You don’t have to be who the world tells you to be, and sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is step outside the box others have put you in.In this episode, Jake and Damian dive into the idea of breaking free from the labels others place on us, and the ones we place on ourselves. Through compelling reflections and lessons from guests like Rio Ferdinand, Fearne Cotton, Tom Kerridge, and Lee Child, they unpack how we can reclaim our identities and live more purposefully.From Rio’s determination to be more than a footballer, to Fearne’s courageous shift away from mainstream TV, and Tom and Lee’s decisions to redefine their lives in the face of challenge, this episode uncovers what it means to live beyond expectation.Listen in as they offer practical insights into redefining yourself on your own terms, and why embracing multiple identities may be the key to a more fulfilled, high-performance life.
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29:40
Muhammad Ali’s Leadership Habit That Set Him Apart
Undefeated boxing champion and entrepreneur Laila Ali takes us ringside, then into the heart of what it means to belong. In this episode of Essential Habits, we uncover the deceptively simple practice her father, Muhammad Ali, modeled again and again: looking after the person no one else notices.Through Laila’s stories, from waiting in queues of adoring fans to earning her father’s reluctant blessing to box, we learn how true leadership is less about spotlight and more about presence. By tuning into the quiet moments and the people at the back of the line, we tap into a habit that transforms culture, boosts trust, and fuels high performance.In this episode, we explore:- Why 'the last person in line' matters more than the loudest voice- The neurobiology of inclusion and how exclusion literally hurts- Three simple shifts to build social awareness every day- How Laila earned her father’s respect and claimed her own greatness- What high-performing teams gain when everyone feels seenWhether you lead a team, a family, or just want to notice people more fully, this episode shows why the smallest acts of attention can have the biggest impact.Listen to the full episode with Laila Ali: https://pod.fo/e/265de7Here is a link to more information on the studies referenced: 1. The Good Samaritan Study (Darley & Batson, 1973)2. Ingroup Bias and Empathy (fMRI Study, 2006)3. The Spotlight Effect (Gilovich, Medvec, & Savitsky, 2000)4. The Bystander Effect (Darley & Latané, 1968)
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36:59
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: My Story on Being Misunderstood, Judged, But Resilient (E355)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a Premier League striker known for his athleticism, drive, and key role at Everton FC. But beyond the goals and headlines, he’s also faced a tough road of injuries, personal setbacks, and intense pressure. In this episode, Dominic opens up about some of his lowest moments, times when injury left him feeling broken and lost. He talks candidly about the pressure to bounce back quickly, the mental toll of feeling stuck, and what it really took to dig deep and keep going.He also reflects on the importance of having a strong support system, especially the role his wife and family play in keeping him grounded. Dominic shares how communicating openly about his feelings, even when it meant shedding tears, was a crucial step toward healing and growth. This episode is a raw and real look at growth, mental toughness, and finding strength through struggle.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners
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1:20:49
Chris Voss: The FBI’s #1 Negotiator on Winning Without Saying a Word
In this episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Chris Voss, former FBI lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of Never Split the Difference.In this insightful discussion with Jake and Damian, Chris shares his unique approach to communication, showing how the skills he used in life-or-death negotiations can transform the way we handle everyday conversations. From business meetings to family dynamics, Chris explains why listening more and speaking less can lead to better outcomes in every area of life.Listen in as Chris delivers practical, transformative strategies to help you navigate pressure, connect with others, and negotiate like your life depends on it.
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56:12
How Asking One Hard Question Builds Deeper Trust, with Alain de Botton
This new Essential Habits series breaks down the key habits behind high performance, one episode at a time. This week’s habit is deceptively simple: asking better questions.Philosopher Alain de Botton joins us to explore how a single, uncomfortable question, “How have I annoyed you?” can deepen trust, defuse tension, and create stronger connections in every part of life.Whether it’s at home, at work, or with close friends, we often avoid the conversations that would help us grow. Alain shows us a different way, one built on emotional generosity, honest listening, and the courage to be vulnerable.In this episode, we explore:Why awkward questions build trustHow to listen without getting defensiveThe science behind emotional connectionWhat high-performing teams can learn from philosophyThe hidden power of backstories and being 'truly heard'Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness. Arthur Aron, Elaine Aron (1997)Understanding the conversation gap: Why employees aren’t talking, and what we can do about it (Braverly), referenced in How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees. Harvard Negotiation Project Rejection Really Hurts, published in Science (Oct 2003). University Of California - Los AngelesDaring Greatly by Brené BrownListen to the full episode with Alain De Botton here: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0
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.**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.
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