The New Peak

nicolamccrabbe
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The New Peak Podcast What if achieving exceptional results didn’t require sacrificing your wellbeing—or that of your best people? The New Peak explores what it really takes to perform under pressure without burning out. Through honest conversations with high performers, athletes, researchers and leaders, we uncover the personal stories behind sustained performance—and what individuals and leaders can do to make it possible. I’m Nicola McCrabbe, a leadership coach and speaker who combines practical experience with evidence-based insights to help people and organizations navigate pressure, sustain performance and build resilience in demanding environments. The New Peak isn’t about endless hustle. It’s about achieving excellence with greater clarity, energy and long-term impact. Follow the show and discover a more sustainable way to reach your New Peak.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    She Said No to Another Qualification—After 16 Years

    Bethany Rodgers is Director of People at Sheffield Students’ Union and the first woman in her family to attend university. Her love of learning helped her build a meaningful career—but also led to 16 years of continual professional qualifications. When she was invited to commit to another, Bethany decided she wanted something different: time with the people she loves and the freedom to walk her dog without feeling guilty about an assignment. She and Nicola explore ambition, credibility and the trade-offs hidden behind apparent success. Listen for an honest conversation about choosing sustainable performance without rejecting hard work, ambition or growth.

  2. Jul 24

    Everyone Thought She Was Fine. She Wasn’t.

    Everyone thought Kimberly Lyall was fine. She was leading, rebuilding, and showing up — but behind the scenes, she was carrying an enormous amount of pressure. In this episode, Kimberly shares her experience becoming a CEO at 26, navigating a devastating organizational crisis, and learning what it takes to lead through uncertainty without losing yourself. A powerful conversation about leadership, responsibility, discomfort, and sustaining performance under pressure.

    Everyone Thought She Was Fine. She Wasn’t.

  3. Jun 26

    High Performers Hide It Well Until They Can't

    In this episode, Robin shares what she actually sees in high performers under pressure: the physical signals that appear long before performance drops, the bio mechanical reality of dopamine spikes and rising cortisol, and why the body eventually stops waiting to be heard. We also get into the "whirling dervish" moment — Robin's image of pulling yourself out of the tornado and standing in the eye of the storm — and her three buckets framework for sustainable performance across mind, body, and soul. A grounded, practical conversation for high performers who want to sustain their best without paying the price later. Ready to do something about it before the crash? Robin O'Grady is an international speaker, corporate culture specialist, athletic trainer, aerial arts performer, and member of the CAPS National Board — and she reads bodies for a living → nicolamccrabbe.com/coaching

    High Performers Hide It Well Until They Can't

  4. May 21

    The Perfectionism Trap and How to Get Out

    If you’re a high achiever or leader who looks successful on the outside but feels exhausted on the inside, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The New Peak Podcast, Nicola McCrabbe shares her personal journey with perfectionism, burnout, and the pressure to constantly prove herself. From growing up on a farm in Ireland to becoming a professor and eventually experiencing burnout twice, Nicola explains how perfectionistic thinking can quietly drain your energy, relationships, confidence, and health — even while you continue to perform at a high level. This episode explores the hidden connection between perfectionism and burnout, why high performers often normalize stress, and how sustainable leadership requires a different approach. If you struggle to switch off, constantly question whether you’re doing enough, or find it hard to enjoy success before chasing the next goal, this conversation will resonate deeply.

  5. Apr 30

    What 6 Olympic Medals Taught Cindy Klassen About Pressure and Joy

    Six-time Olympic medalist Cindy Klassen joins Nicola McCrabbe to discuss the realities of performing under pressure, overcoming setbacks, and sustaining success over time. From getting cut from hockey teams to recovering from a career-threatening injury, Cindy shares the mindset shifts that helped her stay resilient and grounded. This conversation explores leadership, joy, perspective, and what it really takes to perform at a high level without burning out. A powerful episode for leaders, athletes, and high-performers alike.

    What 6 Olympic Medals Taught Cindy Klassen About Pressure and Joy

  6. Apr 2

    The "Fluff-Free" Framework for Leading People Without Burning Out

    What actually supports employees under pressure? In this episode, Naomi shares insights from her research into employee well-being, revealing that emotional intelligence and communication—not perks—are what truly matter. We explore how leaders can build trust, support their teams, and sustain performance without burnout. A must-listen for leaders navigating high-pressure environments.

    The "Fluff-Free" Framework for Leading People Without Burning Out

  7. Mar 19

    Leading Under Pressure: What leaders Miss!

    Leaders today face constant pressure to perform while navigating rapid change. But how do you sustain high performance without burning out yourself or your team? In this episode of the New Peak Podcast, Nicola speaks with VP of Engineering, Jason Sanchez about leading through acquisitions, spotting early signs of burnout in high performers, and creating environments where individuals can thrive. They explore the importance of trust, intrinsic motivation, and helping people find the work that truly “fills their cup.”

    Leading Under Pressure: What leaders Miss!

  8. Feb 24

    If the Laundry’s Overflowing, You Might Be Too

    What happens when you take on everything — and never say no? In this episode of The New Peak Podcast, I’m joined by Natasha Rogers, who shares how carrying too much responsibility gradually led her into burnout. It wasn’t one dramatic collapse. It was subtle. A growing impatience. Feeling stretched thin. Ignoring the quiet warning signs. Until the “dirty laundry” became the breaking point. That overflowing pile wasn’t really about laundry — it was the signal that something deeper needed attention. Together, we explore: • The pressure of always being the responsible one • Why high achievers struggle to say no • The emotional and physical signs of burnout • The moment she realised something had to change • How a trip home created space to reset • Learning to be kinder to yourself • Becoming more intentional about balance and boundaries If you’ve been carrying too much, feeling less like yourself, or noticing the small signs you keep brushing aside — this conversation will resonate. Burnout doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it looks like laundry you don’t have the energy to fold. 🎧 Listen and reflect: What might your “overflowing laundry” be telling you? 🎧 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The New Peak Podcast 00:42 – Life Before Burnout: Living Where You Work 02:23 – Sudden Work Overload & Three Roles at Once 03:19 – Personal Chaos & Family Crisis 04:23 – Early Warning Signs: “I Thought I Was Coping” 05:28 – The Breaking Point: Tears in the Interview 07:18 – Booking a Flight & The Dirty Laundry Moment 10:04 – Recovery Begins: Taking a Real Break 12:06 – Redefining Success & Choosing Joy 14:04 – Advice to Others: Trust Yourself & Speak Up 15:46 – Proud Quitting, Boundaries & Balance 19:16 – Final Reflections: Reflecting on What Truly Matters 📌 Connect & Resources Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rogers/ Take the Burnout Quiz: https://nicolamccrabbe.com/test/burnout-quiz/ Learn more about coaching with Nicola: https://nicolamccrabbe.com/coaching Read Nicola's book - Burnout Be Gone: https://tinyurl.com/4u8jas5u/ Subscribe to The New Peak Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform.

    If the Laundry’s Overflowing, You Might Be Too

  9. Feb 7

    Stepping Into Olympic Pressure for the 1st Time

    Hi everyone — welcome to the first episode of The New Peak Podcast! I’m Nicola McCrabbe, and my mission is to help leaders, high-performers, and anyone who wants to sustain pressure under pressure without burning out. In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca Ribi, a bobsleigh athlete preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Recorded just before she hit the track, Bianca shares her incredible journey — from playing soccer, to firefighting, to Olympic bobsleigh — and how she stays resilient, motivated, and focused under enormous pressure. Together, we explore: What it really takes to pivot into a completely new sport Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and setbacks How to maintain focus, motivation, and trust with your team Routines and strategies for peak performance without burning out Whether you’re a high-performer, a leader, or just someone who wants to show up fully in life, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, preparation, and mental strength. 🎧 **Episode Timestamps**   0:45 – First Olympics: how it feels right now   1:30 – From soccer & firefighting to bobsleigh   3:00 – Discovering bobsleigh and stepping into elite sport   6:00 – Performing under pressure (firefighting mindset)   7:35 – The hardest part of transitioning sports   9:28 – Self-doubt, fear, and setbacks   10:45 – Learning how to work with fear   11:55 – Staying motivated when progress is slow   13:30 – When the Olympic dream felt out of reach   16:15 – Pushing hard without burning out   17:58 – Preparing with less than a month to go   20:22 – Trust, teamwork, and teammates   21:33 – Standing at the start line: emotions   23:23 – What this journey reveals about resilience   25:58 – Crossing the finish line   📌 Connect & Subscribe Subscribe to The New Peak Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app Follow me for tips on resilience, leadership, and thriving under pressure: [Nicolamccrabbe.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamccrabbe/] Share this episode with a friend who wants to show up fully and sustainably in life

    Stepping Into Olympic Pressure for the 1st Time
  • 9 Episodes

About

The New Peak Podcast What if achieving exceptional results didn’t require sacrificing your wellbeing—or that of your best people? The New Peak explores what it really takes to perform under pressure without burning out. Through honest conversations with high performers, athletes, researchers and leaders, we uncover the personal stories behind sustained performance—and what individuals and leaders can do to make it possible. I’m Nicola McCrabbe, a leadership coach and speaker who combines practical experience with evidence-based insights to help people and organizations navigate pressure, sustain performance and build resilience in demanding environments. The New Peak isn’t about endless hustle. It’s about achieving excellence with greater clarity, energy and long-term impact. Follow the show and discover a more sustainable way to reach your New Peak.

Information

  • Creator
    nicolamccrabbe
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The New Peak