• Sports Performance Leadership: Jeremy Sheppard - Character First: Leading Beyond the Hierarchy
    Oct 13 2025

    Episode 201: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Jeremy Sheppard — an internationally respected performance coach, sport scientist, and leader in athlete development.

    Jeremy has spent over two decades working at the highest levels of sport, from the Australian Institute of Sport to Canada Snowboard, where he currently serves as Performance Coach within the Slopestyle program. His work integrates movement, mindset, and medicine, creating high-performing environments where athletes thrive.

    Across his career, Jeremy has held key roles with Surfing Australia, Australian Volleyball, and consulted with organisations including the New York Jets, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne Storm. Having contributed to athlete success at eight Olympic Games, multiple X Games, and World Championships, his experience spans continents, cultures, and disciplines.

    In this conversation, Jeremy offers deep reflections on leadership, authenticity, and performance — exploring how character, creativity, and relationships drive sustainable achievement in sport and beyond.

    Topics Discussed:
    • Background & Career Journey — From athlete to sports scientist/coach, working at Australian Institute of Sport and Canada Snowboard
    • Character as Leadership Foundation — Character drives behaviour and sustainable achievement; contrasting childhood influences shaped this philosophy
    • Anti-Hierarchical Leadership — Dynamic team structures, circular decision-making, “captain in the dressing room” approach, leadership shifts based on context
    • Personal Before Team Leadership — Self-development and authentic identity required before effectively leading others
    • Team Development — Empowering autonomy, creating belonging, working with limited resources through creativity and relationships
    • Redefining Success — Success as behaviours matching values rather than outcomes; process over results focus

    Where you can find Jeremy:

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

    • X

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    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Dr Enda King - Key Principles of Athletic Hip & Groin Pain Rehab
    Oct 6 2025

    Episode 200: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr. Enda King PhD MSc, one of the world’s leading sports physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts.

    Enda combines his roles as a sports physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher, and educator, working with elite athletes and teams across the globe. As Head of Performance at the Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin, he led the development of pioneering ACL and Athletic Groin Pain pathways, as well as the Elite Athlete Program—supporting players from the Premier League, NBA, NFL, NHL, Premiership Rugby, European Tour Golf, National Hunt Racing, AFL, and UFC.

    With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Enda’s work continues to shape modern understanding of biomechanics, rehabilitation, and performance.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Understanding Athletic Hip & Groin Pain

    • Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

    • Functional Assessments & Key Considerations

    • North Star Principles of Effective Rehabilitation

    • Rehab Insights from the Sportsmith Conference

    Where you can find Dr. Enda King:

    • X

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

    • Website

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    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Jess Elis - Navigating Ethics & Improving Athlete Data Processes
    Sep 29 2025

    Episode 199: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jess Elis, founder of Rehab Code and one of the sharpest minds in elite sports medicine.

    Elis earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy before pursuing a PhD and multiple board certifications in orthopedics and sports. His career spans leadership roles as Director of Physical Therapy at EXOS and later as Vice President of Player Health for the New York Knicks. With a career dedicated to blending science, ethics, and athlete welfare, Elis offers a unique perspective at the intersection of research and practice.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Exploring Ethics in Sports

    • Themes from the Research

    • Communication and Consent

    • Team Data Strategy

    • Ethical Considerations in Testing

    • The Human Element in Data Collection

    -

    Where you can find Jess Elis:

    • Rehab Code

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

    -

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Jeff Reipe - 360° Testing: Connecting Kinetic, Kinematic & Metabolic Data
    Sep 22 2025

    Episode 198: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jeff Riepe, a distinguished expert at the intersection of sports science, rehabilitation, and human performance.

    Riepe earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, followed by a fellowship in Clinical & Sports Biomechanics at the Movement Performance Institute under the mentorship of Chris Powers. His career spans elite sports medicine roles with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, numerous collegiate athletic programs, and the EXOS NFL Combine Training Program.

    Specializing in advanced movement analysis, Riepe integrates cutting-edge technologies such as 2D and 3D high-speed motion capture, force plate analysis, and wireless electromyography (EMG) to optimize rehabilitation and performance outcomes.

    Topics Discussed:

    • MoveLab's Advanced Biomechanics Lab

    • Data-Driven Rehabilitation Strategies

    • Integration of Clinical Research and Normative Data

    • Challenges in Late-Stage Rehabilitation

    • The Role of VO₂ Max

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    Where you can find Jeff Riepe:

    • LinkedIn
    • Move Lab
    • Instagram
    • X

    -

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Sports Performance Leadership: Nick Grantham - “Batman or Alfred? Humility, Influence, and Action in High Performance Sport
    Sep 15 2025

    Episode 197: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Nick Grantham — a leading authority in athletic preparation and performance enhancement, with over two decades of experience at the highest levels of elite sport.

    Nick’s career has taken him from professional football to Olympic and Commonwealth Games programs, national governing bodies, and consultancy roles across a wide range of sports. Renowned for his no-nonsense, evidence-informed approach, Nick has helped shape the careers of athletes in football, gymnastics, netball, and beyond. As a published author and sought-after speaker, he is known for challenging conventional thinking and championing sustainable, athlete-centred development.

