The Talent Equation Podcast

"Confidence Doesn't Exist" (And How to Coach It Anyway) - a conversation with Mike Porteous

Jun 20, 2025
Join triathlon coach and author Mike Porteous as he shares insights from his diverse journey, from academia to civil service and beyond. He emphasizes that confidence isn't a static trait but a mix of excitement, composure, and fluency. Discover how empathy trumps athletic prowess in coaching and why guiding athletes to find their own solutions fosters resilience. Mike argues for a holistic, confidence-centered coaching approach that prioritizes emotional balance and personal growth over mere performance metrics.
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ANECDOTE

From Mediocre Rider to Empathetic Coach

  • Mike Porteous shared how being a relatively mediocre mountain biker led him to coaching newcomers with empathy.
  • Despite technical shortcomings, he helped build confidence by being alongside learners on their journey.
INSIGHT

Three Coaching Approaches Explained

  • Mike distinguishes three coaching approaches: performance, development, and confidence-centred coaching.
  • Confidence-centred coaching prioritizes how people feel, focusing on subjective experience over measurable outcomes.
ADVICE

Draw Out, Don't Instruct

  • Coaches should draw out learning through feelings instead of just instructing.
  • Encourage athletes to tune into their own sensations for more durable skill development.
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