Performance People

Alfie Hewett joins the podcast a year after the defining moment of his career: winning his first Wimbledon singles title in 2024. After years of coming heartbreakingly close—including back-to-back final losses in 2022 and 2023—Alfie reveals how that elusive victory became an obsession. He explains the intense personal and professional journey to overcome self-doubt, external expectations, and the emotional pressure of chasing the career Grand Slam.In an exclusive conversation, Alfie shares how his losses at Wimbledon shaped him more than any win. Those setbacks became pivotal learning moments that built resilience and reinforced belief in his ability to triumph. He opens up about the mental toll of falling just short—twice—and how he battled through frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure to finally lift the trophy in front of his family and home crowd.The emotional cost of the win wasn’t just physical—it pushed Alfie to breaking point. He describes experiencing mental fatigue in the days leading up to Wimbledon and the careful, restorative strategy he and his team devised to manage the pressure. From sports psychology to post-6pm tennis bans in the team Airbnb, Alfie gives an inside look into the work-life balance and recovery methods that finally helped him get over the line.The episode also explores Alfie's broader impact on the sport. He talks about using his platform to raise visibility for wheelchair tennis and inspire the next generation of athletes. From his early struggles accepting life in a chair to becoming a role model and mentor for young players —Alfie shows why his legacy goes beyond the court.Finally, Alfie reflects on the career-defining ITF eligibility ruling that once threatened to end his professional journey altogether. He shares the relief of winning his appeal and how that experience taught him to approach life with perspective and gratitude. With one final goal in sight—Paralympic singles gold—Alfie is determined to get there with drive, perspective, and a healthier mindset.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comHit subscribe today for the latest. 🎧 Spotify/Apple Musichttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Georgie welcomes James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing and a seasoned Formula One strategist with decades of experience at the highest level of motorsport. From his early days on the pit wall to leading one of the most iconic teams in F1 history, James shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and leadership style.James reflects the moments that shaped his early career, including receiving rejection letters from ALL 11 F1 teams and how those experiences changed the trajectory of his life and led him to the helm at Williams. He opens up about the lessons learned through failure, resilience in a cutthroat industry, and the inner workings of a Formula 1 team striving for resurgence.The conversation dives into the culture shift underway at Williams, with James revealing how he's rebuilding belief from the inside out. He discusses the importance of transparency, psychological safety and human connection in elite performance—concepts rarely associated with F1 but crucial to long-term success.Georgie and James also explore the strategic side of the sport: how split-second decisions are made on race day, the delicate balance between data and instinct, and why leadership in the paddock requires as much emotional intelligence as technical know-how.This is a rare behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to steer a legendary team back to glory, told by one of the sport’s most forward-thinking leaders. Whether you're an F1 fan, a team builder, or just a lover of high-performance stories, James Vowles offers a masterclass in modern leadership under pressure.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comHit subscribe today for the latest.🎧 Spotify/Apple Musichttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive episode recorded in the clubhouse at Wimbledon, Georgie sits down with Debbie Jevans, the first female chair of the All England Club, to explore what it really takes to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Debbie reveals how far in advance the team plans for the Championships and the importance of testing every element before day one. From 50,000 flowers to rain-proof scheduling, it's a masterclass in precision and preparation.Debbie talks candidly about the pressure and pride that come with the role, admitting she still pinches herself in the lead-up to Wimbledon. She shares the emotional moment when reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova returned to Centre Court and broke down in front of the honours board—her name now etched alongside her late mentor, Jana Novotná. These are the stories behind the spectacle that make Wimbledon more than just a tennis tournament.From Rafa vs. Roger to Andy Murray’s unforgettable 2013 win, Debbie reflects on some of Wimbledon’s most iconic moments—and what they meant both personally and professionally. As she discusses Murray’s legacy, she confirms that plans are in motion for a statue to be unveiled in 2027, marking 150 years since the first Championships. She also opens up about the next generation of British talent and why the future looks bright for the home crowd.But this is no nostalgia trip—Debbie is also driving Wimbledon forward. She talks about the delicate balance of “tradition and innovation”, from introducing electronic line-calling to the ongoing push for expansion and sustainability. That includes her vision for the club’s physical expansion plans and her belief that sport should benefit more than just its elite players.As the countdown to this year’s Championships ramps up, Debbie shares how she personally prepares for the marathon fortnight ahead. With insights drawn from her experience at London 2012, in football and rugby union, she treats the build-up like an athlete, pacing herself to peak at the right time. There’s even time for a strawberries-and-cream confession. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Wimbledon stays both timeless and world-class.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comHit subscribe today for the latest. 