Supporting Champions Steve Ingham

Welcome back to the Supporting Champions Podcast. Today, we're exploring the transformative power of focusing on solutions, not problems, with the insightful Paul Z Jackson. From his early days as a comedy writer and improvisation teacher to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of applied improvisation, Paul's journey is as fascinating as it is varied. His work, especially the acclaimed book 'The Solutions Focus,' co-authored with Mark McKergow, has been a beacon for many, including myself, since its first impact on me back in 2011.
Paul's approach is simple yet revolutionary: Don’t fix what isn’t broken, find what works and do more of it, and if something doesn’t work, try something else. It’s about making positive changes by identifying and amplifying useful change, recognizing that detailed problem analysis often doesn’t lead to solutions. This mindset shift from a problem focus to a solutions focus can stir optimism, hope, and ambition, changing the way we tackle challenges in sports, business, and life.
In our discussion, Paul delves into how this approach applies across various contexts, from coaching athletes to enhancing team dynamics. He shares insights on how to help people improvise and adapt, drawing on his extensive background in comedy and improvisation. We also touch on the importance of recognizing the small changes that signal big progress and staying 'solutions focused' rather than 'solutions forced.'
Paul's work with the Applied Improvisation Network and The Improvisation Academy further underscores his belief in the power of improvisation as a skill for life and business, teaching us to make use of what’s there and to embrace the possibilities of the past, present, and future.
Follow Paul’s work;
https://impro.org.uk/
Buy The Solutions Focus
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/
https://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/

 

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https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/060-andrea-furst-on-change-and-uncertainty/
 
Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you. I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here - https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/ Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/ Links Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

 

In this episode I speak to Meike Bartels, a renowned researcher in wellbeing and happiness. Meike's research work uncovers the layers that contribute to our sense of fulfilment, exploring how genetics, environment, and personal habits intertwine to shape our happiness.
In our conversation, Meike highlights that wellbeing is an evolving state, influenced by positive surroundings and actions. We discuss the differences between eudemonic and hedonic wellbeing, the genetic basis of happiness, and the essential balance between work and life for maintaining our wellbeing.
Meike provides intriguing insights into the genetic factors that account for about 40% of the variation in happiness across populations, opening up discussions about personalised approaches to enhancing wellbeing. We also cover the 'exposome' concept, illustrating how a wide range of external factors from birth affects our growth and happiness.
A key focus of our discussion is the significance of acknowledging individual preferences in both life and work. Meike advocates for environments that cater to personal genetic makeup for better wellbeing and stresses the importance of adapting work settings to meet employees' unique needs.
We also explore the role of physical activity in mental health, discussing the benefits of finding enjoyable physical activities and the concepts of 'effort forcing' and achieving a flow state for optimal performance and satisfaction.
I really enjoyed the conversation. Meike is not surprisingly a sunny person, but at the same time straightforward in her advice about making active choices in our lives to enhance our happiness.
Follow Meike on:
X - https: //twitter.com/Meike_Bartels
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/meike-bartels/
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Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you. I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk... If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here - https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk... Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk... Links Twitter at   / ingham_steve     / supportingchampions   Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions   / supportingchampions  
 

In this episode, we're joined by Prof Stuart Biddle, a leading figure in the psychology of physical activity, based at the University of Southern Queensland.
Stuart's extensive work in exercise science and psychology provides groundbreaking insights into how exercise impacts our wellbeing.
Our discussion today spans Stuart's illustrious career, from his early days contributing to the foundational layers of exercise science to his current work, which includes a significant focus on the mental health benefits of physical activity. We delve into his latest collaborative research, which offers new insights into exercise as a potent intervention for depression, examining the effectiveness of various forms of physical activity and their impact on mental health.
As we get into the research and the implications, we inevitably go off on a few important tangents
What type of exercise is most effective for depressive states?
Is one type of exercise more beneficial for men vs women?
Is moderate or intense exercise more effective?
How do you coach people to start and sustain exercise?
And importantly how do you get children to eat more fruit and vegetables?
Stuart’s knowledge of this landscape is vast, but it is clear, conditional, nuanced and specific. It is little wonder he advises the World health organisation on physical activity policy. But also listen in as we take this digression from our more traditional focus on performance, this discussion is littered with advice about how we encourage, coach and make an impact on others.
The cherry on top of the cake is a just the best quote about physical activity ever from the one and only Per Olof Astrand!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10870815/
https://twitter.com/stuart_biddle
https://staffprofile.unisq.edu.au/Profile/Stuart-Biddle
https://www.routledge.com/Psychology-of-Physical-Activity-Determinants-Well-Being-and-Interventions/Biddle-Mutrie-Gorely-Faulkner/p/book/9781032172033

Joining me this week is Andrew Rogers, a Chartered Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist with over two decades of experience spanning elite sport, business, healthcare, prison services and more. As co-director of Changing Minds UK, Andrew brings a real wealth of knowledge on the psychological aspects of high performance, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
In our conversation, we focus on mental health for sports performers, exploring the unique challenges they face and how coaches and support staff can play a pivotal role in their wellbeing. 
Andrew is a guide for me as I attempt to ask pertinent questions, know that I don’t know enough in this area and that I am as liable to make a mis-step, due to a growing, evolving and increasingly conversant landscape of mental health. Andrew, fortunately is a leading expert and sheds light on how awareness, stigma, and literacy have changed over the years and what that mean for us all.
We discuss the specific mental health challenges encountered in the high-pressure environment of sports, how these challenges shift with escalating competition, and strategies for acclimatising to stress. 
Andrew also shares insights on supporting young athletes and navigating the fine line between encouraging perseverance and recognising when to pull back.
This episode is about understanding mental health in a sporting context, gaining literacy in this area, and reflecting on how we can all contribute to a healthier, more supportive environment for athletes. But whether you're a coach, a parent, or anyone interested in the intersection of psychology and performance, perhaps for your own performance, I’m sure this discussion with Andrew Rogers will be helpful as well as illuminating.
Links:
www.changingmindsuk.com
www.linkedin.com/in/changingmindsuk 

In this episode I speak to David Robson, an award-winning science journalist. David's insightful exploration into the realms of cognitive psychology and human behaviour, particularly in his books 'The Intelligence Trap' and 'The Expectation Effect,' offers a fresh perspective on how our minds work, especially in high-performance environments.
David's journey in science journalism has led him to uncover fascinating aspects of human intelligence and the surprising pitfalls that even the brightest minds can encounter. In this conversation we explore some of the many concepts that David surfaces in his books, such as 'dysrationalia,' a term that challenges our understanding of the expert mind, and explore the balance between evidence-based wisdom and the ever-present risk of misinformation.
We'll also discuss David's approach to identifying and navigating the minefield of lies and misinformation, a skill increasingly crucial in our information-saturated world. His insights on the dichotomy of genius types and the controversial topic of multiple intelligences are thought-provoking to say the least.
In 'The Expectation Effect,' David examines how our beliefs and expectations can shape our reality, a concept with profound implications in the world of sports and high performance. We'll discuss the nuances of this effect, including the power of the placebo, the importance of mindset, and the intriguing concept of eustress for longevity and performance.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-robson-5761791b/
Twitter: @d_a_robson Website: https://davidrobson.me/

Intelligence Trap Book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intelligence-Trap-Revolutionise-Thinking-Decisions/dp/1473669855

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intelligence-Trap-Revolutionise-Thinking-Decisions/dp/1473669855

Expectation Effect Book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Expectation-Effect-Your-Mindset-Transform/dp/1838853308
 
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Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you. I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems.
- Take a look at what I offer here -
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/ Listen to the podcast
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/
Links Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve
https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions
Supporting Champions on
Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs
Supporting Champions on Linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions
https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/
 

In this episode, we're exploring the themes of mindfulness, acceptance, and actionable confidence with authors Dr. Alison Maitland and Jenna Ashford, as they discuss their latest book, 'Drop the Struggle.' This thought-provoking work challenges readers to embrace discomfort, engage with the present, and focus on what truly matters. Alison and Jenna bring a wealth of experience to the table, and they start by sharing their backgrounds, providing context for the insights that follow. The book's central message encourages moving beyond the confines of positive thinking, advocating for a more nuanced approach to personal and professional challenges. The conversation delves into the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a framework that underpins the book's philosophy. Alison and Jenna address the natural human tendencies of nerves, comparison, and competition, reframing these as part of our survival mechanism. Key skills and perspectives from 'Drop the Struggle' are highlighted, including the concept that our thoughts are merely words and pictures, not dictates that we must follow. The authors also discuss the transformative power of acceptance and the importance of aligning actions with values, rather than solely seeking happiness or adherence to rules. What I really enjoyed about this discussion was the insights into changing habits, embracing setbacks, and the 'Do What Matters' matrix—a tool for identifying priorities and overcoming obstacles. I hope if you are struggling, wrangling and tussling with stresses and thoughts that are unhelpful that this discussion can help.
Links
Find Alison on Linkedin here:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmaitland001
Find Jenna on Linkedin here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-ashford-nee-woolven-b00b424a
Find Drop The Struggle here (Drop the Struggle can also be found in other bookstores)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drop-Struggle-Transformative-Achieving-Potential/dp/1914110269
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Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you. I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here -
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/
Listen to the podcast
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/
Links
Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve
https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions
Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs
Supporting Champions on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions
https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/