On today’s podcast we have Mark Warburton.   We explore how Mark went from getting up at 4:32 for 20-odd years, to be at his trading desk for 5:45, then dealing $1.5-2B a day in foreign exchange deals, getting home at 7pm and taking calls through the night from New York, to winning championships at Brentford and Rangers - two phenomenal football clubs. Mark’s story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. A former elite trader, he transitioned to coaching and quickly made his mark where he was the dominant catalyst in Brentford’s ascent to the pinnacle of English football. Most significantly to me, the mighty Glasgow Rangers. Under his leadership, Rangers returned to the pinnacle of Scotland's topflight. As a coach, mentor, and leader, Mark has a proven ability to build winning teams both on and off the pitch, and take it from me - he is an exceptional human being. I believe his best is yet to come.  In this episode we talk about what excellence in leadership, and coaching teams looks like in both trading and football, we discuss the challenges that come with senior leadership, and how serious you need to take things if you truly want to perform at your best.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Mark: https://x.com/markwarburton9   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today's podcast we have Ben Askren.   Ben is legend in the world of combat sports. A two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, an undefeated 87-match streak holder, Ben redefined dominance on the mat before conquering the MMA world as a Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion. Known as 'Funky' for his unorthodox style, he's one of the most decorated grapplers in history, with an unforgettable run in the UFC. Ben has scrapped with some of the toughest guys on the planet: Jorge Masvidal, Robbie Lawler, Douglas Lima. And of course, he famously boxed YouTuber Jake Paul.   Whether he's slamming opponents or dropping knowledge as an analyst, coach, and author, Ben takes risks, finds a way to win and profits from the obstacles he encounters. He’s authored multiple books including 'Funky: My Defiant Path Through Wrestling, MMA, and Life' and most recently co-authored 'Extreme Balance', with our mutual friend, Spartan founder and former guest Joe De Sena, and psychologist David Sacks. And this is where Ben and I click on our shared obsession with mindset, he’s been studying it for as long as he can remember.   In this episode we discuss: The mindset of a combat athlete, nurturing talent, perfectionism, cowboys and what Ben means by extreme balance- and how it’s a non-negotiable for reaching the pinnacle in your craft.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benaskren/  https://x.com/Benaskren    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   Watch the episode with Chris Billam-Smith here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wUqaqzHzIU    The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

Today on Accelerating Excellence we have Alex Waller.   Waller is one of the most dependable and accomplished players in English rugby. A loyal servant to Northampton Saints. A one club man and a product of their academy. Amassing over 350 appearances a testament to his durability, consistency, and dedication to the game.   Alex’s journey from a young prospect to one of the most respected props in the Premiership is so inspiring. He played a pivotal role in Northampton’s historic double-winning season in 2014, scoring the decisive try in extra time of the Premiership final against Saracens, to win their first ever premiership title. Before going onto win the European challenge cup against Bath in an iconic season for the club.    With his work ethic, leadership on and off the pitch, fierce competitive spirit and extreme loyalty to his club and teammates, Alex is a role model for aspiring athletes across all sports. He embodies everything great about sport full stop. Alex concluded his 15-season career this year playing a pivotal role in leading the Saints to their second Premiership title. This victory marked the culmination of Waller's playing career, during which he became the record appearance holder, amassing 370 caps.   On this episode we discuss; fighting to find opportunities, the reaction you need to bring to failure, sharpening your leadership skills and why it’s so important to be surrounded by the best.    I love this guy.   I hope you enjoy.  

On today's episode we have Greg Newman.   Greg is the Group Chief Executive of Onyx Capital Group - the world's number one liquidity provider in oil derivatives trading. Greg was the second super-trader I hired at Mandara Capital and it's been simply wonderful to be their firsthand and see his journey from lost graduate, to elite leader in one of the most competitive industries on the planet. Aged just twenty-two where he launched Mandaras Crude oil desk. Within just three years his desk went from scratch,  to become the largest independent market-maker in Dated Brent and Dubai swap markets.    In 2016 Greg left Mandara with fellow mandara Super trader Omar Kayaam to launch Onyx. As CEO Greg has been the driving force behind the development of Onyx on the trading floor and beyond. He established the group’s highly successful training programmes, its unique research offering, data services, brokerage, news and analysis. He featured in the book “40 Classic Crude Oil Trades : Real-Life Examples of Innovative Trading” and the crude desks he formed at Mandara and Onyx are also mentioned in “Brent Crude Oil: Genesis and Development of the World's Most Important Oil Benchmark”. In 2022 Greg published his book - World of Oil Derivatives: A Guide to Financial Oil Trading in a Modern Age.   Greg's success is testament to his principle based approach, his fierce drive, stoic mindset, he is a fearless risk taker. And the Onyx Capital Group, it continues to expand under Greg’s leadership, as he prepares to launch the Retail Trading Arm of Onyx Capital Group later this year, with the premise to digitize, democratize and provide access to the full range of the oil swaps markets to all. Most importantly to me, Greg has become one of my closest friends over the years, and we’ve overcome some insane situations together. So this conversation is extra special for me. Greg holds a BEng in Biochemical Engineering from University College London.    In this episode we discuss; the early days, the stoic mindset, driving growth and the transition from trader to CEO.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Greg: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oilderivatives    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On todays episode we have Anita Nall-Richenssons. Anita is an American former Olympic champion, and world record-holder. She first made waves on the global stage as a teenager, when she set a world record in the 100-meter breaststroke at just 15 years old. She went on to clinch three medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, including a gold in the 4x100-meter medley relay. a silver medal in the women's 100-meter breaststroke, and a bronze in the women's 200-meter breaststroke. Her success is testament to her relentless dedication, discipline, and passion for swimming. But Anita's story goes beyond her athletic triumphs. After her swimming career, she faced significant challenges, including health issues and the transition to life beyond elite sports. Anita has since become a powerful advocate for holistic health, mental wellness, and the importance of life balance. Today, she shares her insights and experiences as a coach and mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success and well-being. In this episode we discuss: breaking world records at 15, winning gold in an Olympic final, what’s really required to perform at the pinnacle, and the pursuit of a healthy, fulfilling life.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Laura: https://x.com/AnitaNall  https://olympics.com/en/athletes/anita-nall https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanall   Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

Today on accelerating excellence, we have Laura Weightman. Laura is a British middle-distance sensation who captured hearts and headlines worldwide. She is truly elite in every sense of the word. Born and raised in Northumberland, Laura’s journey from a young talent to an Team GB Olympian is nothing short of extraordinary.  Laura has represented Great Britain in the 1500m at both the London 2012, and Rio 2016 Olympic games. She has multiple European and Commonwealth medals to her name in the 1500m and 5000m. Her tenacity and drive have inspired countless athletes around the world, and her career highlights include stunning performances at the 2012 London Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's not just her achievements on the track that make Laura special. Off it, she’s known for her humility, her passion for giving back to the community, and her commitment to the sport she loves. Laura has since moved into a coaching role, where she is sharing her knowledge and experience with both the next generation of elite athletes along with enthusiastic amateurs. In this episode Laura shares her insights from her racing in Olympic finals, the challenges she’s faced and how she overcame them, and why the way we define success is so important.   I hope you enjoy.     ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Laura: https://x.com/lauraweightman  https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/laura-weightman/xFvJoLJCxAwt38auxnG3y    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On todays podcast we have Keith D'Amelio. Keith is a visionary in the world of sports performance, a man whose expertise has shaped the careers of countless elite athletes. His career spans roles with professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors and Stanford University. His journey from a passionate student of athletic training to director of athlete performance at Nike where he has worked with some of the greatest athletes on the planet is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Keith has a PhD in Applied Sports Science and has worked across almost every professional sport you can imagine. From the EPL,NBA, NFL and AFL. Keith has been instrumental in revolutionizing how athletes train, recover, and compete at the highest levels. His expertise has helped shape the careers of some of the most celebrated athletes in the world.  