22 May

Episode #98: Why Tenacity Matters More Than Talent with Steven Puri

What actually separates the people who continue growing, succeeding, and reinventing themselves from those who stop after setbacks, rejection, or failure? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I sit down with Steven Puri for a fascinating conversation about resilience, reinvention, high performance, failure, identity, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life does not go according to plan. Steven is one of the few people in the world who has been both a senior executive at major Hollywood film studios and also raised more than $20 million in venture capital. He produced the digital effects for Independence Day, which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects, worked on films including Braveheart, founded multiple technology companies with both successful exits and failures, and later served as a VP at 20th Century Fox and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures. But what makes this conversation so powerful is not just Steven’s success. It is his perspective on rejection, persistence, failure, reinvention, and learning. Throughout this episode, we explore: Why tenacity often matters more than talentHow high performers learn from failure instead of being defined by itThe psychology of rejection and why most setbacks are not as personal as we thinkHow to know when to keep pushing forward versus when to pivot or reinvent yourselfThe role of timing, luck, and preparation in successWhy being around elite performers accelerates growth and learningHow identity, mindset, and emotional regulation shape long-term performanceWe also discuss the neuroscience and psychology behind failure, learning, resilience, and sustainable high performance — including why the brain is naturally wired for adaptation and growth if we approach setbacks the right way. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, creators, and anyone navigating uncertainty, pressure, transition, or growth in their own life. If you have ever struggled with failure, questioned whether to keep going, or wondered how high performers continue moving forward through setbacks and reinvention, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

28 min

4 May

Episode #97: The Real Reason You’re Not Achieving Your Goals (It’s Not Discipline)

If you’ve ever set goals that truly mattered to you—only to lose momentum, get pulled in different directions, and eventually stop following through—you’re not alone. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I break down one of the most common and frustrating challenges high-performing people face: “I know what to do… so why am I not doing it?” The answer is not what most people think. Most people assume they’re not achieving their goals because they lack discipline, motivation, or consistency. But when you look at the science of behavior change, neuroscience, and performance, a very different picture emerges. This isn’t a goal problem—it’s a system problem. In this episode, I walk you through: The real reason behavior change fails, and why effort and discipline are often the wrong solution The four core breakdown points that stop people from following through—especially under pressure The five-stage pathway of behavior change, and where most people get stuck A clear, evidence-based protocol you can use to change any behavior in your life You’ll learn how your behavior is actually driven by identity, habits, environment, and your nervous system—and why your goals will not sustain unless those systems are aligned. Free Worksheet to Help You Apply This to Your Own Life I have created a self-audit you can use to apply the most important parts to your own life. You can find it at invictus.coach/resources Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

34 min

1 Apr

Episode #96: How Do I Get My Employees Engaged In Their Work?

How do you actually get people to care about their work? Not just show up—but bring energy, focus, ownership, and commitment every day. In this episode, I break down what employee engagement really is—and more importantly, how leaders actually create it in real-world environments. In this episode, I walk you through: A clear, evidence-based definition of employee engagement (and what it really looks like in practice) The measurable impact of engagement on performance, well-being, retention, quality, and client outcomes The 7 core drivers of engagement: meaning, safety, clarity, autonomy, support, growth, and connection Why managers—not just senior leaders—are the most critical factor in shaping engagement How engagement is built (or broken) through everyday leadership behaviors and interactions And most importantly, I give you 3 practical, high-impact actions you can apply immediately to improve engagement on your team: How to create clarity and focus every single week How to turn your 1:1s into powerful engagement conversations How to respond in key moments (mistakes, input, challenges) to build trust and ownership If you lead people—or want to create a team that is focused, committed, and performing at a high level—this episode gives you a clear, evidence-based model you can start applying right away. Free Livecast on Employee Engagement and How to Build It If this topic is really important to you, you should come to my free livecast on Wednesday April 15th, 2026, where I go over the model, ways to tell whether you need to apply this, and introduce some ways to do so. Click here to find out more or to register for free Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

39 min

3 Mar

Episode #95: How to Build a Well-Working Team

What actually creates a team that performs at a high level — not just when things are easy, but when pressure rises? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I answer a question I’ve been asked repeatedly by leaders across sectors: How do you build a team that performs consistently, stays regulated under pressure, adapts during change, and doesn’t burn out? This is not about creating a team that is “on” at peak intensity all the time. It’s about building a team that can think clearly, communicate early, navigate conflict constructively, and sustain performance over time. Drawing on neuroscience, sport psychology, and organizational behavior research, I introduce a practical, systems-based model built around five core pillars of a well-working team: Psychological Safety & TrustShared Purpose & Collective IdentityRole & Decision ClarityHealthy Communication & Constructive ConflictLearning Orientation & Collective ResilienceYou’ll learn: What actually happens to teams under sudden stress and uncertaintyWhy high output without the right foundations is fragileHow these five pillars regulate threat, reduce cognitive load, and improve coordinationThe three ways leaders can apply this model immediately (diagnostic, developmental, and structural)Where to start if you want to strengthen your team without overwhelming itIf you lead a team — or are part of one — this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based framework to assess where your team is strong, where it may be vulnerable, and how to build performance that lasts. For that want some more tools, I’ve uploaded a podcast summary and a simple self-audit tool you can use with your team at Invictus.coach/resources. Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

33 min

30 Jan

Episode #94: How to Regain Control, Reduce Overwhelm, and Perform at Your Best Without Burning Out

Do you ever feel like you’re working hard all day, yet still ending the day exhausted, behind, and wondering where your time and energy went? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I answer one of the most important questions high-achieving professionals face: How do I regain control, reduce overwhelm, and perform at my best — without burning out? I explain why overwhelm isn’t a personal failure or lack of discipline, but a performance state that happens when demand exceeds your brain’s capacity, stress stays elevated, and you lose a sense of control. When this happens, focus narrows, decision quality drops, and even simple tasks start to feel heavy. From there, I introduce the Thrive Model — a science-based framework built on five interconnected pillars: well-being, purpose, high performance, growth, and connection. Instead of trying to fix overwhelm with more effort or better willpower, I show you how to change the system you’re operating in so your brain, energy, and motivation start working with you again. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why pushing harder and “gritting it out” often makes overwhelm worseThe neuroscience behind why you feel scattered, reactive, and drained under pressureThe three key shifts that restore control: regulation before optimization, capacity before productivity, and agency before executionHow each pillar of the Thrive Model reduces overwhelm and builds sustainable high performanceA simple, practical way to start applying the model right away — even if you feel like you have no timeIf you’re tired of just getting through your days and want to feel clear, capable, and in control again, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening in your brain — and what to do about it. For a summary of the Thrive Model and a self-check to help you apply it in your own life, visit Invictus.coach/resources. Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

38 min

2 Jan

Episode #93: Performing at Your Best Under Pressure and Stress

In this episode, I explore what actually happens in the brain and nervous system under pressure—and why even highly capable people often struggle to think clearly, make good decisions, or perform at their best when it matters most. Drawing on evidence-based neuroscience, psychology, and high-performance research, this episode explains: Why pressure narrows attention and degrades thinkingWhy “just trying harder” often makes performance worseWhy capable people choke under pressure—and why that’s not a flawHow elite performers (athletes, ER doctors, Navy SEALs, and others) design for pressure instead of fighting itWhat actually helps you perform well under sustained demandYou’ll learn the core principles that support high performance under pressure, including: How to simplify and reduce cognitive loadWhy routines protect focus and consistencyHow regulating your physiological state improves thinkingThe difference between interpreting pressure as a threat versus a challengeHow to apply these ideas in real life, not just in theoryThis episode also acknowledges that pressure can affect people differently, including neurodivergent individuals and menopausal women, and explains why systems and structure matter more than willpower. If you’re feeling stretched, reactive, or mentally overloaded—and want to perform well without burning out—this episode will give you a clear, science-based framework and practical next steps. Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

38 min

29/11/2025

Episode #92: Michael's Version: How to Plan Your Best Year without Burning Out

If you’re thinking ahead to the new year and want to start strong without slipping into the usual overwhelm, this episode will help you do exactly that. This is Michael’s Version of one of the most downloaded episodes I’ve ever released — a refreshed, clearer, more aligned re-recording of “How to Plan Your Best Year.” Much like Taylor Swift re-recording her albums, this is the episode I always wanted to release: still built on the same evidence-based principles as the original, but now sharper, more grounded, and easier to apply. In this episode, I walk you through a science-backed approach to planning your year that avoids the biggest traps most people fall into. We explore why long-term motivation often collapses after the initial excitement, and how to design your goals in a way that your brain can sustain over time. You’ll learn: Why only about 10% of New Year’s goals make it past FebruaryThe six evidence-based principles that create a meaningful, achievable yearHow to define what “your best year” actually means (without unrealistic pressure)A simple, powerful 4-step protocol for planning your yearThe most common planning mistakes — and how to avoid themFour success strategies to keep your goals achievable, energizing, and realisticWhether you’re looking to make progress on a few important goals or you simply want a more sustainable approach to planning the year ahead, this episode will help you clarify what matters, set achievable targets, and create momentum that lasts. Resources Mentioned: Register for my December workshop: How to Plan Your 2026 Goals Without BurnoutJoin the Thrive Hive for monthly support, tools, and coachingInstantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

35 min

14/11/2025

Episode #91 — Finish Strong: The Deeper Science of Reflection and the R.E.S.E.T. Model

As the year comes to an end, many people jump straight into planning their goals for the next one. But the real power — the kind that fuels motivation, clarity, and fulfillment — comes from looking back first. In this episode, High Performance Coach Michael Schiel breaks down the deeper science of reflection and introduces the R.E.S.E.T. Model, a structured, evidence-based framework designed to help you extract meaning from your year, realign with what matters most, and enter the next chapter with confidence and direction. You’ll learn: Why reflection changes the brain and boosts long-term motivationThe key neuroscience and psychology principles behind effective self-reviewHow to use the R.E.S.E.T. Framework to review your year:Reflect on what workedExamine challenges with curiositySeek the lessonsEvaluate alignment with your values and identityTransition forward with clarityMichael also shares how to turn RESET into a powerful habit through weekly, monthly, and quarterly reflection cycles — helping you stay aligned, energized, and focused throughout the year. Whether you’re closing out a successful year or navigating one that felt messy and overwhelming, this episode gives you the tools to finish strong and step into the new year with purpose and momentum. Download the RESET Worksheet: You can download the worksheet I talk about, and apply what you learn at invictus.coach/resources Join the free livecast on Wednesday, November 19th: On Wednesday, November 19th, I am hosting a free livecast on this topic. I will introduce the concept and walk through the framework. You will have a chance to learn firsthand about it, and ask questions. Click here to learn more and register for free This is your roadmap to clarity, confidence, and thriving in the year ahead. Instantly Unlock Performance Now The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being. You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals. You can find out more or sign up clicking here!

26 min

The Art and Science of Thriving

Episode #98: Why Tenacity Matters More Than Talent with Steven Puri

Episode #97: The Real Reason You’re Not Achieving Your Goals (It’s Not Discipline)

Episode #96: How Do I Get My Employees Engaged In Their Work?

Episode #95: How to Build a Well-Working Team

Episode #94: How to Regain Control, Reduce Overwhelm, and Perform at Your Best Without Burning Out

Episode #93: Performing at Your Best Under Pressure and Stress

Episode #92: Michael's Version: How to Plan Your Best Year without Burning Out

Episode #91 — Finish Strong: The Deeper Science of Reflection and the R.E.S.E.T. Model

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The Art and Science of Thriving

Episodes

Episode #98: Why Tenacity Matters More Than Talent with Steven Puri

Episode #97: The Real Reason You’re Not Achieving Your Goals (It’s Not Discipline)

Episode #96: How Do I Get My Employees Engaged In Their Work?

Episode #95: How to Build a Well-Working Team

Episode #94: How to Regain Control, Reduce Overwhelm, and Perform at Your Best Without Burning Out

Episode #93: Performing at Your Best Under Pressure and Stress

Episode #92: Michael's Version: How to Plan Your Best Year without Burning Out

Episode #91 — Finish Strong: The Deeper Science of Reflection and the R.E.S.E.T. Model

About

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