

Performance Intelligence
Andrew May
There's IQ. There's EQ. Introducing PQ. All things human performance with PQ founder, Andrew May, exploring the latest in human performance with an all-star cast of subject matter experts covering physical and psychological wellbeing, performance psychology, sport, business, entertainment, the performing arts, leadership, and science.
Learn valuable lessons that can be applied to optimising performance in your personal and professional life. Performance Intelligence applies to the way we turn up in relationships and the way we turn up at work, it applies to the way we perform in front of 10,000 people and the way we perform in front of one.
Learn valuable lessons that can be applied to optimising performance in your personal and professional life. Performance Intelligence applies to the way we turn up in relationships and the way we turn up at work, it applies to the way we perform in front of 10,000 people and the way we perform in front of one.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 22, 2023 • 58min
#70 Investing in Self: The Foundation of the Social Mastery Equation Unplugged - Live Conversation at the Indo Pacific Conference on Delivering a World-Class Leadership & Performance Wellbeing Program
This live interview at the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference in Sydney is with Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm, Commander Dean Thompson and Staff Officer MAS Executive Sam Tickle – three Navy personnel who have been integral in sponsoring, amplifying and delivering the Social Mastery program, which has grown to encompass One Defence (Navy, Army, Air Force and Australian Public Sector).We talk openly about the genesis of Social Mastery and why Social Mastery is so important. There are 4 areas within Social Mastery that have been adapted from Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence model, including Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness and Relationship Management. StriveStronger had the original opportunity to partner with Maritime Domain, and now One Defence, to add our IP and experience in delivering large-scale wellbeing and productivity programs,In this episode Andrew, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm, Commander Dean Thompson and Petty Officer Sam Tickle discuss:3:30 The origins of Social Mastery, Wendy’s mentorship story and how she empowered Dean to construct a world-class program11:30 Why Sam is so passionate about helping others, what is involved in the Social Mastery program and what Dean has learned along the way17:15 What Sam has gained from participating in the program and practical strategies to down regulate22:00 Social contagion theory, the changes Wendy has implemented in her life due to the program and the analogy of driving 'the TARDIS' to work27:55 Followership and leadership, how "leadership is love" and the Exercise Immerse program35:45 Wendy looking into the future, putting yourself first and Dean's crystal ball gazing40:30 Sam's vision for the future and Wendy’s proudest moment of the year50:40 Liuba Poshevelya and Angela Poon's (from StriveStronger) reflections
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 17, 2023 • 11min
Bite Size #89: Owen Eastwood - Finding Your Tribe
In this bite size from episode #42 Owen Eastwood shares the touching story of how he connected with his father’s Māori tribe and the words they gave him that have seen him change how he lives his life and change his entire philosophy on connection. Which in turn has led to him writing the best selling book Belonging.Owen also explains why he thinks the world is losing these sorts of important connections and the impact that it could have on future generations who even now are struggling to form meaningful relationships. Follow Owen on his LinkedIn: https://rb.gy/w81xgGet a copy of Belonging: https://rb.gy/4nyj
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 47min
#69 Carol Cooke - Working Undercover and Explaining what a Blow Job is in a Packed Courthouse, Being Diagnosed with MS, Redefining Longevity and Performance as a World-Class Paralympian Athlete
Carol Cooke, AM, is a 3-time gold medal Paralympian, 9-time world champion in para-cycling, international speaker, and expert in adversity and mindset. Born and raised in Canada, Carol's journey began as a young swimmer with Olympic dreams. Fate had other plans when the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games were boycotted and she transitioned her focus to a 14-year career with the Toronto Police force, including four years working undercover in the Morality Unit (Prostitution, Drugs and Gambling).In the mid 90’s Carol packed up everything and moved to Australia. Life threw a massive curveball in 1998 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Carol ignored her initial doctor’s orders, defying stereotypes and refusing to give up. Carol discovered para-cycling and constantly challenges the notion of what it means to age and slow down.Carol has written two best-selling books The Force Within and Finding Your Inner Gold, had the original vision for the 24hr Mega Swim which has now raised over $20M for MS Plus, and she lives by the motto “dare to face your fears, believe in yourself, and you can accomplish anything." In this episode Andre and Carol Discuss:3:00 How Andrew and Carol met, becoming an undercover cop and what it was like working on a street corner.11:30 Learning colourful language from pimps and prostitutes, explaining blowjobs to a judge, how Carol was trained to be undercover and how to transition back to normal life.20:30 High number of relationship breakdowns in emergency workers, shifting personas for the role you’re in and the frustrating story of how Carol got her MS diagnosis.30:00 Carol’s husband Ross, winning 3 paralympic medals and how Carol went from swimming to rowing41:05 Transitioning from rowing to cycling, dealing with the logistics of moving a 20kg bike interstate and the importance of Carol’s sister not joining her pity party.49:00 The worst year of Carol’s life, dealing with condescending cyclists and working undercover being the best improv coaching possible.1:01:30 What Carol would say to someone having a rough time, getting through lockdown with the help of the calm app and Carol’s favourite of her many medals.1:14:40 Competing in Paris at 63, Carol’s views on age and her family’s longevity.1:23:00 Performance Uncovered.1:37:15 Andrew and The Wizard’s reflections. Find Carol at her LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/carol-cooke-am-ply-a728201bOr at her Website: https://www.carolcooke.com.au/Buy Carol's Books: https://www.carolcooke.com.au/books
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 10, 2023 • 15min
Bite Size #88: Naomi Simson - The Art of Landing a Successful Pitch
In this Bite size from episode #28, entrepreneur Naomi Simson shares her passion for small business and the main motivator behind starting Red Balloon. Naomi gives some examples of the pressure small business owners are under daily and how she hopes to alleviate some of that through using Red Balloon as an experience marketplace.Naomi also talks about the book she thought of writing after seeing over 100 pitches as a part of the TV show Shark Tank and the impact she hopes it will have on people wanting to begin a new startup. Sign up for Naomi's newsletter: https://naomisimson.com/newsletter/Or browse her art store: https://www.naomisimsonart.com/Visit the Red Balloon website: https://www.redballoon.com.au/
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 13min
#68 The Science of Chronic Cardio (too much), Floppy Dorsal Fin Syndrome (too little), and Minimum Effective Dose (just right) - Dr Paul Batman
Dr Paul Batman is a university academic and is recognised as one of the world’s leading exercise physiologists. As co-founder of Fitness Institute Australia (FIA) and a university lecturer, Paul has trained thousands of people to become accredited in the fields of Exercise Science, Sports Coaching and Personal Training. He is a vocational educator, researcher, author, and avid fitness tragic. “For over 40 years I had been participating in and prescribing moderate to high intensity exercise to increase fitness, improve wellbeing and lose weight. Two weeks away from climbing Mount Killimanjaro at age 65 years, my Cardiologist told me I was close to having a fatal heart attack, with one of my coronary arteries 90% blocked. I had been aware of many well-trained athletes for no apparent reason suffering a heart attack against, but I thought it would never happen to me. This diagnosis tipped my approach to exercise programming upside down.” Listen to Paul explain chronic cardio syndrome and the loss in elasticity of endothelial lines, why Orcas in captivity suffer a floppy dorsal fin, how MET (metabolic equivalent of tasks) is transforming fitness programming and Andrew (nervously) asks Paul to assess the guidelines he and Dr Tom Buckley have just released for Level 1 Physiology Building Blocks and Level 2 Longevity and Performance.In this podcast Andrew and Dr Paul discuss:2:25 The change in fitness methods from 15 years ago to now3:45 Dr Paul’s own heart attack scare and how he was in disbelief6:15 Shifting the narrative on wellbeing and exercise programming to align with his new research7:20 Endothelium lines and 'the widowmaker'12:00 Exercising too much and METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks)15:00 The wrong messages about exercise going out to the public and how outsourcing your life can eventually kill you18:00 How Dr Paul trains for treks doing housework and vacuuming (this part of the podcast should be sponsored by Dyson vacuum cleaners)21:15 Being sedentary vs being inactive23:30 Getting your 10,000 steps daily and why this is so important27:15 Floppy dorsal fin syndrome and Andrew's analogy of how this plays out for unfit, inflamed middle-aged men31:30 The problem with having too much information about exercise (over-analysis leads to paralysis)34:00 How much sitting is too much and looking at opportunities to move37:30 The best way to exercise during the week 42:30 Creating a tribe of active non-exercisers44:30 Why the World Health Organisation doesn’t really work well with the fitness industry47:30 What drives Dr Paul and longevity49:15 Getting kids active.52:30 Dr Paul's thoughts on Andrew's Level 1 Physiology Building Blocks.56:00 Intermittent fasting throughout history and using temperature contrast therapy59:00 Andrew's Level 2 Longevity and Performance, and the importance of lifting heavy weights1:03:20 Sarcopenia and ageing To find the resources mentioned in this episode go to: https://www.andrewmay.com/performance-intelligence-with-andrew-may/ Find Dr Paul at his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paul-batman-9092a052/Or at his Website: https://www.drpaulbatman.com.au/
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 3, 2023 • 8min
Bite Size #87: Commander Dean Thompson - The Importance of Leadership and Followership in the Royal Australian Navy
In this bite size from episode #57, Commander Dean Thompson talks about the concept of leadership and followership and how both are vital to the smooth operation of the Australian Navy. From operating the bridge of a ship all the way to the upper echelons of command - creating an environment where people can bring up a concern and feel heard without being put down or criticised is paramount to creating a high performance culture. Dean also talks about a concept he has been using in his own work where ‘leadership is love’ and how this can be such an important framework when fostering a connected team environment.