Keith’s impact goes beyond just the field of play. His commitment to athlete well-being and his passion for educating the next generation of sports professionals have made him a respected figure in the industry and inspiring figure to many. In this episode we discuss; the traits of the greats, the late Kobe Bryant, and NFL superstar Ndamukong Suh; and explore the difference between the absolute best and the rest at the professional level.   I hope you enjoy. ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Keith: https://www.instagram.com/keith.damelio/  https://x.com/keithdamelio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-d-amelio-2166b54    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   Watch the episode with Chris Billam-Smith here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wUqaqzHzIU    The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On todays Podcast we have Shane McGuigan.   Shane is a British and Irish boxing coach. The son of former World champion Barry Mcguigan. Barry had 19 million people tuned in on the BBC to watch him win his world title in 1985. Shane himself was a three time national amateur champion. Who decided his sweet spot was coaching. Since that decision he has taken 9 fighters to world champion status. Including; Josh Taylor, George Groves, Chantelle Cameron, Carl Frampton, Luke Campbell, Lawrence Okolie, Chris Billam-Smith, Ellie Scotney, and Daniel Dubois.   As a manager and coach Shane has the highest Win Percentage across all sports. With a 94% win record in total and 87.5% win record in world title fights. And next in line in his stable Caroline Dubois and Adam Azim.. Two of the most exciting names in world boxing… His most recent victory was a tactical masterclass as WBO Cruiserweight world champion chris Billam-Smith dismantle Richard Riakphore. Shane was recently awarded the BWAA Trainer of the Year award.   Shane features as the lead man in the recent BBC Documentary ‘The Stable’ which takes you behind the scenes of the Mcguigan gym talent factory, revealing all the harsh realities of professional boxing. I highly recommend it. Where the back of my head actually features for a split second- don't miss it.   Having had the pleasure to work with Shane and his fighters I can assure you he is the real deal. A master strategist, a fierce competitor himself and is regarded by his team as boxing savant. The Culture he has created in that gym is second to none.   In this episode we discuss: High standards, culture, values, burnout, and balance.   I hope you Enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Shane: https://www.instagram.com/shanemcguigan/  https://x.com/mcguigans_gym    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   Watch the episode with Chris Billam-Smith here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wUqaqzHzIU    The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On todays episode we have Shona McCallin.   Shona is a former International Field Hockey player, playing as a midfielder for England and Great Britain. She's also the co-founder of the Ten Percent Club, a wellness supplement company. Shona won an Olympic gold medal in the 2016 Summer Games, and she's a key part of the 292 Performance Team that provides one to one support for some of the worlds most elite athletes.   In her early twenties Shona adventured to Tilburg in the Netherlands to pursue her Hockey career. She spent almost four years in Holland, gaining a degree in International Business and also becoming fluent in Dutch. Upon her return she was selected for the centralised Great Britain training program at Bisham Abbey, then selected for the Rio 2016 Olympic Squad and helped them to win a Gold Medal. Shona has also promised to compete with me at a Hyrox mixed pairs next season, which might possibly end me.   In this episode were going to discuss the practical steps you can take to build a winning culture. Were going to discuss coming back from adversity with specific reference to injury, and also the mindset required to transition from aspirational contender to Olympic Gold Medalist.   I hope you enjoy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Katherine: https://katherinegrainger.com/  https://www.britishrowing.org/athlete/katherine-grainger/    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304

On today's podcast, we have Dame Katherine Grainger. Katherine is a former Scottish rower and the current chair of UK sports. She's competed at a record five Olympic games. She won an incredible gold medal race in the London 2012 Olympic Games, and she's a four time Olympic silver medalist and six time world champion at the London Olympics in 2012. Katherine and her incredible teammate Anna Watkins, smashed the Olympic record as they qualified for the final, where they ultimately won gold for Team GB. Not just an incredible athlete, Katherine holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Philosophy in Medical Law and Medical Ethics from the University of Glasgow, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from King's College, London. In April, 2017 she was appointed Chair of UK's School of And then reappointed for a second term in July 2021. She's currently leading that charge for Team GB into the Paris Olympics. Katherine was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, DBE, in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to sport and charity. In this episode, we discuss the magic that was the London Olympics, the journey from novice to expert, And the powerful role your teammates will play in your success.   I hope you enjoy   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Find Katherine: https://katherinegrainger.com/  https://www.britishrowing.org/athlete/katherine-grainger/    Find James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceleratingexcellence/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesaking_/ https://jamesaking.com/   The Mindset App: While the app is under development, we have decided to provide access to the full content for free on YouTube for a limited time. You can find the courses within our playlists or by the link below. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@AcceleratingExcellence/playlists   🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LJFspGl7b0e5YuxMfPLpx?si=e852f426c16b4f2d   🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-accelerating-excellence-podcast/id1706636304