    In this conversation, Nick shares candid insights on the evolving landscape of sports performance leadership, exploring what it truly takes to lead effectively in high-pressure, results-driven environments.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Career Journey — From early S&C roles to consultancy and Premier League experience

    • Olympic & Multi-Sport Work — Coaching insights across gymnastics, netball, and professional football

    • Leadership Development — Lessons from mentors, management courses, and pivotal career moments

    • Leadership Philosophy — Values-based leadership, authenticity, integrity, and influence over hierarchy

    • Metaphors for Leadership — “Batman vs Alfred” and the power of tactical withdrawal

    • Building Trust & Influence — Humility, listening, onboarding quickly, and asking “silly questions”

    • Self-Development & CPD — Audiobooks, TED Talks, 360 feedback, and key reads like Dare to Lead and Radical Candor

    • Team & Talent Development — Reverse mentoring, psychological safety, and avoiding poor leadership promotions

    • Strategic Trends in Sport Leadership — Balancing “superstars” and “rock stars,” short-term vs long-term performance, and learning sideways from F1, business, and healthcare

    This episode delivers a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical takeaways, leadership lessons, and reflections from one of the most respected voices in the performance community.

    Where you can find Nick:

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

    • Website

    -

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Sports Science Insights - Julia Donnelly: What Does Support for Athletes’ Menstrual Health Look Like?
    Sep 8 2025

    Episode 196: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Julia Donnelly — Head of Performance at Athletes Focused, where she provides performance services across multiple sports and professional organisations.

    Julia’s applied work includes supporting the Scottish Women’s National Team age groups, Glasgow City Women, and other elite athletes. She recently completed her PhD exploring the menstrual cycle in football, adding valuable research to an underrepresented but vital area of sports science.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Julia’s background and applied performance work across sport

    • Her PhD research on menstrual health in female athletes

    • How growing knowledge in this area can shape better athlete support

    • Insights from her recent published papers

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in athlete health, applied performance support, and the integration of research into practice for female athletes.

    Where you can find Julia: • LinkedIn • ResearchGate • X

    Julia’s Papers: 🔗 Menstrual cycle perceptions in professional football 🔗 Menstrual health support in elite women’s sport

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Maggie Bryant - Integrating Health & Performance Assessments During Player Acquisition
    Sep 1 2025

    Episode 195: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Maggie Bryant, a residency-trained Sports Physical Therapist who currently serves as Vice President of Medical for the LA Clippers.

    Maggie studied Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota (DPT) before completing her Sports residency training at the University of Southern California. Her career has included positions with the Orlando Magic and Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, leading to her current leadership role in the NBA.

    Maggie’s professional interests include optimizing performance-driven rehab, advancing leadership and communication in medical teams, and refining the biomechanical profile of elite athletes.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Examination of medical assessments in evaluating NBA recruits

    • Analysis of performance metrics and their impact on player selection

    • Integration of health data in recruitment decisions

    • The role of sports science in player evaluation

    • Case studies of successful recruitment strategies in the NBA

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    Where you can find Maggie:

    • LinkedIn
    • X
    • Instagram

    -

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Sports Performance Leadership: Mark Adamoulas - Coach Up or Fall Behind: Building High-Performing Teams
    Aug 25 2025

    Episode 194: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Mark Adamoulas — a performance leader whose 20-year career has spanned across sport, education, and the corporate world.

    Mark’s track record is both diverse and exceptional: he has worked with Manchester United, the FA, Red Bull, and numerous global corporates, supporting C-suite leaders, Premier League managers, Olympic gold medalists, and VC/PE companies. His mixed heritage and multilingual background allow him to connect authentically with people from varied cultures and contexts, bridging high-performance environments across industries and geographies.

    As co-founder of coachup, Mark leads on coach development, bringing the latest behavioural science into the world of sports coaching. Where traditional coaching development often focuses on skills, drills, and tactics, Mark and his team shine a spotlight on the most critical driver of sustained success: the team environment.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Mark’s background — Greek heritage, move to the UK, and path into sports psychology
    • Professional experience — Work with Manchester United, the FA, Rugby League, Red Bull, and more
    • CoachUp — Neuroscience-based psychometric tools for team function
    • The Infinity Model — Core pillars for building high-performance environments
    • Practical applications — Lessons from the Crusaders and elite teams worldwide
    • Benefits for leaders — Improving team alignment, collaboration, and performance
    • Barriers — Overcoming skepticism, poor prior assessment experiences, ego and fear of feedback
    • Evidence base — Validation by Oxford and Harvard neuroscientists
    • Leadership ecosystems — Why building systems matters more than hiring experts alone
    • Future trends — Rising pressures on athletes and staff, and the urgent need for better psychological environments
    • Call to action — How leaders can engage with CoachUp in both sport and corporate settings

    This conversation delivers a rare insight into the science and practice of team performance, blending psychology, neuroscience, and leadership to show how high-performing cultures are built — and sustained — in today’s most demanding environments.

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    Where you can find Mark:

    • LinkedIn
    • CoachUp
    • Research Gate

    -

    Sponsors

    VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

    Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.

    -

    Where to Find Us

    Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Our Website

    -

    Our Team

    • Andy McDonald
    • Ben Ashworth
    • Alistair McKenzie
    • Dylan Carmody
    • Steve Barrett
    • Pete McKnight
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins