Episodes

  • From Tennis to Business Leadership Lessons

    From Tennis to Business Leadership Lessons
    Sep 4 2025
    What if the key to great leadership wasn’t talent or strategy, but belief, mentorship, and resilience? In this episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, Ian MacDonald, Head of Performance Tennis at the University of Bath, shares lessons from his coaching journey that go beyond the court. He reveals how small goals lead to big wins, why authentic mentorship matters more than instructions, and how embracing setbacks fuels growth. Along the way, Ian reflects on personal challenges, family support, and the mindset shifts that transformed him from a coach into a leader who inspires champions, on and off the court. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Belief and Mentorship Drive Success: Growth comes from trusting potential and offering authentic guidance. 2. Resilience Fuels High Performance: Setbacks become progress when leaders stay solutions-focused. 3. Relationships Build Winning Teams: Trust, communication, and care form the core of high performance. Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Ian MacDonald 02:43 – Mentors Who Shaped Ian’s Approach 07:25 – Family Support in Coaching and Life 17:12 – Evolution of Ian’s Coaching Philosophy 24:03 – Lessons from the Underdog Mindset 29:51 – How Small Goals Lead to Big Wins 33:55 – Leadership, Family, and Career Choices 38:03 – Ian’s Beliefs and Coaching Superpowers 41:06 – Positivity, Potential, and Player Development 46:55 – Reflections on Success, Failure, and Growth 54:11 – Closing Thoughts and Next Episode “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingExcellence #HighPerformanceMindset #ResilientLeadership #TeamBuilding #PerformanceCoaching #PersonalDevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • The Clarity Advantage: Why Simplicity Wins

    The Clarity Advantage: Why Simplicity Wins
    Aug 28 2025
    What if the secret to winning—whether in sport or business—wasn’t talent, luck, or even hard work, but clarity? In this episode of Locker Room Power, performance coach David Sammel explores the clarity advantage—the power of having a simple, unwavering game plan. Drawing lessons from Novak Djokovic’s approach to Wimbledon, decades of coaching experience, and business giants like Nike and Amazon, discover why clarity consistently separates champions from the rest. Key takeaways: Champions succeed by sticking to a clear plan and making only subtle adjustments under pressure. In business, simplicity in message and customer experience—like Amazon’s one-click buying—creates lasting success. Complexity is the enemy of performance. Audit your systems, communication, and leadership to make clarity your edge. If complexity is killing your performance, clarity may be the competitive edge you’ve been missing. Timestamps 00:00 The Clarity Advantage & Djokovic’s Game Plan 01:34 Winners vs. Lesser Players 03:30 Business Examples of Clarity in Action 04:00 The Dangers of Complexity 04:45 David’s Leadership Advice 05:42 Next Episode Preview “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Sliding Doors: Regret, Resilience, and Living Fully

    Sliding Doors: Regret, Resilience, and Living Fully
    Aug 21 2025
    What if you reached the end of your life and realized the only things you regretted were the moments you didn’t follow your gut? In this inspiring episode of the Locker Power Room podcast, David opens up about life’s biggest questions, from regret and instinct to travel and guilty pleasures. Discover why he sees regret as “arrogant,” the unexpected cities that stole his heart—from Santiago’s vibrant charm to the Algarve’s tranquil beauty—and the life lesson he learned from a missed moment of instinctive kindness. Key takeaways: Trust your gut instincts, even when fear of judgment holds you back. Travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about finding places that feel like home. Balance discipline with life’s simple pleasures for lasting happiness. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:15 – David’s Travel Experiences and Favorite Cities 5:54 – David’s Holiday Home Preferences 8:03 – David’s Reflections on Travel and Family 13:35 – David's Reflections on Regret and Gut Instincts 15:22 – David's Family and Communication Challenges 16:28 – David's Guilty Pleasures and Food Preferences 20:47 – David's Balance Between Discipline and Indulgence 23:19 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Book a Consultation with David https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: ⁠https://www.redvanly.com/⁠ Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations—subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • From Paris Stage to Reinvention: Shelagh Brayshaw’s Journey

    From Paris Stage to Reinvention: Shelagh Brayshaw’s Journey
    Aug 14 2025
    From showgirl in Paris to fashion entrepreneur and TV personality, Shelagh Brayshaw’s life is a masterclass in reinvention. In this inspiring conversation, she shares how losing a 23-year TV role became a catalyst for new passions, why discipline from her Bluebell days still shapes her work ethic, and how enthusiasm and curiosity remain her secret to staying vibrant at 63. Key takeaways: Career setbacks can open the door to exciting new opportunities. Early discipline builds resilience that lasts a lifetime. Enthusiasm and curiosity are essential to staying engaged and fulfilled at any age. Packed with unforgettable stories and hard-won wisdom, this episode will spark your own drive for growth—subscribe now to discover more powerful life lessons from remarkable guests. Timestamps 0:00 – Shelagh Brayshaw's Life Changes and Reflections 1:37 – Early Life and Career Beginnings 3:09 – Transition to TV and Later Challenges 4:23 – Influences and Life Lessons 7:23 – Meeting Inspirational Figures 14:55 – The Importance of Enthusiasm and Curiosity 15:28 – Personal Reflections and Career Adjustments 21:36 – Memorable Moments and Experiences 24:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice 25:05 – Conclusion and Farewell “If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message and let’s talk.” Book a Consultation with David https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/ Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations. Subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • The Future of Coaching

    The Future of Coaching
    Aug 11 2025
    What if the next big leap in personal growth isn’t about replacing humans with technology — but making human expertise more powerful than ever? In this forward-looking episode, high-performance coach David Sammel shares his vision for how AI can transform coaching, learning, and collaboration — without losing the human wisdom at the heart of it all. From decades of experience coaching Olympians, elite athletes, and C-suite leaders, David explains why AI won’t replace coaches — it will amplify them. You’ll discover how technology can make learning deeply personal, remove wasted time, and connect people across the globe in ways we’ve never seen before. You’ll hear: - Why AI + human insight beats either one alone - How personalized learning will replace generic advice - A vision for global coaching collaborations in real time - Why the real edge comes from using AI as leverage, not a shortcut - The mindset shift you need to stay ahead in a tech-driven world This isn’t a conversation about fear — it’s about opportunity. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or a lifelong learner, this episode will challenge how you think about AI, education, and your own potential. Listen closely — it might just change how you prepare for the future. #DavidSammel #TheLockerRoom #AI #HighPerformanceCoaching #FutureOfWork #MindsetShift #AthleteMindset #Leadership #AIInSports #CoachingTools #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • Can We Really Trust the Narrative? with Matt Cardle

    Can We Really Trust the Narrative? with Matt Cardle
    Jul 31 2025
    In this eye-opening second half of the episode, Matt Cardle flips the script and puts me in the hot seat — as we explore what greatness, truth, and perception really mean in today’s world. From legendary tennis careers to questioning the narratives we’re raised on, our conversation dives into the mindset behind long-term success and independent thinking. You’ll hear: 🎾 My take on what really defines greatness — and why it’s not just about the stats 🧠 A story that shows how two people can experience the same moment… and walk away with completely different truths 🌍 Why asking “What shape is the Earth?” isn’t about conspiracy — it’s about learning to think critically 💡 The mental skill I believe separates high performers from the rest 🎤 How challenging ideas has helped me sharpen my identity and confidence This episode isn’t just about tennis, truth, or titles — it’s about how you choose to see the world. Tune in. It might just change how you approach your next decision. Links: David Sammel: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/ https://davidsammel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Matt Cardle: Join the mailing list to pre-order the new album: https://mattcardle.tmstor.es/splash/9302 https://www.instagram.com/mattcardleofficial/ #MattCardle #DavidSammel #TheLockerRoom #MindsetShift #PerspectiveMatters #Greatness #CriticalThinking #HighPerformance #GOATDebate #PodcastClips #QuestionEverything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • From X Factor to the Truth Behind the Industry with Matt Cardle

    From X Factor to the Truth Behind the Industry with Matt Cardle
    Jul 24 2025
    Discover the truth behind fame, art, and the narratives we rarely question. What If Everything You’ve Been Told… Isn’t the Full Story? In this powerful conversation, X Factor winner and artist Matt Cardle opens up about the moments that shaped his life — and how one event completely shifted the way he sees the world. From surviving childhood illness to navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, Matt shares raw, honest insights about what it really takes to stay true to yourself in a world full of noise. You’ll hear: This isn’t just a story about success — it’s about identity, critical thinking, and finding your voice in a world that wants to define it for you. Listen closely — it might just change the way you see your own path. Links: David Sammel: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/ https://davidsammel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Matt Cardle: Join the mailing list to pre-order the new album: https://mattcardle.tmstor.es/splash/9302 https://www.instagram.com/mattcardleofficial/ #MattCardle #TheLockerRoom #MindsetShift #CreativeJourney #XFactor #TruthTellers #Resilience #Artistry #IndependentArtist #DavidSammel #PodcastClips #HighPerformanceMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Your Breakthrough Is Closer Than You Think

    Your Breakthrough Is Closer Than You Think
    Jul 17 2025
    👉 Take the FREE Mental Toughness Quiz: https://david-znj3ujyb.scoreapp.com/ and discover what's holding you back from peak performance. Discover the hidden patterns that could be stopping your next breakthrough. The Breakthrough You’re Waiting For Might Be One More Rep Away In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most misunderstood truths about success: Breakthroughs don’t happen when things are easy — they happen when you keep going through the hardest moments. Drawing from real stories of elite athletes and founders I’ve coached, I share what separates those who win from those who quit right before the finish line. Whether you’re building a business, chasing a goal, or just trying to stay in the fight, this episode is for you. You’ll hear: • Why breakthroughs often arrive when you’re ready to give up • How one athlete changed her entire career by focusing on “just 5 more meters” • What a founder did during the 2020 market collapse that helped him come out stronger • The science behind why resilience beats intelligence when things get uncertain • The key mindset shift that high performers use to stay in the game longer than everyone else This is more than motivation—it’s a mindset reset. Because if you can take the heat just a little longer, everything can change. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/ Links: Website: https://mindsetcollege.co.uk/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ X: https://x.com/davesammel/ Keywords: breakthrough mindset, high performance habits, mental toughness, resilience under pressure, success mindset, elite athlete mindset, pushing past limits, mindset shift, breakthrough moments, motivation for entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    5 mins