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 38min
#67: John Quinn - Lessons from the Crusaders and NZ Rugby on Building High Performance Cultures and the Formula for Creating a Winning Mindset
John Quinn is mental skills trainer for the Crusaders, who have won the Super Rugby title an incredible 7 times in a row. He is also the mental skills trainer for Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay, who won the recent Japan Rugby One competition. John's impressive roster also includes national sporting organisations in cricket and softball, and he has guided countless athletes to world titles and Olympic glory.John is a seasoned expert who draws on leadership skills, positive psychology, and wellbeing research. As the Director of Performance Wellbeing, his mission is clear: Unleashing the passion and strengths within individuals and teams for optimal results. John challenges his athletes with unique experiences like underwater breathing and dance classes to nurture their ability to be vulnerable and take risks on and off the field.In this episode Andrew and John discuss:3:15 Winning titles, rugby talent coming out of New Zealand, and differences between coaches/coaching around the world.10:00 John’s education and career path, working with youth and getting comfortable with failure.19:15 Rewarding children’s effort not success, 6 pillars that underpin world-class teams and the lifespan of an athlete’s career.28:15 Vulnerability in sporting teams, getting athletes to stretch outside their comfort zones and the impact of social media on team dynamics.35:15 Teaching mental skills to kids, the shift in player’s priorities and being able to step back and taking a macro view.42:15 John’s success over the past 7 years, creating a winning team culture at the Crusaders and how NZ Rugby inspired the idea to collaborate and work together to all become better.52:15 How John reinvents himself, the brilliant basics, and working in Japanese rugby.1:05:15 Pressure and personal identity, using different colours in coaching (red and blue) and knowing how to use the right skills at the right time.1:16:45 Performance Uncovered.1:29:00 Andrew and The Wizard’s reflections. You can find John at his Website: https://performancewellbeing.co.nz/Or at his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_wellbeingnz/
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Oct 27, 2023 • 14min
Bite Size #86: How Holly Ransom Prepares to Interview Rockstars like Barrack & Michelle Obama, Richard Branson, Adam Grant, Billy Jean King & Malcolm Gladwell
In this Bite Size from episode #51, Holly Ransom explains how she prepares for rockstar interviews with global leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Barrack and Michelle Obama, Condoleezza Rice, Adam Grant, Billy Jean King and Malcolm Gladwell. Holly has interviewed a diverse range of high performers in multiple fields, and she goes into detail on how she prepares leading up to the interview, and her process of reflecting after.Holly outlines how she finds information on her interviewees, how she builds rapport and trust, and how sometimes on the day things can take a turn and just need to throw everything out, back yourself, and be prepared to go with the flow.Follow Holly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyransom/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://www.andrewmay.com/keynotes/
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 24min
#66: Michael Bungay Stanier - The Power of Coaching, Tapping into Curiosity, and Reinventing Yourself to Stay Relevant and Fresh
Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS) has a gift for distilling big, complex ideas into practical, accessible knowledge for everyday people that helps them be a force for good. His book, The Coaching Habit, is the best-selling coaching book of this century, with over one million copies sold.Michael founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that helps organisations transform from advice-driven to curiosity-led. Box of Crayons have trained hundreds of thousands of managers to be more coach-like, with clients ranging from Microsoft to Gucci. MBS has been featured on blogs and social media platforms for global thought leaders including Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, and Brené Brown. Listen in to discover the 7 Essential Questions to achieve better coaching results, how to tame your Advice Monster, and how Michael was recently asked to coach Brené Brown live on her podcast. Make sure you listen right to the end where Andrew and Podraig O'Sullivan (one of the world's best leadership coaches) reflect on lessons learned from Michael's conversation. In this episode Andrew and Michael discuss:3:45 How Andrew and Michael met, Strictly Ballroom and selling over one million copies of The Coaching Habit10:40 Why Michael’s book was so successful, why many men struggle with the notion of coaching, and coaching with curiosity20:30 Getting in the right state for a presentation, being in service to other people and shifting for important Performance Moments27:00 7 Essential Questions to ask in coaching, coaching Brené Brown on the spot, and the gift of holding your silence47:30 Becoming a Rhodes scholar, being playful and disrupting the flow of power1:01:30 Reinventing yourself, solving problems and being of service1:06:30 Andrew and Padraig O'Sullivan's reflections Find Michael at his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbungaystanier/ Or Website: https://www.mbs.works/Buy a copy of Michael's books: https://www.booktopia.com.au/michael-bungay-stanier/author1256.html
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Oct 20, 2023 • 9min
Bite Size #85: Wayne Pearce - Following a No Bull Sh*t Approach to Leadership
In this Bite Size from episode #49 rugby legend Wayne Pearce shares the origin of his no BS approach to leadership he developed after seeing people get promoted to leadership roles they weren’t equipped for.Andrew also talks about his experience taking Wayne’s course and what he learned over the 3 days and how he uses that in his own business and coaching. You can find more about Wayne at his website: https://www.waynepearce.com.au/ or Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynepearce/
Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.


