nearly left out of the Paralympic team?Richard recalls being told by the performance director that he was too old and that there wasn’t a place for him in the team. He ultimately forced his way into contention through his performances.
What does Richard Whitehead say about disability discrimination?Richard argues that disabled people remain underrepresented and continue to face barriers across sport, employment, education and wider society.
What is the Richard Whitehead Foundation?The foundation works to improve opportunities, participation and representation for disabled young people and young adults.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
______
ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.
We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com
______
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_______
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the best way to improve your sleep is not going to bed earlier, but waking up at the same time every day?
On Performance People this week, Georgie Ainslie speaks to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr Michael Breus, known as The Sleep Doctor, about sleep science, chronotypes and the link between sleep and high performance.
Dr Breus explains how sleep affects recovery, concentration, decision-making, emotional control and sporting performance. He also challenges common sleep myths, including the idea that everyone needs precisely eight hours.
The conversation explores his four chronotypes: lion, bear, wolf and dolphin, and how your natural body clock can influence the best times to sleep, work, exercise and make important decisions.
Michael also discusses sleep trackers including Oura, WHOOP, Garmin and Apple Watch. While wearables can help identify useful trends, he warns against treating sleep scores and deep sleep data as completely accurate. For people who already feel anxious about sleep, checking a tracker every morning can make things worse.
Georgie and Michael also examine the lack of female sleep research and the impact of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause on sleep. They discuss why sleep apnoea in women can be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Finally, Dr Breus shares five practical tips: wake up at the same time every day, stop caffeine by 2pm, avoid alcohol for three hours before bed, finish exercise four hours before bed, and get morning sunlight, water and deep breaths.

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.
After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.
Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.
You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.
UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.
Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions
_____
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_____
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates people who fulfil their potential from those who never quite turn it into action?
Adrian Gore is the founder and CEO of Discovery Group, the business behind Vitality, serving more than 50 million customers worldwide. His new book, The Four Principles: Multiply Your Impact in Life and Leadership, explores the habits and decisions that drive performance in business, sport and everyday life.
Adrian explains his four principles: disciplined optimism, focused urgency, declared goals and the Pareto tail. He explores why elite performers need more than talent, why pressure can sharpen performance and how a small number of decisions can shape an entire career.
We discuss why golfers putt better to save par than they do for birdie, how loss aversion motivates athletes and leaders, and why publicly declaring a goal makes it harder to step away when things become uncomfortable.
Adrian experienced that himself when he announced that he would run a five-minute mile. He did not achieve the target, but the attempt transformed his fitness and later helped him run a Boston Marathon qualifying time in his sixties.
He also shares the thinking behind Vitality, explains why optimism should be treated as a discipline rather than a personality trait, and reveals how his 2.30am “golden hour” helps him protect time for his most important work.
This is a conversation about leadership and business through a performance lens: setting meaningful goals, responding to setbacks and recognising which actions will have the greatest impact.

Find The Four Principles by Adrian Gore on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Principles-Multiply-Impact-Leadership/dp/1035076489
Connect with Adrian Gore here:
Adrian Gore (@adriangoreofficial)
https://za.linkedin.com/in/adrian-gore

#AdrianGore #TheFourPrinciples #SportsPerformance #Leadership #HighPerformance #PerformancePeople

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

Podcast Offer: Visit ainslieainslie.com/pod to get your first 4 weeks of NIGHT + DAY POWDER for £44.50 — 50% off the standard £89 subscription price.
After your first 4 weeks, your subscription will automatically renew at £225 every 12 weeks (£75 per 4 weeks). You will be charged £225 upfront every 12 weeks, and the subscription will continue until you cancel.
Your first 16 weeks cost £269.50, compared with the standard price of £356.
You can cancel at any time through your account, provided you cancel at least 24 hours before your next payment date.
UK only. New subscribers only. One offer per customer.
Full terms: ainslieainslie.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

_____
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
_____
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Connect with Performance People
Hit subscribe today for the latest.
🎧 Spotify/Apple Music
http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/
________________________________
The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.
© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.