The Talent Equation Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Hayley Lever, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Moving, to explore what authentic leadership really looks like when you're trying to create systemic change. Hayley has been one of the biggest influences on how I think about leadership, culture, and the power of creating environments where people can truly thrive. We dive deep into Hayley's newly published book on leadership, 'Leading from the Balcony', discussing everything from the courage it takes to question cultural norms, to the daily act of resistance required when you're committed to doing things differently. This conversation is raw, honest, and packed with practical wisdom about what it really takes to lead with integrity in a complex world. My three Key Takeaways:Leadership is a practice, not a position – True leadership happens in the micro moments of everyday interactions, not just in boardrooms or through positional power. Everyone has the capacity to lead when we create the conditions that unlock that potential.Positive disruption requires courage and support – Creating meaningful change means challenging entrenched processes and cultural norms, but you can't do it alone. The environment around you—whether that's your chair, your board, your funders, or your team—either enables or constrains your ability to lead authentically.Accountability and care go hand in hand – Creating a thriving culture isn't about making everything easy; it's about being candid, caring, and challenging. It means having difficult conversations with honesty whilst making people feel valued and supported. And crucially, it means being vulnerable enough to admit when you'll fall short.If you're interested in exploring these ideas further and connecting with others who are passionate about systems leadership, complexity or ecological approaches to human advancement, join The Guild of Ecological Explorers by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.Ready to explore these ideas further? Join The Guild of Ecological Explorers – a community of practitioners committed to deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches. Head to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and click the 'Join a Learning Group' button to become part of this transformative conversation

In this engaging discussion, Scott Benbow, a Football Fun Factory franchise owner and grassroots coach, shares insights from his journey in coaching. After a lengthy hiatus, he embraced learning science to revolutionize youth football. Scott debunks traditional coaching methods, emphasizing that children naturally learn better in engaging environments. He introduces innovative techniques like the 30-second focus activation, highlighting that coaches should enhance, not dictate, the learning process. His fresh approach prioritizes enjoyment, encouraging children to thrive in their development.

The discussion delves into the limitations of traditional coach education systems that lean heavily on directive models. It highlights the stark contrast between the rich support elite coaches receive and the minimal training offered to grassroots coaches, who play a vital role in fostering lifelong activity habits. The conversation argues for a paradigm shift towards contextual, experiential learning to enhance coach development. Additionally, it explores how emerging EdTech and AI tools could facilitate a more relational learning approach, benefiting diverse coaching environments.

In this engaging conversation, Keith Davids, a movement scientist and pioneer of ecological dynamics, joins Ian Renshaw, a researcher advocating for constraints-led coaching. They dive into the flaws of traditional coaching models and the importance of practical, context-driven education. Their discussion highlights the deep divide between cognitive and ecological approaches, urging coach developers to embrace diverse learning paradigms. They also explore how cultural contexts shape coaching and advocate for ongoing professional development tailored to real-world experiences.

Jonathan Harding, a freelance sports journalist and author of 'Mensch Beyond the Cones', dives into Germany's unique approach to coach development. He discusses the crucial role coaches play in player growth, emphasizing the human relationships that foster team dynamics. Exploring cultural differences, Harding contrasts German and British coaching systems and highlights the importance of rigorous training. He also sheds light on the transformation of youth football in Germany and innovative methods that prioritize player enjoyment and holistic development.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Andy Kirkland, a lecturer and triathlon coach, dives into the intricacies of talent development in sports. He argues that current systems often prioritize harm prevention over creating thriving environments. Kirkland introduces 'salutogenesis,' emphasizing well-being over traditional risk management. He highlights the under-resourced challenges coaches face and advocates for ecological approaches that empower athletes. The conversation critically examines how competitive frameworks can hinder true talent growth, likening the competitive struggle to seagulls fighting for scraps.

Dr. Andrew Wilson, Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and an expert in ecological psychology, shares insights into skill development and transfer of learning in sports. He argues that traditional skill acquisition methods often overlook how we actually learn. Andrew emphasizes the importance of affordances—how environments present opportunities for action. He proposes that variability in movement isn't just noise but essential for creating adaptable athletes, advocating for an 'affordance-led' approach to coaching.

In this ‘Dog Walk Diary’ episode, I dive deep into how narratives and slogans shape coaching approaches and talent development, particularly examining how research concepts like the "10,000-hour rule" and "talent needs trauma" get oversimplified and sometimes misapplied in practice. I explore the tension between evidence-informed practice and harmful performance narratives, advocating for a more nuanced "talent needs turbulence" approach that values challenge without crossing into potentially damaging territory. Key takeaways: - How Ericsson's deliberate practice research was popularised but oversimplified through Gladwell's "10,000-hour rule," shifting focus from quality to quantity - Why catchy three-word slogans like "talent needs trauma" can be problematic when they justify harsh coaching practices in performance environments - The importance of researchers taking responsibility for how their work is presented and the real-world consequences of their messaging If you're interested in joining more conversations about ecological approaches to coaching, join my learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking on the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.Ready to explore these ideas further? Join The Guild of Ecological Explorers – a community of practitioners committed to deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches. Head to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and click the 'Join a Learning Group' button to become part of this transformative conversation

I had a fascinating conversation with Bren Veziroglu about ecological dynamics and how it's transforming coaching and movement practice. Bren's journey from a self-described "skinny, unathletic" teen to becoming an influential voice in movement education reveals powerful insights about skill development and learning. Three key takeaways from our conversation:Traditional drilling approaches develop technique but not true skill. By understanding that skill emerges from the dynamic interaction between the person and their environment, we can design more effective practice methods.The ecological approach creates more joy and engagement in learning, making practice not only more effective but inherently rewarding. When activities are task-led rather than drill-led, both coaches and athletes experience more flow.Developing physiological capabilities is important, but these should be built through functional movements aligned with the actual demands of the activity, rather than isolated exercises with questionable transfer.To continue exploring these ideas with like-minded coaches and practitioners, join my learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.Ready to explore these ideas further? Join The Guild of Ecological Explorers – a community of practitioners committed to deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches. Head to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and click the 'Join a Learning Group' button to become part of this transformative conversation