High Performance Mindset | Learn From World-class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches About Mindset

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Jill Schulman—Bravery Expert, United States Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and author of The Bravery Effect—to explore why bravery isn't a personality trait, but a skill anyone can build. Jill shares the pivotal experiences that led her to study the science of fear and courage, and why so many high performers unknowingly hold themselves back by playing it safe. Drawing from positive psychology, neuroscience, and her military background, Jill explains why bravery is not the absence of fear—but the decision to act alongside it. Throughout the conversation, Jill breaks down the hidden cost of avoiding hard conversations, the myths that keep leaders stuck, and why small, repeated acts of bravery compound over time to shape identity, performance, and fulfillment. She also introduces the three core dimensions of bravery—thinking bravely, acting bravely, and connecting bravely—and explains how these skills fuel leadership, co

Confidence isn't something you set and forget. It shifts depending on the situation you're in. You can feel powerful in one moment… and shaky in a tough conversation hours later.   In this episode, we unpack findings from our national Confidence Study, including: 70% of working Americans believe they'd earn more if they improved their confidence 75% say confidence propels you further than sheer intelligence Nearly 70% dwell on past mistakes and battle a harsh inner critic You'll learn a simple reset tool called the Truth Meter™ to stabilize your confidence in real time. Confidence isn't about never doubting yourself.   It's about knowing how to respond when doubt shows up.   Power Phrase: "Confidence isn't a soft skill,  it's a performance multiplier."    Tune in to strengthen your confidence when it matters most!   To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Johnny Quinn—U.S. Olympian, former professional football player, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of PUSH: Breaking Through the Barriers—to explore what it really takes to move forward when life doesn't go as planned. Johnny shares his remarkable journey of being cut from the NFL multiple times, losing millions in contracts, suffering a career-altering knee injury, and ultimately redefining his identity beyond the game. Rather than letting setbacks define him, Johnny explains how one powerful question—"What's next?"—became the catalyst that led him to represent Team USA in bobsled at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Throughout the conversation, Johnny breaks down the invisible barriers that hold high performers back, the difference between a setback and a setup, and how daily mindset choices shape our response to change, loss, and uncertainty. He also connects lessons from elite sport to leadership and organizational culture,

"Confidence isn't a soft skill—it's a performance multiplier."   Our National Confidence Study revealed a quiet crisis at work: • Nearly 70% of employees battle a harsh inner critic • 62% feel like they're not enough • 63% constantly compare themselves to others   When confidence drops, people second-guess, hold back ideas, avoid responsibility—and 1 in 3 has quit a job because it hurt their confidence.   That's not personal. That's organizational.   Low confidence slows performance, stalls innovation, and quietly drives turnover.   On this episode of The High Performance Mindset, we break down what leaders can do—starting now.   Because confidence doesn't happen by accident. It's built on purpose.   To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's spe

What if confidence, not pay, was the reason people stay at work?   In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff shares insights from the National Research Study on Confidence, revealing the 8 leadership behaviors that build belief, engagement, and performance.   One eye-opening stat: 63% of employees would take a lower-paying job to work for a leader who builds their confidence.   If you lead people, they need you to listen to this episode!   To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos  

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff interviews Meg Myers Morgan, negotiation expert, executive coach, and author of Everything Is Negotiable, to explore why self-worth is the foundation of confidence, leadership, negotiation, and peak performance. Meg explains how our belief about what we're worth shapes what we ask for, what opportunities we pursue, and how we show up under pressure—long before we ever walk into a negotiation, performance moment, or leadership conversation. You'll learn why negotiation isn't about winning or convincing, but collaboration, clarity, and context—and how many people try to solve emotional needs (like feeling valued) with logistical asks (like money or titles). Meg also introduces her Three C's of self-worth—clarity, confidence, and navigating conflict—and explains why slowing down, regulating emotions, and deeply knowing yourself are essential skills for sustainable high performance. This episode will help you advocate for yourself more confident

Confidence at work rarely disappears overnight. It erodes slowly through everyday leadership behaviors. In this episode, Cindra shares findings from her National Research Study on Confidence and introduces the 8 Confidence Killers. These are common leadership behaviors that quietly undermine employee confidence, motivation, and trust. You will learn what employees say damages confidence most, why these behaviors are often unintentional, and why confidence is directly tied to performance, engagement, retention, and revenue. You will also hear one statistic that changes how leaders think about confidence at work and a simple action you can take today to become a more intentional confidence builder. Because every interaction either builds confidence or breaks it. Quote of the Week: "Confidence isn't lost in one big moment—it's eroded by small leadership behaviors repeated over time." Power Phrase of the Week: "Every interaction either builds confidence—or breaks it."   To download our full study report, visit: c

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Will Bowen—founder of the global Complaint Free® movement—to explore how habitual complaining quietly erodes confidence, performance, leadership, and culture. Will shares the origin story behind the now-iconic purple bracelet and how a simple 21-day challenge became a worldwide movement impacting millions. Together, they unpack why complaining feels so automatic—even for high performers—and how awareness is the first step toward real behavior change. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of complaining, including Will's five types of complaints and his powerful GRIPE framework, revealing the hidden motives behind why people complain and the true cost it creates for teams and organizations. Will also explains the critical difference between constructive problem-solving and unproductive complaining—and how leaders can model accountability without suppressing honest feedback. This episode is a masterclass in personal ow

Quote to start with: "Confidence isn't something kids are born with—it's something they build."   Gen Z is at the center of a growing confidence crisis. In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff breaks down new findings from the 2025 National Research Study on Confidence and shares what actually helps kids and young adults build real confidence.   What you will learn today from this episode: Why nearly half of Gen Z regularly feels "not enough" How social media fuels comparison and self-doubt Why confidence is a skill—and how to train it The 8 science-backed habits elite performers use to build belief Big takeaway: Confidence doesn't come with age—it comes from habits.   Power Phrase: "I build confidence one habit at a time—through effort, support, and belief."   To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Olympic gold medalist Connor Fields to unpack the mental journey behind elite performance, resilience, and reinvention. Connor shares how he learned competing at a young age, and how his mindset evolved across three Olympic cycles—from disappointment in 2012 to standing on top of the podium in Rio in 2016. He opens up about the mental tools he relied on under extreme pressure, how he learned to reframe failure, and the self-awareness required to perform at your best when the stakes are highest. The conversation also dives into Connor's recovery and growth following his devastating crash at the 2021 Olympics, including how he uses his "Now What?" framework to turn setbacks into momentum—both in sport and in life. Now a speaker and coach, Connor shares practical insights for leaders, athletes, and high performers on building resilience, managing pressure, and training the mind even when physical preparation is already elite. You

In this episode, we explore a counterintuitive finding from the 2025 National Confidence Study: the pressure to constantly improve may be eroding confidence rather than building it. We unpack the data behind comparison, confidence fatigue, and the growing belief of "not enough," including why this mindset is especially heavy at the start of a new year. You'll hear how performance psychology explains the link between pressure and insecurity, why mastery builds confidence more effectively than endless goals, and how the Learn–Burn–Return™ framework helps you move forward without abandoning who you already are. We close with a grounded reflection question and a confidence-building power phrase to help you start the year with clarity, not comparison. Power Phrase: "I build confidence by honoring who I am and not by chasing who I think I should be." Quote of the Week: "Rest is not falling behind. Reflection is not stagnation. Trusting your current path is not complacency." - Cindra Kamphoff   To view the Oprah Dai

What if confidence, not talent, was the real driver of performance?   In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, we reveal why confidence is a business strategy, not a soft skill. Our national research shows 81% of workers are drawn to organizations that prioritize confidence and when confidence is low, productivity, culture, and retention suffer.   If you are a leader, this matters.  

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm talking with someone who is truly changing the way we think about work and wellbeing. Jen Fisher is a global leader in this space — and honestly, she's just one of those people who makes you feel seen and grounded the moment she starts talking. Jen was Deloitte's first-ever Chief Well-Being Officer, which basically means she helped a massive organization rethink what it really means to support people. Her passion comes from her own journey through burnout and cancer, and she's used those experiences to build a career focused on helping leaders create work cultures where people can actually flourish, not just survive. She's the bestselling author of Work Better Together, the host of The WorkWell Podcast, a TEDx speaker, and the founder of The Wellbeing Team. But what I love most is her belief that hope isn't just a feeling… it's a strategy. And she helps leaders put that strategy into action. In this conversation, Jen and I dive into burnout, the future of work, wellb

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important findings from the 2025 National Confidence Study: the unique confidence barriers women face at work. We break down the data on harsh self-talk, comparison, and feeling "not enough," and explore how these challenges are shaped by both internal patterns and cultural pressures. You'll hear why these confidence gaps matter, what leaders must understand, and the intentional steps women can take to quiet the inner critic and reclaim their strength. We end with one powerful reflection question and a confidence boosting power phrase you can use starting today. Quote of the Week: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.com

