Performance Intelligence
Self-Improvement
About
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.
Episodes
- What Reality TV Gets Right About Human Behaviour that Business Gets so Wrong | Maz Farrelly (Producer X Factor & Big Brother)
Maz Farrelly, a producer with 30 years of experience on shows like Big Brother and X Factor, shares insights into human behaviour and reading people, developed from interviewing over 20,000 individuals. She explains her ABCDE framework for…
- Bite Size: The Simple Science of Living Longer That Nobody Talks About | Dr Paul Batman
Dr Paul Batman explains that simple daily activities like chores are equivalent to intense exercise, challenging the traditional view of fitness. He advocates for integrating 'fitness snacks' and everyday movements to promote longevity.
- The Science of ADHD Part 2: What High Performers, Women & Kids Are Never Told About Their Brain | Lindy Hadges
This episode features ADHD expert Lindy Hadges discussing the complexities of ADHD in high performers, women, and children. It covers topics such as the impact of work environments, self-medication, nutritional needs, sleep, and strategies…
- Bite Size: How to Redeploy Yourself Before AI Redeploys You | Andrea Clarke
Andrea Clarke explains that human resistance to change, rooted in self-preservation, is a significant barrier to AI adoption. She argues that leaders often overlook this fundamental issue, leading to failed technology rollouts by not addre…
- The Science of ADHD Part 1: What Nobody Told You About Dopamine, Focus & Performance | Lindy Hadges
Lindy Hadges, an ADHD expert, explains the neurological underpinnings of ADHD, focusing on dopamine, noradrenaline, and the prefrontal cortex. The discussion addresses the prevalence of ADHD, the influence of trauma and family history, and…
- Bite Size: The 3am Idea that Changed How the All Blacks Scrummage | Mike Cron
Mike Cron, a highly successful rugby coach, shares an unusual coaching idea he developed that improved the All Blacks' scrummaging performance. The episode explores the origin, the unconventional nature, and the surprising success of this…
- The Mindset Behind One of AFL's Most Remarkable Recoveries | Jason McCartney
AFL player Jason McCartney shares his story of surviving the 2002 Bali bombings, which caused severe burns, and his subsequent five-month recovery to return to the football field. The episode explores the resilience and specific skills tha…
- Bite Size: Why the Most Prepared People Are Excited for the Storm | Psychologist Dr Lisa Martin
Psychologist Lisa Martin discusses how readiness is a practice built through self-awareness, flexibility, and managing discomfort, enabling individuals to perform under pressure.
- Bite Size: The Leadership Philosophy Behind a $50 Billion Business | Earl Evans
Earl Evans, CEO of Shaw and Partners, discusses his distinct leadership philosophy, focusing on the balance between control and delegation in business management. He shares insights on operational effectiveness and leadership strategies.
- Bite Size: 2 Minute Mindfulness Reset for Better Performance | Andrew May
Andrew May, a leading Mental Skills Coach, explains how to integrate mindfulness into your day with quick, practical resets to enhance focus and performance. He also clarifies common misconceptions about mindfulness and the trap of overthi…
- Bite Size: The Creatine Dosing Strategy That Actually Works | Dr Tom
Dr Tom Buckley discusses a practical approach to creatine supplementation, covering optimal dosing for performance benefits and crucial safety considerations, including when creatine might be inappropriate.
- Bite Size: The 5 Big Rocks Strategy for a More Productive Week | Angela Poon & Andrew May
Andrew May and Angela Poon introduce the 5 Big Rocks strategy, a method for identifying and prioritizing the five most important tasks of the week to increase productivity and reduce overwhelm.
- 176 How to Close the Gap Between Your Potential and Performance | Craig Harper
This episode discusses the gap between potential and actual performance, exploring how embracing discomfort, repetition, and self-reflection are key to consistent high achievement. Craig Harper shares insights on overcoming fear, building…
- Bite Size: The Honest Conversation Every Head Coach Needs First | Aaron Walsh
This episode discusses the critical importance of alignment between head coaches and performance support staff. Mental performance coach Aaron Walsh and performance strategist Andrew May explain their initial approach, focusing on clear ex…
- 175 How to Stay Calm in the Chaos: Lessons From Live TV | Ali Piotrowski
Ali Piotrowski shares insights on maintaining composure during live television broadcasts, even amidst chaotic breaking news. The episode covers strategies for converting adrenaline into clarity, managing mistakes, the importance of authen…
- Bite Size: The Daily Grind Behind This Champion Ironman Success | Ali Day
Champion Ironman Ali Day shares insights into the daily grind of elite sport, emphasizing that sustained high performance relies on consistent training, managing pressure, and prioritizing intentional recovery, often aided by wearable tech…
- 174 Live Keynote: Why Most Professionals Mismanage Energy (And the Fix) | Andrew May
Mental Skills and Leadership Coach Andrew May explains why managing energy is more critical for high performance than managing time. He discusses strategies such as circadian resets, recovery rhythms, and stress management techniques used…
- Bite Size: The 3 Daily Pillars That Drive Elite Performance | Dan Abrahams
Performance psychologist Dan Abrahams discusses how elite performance is driven by the three pillars of attention, intensity, and intent. The episode explores how mastering these fundamental elements can help individuals improve their focu…
- 173 Fitness Snacks: The New Science of Movement to Meet Modern Day Demands | Dr Paul Batman
Dr Paul Batman introduces the concept of 'fitness snacks,' suggesting that health doesn't require more time but better use of existing moments. This approach challenges the traditional view of exercise needing a full hour and a clear sched…
- Bite Size: Still “On” After Work? Here's How to Switch Off in 30 Seconds | Andrew May
Andrew May, Mental Skills Coach, discusses the importance of switching off from work for leaders. He explains how prolonged stress impacts performance and recovery, and shares a quick breathing technique to reduce stress in under 30 second…
- 172 The Hidden 10%: How Culture Unlocks High Performance | Aaron Walsh
Aaron Walsh, Head of Culture, Leadership and Mental Performance at the Rajasthan Royals, explains how culture, often overlooked as a 'soft' variable, is crucial for unlocking consistent high performance in both sports and corporate environ…
- Bite Size: The Reality of Leading Australia’s Largest Bank + The Seesaw Of Ambivalence | Matt Comyn
Matt Comyn shares insights into the demanding leadership role at Australia's largest bank, Commbank, detailing the pressures, self-doubt, and necessary mental discipline for managing ultimate responsibility.
- 171 The Longevity Advantage and How to Live a 100 Year Life | Dr Tom Buckley
Performance Intelligence episode 171 features Dr Tom Buckley discussing longevity, explaining that it is built through daily habits rather than genetics. The episode covers topics such as blue zones, the impact of actions in one's 40s, bio…
- Bite Size: Train Your Nervous System Like an Olympian | Nam Baldwin
Breathwork expert Nam Baldwin argues that calm is a trainable physical and neurological state, essential for high performance under pressure. This episode explores how controlling your state, rather than being controlled by it, is key to c…
- 170 The Art of Big Picture Thinking & How to Spot Opportunities Others Miss | Rose Herceg
Rose Herceg shares her experiences in business and leadership, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, grit, and challenging the status quo. She discusses spotting opportunities, managing energy, learning from losses, and maintaining self…
- Bite Size: What a Performance Psychologist Knows About Fear | Dr Scott Goldman
Performance psychologist Dr. Scott Goldman discusses how the brain reacts to fear, explaining that it cannot distinguish between different types of threats. He elaborates on how understanding these primal instincts and nervous system respo…
- 169 The Science of Hardiness & Why Resilience Isn’t Enough | Dr Paul Taylor
Dr. Paul Taylor explains hardiness as a practice and mindset for confronting life's challenges, differentiating it from resilience. The episode covers applying hardiness to surgery, mindfulness, attention control, and argues against over-m…
- Bite Size: How to Lead with Questions, Not Answers | Michael Bevan & Jake Trbojevic
Aussie cricket legend Michael Bevan and NRL star Jake Trbojevic share insights on leadership through questioning. Bevan explains how asking reflective questions enhances awareness and growth, while Trbojevic details how this approach helpe…
- 168 Training Readiness with Athletes & Business Professionals | Dr Lisa Martin
Dr. Lisa Martin, a sports psychologist, explains how to manage pressure by training mental skills and understanding readiness. She discusses techniques like imagery and hypnosis, and the importance of acceptance over control when facing ch…
- Bite Size: What a Doctor Sees Behind the Scenes of Touring Life | Dr Bill Anseline
In this episode, Dr Bill Anseline shares insights into the demanding reality of life on tour for musicians, highlighting the loneliness and exhaustion involved. He explains the purpose behind his business, Hemisphere, which aims to support…
- 167 Mental Reset Techniques that Improve Productivity & Performance | Andrew May
Mental Skills Coach Andrew May explains that peak performance comes from strategic mental resets, not constant pushing. He details how short pauses, breathwork, music, and visual techniques can reset the brain under pressure, improving pro…
- Bite Size: How to See Opportunities Everyone Else Misses | Mike Cron
Mike Cron, a successful rugby coach, shares how he looked outside his sport for inspiration to identify performance opportunities. This episode discusses how to see what others miss, offering valuable insights for improving performance.
- Top Ep of 2025: The Art of Teaching, Coaching, and Building a Winning Team | Anthony Seibold
Anthony Seibold, Head Coach of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, discusses the art of teaching, coaching, and building winning teams. He shares insights from his extensive career in professional rugby and education, covering topics like lead…
- Bite Size: What Grief Teaches You About Survival | Christina 'BC' Sy
Christina 'BC' Sy discusses the daily decision to survive and live with pain after experiencing profound loss. The episode focuses on continuing forward one day at a time when faced with unimaginable hardship. Resources for grief support a…
- Top 2 of 2025: Inside the Mind of CEO of Australia's Biggest Bank | Matt Comyn
Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, discusses his journey from a challenging upbringing to leading a major bank, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic. He shares insights into his mindset, performance s…
- Bite Size: The Creatine Claims Everyone’s Getting Wrong | Dr Tom Buckley
Dr Tom Buckley discusses the science behind creatine, explaining its effects on the body and brain, and clarifying who can benefit from this supplement.
- Top 3 of 2025: The Science of Gut Microbiome and how it Controls Your Brain | Dr Tom Buckley
Dr. Tom Buckley discusses the gut microbiome's influence on the brain, covering topics like fecal transplants, coffee, and probiotics. He emphasizes the personalized nature of gut health and the impact of various factors, including diet an…
- Bite Size: Why More Hours Won’t Fix Your Leadership Capacity | CEO Melissa Decker
CEO Melissa Decker shares insights on how her leadership team shifted their approach to work, focusing on energy, clarity, and intention instead of increased hours. She explains why productivity can decrease under pressure and suggests an…
- Top 4 of 2025: No. 1 Surf Lifesaving Athlete on Visualisation & Mindset Training | Ali Day
Ali Day, a leading Ironman athlete, shares insights on the mindset, habits, and grit required to excel. He details his use of visualization, hypnosis, and recovery strategies, along with personal growth lessons applicable beyond sports.
- Bite Size: Why Pressure Is a Place, Not a Problem from All Blacks Coach | Gilbert Enoka
Gilbert Enoka, Mental Skills Coach for the All Blacks, discusses how elite performers can utilize pressure as an environment for optimal performance, rather than avoiding it. The episode explores how top teams mentally prepare for signific…
- Top 5 of 2025: Why Stress is Fricking Awesome | Andrew May
This episode explores how high performers manage energy, recovery, and awareness to stay composed under pressure. It discusses concepts like A-side vs B-side performance, energy as a competitive advantage, and practical techniques such as…
- Bite Size: Would You Make It Through SAS Selection? Former Soldier Tells All | Harry Moffitt
Former SAS soldier Harry Moffitt discusses the harsh realities of SAS selection, likening it to prison rather than a prestigious career. He explains the training, its most challenging elements, and the medical first aid provided, different…
- 166 The Episodes That Defined 2025 (And One You Probably Missed) | Andrew, Shannon, & Thomas
This episode counts down the top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2025 from the Performance Intelligence podcast, reflecting on what made them successful and discussing key lessons learned throughout the year. It also teases what listeners ca…
- Bite Size: Your 2026 Word of the Year Starts Here | Kamal Sarma
Kamal Sarma guides listeners through his ritual for selecting a word of the year, emphasizing its role in maintaining focus. He shares a personal experience of how his chosen word aided him in managing the emotional challenges of his work…
- 165 Leadership & Life Lessons From One of the Most Influential Finance CEOs | Earl Evans
This episode features Earl Evans, CEO of Shaw and Partners, discussing his unconventional leadership style focused on trust, humility, and loyalty. He shares insights from his co-CEO model, building business culture, and life lessons on pu…
- Bite Size: Stop Reacting to Your Calendar: Plan Your Week Like a CEO | Andrew May & Angela Poon
This episode introduces a weekly planning structure used by top performers, featuring 5 Big Rocks for direction and 3 Anchors for grounding. It aims to help listeners create a clearer, calmer week aligned with their priorities.
- 164 The Science of Mindfulness, Game Faces, and Alter Egos | Dan Abrahams
Dan Abrahams, a renowned sports psychologist, discusses his framework for improving mental performance, particularly under pressure. The episode explores the mind as a time traveler, the nature of mindfulness beyond meditation, and practic…
- Bite Size: How This Ironman Trains His Mind to Win (and How You Can Too) | Ali Day
Ironman legend Ali Day discusses the importance of mental training and shares how he developed his mindset for peak performance. He explains his visualization techniques and how listeners can use similar strategies to gain an edge in their…
- 163 Think You Could Survive the SAS? Here's What it Takes to be an Elite Soldier | Harry Moffitt
Harry Moffitt shares his experiences as an SAS Soldier, describing the extreme training, the realities of combat, and the challenges of recovery and transitioning to civilian life. The episode explores themes of resilience, performance und…
- Bite Size: Doc Reveals the Vulnerable World of Celebrity | Dr Bill Anseline
Dr Bill Anseline reveals the ordinary lives and desires of celebrities, sharing a personal story about U2 and Mardi Gras after the pressure of fame switches off.