🎧 Spotify/Apple Musichttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Chamberlin is the face of horse racing on ITV, the man who shepherded Gary Neville into TV and also a cancer survivor. On this week's podcast, Georgie catches up with her old Sky Sports News co-presenter, Ed, to talk about:* Why his first attempts at presenting all tanked* The death threats he faced at Sky Sports* Gary Neville's relentless work ethic and how it changed his own approach* How he would never have walked away from the biggest job at Sky Sports if it wasn't for the cancer battle that nearly claimed his life and how his approach to risk was forever altered* Jamie Carragher's encyclopaedic knowledge of football* Why he insists that everyone gets the teas in at ITV, even AP McCoyThey also talk about their early days at Sky Sports, how Ed transitioned from bookie to TV anchor, and the bad news his Sky Sports boss just had to share.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British tennis star Katie Boulter is heading into Wimbledon with serious momentum — a chance for a 'three-peat' win in Nottingham and a showdown with Emma Raducanu for top Brit billing.In this week’s episode, Katie lets Georgie in on the behind-the-scenes realities of preparing for the biggest tournament of the year, what she’s learned from her power-couple fiancé, Alex de Minaur, and how the tragic news of a double cancer diagnosis in her family forced her to reassess her priorities. She shares why playing at Wimbledon makes her feel sick — in a good way — and exactly how long she spends on the physio’s bench every day.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comhttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Chadwick is one of motor racing’s most decorated female drivers, having won races and titles everywhere she’s gone. Jamie discusses her incredible experiences over the last decade, the pros and cons of being a woman in modern-day motorsport, what she’s learned from her recent time in Indy NXT, when she thinks a female driver will break into Formula One, how she’s preparing for the legendary Le Mans 24 hours and why she’s more passionate about encouraging more girls to try motorsport than in finding the next champion.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comhttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayley McQueen is a sports broadcaster, a leading anchor on Sky Sports News, and the co-host of the Not Just Football podcast with Kelly Cates and Christine Lampard. She is also the daughter of the Manchester United and Scotland defender, Gordon McQueen, who died in 2023 from vascular dementia and pneumonia. Hayley explains her family’s battle to discover if Gordon’s death was linked to his profession, the decision to donate his brain for medical research, the struggle to find closure after his death and her wish to change football training practices in order to protect the next generation.If today’s episode has touched something in you, and you’re finding it hard to cope, please don’t struggle alone. You can speak to someone 24/7 at Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. For grief-specific support, organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support are here to help at cruse.org.uk.headforchange.org.uk is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting former football and rugby players affected by sports-related brain injuries, including conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia. The organisation offers care, advocacy, and education to athletes and their families. It also champions independent research to enhance brain health in sports and promotes safer practices for future generations.The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comhttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, so what tools are most effective in getting us back on our feet and, perhaps, even stronger than we were before?Annalie Howling is a performance coach who works with leaders in business, elite sport and the Armed Forces, and who has personal experience in recovering from life’s challenges. She explains how a back to basics approach can help, the role of radical self-belief, why helping others can transform your own problems and the importance of finding a renewed purpose in life.In this episode, we have an honest and important conversation about mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—support is available; you can contact the Samaritans at: https://www.samaritans.org/Annalie Howling’s new book ‘Unapologetic: Shackle Your Shame, Reclaim Your Power’ is out now.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgie welcomes her former Sky Sports screen husband, and now Soccer Saturday host, Simon Thomas, into the Performance People studio. Simon opens up about his journey through sports broadcasting, revealing the truth behind his big break on Blue Peter, explaining the personal challenges of overcoming anxiety and the pressures of live television, how the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, left him utterly broken and he shares the shaping forces that helped him rebuild his life again. He discusses how he handles pressure through preparation, the inside stories on what really happens in live TV, describes what it’s like to follow Jeff Stelling into one of live football’s most demanding jobs and he gives Georgie a dressing down for misidentifying the Blue Peter ship.In this episode, we have an honest and important conversation about mental health, including experiences with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—support is available. If you are struggling with either, you can contact the Samaritans at:https://www.samaritans.org/Simon is President of Blood Cancer UK. Since losing his wife, Gemma, suddenly to acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2017 he has been raising awareness of blood cancer symptoms ever since.For more information or to donate, go to:https://bloodcancer.org.uk/We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.comThe ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.Hit subscribe today for the latest.🎧 Spotify/Apple Musichttp://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northampton Saints, England and now Lions-elect fly-half, Fin Smith, is one of rugby’s hottest emerging stars. In this wide-ranging chat about his career and ethos, he explains why his biggest low at Worcester taught him to take nothing for granted, why winning gives you extra drive, why the Six Nations surprised him, how he’s learning about leadership and what it’s like having a certain Jonny Wilkinson as a coach and mentor. Fin also imagines what it would be like to put his own Lions jersey next to that of his Grandad.We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.