Our 2025 Confidence Study reveals a striking truth: Gen Z is struggling most with confidence. Nearly half feel "not enough," and many battle constant comparison and a harsh inner critic.   In this episode, Cindra and Lisa unpack why this is happening, how it shows up at work and in life, and the simple things leaders, parents, and coaches can do to build Gen Z's confidence every day.   Power Phrase: "I choose confidence, not because it's easy — but because it's who I'm becoming." To download the Confidence Report, visit: www.confidencestudy.com To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm joined by someone who has dedicated his life to helping people break through limitations and step boldly into the impact they were meant to make. Markus Kaulius, an entrepreneur and bestselling author of Play a Bigger Game, is a force of nature when it comes to transformation. Markus built multiple businesses from the ground up, but what makes him remarkable isn't just his success, it's his mission. After experiencing deep personal loss and burnout, he rebuilt his identity from the inside out. Now he teaches leaders, athletes, and high performers how to rewrite their stories, live with courage, and take aligned action toward the life they truly want. His work is rooted in seven powerful principles that help people stop playing small and step into a life of purpose and possibility. Markus brings a rare blend of authenticity, intensity, and heart — and in this conversation, you're going to hear exactly why his message is resonating with audiences worldwide. HIGH PERFOR

In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa talk about the timeless truth of high performance: You don't build confidence by eliminating fear. You build confidence by moving with it. Inspired by Dr. Susan Jeffers' classic book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987), this conversation explores why fear shows up, how it impacts performance, and how the world's best learn to step toward what scares them instead of stepping back.     What We Talk About in This Episode 1. Why Fear Is Universal — and Why This Topic Matters Fear is the #1 barrier to our potential. And as Dr. Susan Jeffers taught decades ago, fear never fully goes away. Instead, confidence grows when we act in spite of it. Courage isn't about being fearless—it's about moving forward with fear in hand.   2. A Story About Fear on the Court Cindra shares the story of a college volleyball player moments before a championship match—shaking hands, tight stomach, racing thoughts. She feared missing a serve. She feared letting her team down. And she walked onto the

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm joined by someone who has spent his entire life helping people work with their natural strengths instead of fighting against them. David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, has literally grown up inside the Kolbe Concept — a system that helps leaders, teams, and organizations unlock instinctive strengths and achieve sustainable productivity. David is an author, strategist, and the visionary behind many of Kolbe Corp's most transformative tools, including the original algorithm for the Kolbe A Index. Over the years, he has helped thousands of professionals redesign the way they hire, collaborate, and lead by tapping into the way people naturally take action. His background is rare: part attorney, part economist, part innovation architect. You're about to learn why working with your natural instincts can change everything — your productivity, your energy, and your results. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation. Alright…let's jump into my interview with David Kolbe. You

If you've ever ended a day exhausted but unclear on what you actually accomplished, this episode is for you. Overwhelm and busyness have become the new norm. Many of us confuse being busy with being productive—which leaves us drained, and doubting ourselves.   In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa explore the mental game of prioritization and how high performers stay focused on what truly matters. You'll learn why prioritization is so hard, how clarity and completion fuel confidence, and what mindset shift is necessary to create real work–life harmony.   We also share two practical tools you can start today:   ⭐ The One Thing Question Ask yourself: "What is the one thing that, if I did it today, would make the biggest impact?" This question cuts through noise, strengthens self-trust, and builds confidence.  

In today's episode, Dr. Cindra is joined by Dr. Karen MacNeill — former Team Canada athlete and world-renowned mental performance consultant who has supported Olympians, executives, and high-pressure teams across multiple Olympic Games. Karen shares what competing taught her that no textbook ever could, and takes us inside the "pressure ecosystem" of the Olympic Games — revealing what athletes, coaches, and staff need most when the lights are brightest. She and Cindra discuss practical, in-the-moment resets to stay grounded under pressure, the most common thinking traps before big moments, and the habits that transfer from sport to business… plus the ones that don't. You'll walk away with simple and powerful strategies to settle your mind, disrupt unhelpful thinking, and perform with intention when it counts — whether you're on the field, in the arena, or in the boardroom. If you want more confidence, resilience, and clarity under pressure — this episode is a must-listen. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES F