What if performing at your best isn't about doing more—but learning how to recover, regulate, and reconnect? In this episode, Jodi Salmond is joined by Andrew Boniface, founder of Altitude Initiative, for a powerful conversation about human performance, resilience, burnout, rest, and the internal skills that shape how we show up at work and in life. Drawing from Andrew's experience in aviation and human performance, they explore what happens when perfectionism, pressure, and constant productivity take over—and how rest, self-awareness, movement, nature, and play can help us return to a more sustainable way of performing and living. In this episode, you'll discover: Why sustainable performance starts with emotional regulation and self-leadership How a serious helicopter accident transformed Andrew's identity and approach to failure Why scrolling and watching TV aren't always the same as true mental rest How sleep, nature, movement, and nervous system regulation support recovery Why play can reduce perfectionism, build connection, and help us feel more alive How five minutes in nature can become your next “Play of the Week” If you're high-performing, constantly switched on, or struggling to slow down, this conversation offers a reminder that sustainable performance isn't about perfection—it's about learning how to look after the human behind the performance. Andrew Boniface is a father of twin daughters, a former rescue helicopter pilot, and the founder of Altitude Initiative. After more than 16 years working in high-performance aviation, Andrew saw firsthand that success means little if it comes at the expense of our health, relationships, and sense of joy. Today, he helps individuals, leaders, and teams move beyond burnout and constant hustle by combining the science of human performance with practical tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful connection. His work is grounded in aviation human factors, neuroscience, breathwork, and lived experience, but its heart is simple: helping people reconnect with themselves, the people they love, and what truly matters. As a passionate advocate for fathers and men's wellbeing, Andrew believes that leadership begins at home. Whether speaking on stage, facilitating workshops, or hosting conversations, his mission is to inspire people to rediscover balance and purpose... creating lives that are not only successful, but deeply fulfilling. Connect with Andrew Boniface & Altitude Initiative E: info@altitudeinitiative.com W: www.altitudeinitiative.com Human Performance Group (Mental Skills & Mind Performance Profile): https://humanperformancegroup.co/ Altitude Initiative (Work meets Home Training Framework) https://www.altitudeinitiative.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-boniface-5162a5aa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JqQV3XGMF/?mibextid=wwXIfr Connect with Jodi Salmond 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY ▶️ YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com
