University of Staffordshire's Performing Under Pressure Podcast

Recorded Live at the University of Staffordshire's conference

Join Dr Paul Mansell and Professor Matt Slater as they explain the thinking behind their new book "Performing Under Pressure: Conversations With Those That Know". The book, which took two years to write, features key learnings from the first 80 episodes that were recorded, and provides a wealth of ideas that individuals, practitioners, and teams can try to maximise their performance in situations that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you make the transition from being a professional footballer to being the CEO of an EFL club? Joe Jacobson had an extensive playing career including making over 300 appearances for Wycombe Wanderers. Since he retired in 2024, he has moved into the boardroom, becoming CEO of Reading Football Club. In this episode, we explore how to build togetherness within a football club, and how to negotiate effectively when it comes to transfers. Joe also thinks back to his career and we discuss the psychology behind taking penalties and the importance of self-belief, with Joe reflecting on his sources of self-belief. We also discuss how players might achieve longevity in their career through "everyday everythings". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Foster is GB Masters athlete having and possess an extensive experience in basketball. Steve is also a leading strength and conditioning coach with a passion for helping high-achieving professionals unlock their peak potential. With 10 years of experience, Steve has a proven track record of delivering bespoke training programmes that enhance performance, improve longevity, and prevent injury. In this episode, Steve explains how he gets into the right frame of mind before an international basketball fixture. We discuss how he manages and supports "everyday athletes", and how treating each client on an individual basis allows the platform for progress to be made. Steve also offers some interesting personal reflections on how his career has evolved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Andrew Wilkinson is Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology who specialises in the biopsychosocial responses to stress. He has worked at the University of Staffordshire for several years having completed his PhD at Loughborough University in 2022. In this episode, Dr Karla Drew and Dr Katie Sparks ask Andrew to reflect on how he became interested in this topic. There is a specific focus on the theory of challenge and threat, and Andrew also discusses his work on stress in firefighters. The trio also reflect on the role of psychology in aiding students' performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices