How did you get into sport? : Recent Episodes

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Alicia is one of Australia's leading sports dietitians, with nearly two decades of experience working at the highest levels of elite sport. Her career has spanned the Australian sporting landscape, supporting athletes across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic programs through the Australian Institute of Sport, while also consulting for organisations including the NSW Waratahs, FIFA, and Football Australia. For more than seven years, Alicia has played a key role within Football Australia, most notably as Lead Performance Dietitian for the Matildas during their historic 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. In this conversation, we explore the realities of nutrition in elite sport, from fuelling performance and recovery to navigating the challenges of implementing evidence-based nutrition in complex high-performance environments. Alicia shares why behavioural science can often be just as important as nutritional science when it comes to creating meaningful and lasting change in athletes. This is also a conversation about balance, resilience, and leadership. Alicia reflects on building a career at the highest level of international sport while navigating the demands of motherhood, family life, and running her own business.

Highlights from the episode…

• Alicia shares her desire to go into sports nutrition during an era where the space was very new and there were not an abundance of roles in the industry.
• We discuss the turnover of dieticians in the industry and the challenge for some dieticians to even get full time work after graduating.
• After two previous attempts to secure a role at the AIS, she was successful on her third attempt and talks about the gaps she had to fill that eventually led to her securing a role.
• Her time at the AIS and how services were structured, funded and allocated to specific athletes in sports.
• The chase for lean muscle mass in athletes. Does body composition actually correlate with performance? and what Alicia does with the women’s national team.
• An athletes “relationship with food” and how this has more of an impact on decisions around nutritional choices than most other factors.
• The decision of stepping away from sport to start a family and the accompanying doubt of whether she will ever get back into the world high performance sport.
• When it comes to nutrition and high performance sport. What matters most “nutrition science” or “behavioural science”?
• Alicia provides an unprecedented insight into what's involved when providing nutritional support for the Matildas before and during major tournaments.
• “Covert Monitoring”…What monitoring tools Alicia uses to evaluate adequate dietary intake for performance and minimising negative connotations associated with nutritional monitoring.
• Managing the tension of being away from family all while doing the best job you can do in the role…how do you do that?
• Compeat performance what it’s all about and how it is changing the way dietician support is delivered affordably and at scale.

People mentioned:

• Louise Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-burke-61923411/
• Matt Whalan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whalan-5b59a939/
• Carmen Colomer: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mn5jKSrO7mgzfrW9rEURC

Alicia Edge contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-edge/
• Compeat Performance: https://www.compeatperformance.com/about-us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_j_edge/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Hamish is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of rugby across the globe. Over the course of his career, he has held Head Physiotherapist roles with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby), the Australian National Rugby Team (Wallabies) and currently serves as Lead Physiotherapist for the world number three-ranked Ireland Men’s Rugby Team. Beyond rugby, Hamish also spent three years in the AFL as Head Physiotherapist for the Geelong Football Club. In this conversation, we explore the differences and similarities between club and international rugby, including how injuries are managed, the systems used to collaborate with coaches, medical staff, and performance teams, and the logistical demands that come with operating in both environments. From humble beginnings working in a private clinic in country Australia, his first opportunity in professional sport came through a referral from a local farmer in his community, a moment that would ultimately launch a career spanning countries, sports, and working with the elite of world sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• On the back of the 6 Nations, Hamish provides an insight into the prestige of the competition and Ireland winning the “Tripple Crown”.
• Why Hamish chose to go down the pathway of sports physio after initially commencing a Bachelor of Education.
• How Hamish got his introduction in pro sport with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby) through the help of a local farmer.
• We discuss Hamish’s opportunities in sport and the unspoken factors that lead to securing roles beyond just focusing on building your technical competency.
• The unique structure of Rugby Australia had in place for club physiotherapist and national team physiotherapist to improve collaboration and continuity of systems, clinical practice and athlete care.
• The differences in working as a club physiotherapist and a national team physiotherapist regarding schedules, roles, responsibilities, challenges, etc.
• The challenges of managing players who may have conflicting demands between club and national team.
• Hamish shares the incredible systems that exist in Irish Rugby that have improved collaboration and collective decision making between club and country.
• Why he was let go from the Wallabies and how it felt the following 2.5 year not working directly in sport.
• How Hamish secured a role in a new sport with one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, Geelong Cats.
• The scale, resources and staff set up in the AFL in comparison to international Rugby.
• With the long hours, travel, pressure and relentless push to be better day in day out, over many years…Did you ever experience burnout?
• How Hamish was able to secure a one of the most prestigious roles in international Rugby and his move from Australia to Europe to join Ireland Rugby.

People mentioned:

• Byron Field: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4z8bihACHtSMwpC844wCkQ
• Tim McGrath: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73xkOCQlyT1RJ0u9s3ybdE
• Mark Young: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17aAXmr5EdiTtxfqs1D1Zn

Hamish McCauley contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-macauley-13944365/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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David is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Nxt Level Group, a company specialising in identifying and placing top talent across some of the world’s biggest sporting organisations, including the English Premier League, NFL, NBA, NWSL, and La Liga, to name a few. What makes David’s journey particularly unique is that he hasn’t just operated in recruitment he’s lived the world of high performance. With over 15 years’ experience as a sports physiotherapist working with elite teams and athletes, he brings a rare perspective to the industry. His experience extends even further, from working as a rehabilitation specialist with Isokinetic Medical Group, to co-founding multiple businesses, authoring a book, and hosting a podcast where he interviews high performers across sport, business, the arts, and the military. In this conversation, David shares practical insights on securing a role in high-performance sport, while also opening up about his own journey filled with extreme highs, setbacks, and the ongoing challenge of balancing family, purpose, and fulfilment. It’s this combination of lived experience and honest reflection that positions David to offer valuable insight into not just getting a role in sport, but also thriving within it.

Highlights from the episode…

• After an eclectic childhood and an initial interest in journalism, how David eventually fell into physiotherapy and built a career across some of the biggest organisations and teams in the world.
• Where did David get this courage to feel confident in the various roles and fields he's succeeded in?
• How David avoided being “institutionalised” and his ability to pivot away from a 15 year + career in sports physiotherapy and still thrive beyond his skill set as a physio.
• His initial transition out of “conventional employment” to “entrepreneurship” was met with never-ending challenges and what David did to help him persevere through those tough times.
• The common tension of building a career filled with personal fulfilment and purpose; and also doing what’s best for your family.
• What do you want out of your career? A questions that often most don't ask and why it's important.
• David is directly involved in the recruitment of top talent for some the most well respected sports organisation. He shares what separates the people who go on to secure roles to those who don’t.
• The specific questions practitioners should ask when applying for roles in sport.
• Once in the role, what David advises candidates and organisations to focus on in the first 30-90 days to maximise a successful transition.
• What David advises sporting organisations to do to attract top talent to their teams.
• Having achieved a lot across various domains what has been the cost of your ambition?

People mentioned:

• Cameron Steel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-steele-1a719926/
• James Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-4627503b/
• Martin Seligman: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/

David Clancy contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmdclancy/
• Nxt Level website: https://thenxtlevelgroup.com
• David Clancy website: https://davidclancy.com

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Michael Davie is a Strength & Conditioning coach who has operated at the highest level of professional basketball, across both the college system and the NBA. He’s one of the few to have reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. His experience extends well beyond basketball and has worked across multiple Olympic sports at the Queensland Academy of Sport, including rowing, sailing, diving, triathlon, and soccer, and was part of the Australian Swim Team staff at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This diverse background has shaped his deep understanding of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), which he applied in his work with 2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. In this conversation, Michael shares insights into athlete development, his unconventional journey into professional sport, and how belief, persistence, and consistency helped him achieve his dream role.

Highlights from the episode…

• Having entered the industry later than most, bouncing around various jobs why Michael eventually chose to do S&C?
• After several years juggle part time S&C roles, family of 5 kids and working as a youth worker Michael was hit with a decision…take a $20,000/year role with the QAS or lean into a fulltime manager role youth working.
• The QAS. Michael provides a day to day outline of what his job entailed, the calibre of practitioners he worked alongside, the array of sports and diversity in elite level athletes.
• The relationship between “LTAD” and “vocabulary” and how the methodology of vocabulary can assist in coaching effective LTAD.
• We discuss the challenge of balancing “Long Term Athletic Development” and winning and how athlete development can often come at the cost of wining and Vice Versa…So how do we achieve both?
• How universities attract top talent to their programs and the business of collegiate sport.
• After close to 8 years at the QAS and no pro basketball experience how Michael received a chance phone call asking him if he wanted to join the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.
• Michael talks about what many don’t consider when transitioning into a new role outside of your own country including family considerations, VISAs, contracts, housing, schools, etc.
• Working in the NBA. Michael shares what his role entailed and the gruelling schedule that many aren’t aware of when working in the NBA.
• With 82 game season Michael discusses how the team managed load, periodised strength training and maximised recovery between games.
• When monitoring players Michael has moved away from the traditional wellness questionnaires and what he currently uses at BYU to monitor overall player wellbeing.

People mentioned:

• Kelvin Giles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2g1eUNqD0zQXRsKWno93Ce
• Suki Hobson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-hobson-588ba276/
• Troy Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-troy-flanagan-137a1b3/

Michael Davie contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldavie/
• BYU Website: https://byucougars.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/season/2025-2026/staff/michael-davie
• X: https://x.com/MichaelDDavie

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Wayne is a highly regarded sports physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of multiple sports and organisations across the globe for 40 years. He has worked in Olympic sports, with the South African National Rugby Team the Springboks, in the EPL with Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspurs, in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs to only name a few. Few practitioners can match the breadth and depth of his experience, having led medical departments across multiple sports, countries, and high-performance environments. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone established or is building a career in sport, as Wayne blends practical clinical insights with hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to thrive in elite performance settings.

Highlights from the episode…

• Wayne started physiotherapy during a period where there weren't an abundance of pro sport or high paying roles. So why did Wayne choose this career path?
• Working with the South African national soccer team (Bafana Bafana) and the national rugby team (Springboks).
• After a successful career in South Africa, why Wayne decided to sell everything and move the entire family to the UK to take a role with Gloucester Rugby.
• What he learnt from a “Witch Doctor” while working in South Africa. How player “Belief” can have the biggest impact on the success of an athlete’s rehab.
• The growing trend of athletes curating their own personal high performance support teams and how Wayne effectively collaborates with them from a clubs perspective.
• With endless wide spread scrutiny on performance, athlete health, injury rates etc. How do you deal with the added stress of media and opinion.
• When evaluating risk in RTP decision making who is “Responsible” for the decisions and who is “Accountable” to the decision?
• How do you work in a high performance sport where you are pushing the envelope but by doing so could be at risk of negative consequence and worse being sued?
• How Wayne found himself leaving the EPL moving to the USA and working in an unfamiliar sport of NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
• The unbelievable level of athletic potential he experienced and observed while working in the NFL.
• NFL is commonly referred to “Not For Long” due to the length of time players stay in the game. When navigating a transient player roster how do you develop trust?
• Having worked across different sports, organisations and countries. What do you do in the first 90 days to ensure the transition is a success?
• Working in the NBA with one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history Gregg Popovich.
• Wayne’s current mission to establish an open source platform for performance data that anyone working in high performance sport can access.

People mentioned:

• Timothy Noakes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-noakes-294b048/
• Alan Curbishley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Curbishley
• Michael Davidson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-davison-0568a720/

Wayne Diesel contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-diesel-3012122a/
• Opensport Website: https://www.opensport.io

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Nick is one of the leading high-performance managers in Australian sport, having spent close to a decade leading performance programs in the AFL with the GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows. Before his time in the AFL, Nick’s career took him around the globe, from professional rugby in Japan with Toyota Rugby, to a senior S&C role with the Aspire Academy in Qatar, and leading athletic performance for Rugby Australia’s men’s 7s program. But what makes Nick’s story truly compelling is the journey behind the success. After being diagnosed with Leukaemia early in his career, Nick spent more than a decade battling financial and professional uncertainty while trying to break into elite sport and at one point, walking away from it all and becoming a firefighter. Today, he draws from both his professional and personal experiences consulting and assisting leaders build high performing teams from locker rooms and boardrooms alike.

Highlights from the episode…

• Nick decided to move to Sydney to pursue his burning desire to work in pro sport to eventually end up becoming a personal trainer and selling Foxtel cable television.
• Nick speaks of a tough period of his career where opportunities in pro sport were scarce, had a newly born daughter, was diagnosed with Leukaemia, financial challenges, which all led to him becoming a firefighter.
• After over a decade of pursuing a full time role in pro sport, Nick finally secure his first full time role sport in…Japan!
• Nick shares the realities of moving overseas, the challenges and advantages of settling both himself and his family into a new culture, environment and way of living.
• Challenges of having balancing a personal and pursuing a career in sport.
• Making the move to the middle east to the world renowned Aspire Academy. We chat about what is Aspire, his role and some of the leaders in sports science and S&C he was surrounded by.
• How Nick secured a role in a sport he has never worked in before and his transition into the next chapter of his career in the biggest sport in Australia AFL.
• Having been through a very challenging time with the Adeliade Crows we discuss how does Nick deal with loss, high pressure, stress, never-ending demands on his time and still provide a high level program.
• We chat about the importance of data and also what data DOESN’T show you and why it's important to “Read the room”.
• One of the most important roles as a high performance manager is recruiting the right people. Nick shares what he looks for in people he hires, what mistakes he’s made and what he’s learnt.

People mentioned:

• Andy Friend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-friend-rugby/
• Dean Benton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vtkbUw2IWpdvKLOzI7wVQ
• Daniel Duvnjak-Zaknich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-duvnjak-zaknich-80a41231/
• Dan Howells: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wBAlzYR6InvdBZJ1lEPJB

Nick Poulos contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-poulos-phd/details/experience/
• Nick Poulos Website: https://www.nickpoulos.com.au/about
• X: https://x.com/PoulosNick

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Matt’s journey through professional football is anything but conventional. Released by Portsmouth in the UK at 17, he moved to Australia and traded his football boots for a suit, seemingly stepping away from the dream. But at 27, an age when many players are winding down, Matt reignited his career and signed as a professional, playing alongside Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler. He went on to play in three countries, captain and win championships under Ange Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar, and earn call-ups to the Australian national team. What makes his story even more compelling is that the same resilience, belief, and work ethic that defined his playing career now underpin his success in coaching, with experience across the top flights of Australia and Thailand, and currently serving as assistant coach of the Malaysian men’s national team.

Highlights from the episode…

• We start with an in depth discussion around the academy system in Australia and how it compares to the UK system.
• Matt vulnerably shares the moment he was let go at the final hurdle by Portsmouth after 6 years with the club and how that moment has affected the decisions he makes to this day.
• Matt shares how he took an unconventional route to professional football by exploring opportunities that allowed him to continue playing and progress gradually through the system.
• After moving to Australia and being rejected on 3 separate occasions by A-league clubs, Matt shares how eventually he secured a his first professional contract all while working full time as marketing manager for a finance company and staying fit in his lunch breaks.
• Joining the Brisbane Roar FC and what he learnt as a player and now a coach from his time working closely with Ange Postecoglou.
• How did Ange maintain conviction in his vision and message when things weren’t going well and what Matt learnt during that period that he uses in his coaching style.
• How Matt secured the head coach role with Asian powerhouse BG Pathum Utd. in the Thai Premier League and his experience working as a head coach in Asian football.
• Dealing with the uncertainty, stress and pressure of being a head coach and how Matt personally deals with this.
• How do you still deliver a compelling message when surrounded by constant uncertainty doubt and when there are no guarantees?
• Both as a player and a coach what are the fundamentals characteristic you have observed and now look for in great performance support staff?
• Matt discusses his current role as Assistant Coach with the Malaysian men's national team and what it’s like coaching at a national team level.

People mentioned:

• Stuart McLaren: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6BxDgkpbki2sUgGBVzdE
• Ange Postecoglou: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ange_Postecoglou
• Milo Micovic: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1svodLILdSKocJJjtA43Mc

Matt Smith contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-50012736/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsmith_2/?hl=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Darcy is the Director of High Performance with Chicago Fire FC (MLS) and has been operating at the highest level of soccer for nearly three decades. His career spans some of the biggest stages in the game, with roles at European giants Bayern Munich and AS Roma, as well as extensive experience in international soccer. Darcy spent six years with the US Men’s national team and was part of the German national team staff that made history winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Alongside his work in elite soccer, Darcy has also held performance leadership and consultancy roles with Exos and Kitman Labs. His depth of experience, perspective, and knowledge is second to none and in this conversation, Darcy reflects on a career defined by highs, lows, and a lifetime of lessons, both professional and personal, which all began on the rural slopes of Canada far from the packed stadiums and bright lights of the world game.

Highlights from the episode…

• What it was like being part of the beginnings of “Athlete's Performance” the organisation that went on to be commonly known today as the world renowned performance company, Exos.
• Working at Exos, the revolutionary ideas, structures, systems, personnel etc. that Darcy still leverages to this day in the high performance programs he’s involved in.
• How Darcy, admittingly "having no clue about soccer” secured a role with one of the biggest clubs in world soccer, Bayern Munich (Bundesliga).
• The "Power Formula" that Darcy has refined to facilitate performance in his players across all the environments his worked in.
• The "Trust Equation". How to get buy in from your athletes…and keep it!
• How Darcy was able to maintain professionalism and perform at the highest level in amongst the uncertainty and volatility that comes with abrupt coaching changes.
• When accepting roles abroad what considerations he makes to ensure that the move works both professionally and personally.
• Conflict resolution. Having difficult conversations in challenging times with staff, players, media etc.
• How Darcy got a better understanding of human performance by reviewing an unexpected source in the "Supply Change Council of America’s" website.
• “Linking your thinking”. Structuring his thoughts and tools he uses to develop the frameworks and models that he implements around RTS, performance enhancement, injury prevention, management etc.
• Being a part of the 2014 World Cup with the German national team, what it was like to win it and a humbling story post winning the World Cup.
• We discuss the ever-expanding use of technology and whether we are obligated to use it when the data exists. What are we not considering when being a slave to technology.
• With a World Cup being held in the US and all the work he is doing with the Chicago Fire FC, what is Darcy is excited about?

People mentioned:

• Shad Forsythe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shad-forsythe-b94757237/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Craig Friedman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigfriedman/
• Mark Verstegen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Verstegen

Darcy Norman contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcy-norman-1705496/
• X: https://x.com/DarcyNorman
• Website: https://www.darcynormanconsulting.com/contact

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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From international rugby to Major League Baseball and back again, Alex’s journey in elite sport is truly unique. He has made significant contributions to the game of rugby across four countries: in New Zealand as Sport Science Manager with the The Blues (Super Rugby); in Argentina as Physical Performance Manager across all levels of their national rugby program; in the United States as Head of Performance for USA Rugby; and currently overseeing multiple levels of the national program with Scottish Rugby. Beyond rugby, Alex has also held senior leadership roles in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins. This conversation explores the story of someone who grew up immersed in a sport that held relative obscurity in his own country, yet went on to make a global impact shaped by the experiences his gained from multiple high performance environments, research, and a deep commitment to the game he loves.

Highlights from the episode…

• Alex describes the early days of being involved in Rugby in the US where the sport was relatively unknown and considered more recreational than professional.
• Alex spoke about his move to New Zealand and the challenges of eventually breaking into pro Rugby as an American in a Rugby obsessed nation.
• What Alex learnt about the high performance landscape during his time in NZ and chats about the similarities/differences he experienced in high performance settings in the US and the world.
• With no experience in running an international Rugby program, living in a non-English speaking country and not being able to speak the local language, how Alex courageously secured a role with Argentina as Physical Performance Manager across all levels.
• Now stepping into a role with Argentina and admittingly having limited experience, what did Alex pulled from as a guide for implementing systems, setting up structures, decision making etc?
• What's it like trying to transition into new country and new way of living?
• After rapid success in Rugby, why Alex chose to move into a new sport in Baseball joining the world renowned New York Mets (MLB).
• Alex provides an insight of what it’s like to work in a 162 game MLB season. The resources, staffing, training schedule, daily/weekly plan, load management, periodising strength training etc.
• “Individual development plans”...what are they? And what Alex has gained from Baseball that could assist with rugby athletes.
• With an increase in data collection and ability to monitor more in sport, how do you choose what to measure?
• When dealing with multimillion dollar contracted athletes, how do you get players to do things, that they may not want to do, because you feel strongly that it will benefit them?
• Are you more data informed or intuition informed when it comes to decision making? You'll be surprised by the answer...
• You have experienced an exceptional career that has also come with its challenges…Has it been worth it?

People mentioned:

• John (Mitch) Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mitchell-48041722a/
• Peter Bendix: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Bendix
• Scott Lawrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lawrence-rugby/

Alex Ross contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsross15/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Justin is an Australian sports physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of football in Australia in both the round ball game and Aussie rules football. He has been the Head Physio for 3 separate A-League clubs including the Newcastle Jets FC, Melbourne Victory FC and Macarthur Bulls FC, as well as spending 5 years as Rehabilitation Physio for the Syndey Swans (AFL). What’s most fascinating about Justin is not only has he been able to transition successfully across different sports, but he has also uniquely been able to transition between being a “generalist physio” to a “specialist physio”. In this conversation we chat all things rehab, including who should be involved, general milestones and the specifics of developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive and successful rehab plan, in amongst his own personal journey from starting in Hunter region of Newcastle, moving interstate, working in the AFL and returning full circle to where it all began.

Highlights from the episode…

• What a Match day +1 entails and discusses the recovery protocols, top up drills for players and triaging of injured players that currently occur at the club.
• He talks about the steps that opened the door to his first opportunity in professional sport, including helping out and observing for over a year unpaid before ever being presented with a role at the club.
• How Justin deals with complex cases and the process he uses to manage injuries where he may not have extensive experience and knowledge around.
• After being on a rollercoaster of results with the Jets, Justin shares the lead up to the historic 2018 home grand final in Newcastle.
• How Justin received a job offer from one of the power houses of Australian football (Melbourne Victory FC) and the things he had to consider moving away from Newcastle to Melbourne.
• Justin shares his time at the Melbourne Victory and meeting world renowned sport scientist Ryan Timmins.
• Why Justin chose to leave one of the biggest and established A-league clubs to join one of the smallest and less developed clubs in the A-League.
• After only a few months at Macarthur Bulls FC, how Justin was offered a role in a different sport, in a different role with a different club with the Sydney Swans.
• What is involved in a specialised rehab physio role and how the medical/performance team was structured at the Swans.
• "With increase personnel comes with the risk of decrease integration”. With larger medical/performance teams in the AFL, can there be too many people in department?
• If things don’t go according to plan, what’s the evaluation process you use when assessing the outcome of a return to play scenario.
• When developing and implementing a comprehensive rehab plan, how do you know what exercises, tests, milestones matter most?
• Justin shares why he left the Sydney Swans to go back and join the Newcastle Jets as Head Physio.

People mentioned:

• Anthony Crea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61NEsihgoSiiw5qDRl812x
• Damian Raper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-raper-5b212b23/
• Ryan Timmins: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Bt1GdDjwWiXNcCmjU2jBq

Justin Dougherty contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dougherty-185a0739/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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James in one of the most lateral and deep thinkers I know in the industry and has the expertise and experience to match. He has worked across a diverse range of sports and athletes at the highest level including, Olympic sports where he was deputy Chef de Mission for the 2016 Rio Olympic games, professional tennis where he was responsible for the health and wellbeing of former world number 1 Andy Murray and Basketball as Head of Performance Therapies with Brooklyn Nets (NBA), to only name a few. Currently he is back in the sport of Rugby where he once worked for England Rugby and Saracens and is now Head of Physio & Rehab for Scottish Rugby. This is an all encompassing conversation where we dive into the technical aspects of injury management, decision making and learning strategies for practitioners at the highest level of sport all while James shares an unguarded personal journey of the highs and lows of working with the elite of high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Being in the midst of his new role with Scottish Rugby, James shares his current approach to transitioning into a new sport and a new team.
• What often separates the good practitioners from the great practitioners is the non-technical skills and James shares how one can best identify and acquire these skills.
• What is your learning strategy? And what 3 questions you should ask yourself when reading and evaluating research and information.
• In an industry filled with an abundance of information, approaches and opinions, at its core Physio is quite simply “all you have to do is keep people moving and get them stronger”…or is it that simple?
• After being on a path for medicine James decided to pursue physio and move to Indianapolis USA, before moving again to Brisbane Australia to do his Masters and finally returning to the UK for his first role in sport.
• With a chance encounter through a presentation he did, how he was able to secure a role with England Rugby with no prior experience working in Rugby.
• James talks about his transition to the Brooklyn Nets and what it’s like to work with NBA superstars James Harden, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons.
• Moving for roles. What James had to consider when moving his entire family to the other side of the world, the tough decisions that were made and the benefits that can come with embracing change.
• Working with some of the biggest names in Rugby, Tennis, NBA and Olympic sports what has been the cost of the career you’ve chosen? What other practitioners may need to consider when pursuing a role in sport.
• With all his experience, accomplished and the reputation he’s earnt…What is James solving for in the long term?

People mentioned:

• Mark Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-young-b2aaa520/
• Dave Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/performanceuk/
• Mark England: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_England
• Chris Spice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Spice
• Bill Vicenzino: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Vicenzino
• Fionn MacPartlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionnmacpartlin/

James Moore contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-moore-4a412814/
• HDPN Website: https://www.hd-pn.com
• Marylebone Health Group Website: https://marylebonehealthgroup.com/team-member/james-moore/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Mick has founded, grown and sold several successful health care businesses all while having an impact in the world of high performance sport. He’s worked for over a decade in women’s Rugby League as a physio for the NSW Origin team and as Director of Medical & Performance for the St George Illawarra Dragons (NRLW). What he is probably most well known for is his work in the sport of MMA where for close to a decade has worked with some of the world’s best fighters in the UFCs most notably with future hall of famer Alexander Volkanovski. In addition, through his clinics Mick has helped drive the careers of many practitioners who have gone on to work in the NBA, A-League, NRL, Summer and Winter Olympic games. This is a fascinating story of someone who has uniquely been able to find the balance of building several profitable businesses all while traveling the world and working with some of the world’s most ferocious and elite athletes.

Highlights from the episode…

• On the back of poor experiences in private practice, Mick went out on a limb and started his own practice with an emphasis on providing an environment that staff can thrive in.
• Building relationships and the importance of putting yourself out of your comfort zones to reach out to people, share ideas and most importantly add value to others.
• Mick shares the realities of running a private clinic in the sporting landscape and what he is doing to try curate an environment for his staff to learn, get exposure and still be able to pay the bills that come with running a small business.
• Mick has contributed to the success of many practitioners who have gone on to hold prestige roles in sport and shares the number one characteristic in those who gone on to work at the highest level.
• With no background in MMA how Mick caught the eye of the UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski.
• How Mick got famous after being mentioned on the Joe Rogan Podcast by chucking a pen at Volkanovski in the attempt to teach him what many don’t understand about "Pain".
• How Mick was invited to spend a week with 2023 NBA Champions the Denver Nuggets and provide workshops to their world class medical/performance team.
• Where does manual therapy sit in current practice?
• What is the difference between placebo effect and being misleading?
• Mick gets candid about his own journey in sport and the tension that exists with certain dogmas, decisions and whether it’s worth the ongoing pursuit to work in sport.
• How Mick is changing the game for so many practitioners to scratch their itch in sport without needing to deal with the volatility, long hours, poor remuneration etc. that can often be associated with sport.
• What is entailed in a UFC fight week. Mick gives us an unprecedent insight into the week leading in Championship fight in the UFC.

People mentioned:

• Dan Lawson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-lawson-00946661/?originalSubdomain=au
• Alex Volkanovski: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Volkanovski
• Tim Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-brennan-bb916497/details/experience/
• Chris Jaffrey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR4P27SNi3k

Mick Baines contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-baines-36170b153/
• Website: https://mickbaines.com.au
• South Coast Health Hub: https://healthhubsc.com.au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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David has spent several decades immersed in English football, working at the highest level of performance across both the Championship and the English Premier League. He’s played a key role in the success of some of the game’s most iconic managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, and spent over a decade with one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United. What makes David’s story truly remarkable is how it began. Entering professional football in his mid-30s, an age when most would consider it too late, he defied the odds to carve out a career built on persistence, loyalty, and a relentless work ethic. In this episode, David opens up about the highs and lows of life in elite football and shares powerful lessons on what it really takes to reach and stay at the top.

Highlights from the episode…

• How David started his career volunteering as a coach for over 5 years and soon found passion for Sport Science in football.
• In the early days David had to travel over 90 miles every day to attend university all while holding a part time role at a Championship club academy program.
• How at the age of 35 David obtained his first full time role as a Head of Sport Science in professional football and the unconventional circumstances that surrounded the appointment.
• “I was not ready!” How David was able to successfully navigate being swiftly thrusted into a leadership role with no prior experience and ability to prepare for what was ahead of him.
• Is it better to become a coach first and then refine your skills in physiology, human movement, strength & conditioning or do it the other way around?
• Is the landscape of high performance sport less tolerant of mistakes than it once was?
• David shares what it felt to be sacked from his job at age 40, with a family, mortgage and no other job prospects, in the one of the most competitive environments in world sport.
• David shares how he received a cold call to come into Carrington that led to him securing a role with Sir Alex Furguson and Manchester United.
• David’s first encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson and what it was like to work with him, his personality, leadership and the culture he created at the club.
• David shares the events from inside the club of that infamous day their cross town rivals won the 2011/12 Premier League title and Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable response as he addressed everyone in the club.
• Post Sir Alex Ferguson and the transition of new management with David Moyes, Ryan Giggs and Louis Van Gaal. What it was like to work across different methodologies when it came to sport science.
• After spending several years with the first team, David moved to the academy system implementing strategies across a wider range of players throughout the club.
• David shares the foundational elements to consider when it comes to Return-to-Play decision making.

People mentioned:

• Simon Davey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-davey-6403b517/
• Tony Strudwick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-strudwick-61641031/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Sir Alex Ferguson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Ferguson
• Anthony Crea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61NEsihgoSiiw5qDRl812x

David Kelly contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-m-kelly-2b7a0328/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Leigh's resume in sport is one of Australia’s most impressive having held leadership roles in some of Australia’s largest sports. This has included General Manager positions with the AFL players association, GC Suns and Essendon Bombers (AFL), CEO of Netball Victoria and Melbourne Vixens (Super Netball) and CEO of Australia’s most successful Olympic sport, Swimming Australia. What’s unique is in amongst a successful career she has also had to navigate an era where barriers around the perceptions of women in sport existed, as well as maintaining a thriving 25 year+ strong family network while working in the top echelon of sport. If you have ever had the thought of pursuing something outside of your reach, Leigh is an example of with someone who grew up as a young girl in a working class suburbs of Melbourne who through a lot of hard work, resilience and immense courage to step outside of her proverbial lane, went on to exercise her unselfish passion to help get the best out of others!

Highlights from the episode…

• How we can we curate environments to maximise passion in young athletes to continue to pursue a lifelong career in sport?
• Leigh shares how her career being one of the first female leaders in the world of AFL started at her kitchen table.
• Having been a pioneer in her time, how Leigh has been able to break down barriers and position herself so that she can make a meaningful impact all while constantly needing to prove herself.
• "Sport is described as being a merit-based system that rewards those who do the work. However, this only works if in the beginning everything was equal". What are we not considering when choosing the right candidates for roles?
• We discuss how Leigh continues to summon the courage to pursue roles, what would be perceived, is being outside her circle of competence.
• CEO recruitment process, what's involved and how she successfully navigated this process to become CEO of Swimming Australia.
• What a CEO does, what are the KPIs, who sets the KPIs, the day-to-day workings, personal goals etc.
• During one of the darkest and unforeseen periods in Australian Swimming, Leigh candidly shares how she personally navigated the Shayna Jack scandal.
• Who do you turn too in a crisis? We discuss how leadership can often be lonely and why it’s important to have people around who you can depend on and trust.
• In an industry that is not conducive to a family network, how Leigh and her husband have been able to build a beautiful family together for over 25 years while both working in elite sport.
• How Leigh has been able to recreate and redefine her career pathway time and time again.
• What Leigh looks for when recruiting top talent, maintaining a strong sense of purpose throughout an organisation and how to dismiss those who choose not to be part of the culture.

People mentioned:

• Kate Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-palmer-5874b110/?originalSubdomain=au
• Laura Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajohnstonpl/
• Andrew Russell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitehumans/
• Shayna Jack: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shayna_Jack

Leigh Russell contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighrussell/
• Website Russell Performance Co: https://www.russellperformance.co

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Dan is a high performance coach and mentor who’s coaching career has spanned across the likes of US Ski & Snowboard team, English Institute of Sport, England Rugby, Wasps Rugby and as Head Strength & Conditioning Coordinator in Baseball for the Houston Astros. Dan has now swapped coaching athletes to coaching coaches and works with sports performance practitioners, including S&C coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists not just to get into the world of elite sport but excel in their roles. If you have ever wanted to work in elite sport or are currently embedded within a high performance team, then this conversation is one not to miss as Dan shares what you need to know about navigating one of the most competitive, volatile and high demanding industry and still have a meaningful impact and most importantly be fulfilled with what you chose to do.

Highlights from the episode…

• Being disillusioned by not having a specific role after finishing his undergrad degree this led to Dan asking some deep questions about his future that he now asks practitioners to this day.
• How Dan joined the US national Ski and Snowboarding team having no prior experience in winter sports and how this became a pivotal component to his career development.
• When moving from one role into the next with a lack of direction this is the one advice Dan wished he received when he was navigating his own journey in elite sport.
• Is there a risk of being too pragmatic around your needs and wants at the result that you position yourself out of a role in an already competitive market?
• The “one-way and "two-way" doors and how this concept can streamline decision making when deliberating over the pros and cons of situation.
• When the opportunities aren’t coming, you’re struggling financially and you are still working at a level you feel you have out grown, when do you give up on the dream of working in sport?
• How he secured a role with the Houston Astros and some practical steps for any practitioners going through an interview process should know.
• The “Rapport Entry” technique and how this can assist when you’re unsure of an answer to a question you’ve been asked.
• The importance of developing soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem solving etc) in parallel with hard skills (professional expertise) can seperate you from the competition.
• “Career Periodisation” and how it can help practitioners when navigating through the stages of their career of “Thriving”, “Surviving” or “Redefining”.
• Dan shares his personal transition from the “surviving” stage (coaching athletes) into a “redefining” stage (coaching coaches) and the challenges and fulfilment that came with this transition.

People mentioned:

• Per Lundstam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-lundstam-29016322/
• Zach Weatherford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-weatherford-b67a009/
• George Petrakos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgepetrakos/
• Josh Fletcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-fletcher-36151623/

Dan Howells contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howellsdan/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Twitter: https://x.com/howellsdan?lang=en
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborate_sports/
• Collaborate Sports: www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Byron has built a deep career in the world of professional Rugby having worked with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby), Bath Rugby (UK Premiership) and currently as Lead Physiotherapist for the Wallabies. Armed with 5 degrees, including currently completing his PhD in the area of concussion, Byron is quick becoming one of the leaders in the field of injury prevention and management in the sport of Rugby. In this conversation we explore the nuances of screening, monitoring and management of concussion in addition to what he has learn that has made him successful in his roles. Byron’s journey has taken him from humble beginnings working as a public servant to a dramatic career change which has now taken him around the globe and be a privileged member of the inner sanctums of the some of the world’s most successful Rugby teams.

Highlights from the episode…

• Byron shares how he got his first role with the Brumbies after initially wanting to pursue a pathway into AFL.
• It was a baptism of fire during the early years at the Brumbies and he shares how he went about gaining as much knowledge and experience without succumbing to overwhelm and burnout.
• Injury rates, player fitness, team performance often has little to do with performance/medical staff than it has to with “culture”…Byron explains why.
• After 7 successful years at the Brumbies, why Byron chose to move overseas and work in the UK Premiership with Bath Rugby.
• We discuss how to address injuries where you may have limited knowledge and experience, and how Byron manages these unconventional cases.
• When dealing with complex cases we discuss the desire for most practitioners to seek outside expert opinion when the answers may be better sourced within the club?
• Coaches, performance staff, medical staff, managers, club and country could all be involved when it comes to a player’s injury. How dose Byron manage all the stakeholders involved?
• Byron’s shares a cautionary tale of what he learnt stepping away from pro sport and redirecting his focus to other areas of his life than just his role in elite sport.
• Working with the Australian Defence force and what it’s like to work as a physiotherapist in the military.
• How does Rugby Australia screen, monitor and manage concussion in the sport.
• We discuss the concept of graded exposure to contact and the potential unexpected consequences of not exposing young athletes to contact.
• The impact of neck strength in concussion and how Byron screens, programs, periodised strength at a professional Rugby level.
• Having uniquely worked in both club and national teams, what has Byron learnt that assists with managing players when at times there can be conflicting interests between club and country.
• How does Byron deal with doubt in decision making?

People mentioned:

• Hamis Macauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-macauley-13944365/
• Katherine Rottier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-rottier-9b36228b/?originalSubdomain=au
• Emidio Pacecca: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5unNgbm6ukafZ2VeFc7Y4r
• Craig Purdam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-purdam-6964293a/

Byron Field contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-field-b6a171225/
• Twitter: https://x.com/fielby84?lang=bn

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Anthony has been part of the fabric of Australian football for over 3 decades and has assisted 3 different A-League clubs win silverware with Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Macarthur FC. Anthony has also held the prestigious position of Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Australian National Football Team for close to a decade and was part of Socceroos history with involvement in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and 2006 World Cup in Germany. Other roles have included working in the J-League as well providing consultancy for clubs in the EPL, Serie A and the Trinidad and Tobago national team, to only name a few. This is a one kind long form conversations where we discuss all things football performance in amongst some never heard before stories of being a part of some of Australian footballs most iconic moments.

Highlights from the episode…

• Having had no previous experience in S&C, Anth received his first opportunity in S&C from Australian football legend Frank Farina in the NSL.
• In an ever evolving industry of sports science, we discuss dealing with the challenges of staying up to date while maintaining time tested methodologies.
• We discuss the volatility of the industry and navigating coaching changes, staff changes and job security.
• Anth discusses the innovative approach Football Federation Australia took to maximise their chances of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.
• Anth provides an unprecedented and never heard before perspective of what it was like in the lead up to the famous qualifying game against Uruguay, the game itself and what occurred after that famous game.
• How to communicate at times unpopular perspectives around player injuries, player loads, recovery etc. to coaching staff.
• Session design. What factors, frameworks, concepts Anth uses to design world class on field training sessions for his teams.
• After a decade with the Socceroos Anth had an opportunity to move overseas to the J-League and he speaks about his time working and living in Japan.
• Anth vulnerably shares what it was like to be sacked for the first time in his career and how he dealt with the uncertainty, scrutiny and volatility all while trying to turn a club around and managing family life while in a foreign country.
• After Japan and a short stint at Sydney FC, he spent the next 6 years with Melbourne Victory and speaks about all the success at the club.
• Why Anth chose to leave the biggest football club in the A-League to move to a “start-up” club with limited resources, new staff and fresh players at Macarthur FC.
• From football pitch to board rooms. Anth discusses how he has been able to make a successful transition away from his traditional role as S&C coach to now a consultant to several organisations across the globe.

People mentioned:

• Frank Farina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Farina
• Ian Crook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-crook-b6a69230b/?originalSubdomain=au
• Les Gelis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-gelis-9aa78727a/
• Jean Paul de Marigny: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Paul_de_Marigny
• Guus Hiddink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guus_Hiddink

Anthony Crea contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycrea004/
• Email: acrea@nevadarush.com

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Callum is a sports physiotherapist and strength & conditioning coach who has worked in the elite levels of various sports across Europe and the UK. This has included working for both the Mercedes AMG Petronas and Hass F1 racing teams in the Formula 1 (F1), in professional football with both Reading FC women’s team as well as holding a variety of roles with the English Football Association (The FA). He is now currently working with some of UKs best Olympic and Paralympic athletes and manages a specialised multidisciplinary team at the UK Sports Institute (UKSI). This is a fascinating conversation with someone who originated from Australia and has now gone on to hold prominent roles in the UK sports landscape and continues to add value, not only to the athletes he works with but also the colleagues he now leads, educates and mentors in the industry.

Highlights from the episode…

• We discuss the practical steps Callum took to get his first role at Reading FC Women’s team with no prior football experience.
• Callum shares his time at Reading and dealing with the pressures and challenges of being in a relegation battle.
• His transitioning from football into F1 with the Mercedes racing team and discusses his role as team physiotherapist/performance coach.
• Is there value in providing performance support not just for the athlete but also for the wider performance support staff?
• Callum shares what are the non-negotiables are for practitioners who are considering working in F1.
• Sport is a “trust-based” industry not a “skill-based” industry. It’s not always the person with the most skills who gets the job, it’s more likely the person who they “trust” most can do the job.
• Callum share one of the most comprehensive and creative methods The FA used during its recruitment process to acquire top talent in the competitive market of English football.
• Having spent 7 years with The FA, he shares what his roles were and how the national team staff and resources are structured throughout the medical/performance departments.
• We chat about balancing a strong relationship with a significant other while pursuing a career in elite sport.
• Career transition and the “CLAMPS” framework. How it can assist in difficult decisions around career opportunities.
• How the UKSI is structured, how it services athlete and Callum’s role as clinic lead rehabilitation.
• Now running a department at the UKSI what extra curricular activities/courses/degrees should one consider to help them effectively run a department in sport.
• “Performance reviews”. How Callum provides feedback to staff.

People mentioned:

• Peter Lion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlion/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Clare Lion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-lion-464b7789/
• Sam Boylett-Long: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-boylett-long-56b8b855/
• Craig Ranson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-ranson-85a58832/
• Mark Adamoulas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markadamoulas/
• Simon Spencer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-spencer-5b699732/
• Chris Bodman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bodman-9a4ba340/

Callum Repper contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-repper/
• X: https://x.com/callumrepper?lang=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Luke is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist whose career spans some of the biggest codes in Australian sport having worked with the likes of Rugby Australia (Rugby Sevens), GWS Giants (AFL) and Sydney FC (A-League). Currently he is a senior physiotherapist for the world renowned Aspetar, where he plays a pivotal role in their knee injury division which services elite athletes from across the globe with an ACLR re-injury success rate of less than 5%. In this conversation we chat about all thing’s injury management as well as his move from pro sport in Australia to living in the middle east and working with the world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital shaping high performance care across various sports and athletes.

Highlights from the episode…

• Why Luke early on persevere with receiving low pay, long hours, extra work just to pursue a chance of a career in sports.
• Acquiring his role at GWS Giants and how most practitioners are doing it all wrong when trying to get their foot in the door of pro sport.
• Having never played/worked in AFL how Luke gained the knowledge and skills to effectively develop and deliver rehab programs at the highest level of a unfamiliar sport.
• When developing a rehab plan for an athlete, Luke has established a “Drill Library” and discuss how he built this and utilises it.
• The importance of understanding “what” needs to be communicated and “how” coaches, players, colleagues etc. like to be comminated too.
• Working at Aspetar, Luke shares some of the world class facilities, calibre staff and the comprehensive approaches they take to injury management.
• Although an incredible opportunity to be chosen to work for Aspetar, Luke vulnerably shares the conversations and considerations he had to make as a father and a husband before making the final decision to move Qatar.
• With the experienced gained in his career as far what things would he do differently when it comes to rehabbing an athlete back to Return-to-Sport (RTS).
• Luke shares some the milestones to determine progression in an athletes rehab/RTS decision making and we discuss how much weight should practitioners put on these milestones and when they can be ignored and when they should be non-negotiable.
• When it comes to injury prevention, we debate over the importance of needing symmetrical, clean, efficient biomechanics, or can athletes inevitably overcome any biomechanical inefficiencies and develop reasonable adaptations that inevitably make them robust?

People mentioned:

• Matt Cameron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cameron-phd/?originalSubdomain=au
• Nalesh Murti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalesh-murti-845008b9/?originalSubdomain=au
• Nick Walsh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-walsh-3ba07139/details/experience/
• Alex Natera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-natera-035a7765/
• Roula Kotsifaki: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roula-Kotsifaki

Luke Heath contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-heath-8b015795/
• HPRS Physio Website: https://www.hprsphysio.com.au/who-we-are
• Aspetar ACL protocol: https://aspetar.com/en/professionals/aspetar-clinical-guidelines/acl-rehabilitation-protocol

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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This is one of the most unique, inspiring and fascinating stories to date and Tim shares his entire journey as far, having worked in high performance sport across 4 different continents. Tim provides an unprecedented insight of what it’s like to work internationally, including being one of few Australian practitioners to have navigated living and working in China with some of the countries elite athletes for over 5 years. After stints in China and the UK, with the English Institute of Sport, he now leverages the experience, skill set and knowledge his gained working across various athlete types to now working with the world’s best combat sports athletes as Physical Therapy Manager for the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City, Mexico.

Highlights from the episode…

• How his experience living in the Ukraine and Peru shaped his philosophies and decisions around pursuing sports physiotherapy around the world.
• Playing semi professional football himself, Tim shares the challenges that most up-and-coming practitioners have with gaining sports physio experience and still wanting to pursue their own athletic career.
• “Sacrifice” and how many suggest this is what’s needed to get ahead in the industry. I ask “do you have to give up your 20s to make it?” Tim’s answer No! and why…
• Tim shares a play-by-play of his move to England and how he was able to obtain a role with the English Institute of Sport having no contacts in England.
• Having built a career in sport in the UK, why Tim chose to move to China for work.
• Tim shares a fascinating story of the recruitment process and how he eventually obtained a role with the Shanghai Sports Institute working with some of China’s elite athletes.
• Tim shares an unprecedented look into what its like to work in high performance sport in China including the challenges, advantages and the unique clinical experience he gained that he would have never obtained unless he had the privilege of working in China.
• COVID affected many in the high performance sport industry and Tim shares what it was like living and working in the epicentre of COVID while in China.
• We dive into the structure and set up of the UFC PI, how services are delivered, facilities, number of athletes etc. and how it differs from Shanghai and the Mexico City institutes.
• How Tim approaches the balance of minimising injuries in fighters but understanding that injuries are inevitable and may even be beneficial to a fighters journey.
• Being unable to speak Spanish or Chinese, how Tim has been able to conduct comprehensive assessment, deliver treatment plans as well as build rapport and connection with his athletes?

People mentioned:

• James Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-moore-4a412814/
• Rob Madden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robmadden/
• James Vickers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-vickers-9b522a34/
• Kurt Tropinao: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-tropiano-b9962663/
• Adam Forrest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-forrest-17693248/details/experience/
• Heather Linden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heather-linden-dpt-4758642b/
• Dean Amasinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-amasinger-076b4b225/

Tim Roberts contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-roberts-601920130/
• Email: troberts@ufc.com

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Rachel has worked with elite athletes across many domains through her work as a sports physiotherapist, breathing specialist and her expertise in the field of performing in high pressure environments. Rach has worked with elite performers from the NBA, NRL, AFL, military and corporate to only name a few, but it’s her ability to have recreated her identity time and time again in a profession that rewards staying in once’s lane that is most fascinating. Listen as we dive into the physiology of how athletes and practitioners can better deal with high pressure situations as well as dive into her unique journey from elite gymnast to specialist in improving performance in high pressure environments.

Highlights from the episode…

• After representing New Zealand in the commonwealth games and world championships as a Gymnast, she was exposed to some exceptional physiotherapist that inspired her to choose a similar pathway post her athletic career.
• It was a chance encounter with an athlete with Hyper Ventilation Syndrome that inspired her to pursue a better understanding around breathing it’s affect on performance.
• How Rach began working with the Golden State Warriors (NBA) and how the same approach led to her being invited to contribute at an event hosted by the Vatican City.
• With an ever growing cohort of practitioners exploring avenues outside of their siloed profession we discuss how she has been able to transition beyond her title as a physiotherapist into other roles in Business, IT, Breathing, Coaching etc.
• We have a vulnerable conversation around the challenges Rach had in the early stages of recreating herself beyond her identity as a physio/”breathing lady” and what she did to navigate through this period.
• Dealing with pressure. “You can’t compartmentalise your physiology! You can compartmentalise your thoughts, but not your physiology!”
• How to balance having confidence in being an expert of your field but being humble enough in your approach to understand that you are not an expert of their sport.
• Why breathing is important and how to maximise it to enhance athletic performance both biomechanically and physiologically.
• What are the elements that define a high pressure situation and what can athletes and practitioners do to train/mask/blunt the negative effects that come with pressure.
• Rach shares a real-life case study of the breathing and performance under pressure techniques she used with an elite golfer to improve his performance.
• Specific training modalities to induce a stress response and in turn exercise the techniques around the physiological aspects of arousal state control.
• In a moment of pressure there are 3 things Rach suggests focusing on 1. Where are you looking? 2. Where are you breathing? and 3. What are you thinking about?

People mentioned:

• Paul Hodge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwhodges/?originalSubdomain=au
• Mark Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-young-b2aaa520/
• Wim Hof: https://www.wimhofmethod.com

Rachel Vickery contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelvickery/
• Website: https://rachelvickery.com/about/
• Email: rachel@rachelvickery.com

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Is it quality or quantity? What physiological and cognitive adaptations happen during sleep? What is sleep inertia? Are wearables improving sleep or can they be detrimental to the affects of sleep? We answer all the questions. Not only is Liv an expert in the field of sleep and athletic performance she has also worked directly in the trenches of elite sport having been the high performance manager for the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorne Hawks AFLW teams. In this conversation we explore how sleep effects performance and dive into Liv’s personal journey working at the top tier of women’s AFL to now applying her expertise in athletic performance to the corporate world.

Highlights from the episode…

• While completing her Sport Science undergrad, Liv shares how it was actually the things she did outside of her degree that eventualy led to her initial opportunities in sport.
• Having only being graduated for a few years and with minimal experience in AFL, how Liv was able to secure a high-performance manager role with the Western Bulldogs AFLW.
• How Liz navigated her first year with a new team, new role, dealing with new technology all while managing the overall performance of the playing group at the Bulldogs.
• What inspired Liv to do a PhD and how she used it as a unique point of difference in a highly competitive world of elite sport.
• Liv dives into what it takes to complete a PhD, considerations, how to be accepted, the costs, financial support, time commitment etc.
• What practitioners wanting to work in AFLW should expect in regards to role structure, remuneration, time commitment, expectations etc.
• How does sleep restriction affect strength training and what S&C coaches should consider when working with athletes who may be having challenges with sleep.
• What are the adaptations that occurring during sleep?
• Is it the quality or the quantity that is most important with sleep and if unable to get a good sleep what is the value of a nap? Is it more the cognitive or physical benefits to napping?
• We discuss my experiment around sleeping and waking within specific sleep cycles at the aim to avoid “Sleep Inertia”.
• Is perception stronger than reality? How you think you’ve slept may impact your performance throughout the day than how you actually slept!
• There is an abundant of research, education, monitoring devices but how did you get your athletes to actually adhere to a sleep protocols? Liv provides advices that I've never heard before.
• The practitioners challenge of balancing career ambition with the other prioritise as a parent, daughter, wife, team mate etc.
• How Liv was able to leverage her skills in sport to establish a corporate career with a real estate firm.
• What do high performance mangers get evaluated for in both sport and in corporate.

People mentioned:

• Fiona Jacobs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-jacobs-ba853124/
• Brad Aisbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-aisbett-a6333b20/?originalSubdomain=au
• Ben Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-67874194/?originalSubdomain=au
• Shona Halson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shona-halson-627b74268/

Liv Knolwes contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-olivia-knowles/
• Website Sleep-Ed: https://fingertip.com/sleep-ed
• X: https://x.com/livknowles1

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Jason has over 30 years experience in the industry and during his time at the pinnacle of both Rugby and AFL he has taken his experience and expertise and developed a novel analytics tool to assist both medical and performance staff navigate the challenges around injury prevention, rehabilitation and return to play decision making with SpeedSig. Not only has Jason contributed to the industry through his recent technology he has also been a regular voice in the industry and assisted some of the most well known practitioners navigate their own journeys in sport. This is a unique and candid conversations filled with an abundance of technical insights and unfiltered truths around what it takes to excel in the world high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Having been exposed to the likes of strength coach Ian King, this is what led to an interest in doing one of the first sports science courses offered in NSW.
• ‘Its not for everyone and may not even be necessary!” Jason shares what to consider when deciding to do a PhD.
• Having been told he was wrong on a number of occasions this motivated Jason to seek answers for himself which was the catalyst of his PhD and in turn SpeedSig.
• The evolution of sport scientists in elite sport and the move from not just looking at WHAT athletes are doing but HOW they are doing it.
• How Jason got his foot in the door of elite sport with his first role at the QLD Reds.
• Jason and I discuss the tension between not working for free and finding a way of getting your foot in the door of a highly competitive industry.
• Jason has taken some huge risks and massive investments starting SpeedSig and the biggest investment of all is not what you think.
• Having seen abnormalities in movement through a “coaches eye”, Jason wanted to find a way to quantify this and do it at scale, which he feels SpeedSig can assist teams with.
• Why conventional off field objective measures may be missing the mark when it comes to return to play decision making.
• How do you know what you’re observing through SpeedSig is causative and not just correlative?
• “Collecting the dots vs. connecting the dots”. How SpeedSig works, what it does and how to use the information gathered to inform decision making.
• Being a high performance manager how have you managed how medical and performance staff may view things differently when it comes to return to sport decision making.
• When there is non-consensus in a performance team, how do you effectively make a collaborative decision about an athlete?

People mentioned:

• Ian King: https://kingsports.net/about-2/
• Prof Rob Newton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profrobnewton/?originalSubdomain=au
• Chris McLellan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WvV4e6B5twcYl2Bw1Edwx
• Zach Higginbotham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-higginbotham-8a5862222/
• Tim McGrath: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73xkOCQlyT1RJ0u9s3ybdE
• Aaron Coutts: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Aaron.Coutts
• Linda Bennetts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bennetts-a801542b/?originalSubdomain=au

Jason Weber contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-weber-928a0032/
• Website SPEEDSIG: https://www.speedsig.com
• Two coaches & a coffee podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cCwmakTSa25EUXVznTjCW
• X: https://x.com/JasonAWeber

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Nick Kane is an Australian sports physiotherapist and the founding director of Sports MAP. During his career he has spent over a decade in professional sport where he was the Head Physiotherapist for the Essendon Bombers FC in the AFL, all while establishing a multi site private practice physiotherapy clinic and curating some the world’s leading practitioners in the world of sports medicine into an online master classes and live events held across the globe in Europe, USA, Asia and Australia. In this episode we discuss what his learnt leading the medical management of one the biggest clubs in AFL as well provide an insight into what it takes to build and deliver the premier sports medicine learning and network platform in Australia.

Highlights from the episode…

• With Nick recently stepping away from the responsibilities, pressure and expectations that come with working in professional sport. We explore why he chose to step away and how is he currently navigating the transition away from the AFL.
• What can those currently working in high performance sport do to ensure that their inevitable transition out of sport is a successful one?
• Be clear where you want to build a legacy knowing that it may come at the cost of building a legacy where you want to the most.
• Why Nick moved from Melbourne to start his physio degree on the other side of the country in Perth.
• Why Nick chose to add more stress, work, responsibilities etc. by starting a private practice all while working in professional sport.
• How Nick was able to secure a role in the AFL with the Essendon Bombers and what it was like to join the club right off the back of the well-publicised “supplements saga”.
• With Essendon having on average a new coach every 2 years. Do coaching changes influence injury rates?
• We discuss is it better to specialise in one skill set (eg pathology, rehab, orthopaedic assessment etc.) or developed a breadth of knowledge around broader topics (eg business, psychology, sales etc.) when growing as a practitioner.
• The genesis of Sports MAP and an unprecedented insight into how he puts together events, structures content, finances involved, securing world class guests etc.

People mentioned:

• Daniel Jones: https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/how-physiotherapist-turned-simple-idea-into-multimilliondollar-global-empire/news-story/0cc6b6f1efbc25a94bd5d4c59fab3e35
• Emidio Pacecca: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5unNgbm6ukafZ2VeFc7Y4r
• David Dawes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dawes-377b0184/?originalSubdomain=au
• Meirion Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meirion-jones-aa18a637/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Cullen Ball: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xiClu3L6OFhGqeHkmz8aq
• Dr. Bruce Reid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Reid_(doctor)
• Peter Blanch: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FHpOBIanMmbQRkx9YjkUx

Nick Kane contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kane-9b8bb940/
• Sports MAP Website: https://sportsmap.com.au
• X: https://x.com/NickKanePhysio
• Sports MAP podcast: https://sportsmap.com.au/podcast/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Andrew (Jack) Russell has worked in the sport of AFL for close to 3 decades and has been the High Performance Manager for the likes of Port Adeliade FC, Hawthorn FC and Carlton FC. During his time, he has won 6 premiership titles and is consider by many to be the best in the game when it comes to setting up and delivering a high performance environment in professional sport. Amidst his recent transition away from a stellar career in the AFL, this is a rare, honest and revealing long form conversation where we deep dive into all thing’s high performance sport and chat about how he has been able to successfully coach elite performers for over 600 games on the football field to now coaching the top echelon of elite performers across various fields.

Highlights from the episode…

• After observing and working alongside the likes of Cathy Freeman, “Oarsome Foursome” rowing team, Cadel Evans early in his career at the VIS, this inspired him to give up his own athletic pursuits to forward his career as a coach.
• How Jack was trusted to run his own AFL high performance program at the young age of 24 with the Port Adeliade FC.
• The strategies he used to build players fitness and robustness at Port Adeliade and then going on to win the club's first AFL premiership.
• “At a time when I was most experienced, I found myself being the most conservative than I’ve ever been”. Naivety and taking risk and how this may be the missing piece to a successful program.
• “You have to be brave enough to make a good decision at the chance of a bad outcome”. Decision making and whether the outcome always justify the means?
• Deciding availability of post injured players. Jack shares how his team decided, actioned and evaluated these decisions.
• In the past 3 decades how have you found you've needed to change the way you communicate to staff and players?
• A never heard before story of how and why, Jack left the success of Port Adeliade FC to move to Melb. including having an unexpected knock at the door by Alastair Clarkson, Jason Dunstall and Damien Hardwick in the early hours of the morning.
• How Jack and his wife (Leigh) have been able to forge a strong family network all while both being at the pinnacle of their respective fields.
• Is there a risk of practitioners becoming far too specialised early in their career rather than exploring a breadth and diverse base of knowledge before specialising?
• Tim Gabbett describes “Moderators” that influence how an athlete responds to load (Age, Strength, Injury history, Training history, Aerobic/anaerobic capacity. Could psychology be the missing moderator?
• What should High Performance Managers be evaluated for, are wins and losses a fair assessment of their performance?
• How Jack is now taking what he’s learnt coaching high performers in sport to now coaching high performers across various fields through the concept of “Neurophysiology”.

People mentioned:

• Mark McGrath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcgrath-43912837/?originalSubdomain=au
• Anthony Hogan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-hogan-19272569/?originalSubdomain=au
• Matt Whitaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whitaker/

Andrew Russell contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitehumans/
• Website Russell Performance Co: https://www.russellperformance.co/meetandrew
• X: https://x.com/jackrussel

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Kate has been a physiotherapist for close to 30 years with 2 of those decades working at the pinnacle of elite women’s sport in Australia. Initially seeing a diverse range of athletes through her own sports private clinic, she has then gone on to being a part of multiple World Cups with both the Australian Women's Cricket team and Football team, the Matildas. We catch up just after the recent 2025 clean sweep Ashes series win over England where we chat not only about the wealth of experience she gained with working with some of the best athletes in high performance sport but also the personal lessons and how she has been able to successfully navigate a stellar career working at the highest level of arguably the 2 most popular sports on the planet.

Highlights from the episode…

• After dislocating her patella as a young athlete and needing to see a sports physiotherapist, this inspired her to become a physiotherapist herself which in turn led to her becoming business partners with that same physiotherapist who treated her initially.
• We discuss the benefits of clinicians, especially female clinicians, stepping outside of their comfort zone and how this can lead to incredible opportunities, including how Kate was able to acquire a role with Football Australia with no prior experience in football.
• The uniqueness of women’s football where often players as young as 16 years old are being thrusted into the highest level of world football and the challenges that this comes with.
• Although uniquely being part of multiple World Cups, Ashes series and the 2016 Rio Olympic games, what has been the cost of working in sport for over 20 years?
• Having been responsible for delivering ACL injury prevention strategies in football across the nation, we chat about where are we falling short regarding reducing incidence and burden of ACL injury?
• With no lack of research, advocacy and strategies around the importance of injury prevention, its adherence that is the challenge! How do we maximise adherence?
• Is injury prevention adherence an education issue or an incentives issue?
• How Kate was able to transition from the Matildas into another of Australia's most successful national teams.
• How Kate remotely monitors all national team players while they are away playing for their respective clubs all over the world and the tools they use to screen and keep track of players throughout the season.
• What a day in the life of a SSSM practitioner for Cricket Australia all while touring all over the globe consistently throughout the year.

People mentioned:

• Kate Mahony: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TthNoykn5kz4El5jjZxjL
• Jason Swan: https://www.wakefieldsports.com.au/our-team/physiotherapists/jason-swan
• Mark Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbrown60/
• Carmen Colomer: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mn5jKSrO7mgzfrW9rEURC
• David Battersby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-battersby-facp-89a51844/?originalSubdomain=au
• Matt Whalan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whalan-5b59a939/?originalSubdomain=au
• David Bailey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bailey-94a44b62/?originalSubdomain=au
• Peter Blanch: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FHpOBIanMmbQRkx9YjkUx

Kate Beerworth contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-beerworth-64280811a/
• X: https://x.com/kbeerworth?lang=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Kim is an Australian high performance coach and physiotherapist who has spent the last 8 years at the pinnacle of world motorsport. Kim has worked for the likes of Hass F1 team, Alpine Racing and one of the most famous teams in the history of F1, McLaren Racing. Kim has also worked exclusively as a personal physiotherapist and performance coach for F1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Oscar Piastri. If you are fan of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" or have ever wondered what's involved with working as a practitioner at the highest level of motorsport in the world, Kim shares an unprecedented view of the pressures, volatility, year round travel and the glitz and glamour of what is Formula 1 racing.

Highlights from the episode…

• How the opportunities in the sport of AFL and Netball early in his career laid the foundations for skills he would later use in motorsport.
• With a desire to work in the AFL and currently working with the feeder team to North Melbourne FC, why Kim decided to give it all up and move to the UK with no job.
• How Kim secured a role with the University of Leeds working with a newly developed athletic program covering 13 different sports and athlete profiles.
• How Kim was able to get his foot in the door of Formula 1 with Hinsta having no prior experience in motorsport.
• Kim shares his time with the Hass F1 team and the steps he took to implement a performance model for the team.
• Kim describes his transition from team physio to working exclusively with F1 driver Romain Grosjean and what is entailed being directly responsible for the health and wellbeing of 1 of only 20 F1 drivers in the world.
• The risks and rewards of working exclusively with an individual athlete as oppose to working as part of a team/organisation.
• Having worked closely with 2 different F1 drivers in his career he shares the differences in the working relationship and how he had to be adaptable and bespoke in the management of the different drivers.
• Kim shares the physical demands of a F1 driver, the level of G force each driver has to endure and how they prepare drivers for these demands.
• What other sports can learn from the F1 drivers when it comes to mental preparation, state control, rapid decision making and focus that drivers need when racing F1.
• The relationship of F1 drivers and ACL injuries. How F1 drivers improve reactiveness to stimulus and what other sports could learn to improve their response to an unanticipatory event.
• Having a resume that many would dream of, what has been the cost of having such career?
• After close to a decade at the pinnacle of world motorsport why Kim chose to step away from F1 and pursue the next chapter of his career.

People mentioned:

• Callum Repper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-repper/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Peter Lion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlion/
• Clare Lion: https://www.onephysiotherapy.co.uk/team-bio/clare-lion
• Dr. Luke Bennett: https://www.hintsa.com/insights/blogs/story-of-luke-bennett/
• Mark Young: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17aAXmr5EdiTtxfqs1D1Zn
• Dave O’Neil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-o-neill-60229442/
• Dr. Stuart McGill: https://www.backfitpro.com/about-us/

Kim Keedle contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkeedle/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Paul Devlin is a world renowned high performance manager who has been able to successfully transition from working with high performance teams in the sports world to now working with high performance teams in the corporate world. Paul has led various teams in the world of Rugby and Rugby League having worked with the likes of the Cornish Pirates, Doncaster Knights, Hull F.C., Melbourne Storm, Paramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Brisbane Broncos. This is an amazing conversation where Paul shares what he's learnt over the years working at the pinnacle of professional sport and then go on to recreate himself time and time again initially as a professional player, to a high performance manger in sport and now as a leader in the corporate setting with one of the biggest companies in the world, Amazon.

Highlights from the episode…

• What led to Paul being asked to be the nutritionist and rehab coach at a professional rugby club whilst he was a player.
• Paul and I discuss the thin line between having a “growth mindset” and becoming an “insecure overachiever”.
• How Paul made the decision to leave the UK and join the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.
• After decades filled with the highs and lows of professional sport, how Paul is navigating the change of working in the corporate world.
• “You need to be able to step on their toes without taking the shine off their shoes”. The differences of coaching in sport and the corporate world.
• Making the big move from the UK to Aus. What conversations and considerations did Paul have to make to ensure this was the best decision for him and his family.
• In an industry that is not always inducive to a strong family network how Paul has worked at the pinnacle of sport and corporate and have a remarkable 18 year marriage and family life.
• How do you instil an S&C/high performance culture in an organisation or a sport that has historically not had this culture?
• “The outcomes don’t justify the means”. When successful how does one look to improve a program, know what to improve and how best to improve it?
• There is no lack of robust evidence, well structured programs or exceptional practitioners in the youth athletic development, so where are we getting it wrong when it comes to developing young athletes?
• In an industry evaluated through the use of statistics, metrics, KPIs…what are the KPIs for High Performance Managers. What should High Performance Managers be evaluated against?
• Dealing with scrutiny during a challenging season. Paul shares his time at the Broncos and how he dealt with the unprecedented publicity, scrutiny and judgement that came during that period.
• What is Paul's "Why", when it comes to his journey as a high performance leader through various roles.

People mentioned:

• Kelvin Giles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2g1eUNqD0zQXRsKWno93Ce
• Alex Natera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-natera-035a7765/
• Frank Dick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-dick-0b559630/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Dean Benton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vtkbUw2IWpdvKLOzI7wVQ
• Phil Coles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-coles-8945803a/
• Dawn Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-scott-83000820/

Paul Devlin contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldevlin81/
• X: https://x.com/pauldevs?lang=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Tim is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist currently working in arguably the most competitive, physical and high pressure leagues in the world. Before joining the NFL he worked as Head Physiotherapist for the Canberra Raiders (NRL), ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby), Australian Rugby Men’s 7s team, Port Adelaide Power (AFL) and has provided consultancy to other clubs such as the St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks (NRL). In addition to working directly in professional sport he has also owned his own private practice and is the director of “Pitch Ready” that provides data driven return-to-sport and injury prevention strategies to professional teams and athletes across the globe. In this conversation we leave no stone unturn diving into all aspects of professional sport, to running a business, to family and how he navigated it all to become one of the most sought after practitioners in world sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• The decisions around completing a PhD, and where others may make the mistake when choosing what they should study next.
• Only 2 years since graduating, how Tim’s was able to secure a head physio role in the NRL with the Canberra Raiders.
• Most of Tim’s roles have NOT come from a formal hiring process. Tim shares how practitioners usually get appointed to professional sports teams.
• Although now having a flourishing career in professional sport, why Tim chose to go into business and take the risk of opening a private practice?
• Tim shares the challenges in the early days of business including not being paid for 6 months, acquiring patients, needing to learn business skills etc.
• After persisting through the challenging years and now having a thriving practice, why Tim chose to move to Adelaide to take on the Head Physio role at the Port Adelaide FC.
• How Tim remotely managed running a private practice and maintaining stability with his family, while he was working interstate with Port Adelaide (AFL).
• With no prior experience in the NFL, how Tim was able to secure a senior role with the Washington Commanders.
• The genesis of “Pitch Ready”, what it does and how it can help performance teams and athletes in RTS decision making.
• When anlaysing data how do you know what metrics to pay attention too and in turn what and how to correct what you determine is fundamental?
• Does movement efficiency matter? Or does the body just compensate for inefficiencies and in turn this is what actually builds robustness?
• If an athlete has poor movement (Eg. Cutting) is this a skill issue or a capacity issue?

People mentioned:

• Ed Hollis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hollis-66a16732/
• Darren Burgess: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RtvVQHvNNU4eRjJNQ7Mrz
• Tim Parham: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4W9EViwgEvNRwnRYqQjtyD
• Ian McKeown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mckeown-a5551625/
• Mark Young: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17aAXmr5EdiTtxfqs1D1Zn
• Simon Rice: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NOUezYUtUXFUk53Ky4ZOK

Tim McGrath contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-mcg/
• Pitch Ready: https://www.pitch-ready.com/about-us/
• X: https://x.com/_timmcgrath?lang=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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The Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) space is an ever growing space in sport and there is no one better than Nathan who has worked in the space across multiple high performance school youth programs including Westfields Sports High School, St Augustine’s College Sydney and Brisbane Grammar. In addition, he’s also worked in professional sport with the Paramatta Eels (NRL) and Australia Women’s Rugby 7s team. Nathan shares the experience and lessons he has learnt in his career and having written the book on being a sporting parent titled “The Sporting Parent” he provides a comprehensive dive into how other practitioners can really excel in the field of LTAD.

Highlights from the episode…

• Nathan started his S&C career being inspired and training his brother in competitive Muy Thai fighting.
• How Nathan and I both discovered later in life what we wanted to do eventually enrolling in university as mature aged students.
• How a chance encounter with Darren Burgess as his lecturer at uni led to his first role in sport as a S&C coach with Parramatta Power FC.
• In a world where society rewards status, income, hierarchy etc. Nathan shares some of the financial challenges that many experience in the S&C industry and how he personally navigated this challenging period of his career.
• When do you give up on your dream? The tension for many in the industry between loving what you do and navigating at times low pay, long hours, volatility, the high competitiveness in the market etc.
• Nathan disuses the concept of “finite windows of opportunities” when periodising your career in professional sport.
• In today's society there is an emphasis on fulfillment in ones career. Is being fulfilled in your role that important?
• After financial challenges, working multiple years across semi professional sport, countless knock-backs, Nathan shares how he finally acquired his first professional full time role with the Parramatta Eels (NRL).
• Nathan shares his transition from the NRL to Rugby Australia with the national women’s Rugby 7s team.
• How Nathan used the COVID period to his advantage and how others can use periods of being out of the industry to really propelled them to the next level.
• Nathan is an expert in the LTAD space and we discuss how coaches can find a balance of being respectful of the challenges of youths these days yet pushing them beyond these challenges to build resilience.
• What my Asian mother and wife taught me about coaching.
• Dose winning matter and if not what is winning LTAD? The difference between “Infinite” and “Finite” games.
• The LTAD space is becoming a real avenue for many S&C coaches. Nathan shares the highlights and challenges of working in the LTAD industry.

People mentioned:

• Darren Burgess: https://podcasts.apple.com/np/podcast/darren-burgess-high-performance-manager-adelaide-crows/id1665811558?i=1000652813202
• Lachlan Wilmot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-wilmot-21165460/
• David Joyce: https://podcasts.apple.com/np/podcast/david-joyce-world-renowned-high-performance-sports/id1665811558?i=1000658845031
• Simon Harries: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6AlZDezoETn9dEdVLiGNn4

Nathan Parnham contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-parnham-19238022/
• X: https://x.com/NathanParnham
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VrSyA2N1DmuUFqXfbQ8De
• Book

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Paula Peralta is a one of few Specialist Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist in the world who has worked in over a dozen World Cups, Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic games collectively over her career. Not only has she worked across multiple sports and various athletes within all these major tournaments, but she has also worked with both the Men’s (Boomers) and Women’s (Opals) Australian national basketball team and was part of the special group who went on to win an historic bronze medal with both teams. Paula takes us into the inner sanctum of those incredible moments as well as shares both the technical skills and personal attributes that have allowed her to excel in the world of high performance sport for over 20 years.

Highlights from the episode…

• Little may you know, Paula was an AIS netball scholarship holder and after suffering an early ACL injury this led to her being exposed to the cream of the crop of sports physios in Australia at the time.
• Having held lead positions in various teams that has involved regular travel, a lot of pressure and long hours…How did you not burn out?
• Although she has had a career filled with many highlights, there are often many “costs” that accompany working in sport. How Paula re-frames these.
• How Paula secured her first role at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and shares insight of what it’s like to work at multiple Commonwealth, Paralympic and Olympic games.
• Paula provides unprecedented access to what it was like being part of both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball team Bronze medal winning Olympic games.
• What support services are available to those countries who attend the games who don’t have medical/physio support?
• Paula provides a rundown of the services, personnel and the logistics of being able to provide 24 hour support for over 450 Australian athletes over the 16 day period at the Olympics games.
• How Paula manages her Opals players remotely when they are situated across the globe playing for their respective teams.
• Who gets final say? The decision making process when the national team and their respective clubs may have differences in opinion in the management of a player.
• What screening/monitoring metrics Paula uses with the Opals to evaluate injury risk, player availability,periodising training/game minutes etc.
• Is there a risk of being “institutionalised” when spending years working in high performance sport and not knowing any other way?
• Paula shares her excitement about the future of Para and Women’s sport and the opportunities for practitioners and athletes in this space.

People mentioned:

• Peter Blanch: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FHpOBIanMmbQRkx9YjkUx
• Keren Faulkner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keren-faulkner-b56b0296/
• Kate Mahony: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TthNoykn5kz4El5jjZxjL
• Andrea Mosler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-mosler-40872a37/

Paula Peralta contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-peralta-b49bbb73/
• X: https://x.com/peralta_pj

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Alex Calder is an Australian Sports Scientist and S&C coach who has spent the last 6 years with one of the leading MLS franchises in the US. In addition to his work with Houston Dynamo FC he has worked in the college system across various sports as well as worked at Orlando SC (MLS) where he was responsible for the strength and conditioning of the playing squad that included Brazilian World Cup winner, Champions League winner and 2007 worlds best player (Ballon d'or) winner Kaka. In this conversation we chat about how a boy from Melbourne with no prior experience in professional sport, no contacts and the courage to buy a one way ticket to Boston was then able to build career most would envy in the top tier of football (Soccer) in the US.

Highlights from the episode…

• Alex pursued S&C initially wanting to improve his own strength and conditioning as a footballer.
• After retiring, Alex went all in and bought a one-way ticket to Boston with no job and no connections at the chance of establishing a career in high performance sport.
• He describes the first year in the US as “not for the feint hearted” and the lessons he learnt trying to get his foot into the door of sport.
• We discuss how the leaps in one’s development often are a product of being a little naive/ignorant and the value of engineering some naivety into ones decision making.
• Alex provides a step by step process of how he acquired a role as S&C coach in the US college system.
• Alex shares common pathways in the US for practitioners working in professional sporting roles and what sporting clubs look for in potential hires.
• Being an S&C Coach in the college system, day-to-day, facilities, remuneration, personnel, departments etc.
• Aside from the highlights, we discuss the costs of working in high performance sport and why he still does it?
• What it was like to work in his first MLS role with Orlando City SC, including highlights, challenges, lessons etc.
• We chat about being tested by athletes and how Alex navigated challenging situations with players and coaches and how being a chameleon in one’s approach is crucial.
• Ashley Jones “degrees of freedom” when it comes to programming athletes.
• How do you navigate a culture that may not resonate with S&C and get athletes to buy into doing gym work.
• Athletes currently are more intuitive and want to know “why” more than ever.
• When it comes to "Return To Play" what metrics Alex uses, who is involved and how the decision are made when it comes to progressing players at Houston Dynamo FC.
• When is it ok to push through pain and when we shouldn’t push through pain when it comes to progressing RTP.
• Alex speaks of the move to a new club and the past 6 years at Houston Dynamo FC.

People mentioned:

• Darren Burgess: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RtvVQHvNNU4eRjJNQ7Mrz
• Adam Centofanti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-centofanti-04224790/
• Ashley Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K58qwDLia2A
• Paul Caffery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireland11/

Alex Calder contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-calder-aa432480/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calder_05/
• Website: http://www.aussiecoachabroad.com/about
• Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Peak-Performance-Soccer-Coaching-Training/dp/103206031X

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Tim Gabbett is one of the prominent leaders having spent over 3 decades in high performance sport where both his research and expertise has impacted many around the globe in the area of load management and injury prevention. What some may not know is that he started his career struggling to find any job in sport and eventually went on to work with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and the Brisbane Broncos (NRL). This is a story of someone who now spends his time consulting, training and presenting to some of the biggest names in world sport and through a lot of setbacks, uncertainty, perseverance and an unrivalled work ethic has gone on to be named in the top 25 most impactful sport scientist of all time.

Highlights from the episode…

• What inspired Tim to pursue a career in sport science during a time where there were no sports scientist jobs in the industry.
• Tim shares the number one thing early practitioners are missing when it comes to working in high performance sport.
• Even though he was degree qualified, Tim shares some of the struggles early in his career trying to get any job in sport and even having to be a labourer for a period just to support his wife and 3 kids.
• How Tim has dealt with pressure, setbacks, occasional doubt and uncertainty during his 30-year career.
• Having transitioned from QAS to the Brisbane Broncos Tim discusses the differences between “public sports” (institutes, academies of sport) and “Private sports” (professional sporting organisations).
• Tim shares why he chose to have a side hustle of consulting while working full time in sport and how it developed into full time consulting for various clubs around the world.
• With many looking to utilise their expertise and start up their own business, Tim shares some advice and cautionary tales around his transition into consultancy.
• We discuss the Acute:Chronic load research and chat about whether we actually know specifically why an athlete becomes more robust to injury? Is it the physical adaptations or mental adaptations?
• What moderators Tim has found that can help athletes cope with acute spikes in loads and if addressed could actually effect the outcome of injury.
• An effective way to avoid spikes in load is to avoid the preceding trough in training. Off-season and are we inevitably creating a trough leading into a spike a load?
• Do we put too much emphasis on reducing injuries in sport?
• “Do you want your athlete back quickly or do you want them back permanently?” What you might need to consider when returning a player back to play post injuries.
• Tim shares a special and funny story of his Dad’s response to years of work that went into finally publishing his research and what Tim learnt from that moment.
• As a sports scientist what percentage do you lean currently on data/statistics/measures versus intuition/gut feel/instinct when it comes to decision making in sport? His answer will surprise you!

People mentioned:

• Peter Blanch: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FHpOBIanMmbQRkx9YjkUx

Tim Gabbett contact details:

• Website: https://gabbettperformance.com.au/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-gabbett-82466899/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Ebonie is a clinical researcher and her work has made her one of the leaders in the management of tendon injuries in the world. What people may not know is that she is also a sports physiotherapist who has worked for the Australian (AIS) and Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and has serviced team Australia at multiple Commonwealth, Winter Olympic, Summer Olympic and Paralympic games. Ebonie has also worked in the performing arts with the Australian Ballet as well as spending 18 months touring with Disney’s Lion King stage production. In this conversation we take a rare deep dive into her personal and professional journey of how she's become one of the go to people for many of the worlds high performance teams when it comes to the treatment of tendons.

Highlights from the episode…

• What motivated Ebonie to pursue a career in sport after initially not being accepted to do physio at university.
• Having spent now over 15 years with the VIS, Ebonie describes what qualities they look for when hiring an exceptional practitioner.
• It’s not exercise prescription, massage, injury assessment that physios are most skilled in…its “physio CSI".
• We discuss the art of listening and the power of words. Why this is fundamental in athlete care.
• After several failed attempts to secure a role at the AIS. How Ebonie finally got a job with the AIS and what it was like to be mentored by some of Australia’s pioneers in sports medicine.
• We discuss volunteering and the challenge of not getting paid and how one can obtain experience and skills that others may not get when willing to do work for less.
• Although a well established leader in the field why Ebonie still volunteers and the benefits both her and the industry receive by her doing so.
• Ebonie provides an insight into her recent involvement in 2024 Paris Olympic Games including recruitment, HQ set up, day-to-day running, highlights etc.
• The power of developing your EQ (emotional intelligence) alongside your IQ when it comes to injury management.
• “If you listen hard enough your patient will tell you what’s wrong with them. If you really listen they will tell you how to fix them”.
• How Ebonie manages an acute tendon problem under the pressure, stress, time sensitivity and gravity of an athlete competing in an Olympic Games.
• “Tendons love load, what they hate is unmanageable load!”
• The biggest impact you have on your athletes symptoms is to get them to stop doing the provocative load…the problem is athletes are often mistaken what the provocative load is!
• How Ebonie has been able to stay at the pinnacle of sport while also being an incredible mother and partner.
• “Be evidence informed but not recipe driven”. The advantages and disadvantages of using research.

People mentioned:

• Steve Hawkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-hawkins-06b195186/?originalSubdomain=au
• Peter Blanch: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FHpOBIanMmbQRkx9YjkUx
• Sue Mayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-mayes-am-19ab8861/
• Jill Cook: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/jlcook

Ebonie Rio contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonie-rio-436474224/?originalSubdomain=au
• La Trobe University: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/erio

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Pete is one of the leading sports physiotherapist and medical service managers in Australia. Having spent over 2 decades as part of an incredible sports medicine team at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) during its glory years, Pete has also gone on to work in leading roles with Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia and as Head Physiotherapist/Head of Medical Services for 2 different AFL clubs with the Essendon Bombers and the Brisbane Lions. This is a rare and insightful conversation with an often understated yet exceptional sports medicine practitioner with over 40 years experience at the pinnacle of high performance sports in Australia.

Highlights from the episode…

• Growing up in rural Queensland how Pete was able to get his first role in sport with the Geelong Cats FC in the VFL.
• How Pete secured a role with the AIS alongside Australia's pioneers in sports medicine, including Craig Purdum who arguably was the first full time physio working in sport in Australia.
• What the early days at the AIS were like. Pete describes the team as being a bunch of “Cowboys” who’s work in sports science and sports medicine went on to be world renowned.
• “Noggins” ’it’s significance when it comes to injury prevention and what the hell is a Noggin!
• Even though he has a background in biomechanics, why Pete says biomechanics may not be as important as we thought when it comes to injury risk profiling and prevention.
• “Resting a player is not a decision that doesn’t come with consequences”. Why resting players may be detrimental to injury prevention.
• How Pete transitioned from the AIS to Cricket Australia and what he learnt during his time with Australia’s number 1 sport.
• How Pete got a role with Essendon Bombers on the back of the clubs drug controversy.
• “Players don’t get better laying on beds”. An alternative approach to injury management that him and his team used at the Brisbane Lions that is widely adopted across the AFL today.
• The cardinal sin in sports medicine is injuries, Pete discusses why you shouldn't fear injuries when working in professional sport.
• In an industry filled with uncertainty around injuries, wins/losses, performances etc. how Pete was able to portray certainty when communicating with players, high performance staff and coaches.
• “It’s easy to sell fear!” Contrarian thinking and how as practitioners we should question our approach to injury management.
• “What happens on the field is not mutually exclusive to what happens off the field”. How variables detached from an injury can impact the success of return to sport.
• Outside of Pete’s clinical skills what other attributes has Pete found essential when working with elite athletes.

People mentioned:

• Craig Purdam: https://www.ersportsphysio.com.au/staff/craig-purdam/
• Justin Crow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincrow/
• Selwyn Griffith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selwyn-griffith-83466439/
• Andrew Crowell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcrowelllions/?originalSubdomain=au

Peter Blanch contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-blanch-50900b106/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Carmen is a leading sports scientist and high performance director with a diverse background in high performance sport both in Australia and overseas. Whether it be spending time abroad studying at the world famous German Sports University Cologne, to working at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), to working in professional Rugby with the ACT Brumbies and the Brisbane Broncos, or as the Head of Performance for Perth Glory FC as well as spending 2 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA, just to name a few, Carmen has been able to leverage each experience to further improve the performance of each of the athletes she's worked with. Carmen’s resume alone makes for an incredible conversation but it’s her ability to have navigated all these roles with humility, grace and an insatiable desire to help others succeed is what's most fascinating.

Highlights from the episode…

• Being a track runner herself and having a passion for science, pursing a career in high performance sport seemed an obvious fit.
• How Carmen got her first role in sport at the Victorian Institute of Sport and what she would do differently now when applying for roles in such a competitive industry.
• Don’t wait! Carmen shares an incredible story of how she secured a role with the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby and the unconventional strategy she used.
• After a year at the AIS how Carmen secured a full time role with the ACT Brumbies and describes why she found her time there phenomenal.
• We chat about what she learnt from her mentor on "leadership".
• How a chance conversation on a sideline with the one Anthony Seibold led to Carmen being asked to join the Brisbane Broncos, NRL.
• The value of deliberately manufacturing ignorance in one’s thought process.
• How Carmen moved from Brisbane to Philadelphia to join the 76ers, NBA.
• How Carmen swiftly and effectively transitioned into her new role with the 76ers in a completely unfamiliar sport.
• As a sports scientist Carmen is exposed to endless data sets and she shares how she effectively analyses data to minimise falling victim to miss interpreting "cause and effect".
• Carmen shares what she feels is the most effective recovery modality is and it’s not what you think!
• Why Carmen chose to give up her dream job in the NBA for personal reasons and the challenges of balancing a career in sport and personal life.
• Carmen shares what’s like being a high performing mother in high performance sport.

People mentioned:

• Bryce Cavanagh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-cavanagh-60790162/
• Ben Serpell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benserpell/
• Simon Rice: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NOUezYUtUXFUk53Ky4ZOK
• Kellyanne Redman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyanne-redman-phd-44787268/?originalSubdomain=au
• Paul Devlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldevlin81/?originalSubdomain=au
• Anthony Seibold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Seibold

Carmen Colomer contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-colomer-253992a9/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.

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Kelvin is one of the pioneers of athletic performance coaching with over 50 years experience in sport working with such organisations as British Athletics, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos (NRL) and the London Broncos (UK Super League) to only name a few. In the industry it is hard fought to not have Kelvin’s influence brought up in any conversations with the current leaders in the field of high performance sport and having coached over 14 Olympic athletes over 7 Olympic Cycles, winning 5 out of the 7 Rugby League grand finals and to this day still continues to mentor, consult and provide advocacy for many in the industry, you can see why he is consider one of the grandfathers of athletic performance coaching not just in Australia but the world.

Highlights from the episode…

• After meeting a former Team GB Track and Field (T&F) coach this set his path towards pursuing the goal of being a national T&F coach.
• Kelvin shares how he acquired the role as the first ever T&F coach at the AIS, his experience and why he describes it as the biggest mistake he ever made.
• After not having his contracted renewed by the AIS, Kelvin went on to coach several Australian record breaking athletes while working as a relief teacher and a bouncer at a night club.
• The unique strategies Kelvin put in place to structure a season long periodised S&C program during the semi-professional era of Rugby League.
• How Kelvin took what he learnt from coaching T&F athletes and implemented what was at the time a contrarian approach to S&C at the Canberra Raiders.
• “You got injured during motion, we’re going to mend you during motion.” The rehab process he used with Mal Meninga.
• “Most teams use pre-season to prepare for the season. At the Brisbane Broncos we used the pre-season and the season itself to prepare for the finals".
• “When coaching your athletes you’ve got to build roots for them to grow but ultimately you need to build wings for them to fly”.
• Kelvin shares his time at the QAS and the incredible practitioners who he worked with who have gone on to work with some of the best teams in the world.
• Explicit and Implicit instruction and how coaching athletes requires both.
• The stages of athletic progressions of General, Related and Specific, and how each stage is vital.
• Efficiency, Consistency and Resilience and how to implement each in a conditioning/rehab/injury prevention program.
• The importance of “Pedagogy” in training athletes.
• We discuss the challenges that currently exist in athletic programs with the growing trend in organisations to simply focus on chasing results/medals at the cost of long term athlete development.
• What Kelvin believes is the crucial skill set one needs to develop when working in high performance environments.

People mentioned:

• Frank Dick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRnsG4gXcdw
• Don Talbot: https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/don-talbot/
• Bill Knowles: https://www.knowlesathletic.com/team-ka

Kelvin Giles contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-giles-225b9818/
• Movement Dynamics Website: https://www.movementdynamics.com/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Mark has over 20 years experience in the industry working with various sports, roles and organisations across the globe. This has included working in the UK with the English Institute of Sport, Nike Athletics and as Head of Medical Services for England Cricket. He has also worked in Australia with Victorian Institute of Sport, Australian Institute of Sport and as Head Physiotherapist for the Geelong Cats (AFL). This is a rare and inspiring interview with someone who has been able to transition from a clinician to an executive role now with the QAS where he is responsible for over 120 staff who provide high performance support to over 500 athletes in preparation for the upcoming LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Highlights from the episode…

• After sustaining multiple knee injuries as a promising volleyball player this inspired him to pursue a career in high performance sport.
• In a chance encounter Mark worked with leading tendinopathy experts early in his career which little did he know was the catalysts to future opportunities.
• Having worked at the VIS, AIS and being offered a dream role with an AFL club, Mark chose to give it all up to backpack around the UK & he explains why!
• We discuss the value of gaining novel experiences outside of conventional clinical professional development that can benefit you as a clinician.
• After arriving in the UK with no job, how Mark secured a role working with the world's best track sprinters.
• Mark reflects on a story of how he provided critical advice to an elite athlete who consequently went on to sustain a devastating injury the next day, and what he learnt from that experience.
• Despite the advice and the ensuing consequence to the world’s fastest man, interestingly the team still wanted Mark to continue providing physiotherapy services for the team.
• We discuss how the value of a physiotherapist may be gauged by attributes that exist outside of one’s clinical skills.
• How Mark secured one of the most coveted roles as Head of Medical Services for the England Cricket Team.
• Mark returned back to Australia and secured a role with Geelong Cats (AFL).
• We discuss the fallacy in the industry that acquiring more degrees (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) is what gets you a job in sport…its not!
• 3 questions Mark asks himself when recruiting top talent.
• QAS is currently in search for various performance staff and Mark shares details around those opportunities.
• Why Mark pivoted away from a predominately athlete facing role to a consultant/executive role and highlights some considerations he had and what others may consider when pivoting.

Mark Young contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-young-b2aaa520/
• QAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qldacademysport/
• QAS website: https://www.qasport.qld.gov.au/
• QAS jobs: https://www.sportspeople.com.au/jobs/classification/medicine-science-psychology-physio-strength-conditioning-athlete-services-jobs?q=QAS

People mentioned:

• Michael Snelling: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nCo1yeak0V4NLNN9itlXZ
• Peter Blanch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-blanch-50900b106/
• Jill Cook: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/jlcook

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Pat is one of the leading Athletic Trainers (AT) in the US and has held various coveted positions across different organisations and sports. Pat has worked in the MLS in his current role as Head Athletic Trainer for FC Cincinnati and as a Director of Performance for Orlando City SC. He has also worked with tactical special operations group, professional Baseballers with the Baltimore Orioles and spent a bulk of his career working with the world famous multi-sport student athlete program, IMG Academy in Florida, USA and in this conversation he provides an unprecedented insight into this internationally renowned athlete academy. This is a great conversation around what's involved in the role of an to AT in US sports and Pat uniquely shares his experience, lessons and highlights from a career spanning over 20years in the high performance sport industry.

Highlights from the episode…

• Having come from a sporting family and his Dad suffering a Achilles injury himself, this motivated Pat to dive into the world of AT in high performance sport.
• Pat provides an in-depth insight into the differences in roles and responsibilities between an AT and Physical Therapist (PT) and why he chose to be an AT.
• How Pat got his first role in the sport of Baseball with a Major League organisation the Baltimore Orioles.
• After working a few seasons with the Orioles Pat shares how he got a role with the multi sport IMG Academy in Florida.
• After a year Pat was then thrusted into the lead AT role. We discuss leadership and how most are not equipped, or ready, for the responsibility of a leadership role even though this may be viewed as a natural progression.
• Pat provides an unprecedented insight into the IMG Academy from the history, services, facilities, the athletes who have graduated from the academy to the medical & performance departments, staff roles, responsibilities etc.
• With admittingly limited experience in the performance side to sport, Pat shares how he navigated the challenges & responsibilities of now overseeing the performance and medical departments of the first team, women’s team and academy team of newly established MLS franchise Orlando SC.
• In an outcome driven industry there is a huge risk of validating your work through wins and losses with the reality that all but only one team can win the championship.
• After spending 4 years out of sport while working with special forces, for the first time in his career he found a role that provided stability and a balanced family life but also felt a strong desire to get back into sport. We discuss navigating the difficult decisions of doing what is right for the family and still being pulled to what Pat feels he was called to do.
• Advice on navigating challenging conversations with coaches.
• What Pat is excited to see over the next 5 years professional & personally.

Patrick Tanner contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tanner-ms-atc/

People mentioned:

• Gary Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-walker-511b2712/
• Jason Stallons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-stallons-pt-dpt-ocs-scs-omt-c-b39a0010a/
• Alex Calder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-calder-aa432480/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Jess is probably most well known as the author of the best selling ACL book “Pop: when sport brings us to our knees” that explores 13 elite athletes on their own ACL injury journey. But what people may not know about Jess is that she has also had an eclectic career in high performance sport including working over a decade with some of the worlds best winter sports athletes, to being a sports physio for Sailing Australia, to spending 4 years in the AFL with the GWS Giants. Much like the books she's authored this conversation is filled with multiple chapters including working across various sports, to being a mother in high performance sport, to diverging from the norm as to carve out her own personal and professional journey in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Having being profiled as a 2000 Olympic volleyball prospect and suffering many injuries of her own, this led her down a pathway to sport.
• Jess than moved from sunny Noosa to snowy Wanaka NZ, where she worked with the worlds best half pipe and slope style winter athletes, including Shaun White.
• How working with winter athletes differs from working with professional field sports athletes.
• Jess shares what it’s like to provide pitch side (slope side) emergency support when covering a winter sports event.
• After over 10 years in winter sports Jess made the move to Sailing Australia and in the AFL with the GWS Giants.
• We discuss why Jess chose to give up her role traveling the globe and working with the worlds best winter athletes.
• How "pushing a car" can help you excel in the sports industry.
• Jess shares her unique role at GWS where she was responsible for elevating movement efficiency beyond the historic gym based culture in football.
• Jess provides details of the contrarian approach GWS were using at the time to build resilience in their players.
• Having built incredible momentum working in winter sports, sailing and AFL, Jess decided to chuck it all in and bought a yacht to sail the globe…and why?
• We discuss mothers in elite sport and what Jess had to considered when pursuing personal and professional goals.
• What inspired Jess to write the best selling ACL book “Pop”.
• We discuss the next chapter in Jess' life, now with a focus on women’s health and what things we should consider when working with high performing female athletes.

Jess Cunningham contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cunningham-46816097/details/experience/
• Optima Female Performance: https://www.optimafemaleperformance.com/team.html
• Surf to Summit Physiotherapy: http://www.surftosummitphysio.com/
• Pop (book) website: https://www.jesscunningham.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscunninghamphysio/?hl=en

People mentioned:

• Anthony Hirst: https://surreystreetclinic.com.au/antony-hirst/
• Shaun White: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_White
• Donna White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-white-71753744/
• David Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-joyce01/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Cody is a Sports Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach who started his career with the Melbourne City FC and went on to become Head Physio for the Macarthur Bulls FC in the A-League. Cody is also one of few Australian’s who have gone onto work in the Indian Super League where he was trusted with the health and wellbeing of Socceroos greatest ever goal scorer Tim Cahill during his time playing for Jamshedpur FC. This is a conversation filled with adventure, courage and multiple sliding door moments which has taken Cody across Australia and the globe to now currently being one of few Australian’s working in the top tier of soccer in the US, for 2-time MLS champions the Seattle Sounders FC.

Highlights from the episode…

• As an accomplished middle distance runner himself, Cody was inspired to pursue a career in sport.
• Even after close to 4 years in private practice and 2 university degrees Cody shares the difficulties he had with getting his foot in the door of sport.
• The massive risk Cody took to finally get his first opportunity in sport with Melb. City FC.
• We discuss some of the costs of constantly pursuing his passion in sport.
• We discuss “why” we choose to continue working in sport despite all the shortcomings that can come with working in sport.
• After Melb. City FC, Cody took time off traveling and eventually found himself working in the Indian Super League after a phone call from Tim Cahill.
• What it’s like to work in India as Tim Cahill’s personal physio.
• How to best build collaborative relationships with clubs when you’re personally looking after individual players.
• How Cody secured a role the Head Physio role with Macarthur FC and what it was like to work with a start up club.
• The importance of subjective monitoring and how technology may not be providing anymore benefit than one thinks.
• How Cody manages the freshness of the players during heavy match congestion periods.
• After primarily working as a physio for most of his career, how Cody was able to transition and secure a role as Head of Fitness for the Seattle Sounders FC.
• What it’s like to work in the MLS and what his role entails on a day to day basis.
• There has been a lot of discussion on the topic of progressions in rehabilitation but little on how to progress match minutes with injured athletes. Cody shares what he considers when progressing match minutes.
• What Cody is excited to be working on over the next few years.

Cody Williamson contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-williamson-2a9261122/
• Website: https://www.cwperformancerehab.com/my-story

People mentioned:

• Anthony Crea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycrea004/?originalSubdomain=au
• Tim Cahill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Cahill
• Adam Centofanti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-centofanti-04224790/
• Justin Dougherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dougherty-185a0739/
• Daniel Arzani: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Arzani

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Simon is a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) coach who has worked in all 4 professional collision sports in Australia. He has held roles with the Newcastle Knights (NRL), Rugby Australia in both their Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens programs as well as with the GWS Giants (AFL). He is probably most well-known for his expertise in the athletic rehab and the return to performance space and currently is the Head S&C at NSWIS working with Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Alongside this he is also the founder of Performance Compass which provides consulting and mentoring to practitioners in the space of athletic rehab. This is a great conversation with someone who started his career having never stepped into a gym to then going on to be one of the most prolific voices in athletic rehab in Australia.

Highlights from the episode…

• Admittedly with almost no previous experience in S&C, how Simon was able to get his first role in professional sport with the Newcastle Knights.
• We discuss the art of teaching in coaching and how historically S&C coaches started from a background of PE teaching.
• After staffing changes at the Knights, there was uncertainty in his position so he courageously approached Rugby Australia with a proposal…
• “Be patient with the outcome but urgent in your process”. How Simon stayed patient and focused more on mastering his craft which eventually led to high profile roles.
• How Simon was able to propel through the ranks of Rugby Australia.
• The difference in “competency” and “capacity” when developing a rehab plan for an athlete.
• When monitoring athletes, “its less important to determine what the test is measuring than it is to understand what its not measuring”.
• The “tear drop” approach to collaboration between S&C coaches and Physios while managing injured athletes.
• How Simon was able to migrate from the game of Rugby to the AFL with becoming Senior Athletic Performance Specialist for the GWS Giants.
• He shares his philosophies around athletic rehab that can be used within many facets of developing athletic of performance.
• Simon provides a detailed insight into the recruitment process of him being selected for a converted role with NSWIS.
• NSWIS structure, allocation of services & resources, allocation of staff to certain sports, day-to-day roles and responsibilities etc.
• Simon’s current project “Performance Compass” and how this can help you navigate rehab with your athletes.

Simon Harries contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-harries/
• Sportsmith article: https://www.sportsmith.co/articles/developing-a-rehab-running-framework-for-soft-tissue-injuries/
• Performance Compass website: https://www.performancecompass.com.au/

People mentioned:

• Tim Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rogers-96856441/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Alex Natera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-natera-035a7765/
• Nick Poulos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-poulos-phd-a415a66/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles simply send me an email.*

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Emidio (Mids) has been working in the world of high performance sport for over 15 years across Australia, Europe and the USA. He’s worked as Head Physiotherapist for the Western Force (Super Rugby), Medical Service Manager for Carlton FC (AFL) as well as a Medical Coordinator for the AIS at their European Training Centre (ETC) situated just outside Milan in Italy. Currently he works in the Performance and Rehabilitation department of the New England Patriots in the NFL. This was one of my most enjoyable and authentic conversations with someone who has not only worked in some incredible countries but he has also worked across different sports with a diverse range of athlete types which has culminated to working with arguably one of the most famous sporting franchises not just in States but the world.

Highlights from the episode…

• Early in his career, Mids spent close to a year in Italy before spending time in the UK in the NHS system.
• After three years overseas, Mids returned home to Australia where he began his first role in sport with the Perth Football Club as well as buying into his own private practice.
• Mid talks about the importance of cutting his teeth in semi professional sport which has armed him with the skills he still uses to this day.
• We discuss the volatility and transitional nature of sport and how to deal with the comings and goings of players, staff and coaches.
• Mids shares how he acquired a rare role with the AIS in their ETC in Italy.
• We talk about how at the pointy end of sport it’s not your experience or knowledge that gets you the job…it’s something else.
• What its like to work at the ETC in an Olympic cycle.
• After the AIS, Mids moved back to Perth where he spent 4 season with the Western Force and got to work everyday with his brother.
• How Mids was able to transition into a Head Physio role in a sport he was unaccustomed too.
• After initially being rejected twice how Mids moved from Rugby to acquire a role in the AFL with the Carlton FC.
• How Mids balances humility with confidence in an industry that craves certainty
• “If you are a person who always want to be right this may come at the cost of playing it safe.”
• The benefits of tracking your own decision making.
• How an Aussie secured a role in the NFL with one of the world’s biggest sporting organisations.
• What it’s like to work in the NFL, staffing tree, resources, 100+ player squad and the nuances that exist only in the game of NFL.
• We discuss the difference in injury management philosophies between the US and Australia.
• The importance of building rapport with athletes and the challenges that can incur in the NFL.
• How getting my daughters to eat broccoli helped me get athletes to do things that they don’t want to do.

Emidio Pacecca contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emidio-pacecca-79bab335/

People mentioned:

• Johann Bilsborough: https://x.com/jbils1972?lang=en
• Ben Raysmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-raysmith-22239a2b5/
• Craig Purdum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-purdam-6964293a/
• Aaron Coutts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-coutts-448a0024/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Dean has held some incredible roles and experience in his already young career. He’s worked in the AFL as a Sports Scientist with the Western Bulldogs FC and as a Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Gold Coast Suns. Dean has also worked as a lead physical performance coach for the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) specialising in combat sports before moving into his current role with the UFC. Dean has a unique perspective having worked both in team sports and with individual athletes and shares the differences in delivering a high performance program for AFL athletes in comparison to training a sub specialty of combat athletes. This is a great conversation with someone who has progressed through his career from working in landscaping to now working with the biggest combat sports organisation in the world.

Highlights from the episode…

• Dean started his career as a landscaper but admits this never drove him, this led him to pursue his real passion and then going on to study sports science.
• Dean shares how he was able to secure a role in the AFL while still studying in his undergrad degree.
• At the ripe age of 24, Dean was able to secure a full time high performance manager role with the Western Bulldogs FC and shares what he did to best position himself for the role.
• What Dean sees as good leadership and how he personally leads.
• Dean shares why he made the move interstate from a premiership winning team to a team that finished last on the ladder, in the Gold Coast Suns.
• How Dean had to dramatically change his approach to performance enhancement from his approach at the Bulldogs to now working with one of the youngest playing lists in the AFL at the Suns.
• After 6 years at the Suns, Dean made the move back down to Melbourne and begun working in the sub specialty of combat sport.
• He shares some of the differences in training structure, funding, available resources, periodisation and openness/reluctance to sport science when comparing AFL team athletes to institute of sport individual combat athletes.
• Having built a successful career on the back of long hours in his role. Dean shares some of the costs, and we discuss if success in the industry can be achieved in any other way?
• How Dean was able to secure a senior role with the biggest combat sports company in the world the UFC, and what its like to work for the Performance Institute in Shanghai, China.
• Working with athletes who have their own performance teams and how the UFC work collaboratively with each fighter’s support staff.
• Dean describes what it’s like working in China and navigating a different culture, food, lifestyle and language.

People mentioned:

• Mathew Inness: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-inness-01036343/?originalSubdomain=au
• Justin Cordy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-cordy-40781149/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=au
• Duncan French: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-french-phd-a41bb9122/

Dr. Dean Ritchie contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ritchie-phd-178927205/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeanritchie/
• Website: https://drdeanritchie.com/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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David Joyce is one of the leading voices and practitioners in high performance sport. He has an extensive career in professional sport having worked in professional football with Blackburn Rovers FC & Galatasaray, in professional Rugby with Saracens and the Western Force, with both British and Chinese Olympic athletes with their respective institutes of sport as well as worked as Head of Athletic Performance for the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants in the AFL. If that wasn’t enough, he has also co-authored two of the most well used books in the industry and now applies what he’s learnt from years working in professional sport across the globe by providing external consultancy services in both the sport and corporate sector. This is a deep conversation where we dive into his diverse career, the positive and negative impacts of being involved in sport and what he has learnt along the way that he now shares with some of his consultancy clients including the AIS, Victoria University and the City Football group.

Highlights from the episode…

• David shares how he ran every single day for a year, running a distance each day corresponding to the month of the year and why it was important for him to do that.
• After finishing his degree, he moved to the UK where he initially thought he’d be there 18 months which then led to a 10-year career in the UK working in various sports.
• The genesis of why he went onto study a masters and S & C and how bridging the gap between S & C and medical has been one of his assets.
• David is deep into the art of “bread making” and it provides an insight into how David thinks and fuels his curiosity.
• David is a veracious reader, we discuss reading and how it can have a positive affect on your own craft in sports.
• After a period with Blackburn Rovers, David took an opportunity to work with one of Australia’s most recognised footballers in one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Galatasaray.
• David share his personal philosophy to injury management and performance enhancement.
• What David learnt while working with Chinese Olympic athletes that has influenced his approach to maximising athletic characteristics.
• With David being exposed to the latest technology in both sport and cooperate, David shares where he’s sees AI being used and provides insights in the jobs that may be at risk with the growth of AI.
• David and I discuss the challenges of working in sport and he shares a personal challenge he faced when taking an enormous opportunity in China and the impact it had on his life outside of his career.
• What are you solving for in the long term?
• What excites David about the next 5 years in the industry.

David Joyce contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-joyce01/
• Synapsing Website:
• One Track Mind Podcast: https://trackvu.com/podcast

People mentioned:

• Kay Robinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-robinson1/
• Professor Sam Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonsj/?originalSubdomain=au
• Rob Naish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnaishphysio/?originalSubdomain=au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Lindsay (Linds) has a wealth of experience having spent over a decade in the AFL initially starting as Rehab Physio and then progressing on to be the Head Physio for the Gold Coast Suns. In addition, he’s worked with Championship side Bristol City FC and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the UK as well as working as a physiotherapist at the 2012 London Olympic games. In this conversation, we dive into the nuances of injury management within an AFL club as well as reflecting on Linds’ fascinating career from growing up in country Queensland, to working in professional sport in the UK to now being one of only a handful of practitioners heading the medical department of a club who compete in the biggest professional sporting league in Australia.

Highlights from the episode…

• Linds pursued physiotherapy due to his passion for sport and the problem solving aspect of injury management.
• Linds took time off to travel around the world and found himself eventually living in the UK.
• How a serendipitous encounter with a fellow Australian Physio in the UK led to a unique 4 hour long interview process that eventually secured his first professional sports role with Championship side Bristol City FC.
• The power of being naive and how having a lack of naivety/ignorance may actually be detrimental to decision making.
• Linds talks about his time at Bristol City and what led to an emotional departure.
• Linds’ next move was with Notts County Cricket Club and he describes the ins/outs of being a physio for a professional cricket team.
• Linds’ time culminated in working in the 2012 London Olympic games and shares his role and experience.
• After the UK Linds returned to Australia and talks about how he secured a role in with AFL side the Gold Coast Suns.
• We discuss the differences in injury management approaches from what Linds’ experience in the UK compared to the AFL.
• How heavily relying on sport science can effect the interactions between coaches, players and any staff members.
• Building a relationship with a player is crucial, and it’s significance is far deeper than you think.
• Linds shares how he has been able to work with one club in for over a decade in amongst coaching changes, win less periods, various audits of the performance/medical departments etc.
• Linds talks about one of the overarching philosophies to injury management at the Suns.
• We discuss how to avoid “confirmation bias” and not just doing something because in the past it has worked.
• Finally Linds shares specifics regarding the clubs screening approach to athlete profiling, injury prevention and monitoring.

Lindsay Bull contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-bull-52194a49/
• Email: lindsay.bull@goldcoastfc.com.au

People mentioned:

• Alex Rigby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rigby-55ab2155/
• Peter Lion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlion/
• Mark Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-young-b2aaa520/
• Dr Luke Eggleston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-luke-eggleston-8a9a7250/details/education/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Kate Mahony has worked in the upper echelon on female sport for over 15 years. She's worked with some of the best female tennis players of this era in the WTA as well as head physiotherapist for Australian Women's Cricket team. Following this she became the Head of Performance Health for New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) and is now in a executive role as General Manager for the AFLW Sydney Swans. In 2018, Kate was also awarded the Churchill Fellowship where she explored world best practice in sports science and medicine in female sport. This is a riveting conversation with someone who's not only an incredible example to females who are under represented in the industry but an example to ALL of someone who has been able to transition from physio to an executive in the world of high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• After graduating Kate made the move to the UK with the intention to stay for a couple of years, which then led to a decade working in various elite sports.
• How Kate secured a converted role as physio with the WTA, touring the world and managing some of the worlds best female tennis players.
• "My time with the WTA was not a sacrifice but a choice”. Kate shares the challenges and highlights of touring full time.
• A detailed view of her WTA role and how services are set up and delivered.
• How Kate made the transition into Cricket Australia even though she had no experience and background in the game.
• We talk about the challenges of volunteering and ensuring we don’t devalue our role in the industry.
• Kate dives into the specifics of her role in women’s cricket and the growth of the Australian team to winning the Ashes and becoming world champions.
• The Churchill Fellowship and what she discovered, what are the barriers and how we can elevate women sport in general.
• Head of Performance Health at NSWIS and what the role involved.
• How Kate handles pressure, stress, long hours, limited opportunities to debrief etc. that often accompany working in sport.
• How Kate secured an executive role with the Sydney Swans, AFLW.
• How to not come across incompetent but continuing to be curious in the aim of increasing your knowledge in an area. Tip…its about asking the right questions.
• Kate shares her first day at the Sydney Swans and navigating the role, with a new club, in a new sport.
• Why Kate chose to do her MBA and the value she feels she gets from pursuing it.
• Kate provides some considerations and tips for anyone wanting to pursue executive suite role in high performance sport.
• How Kate has been able to overcome the barriers that exist for women in high performance sport and excel in the industry.

Kate Mahony contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mahony-54064925/
• Churchill Fellowship report: https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/kate-mahony-nsw-2018/

People mentioned:

• Paul Ness: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ness-729168a/?originalSubdomain=au
• Dr Alex Kountouris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alex-kountouris-b2560a205/
• Damian Raper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-raper-5b212b23/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Scott Epsley is a sports physical therapist who has spent close to a decade working with Division 1 NCAA athletes at Georgetown University, USA, but this is only scratching the surface. With over 25 years experience in the industry Scott has also worked with the Brisbane Bullets (NBL), Australian Indycar driver Will Power and spent over 4 years with the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) where he became the organisations Medical Director. In this episode Scott shares his unique journey filled with lots of sacrifice and equally as much courage, leaving his private practice in a small country town in Australia to moving to Washington DC, USA where he has gone onto work with a diverse range of talented athletes and as a staff member of one of the biggest sporting teams in the world.

Highlights from the episode…

• How Scott got his first opportunity in professional sport by shopping at a sports memorabilia store.
• Scott decided to open his own physio clinic in a country town and the unique lessons he gained from this period.
• How Scott got involved in Indycar racing as Will Power’s personal physio that led to him moving from rural Australia to the US.
• If you are looking to work in the US Scott shares the registration process for physios to practice in the states.
• After finally being registered to practice in the US Scott share how he obtained a role with Georgetown University, Washington DC.
• Scott provides a glimpse into what it’s like to work in the college system, servicing 700+ NCAA Division 1 athletes, the remuneration, resources available, the staffing structure, the sports catered for, the day to day responsibilities etc.
• Scott has a unique skill-set in the use of Sonography in complex injury management and talks about the value it brings to his clinical practice and where the interest began.
• Scott shares how he eventually secured a role in the NBA and the move from Washington DC to Philadelphia to join the 76ers.
• Although Scott has worked with some of the best athletes in the world he also shares some of the “costs” to working in professional sport.
• With Athletic Therapist often being utilised in sport in the US, what is the role of Physical Therapists in the NBA?
• The challenges of working in the NBA and running a performance/medical department of a multi-million sporting organisation.
• Scott has now migrated into an external consulting role working directly with athletes of major teams and having uniquely been embedded in organisations and now as an external consultant, Scott shares what his learnt in both situations to inevitably maximise positive outcomes for all parties involved.

Scott Epsley contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottepsley/
• X: https://twitter.com/scottepsley?lang=en

People mentioned:

• David Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-t-martin-9794994/details/experience/
• Brett Brown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Brown
• Lorretta O’Sullivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-o-sullivan-pippia-10116931/details/experience/
• Will Power: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Power

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Darren Burgess (Burgo) is one of the most renowned and decorated high performance managers in the world. He has led the performance of such teams as Melbourne Demons, Port Adelaide Power and Adelaide Crows (AFL), as well as Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC (EPL). In addition, Burgo has successfully guided the Australian national football team (Socceroos) to a world cup qualification and is one of few who have been involved in the worlds biggest sporting event, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This is a rare long form conversation with Burgo like you have never heard him before, where we reflect on his illustrious career, overcoming dark times, the lessons he’s learnt, what motivates him, his influences and his career successes, which in turn have made him one of the most respected and sought after practitioners in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• How family is a huge influence on both his motivation to get into sport and his approach to it.
• Burgo shares a story that only his closets mates know on how he navigated being rejected multiple times and only securing his first full time role at the age of 30.
• One of the most strangest roles his held that he eventually was fired from.
• The fallacy of work life balance in sport.
• What Burgo did to separate himself from others in the industry which increased both his knowledge and hireability.
• After a stint with Paramatta Power (NSL), Burgo shares how a “soccer guy” secured the head S&C role with Port Adelaide Power (AFL).
• Burgo shares the unique interview he had with Mark (Choco) Williams that led to him being chosen for the role.
• What invaluable practical skills Burgo learnt during his time at Paramatta Power that set him up for success.
• How Burgo moved from AFL to the Socceroos and the proud moment he shared with his Dad.
• The difference in S&C approach when working for a club vs. national team.
• After joining one of the biggest clubs in the world with Liverpool FC how he experience imposter syndrome and the ways he combated it to ensure he excelled at his role.
• What Burgo specifically does to tailor a program for individual and team success.
• Why Burgo choose to leave Liverpool and return back to his old club Port Power, despite receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere.
• What motivates Burgo?
• Burgo shares how he secured the role with Arsenal FC and how he managed the technical and administration aspects as Director of High Performance.
• Burgo gets candid and reflects on his departure from Arsenal during one of he’s most challenging times in his career.
• A nuance idea of how to focus on enjoying the process instead of the outcome.
• Finally Burgo shares his high performance philosophy.

People mentioned:

• Andrew Russell: https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/141951/blues-land-highly-regarded-russell
• Mark (Choco) Williams: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/afl/coaches/mark-williams

Darren Burgess contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-burgess-a1580628/Wikipedia:
• X: https://twitter.com/darrenburgess25

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Stuart McLaren is one of few Australian football coaches who have successfully forged a coaching career on the international stage. After a professional playing career, Stuart has gone onto to coach such clubs as Brisbane Strikers (NSL), North Queensland Fury (A-League), Stirling Albion FC (Scottish League One) as well as being Manager of Celtic FC Men’s U18s team, where he successfully won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 6 years. Stuart has also worked with the Scottish Football Association (FA) in various roles including Head Coach for the Men’s U16s Scottish National Team. This is a never heard before deep dive into someone who was a product of the “Golden Generation” of Australian players coming out of the AIS system who has since gone on to build a successful coaching career in one of the most competitive and unforgiving environments of European Football.

Highlights from the episode…

• What it was like being part of the famous AIS youth system and how he navigated moving away from home and dealing with the challenges of a professional environment while only 16 years old.
• “Perser-vilience”!
• Stuart shares his move to the Scottish first division and speaks about the highs and lows of playing in Europe.
• He then moved to Hong Kong and shares the unconventional practices and unbelievable events he experienced while playing in Asia.
• What he learnt as a player and how he instills this now with his players as a coach.
• Be genuine in your approach. Being genuine is about being “consistent”
• Stuart shares how he is able to maintain high standards while still creating an environment that is enjoyable.
• Why Stuart chose to leave Australia while his stock was high after making a successful transition from playing to coaching.
• The challenges of working in high performance sport and maintaining a strong family network.
• Having moved to Europe with no job, Stuart candidly shares how he navigated this tough period of uncertainty in his career.
• How Stuart achieved his first head coaching role in the UK with Loughborough University.
• What led to securing a role with Scottish FA and going on to coach some of the best young footballers in the country.
• Being involved in youth football at the highest level, Stuart shares what we should consider when developing Aussie youth players to excel in Europe.
• What characteristics he’s seen in good and not so good high performance staff.
• Staying in your lane and where I’ve got it wrong.
• Working at Celtic FC and the effect Ange Postecoglou had on players, staff and club.
• Is there things football can learn from sports like AFL and NRL, such as extra long contracts for players and coaches?

People mentioned:

• Pete Fowler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpetefowler/?originalSubdomain=au
• Chris Cushion: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/chris-cushion/
• Eric Ramsay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ramsay-133580131/?originalSubdomain=uk

Stuart McLaren contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mclaren-b760a933/details/experience/
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_McLaren

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Simon Rice has built a wealth of knowledge working with such organisations as the AIS, Cricket ACT, ACT Academy of Sport, Volleyball Australia, Hockey Australia and as the Head Physiotherapist for ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby). Simon also uniquely spent 3 years working in the performing arts as a Head Physiotherapist for various musicals on London’s famous West End. This is a fascinating conversation with someone who has been able to successfully transition into various high profile roles with not necessarily having multiple years experience in the specific sport. But time and time again, he's been able to leverage his broad experience and now applies it in one of the most lucrative, demanding and competitive leagues in sport, with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA.

Highlights from the episode…

• After an early opportunity to work at the AIS in a casual position this cemented his desire to pursue a career in high performance sport.
• Simon explains how having a broad skill base helped him secure his first leadership role with Cricket ACT as Physiotherapist and S&C coordinator.
• How being in a rush to get into professional sport maybe hurting you in the end.
• The benefits of being in environments where you can make the wrong decisions.
• Simon shares what it’s like to work as a head physio on London’s West End.
• He shares a unique injury scenario while working on “Chariots of Fire” that assists him to this day with injuries in the NBA.
• When progressing through sport, worry less about pursuing the next role and focus more on doing the best job in the role you are in. You will eventually get noticed!
• Simon provides some insight on how a person working in Australia can get noticed by clubs in the US.
• “Its not just how good you are at your work…It’s about how good you are to work with”.
• Simon shares how he acquired a role with one of the most successful Super Rugby teams in Australia.
• The surprising difference between working in “Professional Sport” and an “Institution of Sport”
• How Simon has been able to transition into novel roles successfully without necessarily having vast experience in the specific sport he’s entering into.
• Simon gives unprecedented access into the process of how he secured the role with the Philadelphia 76ers, what his role involves and working in the NBA.
• “If you got 5 individual All-star players, how do you bring them together?” This is the question Head Coach Doc Rivers asked in the interview. Simon’s answer is fascinating.
• “What did you think or do 5 years ago, that you would do differently now?” Is a question Simon asks others when learning new skills.
• With a busy 82 game schedule how Simon balances professional and personal life.
• Finally Simon shares a wild story of how technology and injury management merges leading to incredible outcomes for one of NBA greatest players.

Simon Rice contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rice-a4477595/

People mentioned:

• Peter Blanch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-blanch-50900b106/?originalSubdomain=au
• Phil Coles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-coles-8945803a/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Dr. Chris McLellan is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced practitioners in collision sports. Chris has worked in the industry for over 25 years and has worked for the likes of Gold Coast Titans (NRL), Gold Coast Suns & Brisbane Lions (AFL) as well as spending 7 years overseas across several clubs in Japanese Rugby. In addition, Chris has also been a fully tenured university professor and has completed a PhD in researching the affects of collision sport on athletes. This was an incredible conversation of someone who started his career as a police officer and went on to successfully navigated a wide ranging career to now being responsible for the health and performance of one of NHLs destination franchises, the Florida Panthers.

Highlights from the episode…

• Once a player of the Brisbane Broncos youth system, Chris was initially inspired by the great Kelvin Giles.
• How Chris went from 8 years in the police force to working in Japanese Rugby.
• “What separates those in the industry are not clinical skills it’s communication”.
• Chris shares his first experiences as being the first foreign S&C rugby coach in Japan and the funny stories of his first few days in the country.
• After 7 years in Japan Chris returned to Australia for family reasons but soon found himself giving up lucrative roles in Japan to having no roles in sport in Australia.
• After 3 years out of sport Chris shares how he got his next opportunity with the newly appointed NRL club Gold Coast titans.
• Chris competed his PhD and provides some cautionary tales and recommendations for those considering doing one…and it’s not for everyone!
• Chris shares some of the trappings of working in sport and how it can affect marriage, personal life, family etc.
• After a successful stint in Rugby. Chris share how he made the transition into the sport of AFL with the GC suns and Brisbane Lions.
• The differences in resources, staff, approach to injury management, performance etc. with rugby vs. AFL.
• After Chris’ time at the Lions he spent time away from sport pursuing an academic career as a tenured professor and soon found himself pulled back into sport this time in ice hockey.
• Chris shares the process involved in securing a role in the NHL.
• How Chris successfully navigated arriving from overseas 10 days prior to the start of the season, now being responsible for managing the performance department of an organisation his never worked for in a sport his never worked in.
• How Chris applies innovation in sports and also managing the risk.
• We conclude with athlete profiling and what Chris is currently working on to determine ideal Athletic readiness to perform.

Chris McLellan contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mclellan-37579838/
• Horyzen Perfromance: https://horyzenperformance.com/about-us/

People mentioned:

• Kelvin Giles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-giles-225b9818/
• Aaron Wellman: https://www.giants.com/team/coaches-roster/aaron-wellman
• Matt Hass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hass-80203a39/?originalSubdomain=au
• Andy O’Brien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-o-brien-02422219/details/experience/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Dean Benton is one of Australia’s most well-regarded and sought after high-performance coaches. He has been responsible for maximising the performance of such teams as the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos (NRL), ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby) as well as the national teams of England Rugby and the Wallabies. In turn this has led to Dean being the trusted person of such world renowned coaches as Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy and Eddie Jones, in getting their teams performing at the highest level. This is an informative and revealing conversation of the stories and lessons of someone who started his career as a plumber to then go on to work at the upper echelon of high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Dean’s interest in sport started very young as son of Terry Benton former North Melbourne professional footy player.
• Dean’s coaching career begun with initially starting as a plumber and he shares how the transition went from a trade to sport.
• After completing uni, Dean secured a role with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) during its glory days on the back of the 2000 Olympic success and what it was like to be amongst it all.
• Having limited experience in both team sport and Rugby he was then appointed a S&C coach for Rugby Australia and he shares the unique program that set the tone for one of the Wallabies most successful periods.
• Dean shares his first encounter with Wayne Bennett and his time working with the Broncos that led to a 2006 premiership win.
• After a successful period at the Broncos, Dean shares why he then made the move to Europe to join the Leicester Tigers.
• What Dean employed at the Brumbies which took a team who finished 10th to being the only Super Rugby team to beat the British & Irish Lions.
• We talk deeply about the challenges of balancing professional and personal life.
• Having been a consultant, Dean talks about the pros & cons of being embedded in a club vs providing consultancy work for a club.
• How Dean was approached by the Melb. Storm and what it was like working with Craig Bellamy, that started with “pissing him off” by informing him his team was unfit.
• “The definition of fitness is the ability to carry out the game plan over 80mins”. How many get it wrong when it comes to improving athletic ability in team sports.
• The 3 pillars of a world class S&C coach, Experience, Knowledge and Capability.
• During his time at the Storm, Dean was offered a role with England Rugby and provides an insight of what it was like working with Eddie Jones and the constant drive for high standards on a daily basis.
• We conclude with a robust discussion around the ever increasing rate of female ACL injuries and what needs to be done.

People mentioned:

• Kelvin Giles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-giles-225b9818/?originalSubdomain=au
• Bill Sweetham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Sweetenham
• Peter Burge: https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/1175716/burge-to-join-hawks

Dean Benton’s contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentondean/
• Website: https://www.atletico.com.au/about-atletico-dean-benton/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Cameron Dyer is an Australian Physiotherapist who in is his young career has already established a resume that most long tenure clinicians would desire, working with such clubs as the Newcastle Knights (NRL), Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (NRL), Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs. Having worked in both club Rugby and the national program, Cameron also provides a unique insight of the integration between club and country including communication, monitoring and management of injured players. Enjoy this in depth conversation with a progressive and thoughtful clinician who has been able to progress through the hierarchical ladder of sport to currently leading a physio department of one of Australia’s biggest rugby clubs and doing so all before the age of 35.

Highlights from the episode…

• Cameron grew an interest in physio while playing footy and being treated by world renowned sports performance practitioner, Phil Coles.
• How he secured his first role with a professional club while still at uni and the unconventional tactics they used in their interview process.
• Cameron embarked on a 5 week tour of USA exploring the ins/outs of sports injury management. He shares how he was able to set up opportunities to meet with well known practitioners in the industry.
• “When you’re a young practitioner you don’t have a lot of expertise, but you do have a lot of time. So if you can't offer your expertise than offer your time”. The importance of volunteering.
• Having worked 3 years in private practice, Cameron started to wonder if all the hard work and sacrifice would ever pay off to one day securing a role in sport.
• How Cameron secured his first full time role in professional sport as Rehab Physio for the Manly Sea Eagles (NRL) and what it involved.
• Cameron provides a unique insight into the framework Manly use when handling the tension between Physio and S&C coaches when managing injured players.
• After 2 years with Manly, Cameron secured a role with Rugby Australia working with one of the worlds most physically demanding sports, Rugby 7s.
• Cameron shares a fascinating description of the interview and selection process that led to him successfully securing the Head Physio role for the Tahs.
• Cameron reflects on a “tough” first year as Head Physio and shares some cautionary tales, lessons and what he does differently.
• Going into his 4th season at the club he shares the "3 things" he focuses on to drive a successful program.
• Unlike most professional club sports, Rugby Australia and Super Rugby have players that are dual contracted. Cameron shares how this unique arrangement works and how this impacts player injury management.
• We discuss player availability, injury management, responsibility and whether the priority lies with club or country and the differences between Football Australia and Rugby Australia.

People mentioned:

• Phil Coles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-coles-8945803a/
• Matt Toohey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-toohey-3aa8a884/
• Simon Harries: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-harries-12a19092/

Cameron Dyer contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-dyer-8055217b/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Donny Singe is a New Zealand born high performance coach who is one of the most respected and longstanding S&C coaches in the NRL. During his time in the NRL he has worked close to 2 decades as Des Hasler's right hand man as the High Performance Manager for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles where he successfully won 2 premierships and a World Club Challenge. In addition, he has also been the Director of High Performance for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, NZ Māori team, as well as the New Zealand, Samoan and Cook Island national teams. Enjoy this passionate, highly diverse and authentic conversation with someone who has aided in the success of countless teams, athletes and other high performance staff go onto to make their own mark in the industry.

Highlights from the episode…

• Donny started his career in the NZ military and speaks on how this influenced his approach to training.
• Donny shares an emotional story of his first client and how this was a catalyst of an incredible journey in S&C.
• How working in a gym training clients lead to his first role in team sports in Rugby.
• Donny shares to manage starting your career in sport when at times the pay is low, the hours are long and the rewards may seem minimal.
• How Donny secured roles in Japan and what he did to increase his market value in Japanese Rugby.
• How Donny has never experience “imposter syndrome”. How you can combat “imposter syndrome”.
• After Japan, Donny began working with Des Hasler at the Manly Sea Eagles reserve team and how he progressed into the head role for the first team.
• “I am accountable to you and responsible to them”. How Donny balances his focus between coaches and players.
• What are High Performance Managers accountable for? What do you get judge on? You might be surprised by his answer!
• “People don’t necessary want you to be authentic/vulnerable…they want you to be professional”.
• Donny shares one of his most shameful moments and what he learnt about balancing working in sport and family life.
• Having only completed his Masters in his 50s. What skills Donny has had to hone in the absence of formal education.
• “Yes I can deliver that, Yes I will deliver that, but have we taking this into consideration?” How to avoid being a "Yes Man".
• How Donny dealt with unwanted attention in sport after being involved in media controversy.
• How to manage a social media profile with class, in an industry where there is no lack of judgement and criticism.
• Having unofficially mentored multiple teams, athletes and staff in his career, Donny is now officially mentoring those eager to pursue various facets of high performance.

People mentioned:

• Des Hasler: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Hasler
• Ronnie Palmer: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ronnie-palmer-finally-comes-home-to-wests-tigers-20171114-gzl836.html
• Grant Jenkins: https://www.propelfit.com.au/grant-jenkins/

Don Singe contact details:

• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-singe-54694015/
• Website - www.donsinge.com
• Email - sportlifementor@wellcollegeglobal.com

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Scott Miller is an Australian football coach of the highest caliber. Scott has spent 9 seasons initially as a fitness coach and went on to be an assistant coach with Fulham FC, during this time he was part of some of the clubs biggest games in the English Premier League as well as the 2010 UEFA Europa Cup Final. He also assisted Ange Postecoglou with the Australian National team (Socceroos) and then went on to lead his own team, in the process becoming the youngest head coach in A-league history as the Head Coach for the Newcastle Jets. This is a rare and revealing conversation with someone who began his career with a one way ticket to the UK armed only with a sports science degree, a steadfast desire and immense courage to simply take a chance on one day working at the highest level of football in the world.

Highlights from the episode...

• 3 months after finishing his degree, Scott flew to the UK with no solid plan but an unwavering determination to work in the Premier League.
• Scott shares what he did to get into the doors of big clubs without no email contacts, LinkedIn or networks.
• Scott shares how he got his first role with Fulham FC through a chance encounter with a fellow Australian.
• How Scott pivoted from performance roles into a more scrutinised, volatile and pressure filled world of coaching.
• Scott provides a look behind the curtain of what it’s like to be in the environment of a Premier League football club for 9 seasons.
• “Your players are always your CV”. How Scott became assistant coach to Ange having never had a conversation with him prior.
• Scott shares the never told story of how he got the Newcastle Jets Head Coach role; and what a story it is!
• How Scott manages doubt and confidence. A role that is riddled with uncertainty yet coaches still need to exude the highest level of certainty.
• Scott talks about his time at the Jets and the challenges he dealt with while building a successful team.
• “Be cautious you don’t audit yourself out a job." When considering new opportunities, what Scott audits to determine if this is a good role and whether it even matters?
• The humbling experience of how "the show goes on". When you leave a club and what you should focus on when it comes to leaving a mark.
• Scott shares how he navigated being sacked by the Jets and how his next exciting opportunity back in Europe arose.
• What it was like to work in the Danish Super League and the unique and unfamiliar communication approach that promotes inclusiveness and collective decision making.
• Upon deep reflection Scott shares how he felt burnt out after the Jets role and how he navigated this period.
• Scott shares the exciting next chapter of his career and what he is currently working on.

People mentioned:

• Steve Nance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-nance-94ab0813/
• Ange Postecoglou: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ange_Postecoglou
• Dave Cosgrave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cosgrave-2023dc/

Scott Miller contact details:

• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-miller-headcoach/
• Identity Pro - https://identitypro.com.au/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Justin Crow is the Head of Human Performance at Melbourne Victory Football Club who compete in the top tier of football in Australia (A-League). Justin has over 20 years experience in the world of high performance, beginning as a professional AFL player for the Collingwood FC. After his playing career Justin went on to become a Rehab Physio for Collingwood FC, Project Lead (AIS) & Senior Manager of High Performance at Paralympics Australia for the lead up and Tokyo 2020 games itself. At the ripe age of 28 he also was met with the challenge of being thrusted into the High Performance Manager role for the Essendon FC (AFL) during one of the most challenging periods in the clubs history. This is an incredible conversation with someone who has been able to not only persevere but thrive in a role that is often met with an abundance of uncertainty, variability and pressure and despite this all, has been able to manage successful teams with a variety of sports, organisations and athletes.

Highlights from the episode…

• How his career started with working for a professional football club in Ghana, Africa.
• Justin shares how he got his first role as a physio in professional sport back at the club he once played for.
• Is it important to have played the game for you to be successful in a high performance role?
• Rapport building is merely a process of establishing commonality and how building rapport is crucial in leading high performance teams.
• How communication pathways differ in the AFL compared with A-League teams.
• After a successful 3+year stint at the Collingwood, Justin received a call out of the blue to take up a role at Essendon.
• Justin shares his reflective practice and how important it is when working in sport.
• After the well publicised supplements saga, Justin was then thrusted into the High Performance Manager role for one of the biggest clubs in all of sports in Australia.
• Justin delivers an unprecedented perspective during this period at the club and how he personally navigated the loneliness, scrutiny and stress, to finally come out the other end with an abundance of lessons, skills and character building experiences.
• How Justin moved from Essendon to take up the role with Paralympics Australia (PA).
• Justin provides an insight into the vast responsibilities of his role which oversaw Paralympic athletes of multiple sports, ages, professionalism, classifications with varied support and resources across numerous locations all around Australia.
• Justin shares in depth what went into the set up of Tokyo 2020 Paralympics including the logistics, support structures, onsite clinic, staffing, scheduling of appointments etc.
• After PA, Justin was approached by Melb. Victory and shares some of the structures he has put in place to assist the staff, coaches and players across Men’s, Women’s and Youth teams thrive in their environments.
• What do High Performance Managers get evaluated? What is deemed to be a good job vs a bad job.

Justin Crow contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincrow/?originalSubdomain=au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Luke Wilson is a Sports Physio & S&C Coach. Luke has spent a long period of his career working in professional Rugby League working with such teams as the Canberra Raiders, New Zealand Warriors and St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL. What is most fascinating is that despite an already stellar career in one sport Luke is actively seeking a brand new challenges by pursuing a career in an entirely different sport, Baseball. This is unprecedented conversation with someone who is currently navigating the highly competitive market of professional Baseball and Luke shares both his already incredible journey in high performance sport as well as what he is currently doing to both best prepare and position himself to one day obtaining his dream role in the MLB.

Highlights from the episode…

• Luke began his career wanting to be a pilot but after the events of September 11 this propelled him down a different path, sport.
• The benefits on being domain specific early in your career, especially when you are clear of what you want to do.
• Soon after graduating he moved to the UK and secured a role with the UK defence force and shares a day in the life of a military physio.
• After the UK he moved to Canada to supports his wife’s dreams, but found it extremely difficult to secure a role in physio and shares the process of how to be registered as physio in Canada.
• Despite having 3 Uni degrees, Luke was forced to work in a cinema earning minimum wage for over a year, while waiting to be registered.
• After being registered, Luke shares how he eventually met the person who had a major influence on his approach to rehab.
• Luke’s Flywheel approach to rehab.
• The limitations of only asking your athlete to do, what you would do.
• Sports medicine is like the fashion industry & there are more similarities than we like to admit.
• “The best athletes take what they do in the gym onto the field”. The power of transferability.
• Luke how’d you get a job in the NRL? Answer: LinkedIn! Luke shares how to use LinkedIn effectively to get a job in professional sport.
• Luke shares his time in the NRL with both beginning with Canberra Raiders to then becoming head physio for NZ Warriors.
• Luke shares the challenges of being head physio and how this ultimately led him to say “I didn’t enjoy going into work”.
• Luke is now pursuing a role in one of the most competitive markets and shares what he is learning and overcoming to obtain his dream role in the MLB.
• “It’s not who you know…it’s who knows you!”

People mentioned:

• Thomas Lam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-lam-598373a/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Jason Webber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-weber-phd-928a0032/?originalSubdomain=au
• Balin Cupples: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balin-cupples-phd-92b08734/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Dan Howells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-howells-574018150/

Luke Wilson contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewilson21/
• Rotational Power Performance - https://rotationalpowerperformance.com/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Tim Parham is the Head of Player Health and Performance Rehabilitation at Adelaide Football Club who compete in the AFL, Australia. Tim has worked predominately in the AFL having worked as a Physio for Sturt FC (SANFL), Rehab Physio for Greater Western Sydney (GWS) (AFL), Head of Rehab for Port Adelaide (AFL) and has also uniquely spent over 2 years as Rehab Coordinator and won a FA Cup with one of the world’s biggest sporting clubs, Arsenal FC in the English Premier League (EPL). Tim started his career wanting to be a PE teacher but soon discovered both his passion and strengths lied in helping athletes get back to doing what they love doing at the highest level. So, listen to this great conversation of someone who admittedly was unsuccessful at being athlete but who was exceedingly successful at managing athletes at the highest level of sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Tim was initially inspired by a physio where at first he was a patient and eventually became a respected colleague.
• The unique skills Tim learnt while working in a pub which he still finds valuable to this day working in sport.
• Tim shares his first role with Sturt FC and how this opportunity was a pivotal steppingstone for the rest of his career despite the minimal pay, late nights, long hours, all while working an additional full-time job.
• Now being in a hiring role for an AFL team, Tim shares what he looks for in potential candidates.
• Tim shares how he was unsuccessful in securing a role with the Adelaide Crows but this fortuitously led him securing a role with the newest appointed club to the AFL the GWS Giants.
• Tim provides a fascinating and unprecedented insight into the unorthodox integration of GWS into the AFL.
• Having spent over 3 years with GWS, Tim moved back to Adelaide and took the role of Head of Rehab for the Port Adelaide FC.
• We dive into the topic of how Tim manages the tension between having an "athlete centered care", when at times there may be competing interests from his employer, the club.
• The risks and rewards of being innovative in your approach with injury management vs. simply doing what everyone else is doing, just a little bit better.
• How Tim went from Adelaide to London and secured a role with one of UKs most successful football club’s in Arsenal.
• What it’s like to work in the Premier League and what he learnt personally and professionally.
• While at Arsenal there were 3 different Head Coaches in less than 2 years, and how this impacted both the club and himself.
• After an incredible time at the club including winning the FA Cup, Tim decided to move back to Adelaide now with rival club Adelaide Crows.

People mentioned:

• Scott Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-smith-1a67b22a/?originalSubdomain=au
• Stephen Schwerdt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenschwerdt/?originalSubdomain=au
• Darren Burgess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-burgess-a1580628/?originalSubdomain=au

Tim Parham contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-parham-32499b84/
• Email: tparham@afc.com.au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Darren Stanborough is the Lead Physiotherapist for Western United Football Club in the A-league, Australia. Darren has had a well diverse journey in sport working as a Club Physio with Fulham FC (EPL), Head Physio with Melbourne City FC (A-League) and as Head of Medical Services with Brisbane Lions FC (AFL), that all began with working in a palliative care ward in the NHS in England. Darren, also uniquely spent 4 years of his career in one of the most fastest growing and lucrative places in the world Dubai, and shares what it was like to work in a sports injury clinic in the United Arab Emirates. Enjoy this conversation with Darren who shares a story of sliding door moments that took him from the green pastors of Surrey, UK to the deserts of Dubai and to the beaches of Australia all while working in his dream job in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Darren's passion for sport began as a child and was heavily influenced by one of his late professors in college to pursue a career in sport.
• His career started with one of his most rewarding roles as a physio assistant in a palliative care ward.
• Darren shares how he secured a role with a Premier League club after only having hospital experience.
• What it's like to work for an EPL club having spent over 6 years at Fulham FC.
• What led Darren to leave Fulham FC to move to the glitz and glamour of Dubai.
• Darren shares his experience working in one the most progressive countries in the world, earning a tax-free income and practicing in a sports medicine clinic in the UAE.
• After 4 years in Dubai, Darren shares how a holiday to Australia led to securing the Head Physio role for one of Australia’s biggest A-League clubs.
• What it’s like working with one of the City Group clubs which also comprises of Manchester City FC (EPL) among many other clubs all across the globe.
• How Darren found an alternative way to get registered as a UK trained physio in Australia.
• After 5 years with Melb. City FC, Darren shares how he then secured a new role, in a new sport as Head of Medical Services for the Brisbane lions (AFL).
• After spending a season in his most prestigious role as far. Darren made the tough decision to move back to Melb.
• Darren is vulnerable in sharing what he learnt during a period of his career where for the first time he was out of sport and unemployed.
• How going from working with Guide Dogs Victoria led to the Lead Physio role with the recently crowned A-League champions Western Utd. FC.

People mentioned:

• Professor Louis Passfield : https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-passfield-8ab85117/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Aaron Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-harris-57057262/
• Crawford Quinn: http://linkedin.com/in/crawford-quinn-7566a667

Darren Stanborough contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-stanborough-83059536/?originalSubdomain=au
• Pure Sports Medicine: https://www.puresportsmed.com.au/
• Email: darren@puresportsmed.com.au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Scott Smith is the head S&C coach for the Melbourne Victory Football Club who compete in the A-League, Australia. Scott’s journey in high performance sport has taken him to some of the biggest football clubs in Australia such as the Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers (WSW), Brisbane Roar FC and Perth Glory, as well as working overseas with Xanthi FC in Greece. What’s most fascinating about his journey is Scott is what is termed in the industry as a “managers guy” and over the last 10 years has been one of Australia’s most successful football coaches, Tony Popovic’s most trusted advisor when it comes to getting his teams performing at the highest level. Scott shares the pros and cons of working predominantly with the one coach as well as shares his personal highlights and lesson through his journey from starting as a gym instructor to now responsible for the strength and conditioning of one of Australia’s most successful football teams.

Highlights from the episode…

• After receiving council early from one of his lecturers at Uni, Scott took on any opportunity he could to improve his chances of securing a job in sport, including at one point being a massage therapist.
• In his 2nd year of Uni, Scott got his first opportunity with a professional club with the Newcastle Jets.
• Scott shares how this opportunity required him to travel 1 1/2 hour each way for no pay all while maintaining a part time job outside the club, but strongly feels this was beneficial to opportunities he got in the future.
• We discuss the topic of volunteering and navigating the tension between investing time for growth and not being taken advantage of.
• Scott’s first encounter with Tony Popovic via an interview he didn’t even know he was in, which eventually led to the head S&C role for WSW at age 23.
• After his time at WSW, Scott moved to Brisbane to take the S&C role with the Brisbane Roar.
• Scott reunites with Popovic at Perth Glory after a tough period at the Roar.
• Working with Popovic for over a decade, Scott discusses the Pros and Cons of working with one coach.
• How Scott navigates the tension between maintaining a positive relation with Popovic and not becoming a “yes man”.
• Popovic is known in the industry as keeping high standards and being a hard nosed coach. Scott talks about how he manages the stress and expectation of always being on while working with Popovic.
• What led to Scott following Popovic overseas to one of the most volatile and unforgiving football leagues in the world in Greece.
• Scott shares his experience in Greece navigating language barriers, differences in S&C methodology and ultimately gaining the trust of a European team as an Australian who are globally considered novices in football.
• Scott shares how he got his current role with the Melbourne Victory and what he’s learnt outside of his S&C skills that have made him successful in his roles.

People mentioned:

• Tony Popovic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Popovic
• Ben Dascombe: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/ben-dascombe
• Craig Duncan: https://drcraigduncan.com.au/

Scott Smith contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-smith-0448b754/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Jonathan Crawley (JC) is a sports physiotherapist who I graduated with during our undergrad program at James Cook University (JCU). Since graduating JC went on to work for the North Queensland Cowboys (NRL) and still to this day remains at the club as one of their senior physiotherapist overseeing various teams, including their women’s team and academy team. What’s even more impressive is he has attended 2 Rugby League World Cups in 2017 and 2022 as a physiotherapist for the Tongan national team all while having an academic role with JCU and owning and operating one of the premier sports injury management clinics in North Queensland situated in the state of the art Cowboys Centre of Excellence Facility. Enjoy this fun and inspiring conversation with an old mate, who grew up in rural central Queensland and went on to travel the world in his various roles in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• JC explain how he wanted to be a Physio since grade 9.
• JC and I were in the first cohort of physios through JCU and we explain how that helped us in getting into one of the most competitive courses in uni.
• JC shares how 4.3 GPA student secured a role with an NRL club upon graduating.
• “Recruit a personality and train the rest”
• JC explains why he thinks he was the only one out of 100 people in our cohort who was given a chance to work with the only NRL club in North Queensland.
• “You can’t just do what everyone else is doing and expect different results”
• JC shares how his role has evolved during his close to 15 years with the NQ Cowboys high performance staff.
• How JC dealt with the pressures of sport and shares an on field incident that tested his ability to deal with pressure.
• JC provides a unique insight into the premiership winning season at the club, including what Jonathan Thurston asked each one of his teammates to do!
• When working with new coaches I share the 3 questions I always ask coaches to assist in getting clear understanding of what is expected.
• JC shares the backstory of his role with Tonga and how the team rose to number 3 in world rugby league and some of the highlights of being part of 2 world cups.
• JC provides an insight into a usual day, during a World Cup campaign.
• JC spent time at the world renowned orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, Aspetar and shares his experience.
• JC has always been good at building relationships and he shares how he networks in a non sleazy way.
• What it’s like to own a Physio business and work in sport and how JC juggles this.
• Finally we talk about the pros and cons of working full time in sport vs working part time in sport while working in a clinic.

People mentioned:

• Jonathan Thurston - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnathan_Thurston
• Kristian Woolf - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristian_Woolf
• Andrew Croll - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-croll-15993477/?originalSubdomain=au
• Rod Whiteley - https://www.aspetar.com/en/about-us/people/rod-whiteley

Jon Crawley contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-crawley-06999186/?originalSubdomain=au
• North Queensland Physiotherapy Centre: https://www.nqpc.com.au/jonathan-crawle

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Greg King is the head of physical performance and health for Yokohama F. Marinos who compete in the top tier of football in Japan. Greg has a fascinating story having worked with the Western Sydney Wanderers Youth team, securing a role with Port Adelaide (AFL), moving to Adelaide United (A-League) as High-Performance Manager and then being personally selected by current Tottenham Hotspurs head coach and former Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou to be his physical performance coach for the Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League). Enjoy listening to Greg’s journey from working as a PE teacher for 10 years, to choosing to move into one of the most volatile and competitive industries, to now living out one of his lifelong dreams of working in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Starting as a PE teacher, Greg sought after amateur coaching roles which began his passion for physical performance.
• Greg gave up 10 years of teaching to work in sport and how he balanced working, studying his masters and finding his feet in the sports industry.
• Greg took a gamble and moved from Sydney to Adelaide for a part time role with Port Adelaide’s second team for only $20,000/season merely for the chance of making it full time in sport.
• After 1 year at the club, Greg shares the moment he was offered a full time role with the club and the feeling he felt knowing all the hard work and sacrifice had paid off.
• Greg secured his next opportunity as now a head of high performance for Adelaide Utd. (A-League) and went on to win a championship with the club.
• On a day off in a café, Greg shares how he received a phone call out of the blue asking if he would be interested in joining Ange Postecoglou in Japan.
• Now married and a father of 2 kids, Greg and I discuss what things he had to consider when transition into a new role and a new country.
• Having worked side by side with Ange, Greg provides an insight into what it’s like working directly with Australia’s most successful football coach.
• Greg has kept an “Evernote” file of lessons he has learnt from people he’s met in his journey and shares some of these.
• Greg vulnerably shares how he eventually experienced burnout which led to him leaving Japan and moving back to Sydney.
• 2 years since leaving professional sport, Greg was unexpectedly called by Yokohama F. Marinos where he went back and now has won a second league title with head coach Kevin Muscat.
• Greg finally shares a new project which takes all the experience and knowledge he has acquired in his career to help other coaches and athletes improve their approach to high performance.

People mentioned:

• Darren Burgess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-burgess-a1580628/?originalSubdomain=au
• Ange Postecoglou: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ange_Postecoglou
• Adam Waterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwaterson8

Greg King contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-king-91785746/
• The Athletic Development Project - https://theathleticdevelopmentproject.com/
• ADP contact email - info@theathleticdevelopmentproject.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adp_athletic/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Darren McMillan is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist and holds one of the most converted roles in sport as a Senior Physiotherapist with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Before joining the AIS, Darren spent an incredible 10 years with the Richmond FC (AFL) where his time culminated in the club winning their first premiership in over 30 years. Darren went on to then join another AFL club in the North Melbourne FC, initially as a senior physiotherapist and then went on to have the opportunity to be the head physiotherapist for the club. Darren has the unique experience having worked in both professional club sport to now managing a portfolio of different sports and athletes in an institute of sports model. So, enjoy as Darren shares his journey through the volatility, and at times unforgiving nature, of club land to now being a member of one of the most prestigious sports institutes in the world.

Highlights from the episode…

• Admittedly not having the athletic ability, Darren chose to pursue his dream of working in sport through studying science majoring in anatomy & physiology.
• Darren talks about the value of volunteering your time and how that propelled his career into sport with his first role at Coburg FC (VFL).
• Darren shares how he was able to secure his dream job with the Richmond Tigers (AFL).
• We discuss how Darren was able to avoid "burn out" while working 2 jobs for 10 years with both the Richmond Tigers and private practice.
• Daren shares some of the highlights of working with Richmond, including being on ground during the 2017 grand final win!
• After an incredible premiership winning season, Darren shares how he was then met with news that his contract was not being renewed for next season.
• Darren shares how hard it was at the time to loose his role especially during the time of year where most AFL roles are in place for next season.
• After initially being turned down for a role, Darren shares how he went on to secure a new role with the North Melbourne Kangaroos (AFL).
• Daren shares the recruitment process and how he was able to successfully secure one of very few full time roles in professional sport.
• After successfully progressing to the Head Physio role with the club, Darren was again hit with the reality of professional sport, and was informed his contract will not be renewed for next season.
• Darren talks about the volatility, difficulties & doubts he experienced after loosing his role with the Kangaroos.
• All this soon changed with Darren successfully securing one of the most coveted roles in sport as a Senior Physio with the AIS.
• Darren provides an insight into an Institute of Sports model and how it differs to AFL club land.
• Darren finally shares his excitement of playing his part with athletes in the lead up to the 2024 Paris games.

People mentioned:

• Matt Turnbull - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-turnbull-904a162a/?originalSubdomain=au

Darren McMillan contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjmcmillan/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Cullan Ball is a sports physiotherapist who’s worked with some of the biggest clubs across several different codes in Australia. Cullan has worked with the likes of Port Melbourne FC (VFL), Essendon FC (AFL), Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Cronulla Sharks (NRL) and Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League), with the last 4 clubs holding the head physiotherapist position. Cullan was a pleasure to speak with due to his abundance of knowledge across not only different clubs but also across the 4 major professional sports in Australia that all started with no intentions to work in sport at all. Sit back and enjoy Cullan's story of how he acquired each of his roles, the challenges, highlights and lessons he learnt through his journey in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Only 9 months after graduating Cullan made the courageous move to buy his own private practice.
• Having spent most of his career treating occupational injuries in private practice. Cullan got his first role with a club with Port Melbourne FC in the VFL.
• Cullan and I discuss the importance of making an investment, where in the short term there may be no return, but pays off in the long term.
• After 8 seasons with Port Melb. Cullan shares a funny story of how he got the opportunity to work in the AFL with the Essendon FC.
• Cullan and I discuss how “self doubt” can actually be advantageous!
• Cullan shares what led to him transitioning into the Head Physio role for Melb. Rebels in professional Rugby.
• Cullan talks about his 3 seasons at the Rebels and how he received a call regarding a return to AFL with the GWS Giants.
• Cullan shares his experience at GWS including the challenges of balancing family and work and the highlights of making the clubs first AFL grand final.
• After GWS he then transitioned into a new role as Head Physio for the Cronulla Sharks, NRL.
• Having now transitioned into several head physio roles across different clubs. Cullan shares how he navigates through the first few weeks after joining a new club.
• Outside of your technical skills, what has been the one skill Cullan you feel has made you successful in your roles?
• Cullan shares how much he enjoyed his role at Cronulla and explains why he then made the move to football (soccer) as Head Physio for Western Sydney Wanderers.
• We have a vulnerable conversation around age, family, time and a persons longevity in the industry.
• Cullan explains how the transition into football has been the greatest shift out of all his roles.
• What Cullan’s has seen across clubs & sports around screening processes for injury.

People mentioned:

• Craig Christie - https://www.citysouthphysio.com.au/our-staff.html
• Merion Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meirion-jones-aa18a637/?originalSubdomain=au
• David Joyce - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-joyce01/?originalSubdomain=au
• Nathan Pickworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-pickworth-247784148/?originalSubdomain=au

Cullan Ball's contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cullan-ball-636bb856/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use and other leaders in professional sport use to excell in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Michael Snelling is a sports physiotherapist with a 30 year diverse journey in the world of high performance sport. Michael has worked with the likes of Adelaide Crows (AFL), Surrey County Cricket Club, Fulham FC (EPL), England Rugby, Geelong Cats (AFL) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) to just name a few. Now Michael owns and operates a private practice and shares the knowledge and expertise he has gained from being able to work alongside some incredible clinicians and athletes, as well as having the privilege of being part of the fabric of various world renowned high performance environments. Enjoy the journey of someone who grew up wanting to be a lawyer, play the drums in a band and play AFL footy and admittedly did not achieve any of this, to then go on to establish one of the most impressive and desirable resumes in high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• Michael secured his first role as a “Hare” with the Adelaide Crows, AFL.
• Soon after completing his Physio degree, Michael moved to Chicago to take an opportunity to work in private practice.
• After a stint in the US, that didn’t exactly go to plan, Michael set off to the UK to further his pursuit into sport.
• Having traveled the world and still in the pursuit of his dream role in sport. He returns to Australia to enroll in a masters in sports physio.
• Now armed with a masters degree and some sports experience, Michael applied for a role at the AIS to only be told he has no international sports experience and within 6 weeks was setting off to the UK.
• Michael share how he secured a role with Surrey County Cricket Club and then went on to secure a dream role in the English Premier League with Fulham FC.
• After Fulham, he moved to England Rugby even though he had no previous experience or extensive knowledge of the game.
• After 6 years with England Rugby, Michael reached out to several AFL clubs and he shares how he eventually secured a role with Geelong, AFL.
• Michael shares the importance of “mastering your craft” as opposed to increasing your profile.
• After 5 years and winning 2 AFL premierships, Michael went on to open a private practice. “Now that was Ballsy!” Michael explains why.
• Michael shares how 20 years after first leaving the US, he was now offered the rare opportunity to return to the US with the Milwaukee Bucks, NBA.
• However the decision was not straight forward and Michael shares what factors he had to seriously consider before saying yes!
• Michael shares his experience at the Bucks and we discuss how Australian and overseas approach to sports science/medicine differ.
• Michael finally shares what he learnt from all the different teams he’s worked with and what have made these teams successful.

People mentioned:

• Craig Purdam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-purdam-6964293a/
• Suki Hobson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-hobson-588ba276/
• Troy Flanagan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-troy-flanagan-137a1b3/

Michael Snelling’s contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-snelling-85036b64/?originalSubdomain=au
• Geelong’s Third Space - https://www.geelongsthirdspace.com.au/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Adam Russell is a sports physiotherapist who is one of only a small group of people who have had the unique privilege to work in the 4 major football codes in Australia. Adam has worked with the likes of the Queensland Reds (Rugby), Brisbane Roar (Soccer), Brisbane Lions & Gold Coast Suns (AFL) and the Gold Coast Titian's (NRL), with the final 2 clubs being ones in which he was the head physiotherapist for during his times with both organisations. Adam shares the highs and lows of his 20 years experience in professional sport and how he has now transitioned into operating his very own injury management clinic in Brisbane. Enjoy Adam’s story of being someone who has always loved sport as a kid and how he has been able to forge a long and successful career in an industry he has always dreamed of being a part of.

Highlights from the episode…

• Adam shares how he used a week in Sydney to visit 4 different NRL clubs and how the networks he built from this trip eventually led to sporting club roles.
• We discuss how to approach networks by “adding value” and ways in which you can add value to people you would like to build professional relationships with.
• After 3 seasons with the QLD Reds Adam shares how he got his next role with the Brisbane Lions AFL team where he spent the next 5 seasons.
• Adam provides an insight into the medical structure at the Brisbane Lions including number of staff, roles, how players were managed, how days were structured etc.
• I share an embarrassing story of the first time Adam and I met and how I missed a golden opportunity to learn from Adam’s experience. If I only exercise a little humility!
• Adam shares the importance of always learning, the power of curiosity and asking questions despite how long you have been in the industry.
• After a successful stint with the Lions, he was then presented with an opportunity to be the Head Physio of his own club the Gold Coast Suns (AFL).
• Adam shares the mistakes he made in trying to be someone he wasn’t and how he now approaches roles with “being more himself”.
• Adam is transparent about some of the challenges that came with the role and feeling burnout, which eventually led to him leaving the GC Suns.
• After having some needed time away from professional sport Adam shares how he got the role as Head Physio for the Gold Coast Titans.
• Adam shares some of the highlights and challenges that came with the Titans role and how they can echo some of the experience that occur across a lot of clubs in professional sport.
• Finally the differences and similarities in culture, communication, service delivery, athlete types etc. he found across all the football codes that he has worked in.

People mentioned:

• Cameron Lillicrap - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-lillicrap-704b1a2a/?originalSubdomain=au
• Nathan Carlos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-carloss-b7128412/?originalSubdomain=au
• Peter Blanch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-blanch-50900b106/

Adam Russell contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrussellphysio/?originalSubdomain=au
• PRP Health - https://www.adamrussellphysio.com.au/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Milo Micovic is a Physiotherapist and High Performance Manager who has already in his very young career held roles with several high performance teams both here in Australia and overseas. Milo most prestigious role came with his appointment as High Performance Manager for Bangkok Glass Pathum United who compete in the top tier football league in Thailand. In this episode Milo shares how he went from finishing university, working with a semi professional club and then having the opportunity to work with one of Asia’s biggest football clubs in under 5 years. Milo’s story is super inspiring as for many who work in the field of high performance sport would aspire to have a career Milo has achieved so far, and the beautiful thing it’s only the beginning.

Highlights from the episode…

• Initially not receiving the marks to get into physiotherapy Milo started his career in Sports Science.
• Soon after finishing his degree in Sport Science Milo was able to secure an opportunity with A-League side Adelaide United.
• Milo shares his experience at Adelaide Utd where he was mentored by S&C coach Greg King who famously went on to win a premiership under Ange Postecoglou J-League side Yokohama Marinos.
• Milo shares how he secured his first paid S&C coaching role with Brisbane City FC with former Socceroo and A-League coach John Kosmina.
• How Milo navigated the long days of completing a physiotherapy degree alongside his S&C responsibilities with Brisbane City FC.
• During his Physiotherapy degree, Milo went on to secure a placement with world renowned Stanford University sports program.
• The highlights and challenges of his experience taking a relegated team to an entire undefeated season with Brisbane City FC.
• After progressing from an S&C role to high performance manager at Brisbane City FC, Milo’s obtained his first professional role as a physio for the Brisbane Roar FC women’s team.
• Milo shares the story of proposing to his partner and the very next day receiving an offer to be the High Performance Manager for one of Asia’s biggest club.
• He provides us an insight into BG Pathum United’s state of the art facilities, resources, staffing, set up etc.
• How Milo dealt with the challenges of working in a foreign country, different culture, non English speaking staff and players.
• How Milo periodises training cycles, navigating congested fixtures, traveling, training and "ideal" player profiles to maximise the teams full potential.
• Milo shares the unforgiving nature of professional sport when he was involved in a regime change in the club and he was eventually made redundant.
• Milo is back in Australia and he shares what his next focus is.

People mentioned:

• Greg King - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-king-91785746/?originalSubdomain=au
• Elyse Nayler: https://sportsplusphysio.com.au/elyse-nayler/
• Matt Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-50012736/

Milo Micovic contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihajlomicovic/?originalSubdomain=au
• The Movement Standard: https://www.themovementstandard.com.au/milo-micovic-physiotherapist-brisbane

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Jeff Hopkins is the Head Coach of Melbourne Victory Football Clubs Liberty A-League Women’s side. Jeff started as a professional player in the UK playing for the likes of Fulham, Crystal Palace and Reading FC and after a short period winning the treble in the Malaysian Premier League, he made his move to Australia to start his official coaching journey. Jeff has held head coaching positions with the Gippsland Falcons in former NSL, QAS, Brisbane Roar FC, Melbourne Victory FC and the Afghanistan women’s national team to name a few. In this episode Jeff shares the highs and lows of working in one of the most competitive and unforgiving roles in high performance sport. Despite challenging times Jeff has been able to forge a long and successful career becoming one of the most respected, humble and successful coaches in women’s A-League history.

Highlights from the episode…

• Being the youngest of 6, how Jeff was influenced into the game of football.
• After a successful professional playing career in the UK Jeff was offered an opportunity to play in Malaysia.
• Jeff speaks about the importance of having the support of your family when making decisions to move abroad in the sports industry.
• Jeff and I talk about the culture of former professional players receiving preferential treatment in the world of coaching, that others may not receive. Which is not mutually exclusive to coaching roles in sport.
• After a successful playing career “What did you have to give up as a player to be a good coach?”
• Jeff and I discuss how the skills that got you here may not be the skills that take you to the next level.
• The value of empowering your staff and people you work with to maximise your own success.
• Jeff shares a period of 2-3 years doubting whether he was doing the right thing in chasing his dream of being a head coach in professional sport.
• After initially receiving an opportunity in Brisbane to work with some of South Korea’s elite footballers he got offered an opportunity to work for Queensland Academy of Sport.
• Jeff shares his transition into women’s football and what he had to quickly learn to become successful when working with elite women’s footballers.
• How Jeff eventually got a role with the Brisbane Roar FC and his experience working across their Youth, Women’s and Men’s A-League programs.
• Having had success at the Brisbane Roar winning several championships and premierships with the club he was then made redundant.
• After a tumultuous first season with the Melbourne Victory FC finishing last in his first season he then went on to win another 2 championship’s and 1 premiership in his close to 9 years as the Head Coach of the Women’s team.

People mentioned:

• Phil Parkinson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Parkinson
• Ki Sung-yueng: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ki_Sung-yueng

Jeff Hopkins contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hopkins-721920123/?originalSubdomain=au
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hopkins

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Konrad Schultz is the Head Physiotherapist for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL where he has successfully held the role for nearly 10 years, which is near unheard of in the industry of high performance sport. Konrad has also spent over 5 years as Head Physiotherapist for the Cronulla Sharks and prior to this spent time working for the Canterbury Bulldogs. Despite having worked at the highest level of Rugby League in the world for over 15 years, Konrad would have to be the most curious and humble sports physiotherapists that I have ever met. Enjoy listening to how Konrad went from first completing a bachelor’s in commerce and accounting to then going on to finish another 4 degrees and becoming one of the longstanding leaders in the field of sports injury management in professional Rugby League.

Highlights from the episode…

• What made Konrad shift from a career in accounting to physiotherapy.
• How working tirelessly in private practice led to his first opportunity in sport with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL.
• Konrad and I chat about the benefits of being in a job that you’re passionate about and the often unspoken cautionary tales of working in your passion.
• After a period at the Bulldogs in the academy setting Konrad was offered the Head Physio role for his childhood club Cronulla Sharks.
• Konrad talks about the value he gained from completing further degrees and more importantly why he choose them.
• He provides daily schedule of how he navigated being a father of 3 young kids, working full time at a club and studying a masters degree.
• Konrad shares his experiences at Cronulla including the early success as well as being sacked by the club and how he navigated this challenging time.
• Konrad shares how he eventually cleared his name and how he got his next role as Head Physio for the Canberra Raiders.
• “Good medical teams are not seen nor heard”.
• The benefits of collaborating as oppose to competing with each other in the sports industry.
• We discuss how resumes don’t get you a job so chasing degrees may not be the most effective way to establish a career in high performance sport.
• We conclude with discussing one of Konrad's greatest strengths which has served him well during he's entire career...Curiosity!

People mentioned:

• Tony Ayoub: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-ayoub-a7223338/?originalSubdomain=au
• Kurt Lisle: https://thekneejoint.com.au/kurt-lisle/
• Matt Cameron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cameron-phd/?originalSubdomain=au
• Matthew Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-green-13817240/?originalSubdomain=au
• Andrew Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gray-04b5b131/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Steph Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-brennan-838b6034/?originalSubdomain=au

Konrad Schultz contact details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konrad-schultz-1b725538/?originalSubdomain=au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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When working with national team's during major tournaments it is not uncommon within 7 days teams can often be exposed to 4 training sessions and 3 full matches all whilst, dealing with the stress and pressure of competing, traveling between cities as well as sleeping and eating in unfamiliar environments, it becomes quickly apparent that recovery is essential for these players.

In this solo episode I explore what factors we consider when implementing recovery strategies such as…

• Not all individuals respond the same to recovery.
• ·The importance of understanding Sympathetic and Parasympathetic responses to recovery.
• Why the timing of recovery is important and how you can get it wrong.

The “Recovery Buffet” is a well-known concept in the world of high performance and is a vehicle that is used to provide a selection of recovery strategies and helps individuals establish autonomy when choosing what recovery methods works best for them.

"Recovery Buffet" link

Recovery is an important consideration in sport and when periodised well and tailored specifically for individual’s it can be an effective adjunct in getting the best out of your athletes.

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Matthew Look is a UK based physiotherapist who currently works as Head of Health and Performance for Cambridge Rugby. Matthew has gone on to work for the Brisbane Roar FC, English Institute of Sport (EIS) as well as UK professional rugby sides Scarlets and Coventry Rugby. Matthew shares his journey on how he got his first job in high performance, to being uncertain about the industry and backpacking through South America, to eventually moving to the UK and establishing himself as a sports physiotherapist in elite sport. Matthew provides great insight on how he has gracefully navigated through the ups and downs by being persistent, hard working and having a belief he could provide immense value in the industry, that has resulted in establishing a long, successful and fulfilling career in the world of high performance sport.

Highlights from the episode…

• An interesting story of how Matthew decided to do physio which started with wanting to play football for a leading American university.
• How Matthew got his first gig with a professional club with no prior experience at an elite level.
• How a non glamorous opportunity can take you to the role you've always dreamed for.
• The unspoken challenges that occur initially in your sporting career. Matthew shares the struggles he experienced even though he was working in his dream role.
• After being a little burnout from his time at the Brisbane Roar FC, Matthew decided to give up physio and move to South America for a year.
• After a period of time off Matthew made the move to the UK and decided to do his Masters in Advance Physio at one of UKs most prestigious universities Kings College, London.
• After completing his Masters, due to a highly competitive industry, Visa challenges and having being out of the industry for a period of time Matthew found challenges in securing his next role.
• Matthew shares in detail what he did to overcome these challenges to eventually secure a dream role with the EIS in short track speed skating.
• Matthew talks about how he was able to secure his next role with professional European Rugby side Scarlets even though he had no prior experience in Rugby.
• We speak about the importance of working with the right people and a great environment as oppose to the status of club.
• Matthew shares what key characteristics will help you excel in the industry of high performance sport.
• Having transitioned from Australia to the UK, Matthew shares some info around registration, visas and how to acquire a sports job in the UK.

People mentioned:

• Tim Oostenbroek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-oostenbroek-63b4676/
• Ed Hollis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hollis-66a16732?originalSubdomain=au

Matthew Look contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlook/
• Cambridge Sports Medicine Clinic: https://csmc.health/staff-pricing/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Liam Robinson is the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, Australia. Liam is a UK trained physiotherapist who traveled to Australia with an ambition to work in sport and now has a converted role with one of the most well-regarded high performance environments in sport. One of the most fascinating parts of his story is how he got his first opportunity in professional sports with Rugby side Melbourne Rebels as a volunteer and was able to gradually progress through the club over 9 Years to eventually become the Head Physiotherapist for the club. In addition, Liam has an abundance of knowledge in this space and as a clinician I really admire him as someone who focuses less on what he can get out of a situation then focusing more on what value he can offer, and with this approach over time you will be rewarded for your work.

Highlights from the episode…

• After being exposed to the research coming out of Australia and the reputation of Aussie physios he was inspired to pursue a career down under.
• The power of volunteering. “You have to be in the room to be part of the conversation”. The importance of being part of a organisation even if its at the bottom.
• "Luck is like a bus. There is one coming every hour, but unless you have the right ticket you cant get on."
• Liam lays out the email he used to get his first role with professional sports club the Melbourne Rebels.
• Liam shares how he also got an opportunity as Head Physio with the Georgian National Rugby U20s Mens Team and found himself on a plane to Georgia.
• The philosophy of “Know thy Athlete” when it comes to effective injury management.
• The importance of reflection and how this can accelerate your growth.
• The difference of "Systems 1 Thinking" and "System 2 Thinking" and the advantages and disadvantages.
• Liam provides a play-by-play of how he progressed through the club to become the Head Physio of the organisation and all the challenges and rewards that came during his time at the Rebels.
• The challenges of being the lead decision maker at a club that most Head Physios experience, but rarely speak about.
• After a tough period and feeling a little burnt out by the industry Liam took some time off and returned to the UK.
• After being away from industry for a period of time, Liam shares what he did to eventually secure one of the most competitive roles advertised at the time with the Melbourne Storm, NRL.
• Liam ends with speaking a little about his current role and giving us lots more to talk about in a possible part 2 episode.

People mentioned:

• Ryan Papenhuyzen documentary “In Due Time”: Liam Robinson camo (16.31mins in) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWacS09zm64

Liam Robinson contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamjamesr/
• Melbourne Rebels article: https://melbournerebels.rugby/news/2019/02/26/get-to-know-liam-robinson-rising-physio

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Karl Dodd is the Head Coach of Brisbane City FC who compete in the National Premier League competition in Queensland, Australia. Doddsy is the definition of a triple threat in football having been a professional player, transitioned into a Head S&C coach as part of a high performance team and is now an internationally acclaimed Head Coach. If that wasn’t enough he has also worked in higher education for several universities in Australia, holds multiple degrees and is currently completing a PhD. Some of the sporting organisations he has worked with include A-League clubs Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar FC, FIFA and is one of few Australians who have held head coaching positions with a national football team outside of Australia. With Doddsy’s unique and versatile background he is well positioned to provide insight into the world of professional sport from a variety of perspectives.

Highlights from the episode…

• Doddsy’s story of a how a naive Gold Coast boy who initially studied civil engineering then went on to play professional football.
• After sustaining 2 ACL injuries this was the genesis of exploring the field of coaching.
• After a successful playing career Doddsy transitioned into an S&C coach with the Newcastle Jets in the A League.
• Doddsy talks about his transition into his first Head Coaching role and the lessons he learnt with working with a new club and how to build a successful culture.
• Why “collective thinking” is far more important than specialised skill sets in sport.
• Doddsy and I talk shop for a minute about our experience around building culture and what we found were good and bad examples.
• After a short stint as Head of High performance at the Brisbane Roar FC Doddsy shares how he got the opportunity with the Guam National team as the Head Coach.
• He gives insights to what is involved as a national team head coach for entire country.
• The importance of putting yourself in environments where you can gain practical experience through the avenue of making mistakes safely.
• Doddsy shares his decision making process when moving into different roles with different sporting organisations.
• There are 2 things that Doddsy looks for in a person as a Head Coach and when hiring his backroom staff 1). Are you a good person and 2)….
• I provide some tips on how to climb any hierarchical ladder. Whether that be cooperate setting, sport environment, whether you’re a Head Coach, Physio, S&C coach etc.
• Doddsy gets candid and talks about how he has been able to sustain longevity in the game, the costs he’s paid along the way and what he’s done to deal with challenges that come with working in professional sport.
• What Doddsy is currently working on and his vision for the current project his involved with.

Karl Dodd contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-dodd-94391311/?originalSubdomain=au
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Dodd

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Sean Lane is a football (soccer) coach who’s had success as a head coach across 3 different continents. Laney shares his journey from staring as a professional player at the age of 16 years old, to transitioning into a financially successful cooperate career to giving it all up to pursue his passion for coaching while still having to support 5 kids, a mortgage and starting from the bottom when most would consider too late to start. Laney is now the director of soccer and head coach of Spire in Ohio, USA.
If you are someone who feels it is too late to reinvent yourself, you feel it is impossible to start from the bottom again or its simply unfeasible to break away from the golden handcuffs of financial success, Laney’s lays out the blueprint of how anyone with a bit of sacrifice, a lot of hard work and humility you can still live out your dreams.

Highlights from the episode…

• The importance of getting out of your comfort zone. After a professional football career in England Laney moved to Australia, even though he had offers in England, Ireland and other European clubs.
• After an incredible football career, Laney went onto climb the cooperate ladder to become a general manager of his own successful sales company.
• I share a personal cautionary tale of why it’s important to include your family when making career decisions in an industry that often requires most to be selfish.
• After a decade long financially successful corporate career, giving it all up to start his coaching career coaching an under 6s girls team.
• The importance of paying your dues. 5+ years working with academy teams, being paid less than $100/week, driving 1 1/2 hours each way to training 6 days a week before he got his first senior role.
• “To develop intuition you have to pay a tuition!”
• After 5 + years paying his dues he reaped success with as a senior team coach winning the league twice in a row as well as wining coach of the year in 2017.
• “People open doors for you and it’s up to you whether you walk through them”. Laney shares how he got the opportunity to go from coaching on the Gold Coast to Bangladesh.
• Stories of working in one of the most passionate footballing countries with a population of over 145 million, in one of the oldest and biggest clubs in the Bangladesh Premier League.
• His next opportunity with a state of the art sporting academy as the head of football in Ohio, USA.
• Key must have attributes of any Physios, Sport Scientists, Analysts, S&C coaches etc. coming from a head coach perspective.

People mentioned:

• Scott McDonald

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_McDonald

• Troy Bingham

https://www.spireacademy.com/about-us/leadership/leadership-troy-bingham/

Sean Lane contact details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-lane-688b4522
• Spire Academy website: https://www.spireacademy.com/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Over the last 15 years I have been lucky enough to work with various sporting organisations and clubs both here in Australia and overseas. Although I’ve had the pleasure of working with different people, being exposed to a diversity of approaches and experienced working in multiple high performing environments, at the same time it is also a challenging time as moving into new organisations requires a swift and effective transition especially when working in departments that demand results quickly.

In this solo episode I share what things I do when transitioning into new environments as well as specifically what questions I ask to learn more about the team, the staff, the players and the organisation as a whole to best utilise my skillset and leverage other peoples strengths to add ongoing value to a club.

3 questions I specifically ask are…

1. What has worked for you in the past?
2. What do feel could be done better?
3. If I were to hit a home run for you, what would be the ONE thing that you would want me to achieve this year/season?

In this episode I dive deeper into why I ask these specific questions and provide real life examples of how they have assisted me in the past.

So if you're someone who has worked with multiple sporting organisations, who is considering moving into a new environment or is simply interested in an approach that has worked for me during my time working across different clubs, sports and countries this episode is one for you.

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Matt Ham is the Head S&C Coach for the Townsville Blackhawks who compete in the second division of Rugby League in Australia. What is most fascinating about Matt’s story is that he has no prior experience working with Rugby players but was still able to acquire a role in a sport where S&C jobs are often only given to those with a background in Rugby. Sit back and listen to someone who grew up in country Queensland who played football at the highest level in Australia, to only be brought back down to earth and spending years working as a “over qualified PT”, to progressing on to becoming a decorated S&C coach working in the A-League, internationally with the Guam National Football Team and then on to his current role with the Blackhawks all whilst owning and operating his own bespoke gym facility.

Highlights from the episode…

• Matt shares his life growing up in rural Queensland to playing at the highest level of football in Aus.
• After an abrupt end to his professional playing career, Matt speaks about being injured and the sense of feeling lost which lead to his pursuit into an S&C career.
• Now armed with a Undergrad and a Masters degree, Matt was ready to take on the world of professional sport, but soon realised that he was “just a really qualified personal trainer” and was forced to spend several years working in a commercial gym.
• Why Matt feels it’s better to first open your own gym and progress into sporting club roles as opposed to, doing what most people do in the industry, which is the opposite.
• Matt talks about getting a job with the Brisbane Roar and the Guam National Team.
• The adventures of traveling globally with the Guam National Football Team.
• The differences between being a national team S&C coach vs. a club S&C coach.
• The value of investing in your own vocation and the different ways you can achieve this as opposed to, simply getting another degree.
• What I learnt while having my physio clinic at the Hammer Athletic gym facility.
• “If you’re not measuring your guessing”. What things Matt would measure to track progress.
• Why establishing “Culture” is one of the most important aspects of S&C.
• “Don’t prescribe things that you haven’t done yourself” the importance of getting a clear understanding of what you want to do before you get someone else to do it.
• Matt speaks of how he built credibility when working with professional Rugby League players having had no background in Rugby League at all.
• Advice on how S&C coaches and Physios can work together to get the most out of their athletes.

People mentioned:

• Alan McCall:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9M_D8puW0I

• Dan Baker:

https://www.danbakerstrength.com/about-dan

• Martin Buchheit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-buchheit-6a355828/?originalSubdomain=fr

• Karl Dodd:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-dodd-94391311/?originalSubdomain=au

Matt Ham contact details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ham-971b18a7/

Website: https://www.hammerathletic.com.au/team/matt-ham/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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I recently returned from Europe having spent a week and a half away with the Australians Men’s U17s National Football Team. The camp involved a heavy schedule of daily training and playing 3 friendly matches against Czech Republic, Morocco and Uzbekistan.

In this episode I take a look back at our recent tour and give you sneak peak of what is involved on a day-to-day basis while away on international duty. In addition I will share what a usual day will comprise of and the role and responsibilities that a head physiotherapist has while working with the national team. I will also share some of the monitoring tools, recovery strategies, and types of activities we require our players to be involved in, which we've found have been highly beneficial in the overall success of the playing group.

So, if you are someone who is interested in learning about what usually is involved when traveling away in a national team set up or are simply curious about what the responsibilities as a head physiotherapist are while traveling with a professional team, this episode will be a treat.

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Myles Burfield is a sports physiotherapist who currently owns and operates a sports injury clinic in addition to clinical supervising at ACU. Myles was part of the successful Australian Kayak team who won the Bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and he talks about what’s involved in being a sports physiotherapist at an Olympic games. Myles shares his journey into high performance sport where he had the dream job of traveling all over the globe, then being burnt out and giving up physio altogether, to now taking the next step in his sports physiotherapy career going on to pursue the highest tier of physiotherapy in Australia and becoming a part of a very small group of Specialists Sports Physiotherapist.

Highlights from the episode…

• How Myles nearly gave up physio altogether before it even began to become fighter pilot and what influenced his decision.
• How Myles and I first met in a small town in Canada during a PD course.
• How Myles got a job as a Performance Medicine Therapist with Cirque du Soleil and his unique role as a “Fly in” with the company.
• What it was like living on Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles with one of the shows he was part of.
• A philosophy I use in sports injury management that has shaped the way I practice “Know thy Athlete”.
• Myles shares the adventures of working with Cirque and the unspoken challenges that come with working as a traveling sports physiotherapist.
• Myles’ transition into becoming sports physio with the AIS and Paddle Australia.
• How Myles managed Australian national Kayaking and Canoeing athletes situated all over the country from Gold Coast, Queensland.
• His journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics and how he got the call up.
• What it’s like being a sports physio at the 2016 Rio Olympics and what a usual day looks like.
• What it’s like being part of the Kayaking team that won bronze at the games…and its not what you may think.
• Myles shares how post Olympic games he became burnt out by the industry and ultimately left physio for the second time.
• After a short time away, Myles returned to physio and took what he experienced working with elite athletes to start his own multidisciplinary sport injury clinic in Brisbane.
• Why Myles is completing specialisation where he will eventually join a very small group of physio’s at the highest tier of sport physiotherapy in Australia.
• What is involved in the Sports Physiotherapy specialisation program.

Myles Burfield contact details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mylesactivatehf/?originalSubdomain=au

Clinic website: https://sportsandexercise.physio/

Email: myles@sportsandexercise.physio

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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This episode is a little different than the usual solo episodes I do every other week. This is an interview I did on the “The Mind Your Body Show”, hosted by Jacob Andrea. 

I thought I would share this interview I did with Jacob as it provides a little background of what got me into high performance sport as well as the lessons and funny stories that occurred along the way. 

Jacob asked some great questions and was even able to pull out some stuff that I haven’t shared with anyone else before.

So enjoy this episode of my journey in sport, feel free to leave a review and please share it with anyone you feel would get value from this episode. 

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Aaron Alsop is the Executive Director of High Performance for the Solomon Island National Institute of Sport (SINIS). Aaron talks about his journey from growing up in Toowoomba, initially studying nursing, then following his keen desire for adventure to now becoming one of the most sought after high performance managers in the pacific region. Aaron will share his eclectic background and non-traditional route into the field of high performance sport as well as the challenges and immense rewards that have come with managing elite sport in the pacific region.

Highlights from the episode…

• How Aaron went from completing a Bachelor of Nursing to then progressing into his first role in sport.
• How working in palliative care shaped Aaron’s approach to working in sport.
• What it means to be a “Specialists Generalist” and why this is important.
• The power of volunteering and how Arron’s opportunities at the highest level came from a mindset of being of service and how that led to the Director of Sport for the entire country of Papua New Guinea.
• How he overcame imposter syndrome to develop frameworks/processes that led to successful outcomes for the countries his worked in.
• Why athlete well-being is more important than success, and when done well the success is inevitable.
• How a bus ride encounter and knowledge sharing led to being offered the role as Executive Director of High Performance for SINIS.
• What it took to build a world class high performance facility from literally a patch of dirt in the Solomon Islands.
• His current role consists of managing 72 full time staff, 30 volunteers, a facility that operates 87 hours/week, that has 400 visitors/day, servicing 30 different sports, which encompasses 1200 scholarship holding athletes...and that is only part of his job.
• What Aaron looks for when hiring staff for specific roles in a National Institute of Sport.

People mentioned:

• Steve Johnson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellbeingscienceinstitute/?originalSubdomain=au

• Anne Marie:

https://vis.org.au/ceo-anne-marie-harrison

Aaron Alsop contact details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-alsop-6091bb43/?originalSubdomain=au

SINIS: https://www.facebook.com/SINIS.HighPerformance/ & https://www.instagram.com/sinis.highperformance/?hl=en

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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It is not uncommon that as you progress through your high performance sport journey that opportunities will arise and in turn tough decision will have to be made in deciding whether you want to commit these opportunities.

In an industry where job opportunities, net alone job offers can be scarce the pressure of making sure you make the right decision for your career can often be overwhelming.

In this episode I reflect on the 3 things that I consider when evaluating opportunities and talk about the situations and events that forced me to take the following into account, which include…

1. Does it allow for a good Lifestyle?

2. Is it remunerated well?

3. Does it provide an incredible learning environment/growth opportunities?

So whether you are someone who is currently working in sport and opportunities with other clubs/organisations are presented to you or you are new to the industry and are just about to step into the world of sport, this is an episode that can help you ensure you make the right decision for your career in high performance sport.

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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Tracy is an Australian trained physiotherapist who has spent most of career working overseas initially with professional female golfers in the LPGA. In this episode Tracy shares her journey into professional sport where she moved from Perth to Europe to work in professional golf and then randomly decided to run away and join the circus where she spent an 11-year stint travelling all parts of the world as a Performance Medicine Therapist with Cirque du Soleil across several of their shows. Tracy now works in the USA, and she shares how she became fully registered to practice in the States as well as tips for those considering one day working in America.

Highlights from the episode…

• How it all began with working in a regional hospital in Port Headland Western Australia.
• How Tracy got on the LPGA European tour as the sole sports physiotherapist for over 120 players.
• Tracy describes a physio service model that exists in professional golf that could be well adopted by athletes in other sports when wanting a personal on call physio while touring.
• How she went from professional golf to working with Cirque du Soleil.
• Description of how Cirque du Soleil is structured regarding shows, touring and the performance medicine department.
• My personal experience joining Cirque du Soleil where I got meet Tracy for the first time.
• What it took to be a physiotherapist with Cirque du Soleil and the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.
• How Cirque du Soleil athletes differ from athletes of more traditional sports and what I learnt from the significantly low rate of acute injuries seen in that environment.
• Tracy describes her transition from Cirque du Soleil to now permanently working in the States and she shares what it takes for Australian physios to be able to work in the US.
• What it’s like to be a physiotherapist (Physical Therapist) in the USA.
• The difference between an Athletic Therapist and a Physical Therapist.
• Tracy describes how best to work within a diverse multidisciplinary team that she learnt during her time working in various countries around the world.

Tracy Guy contact details.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-guy-ab485760/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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The field of high performance sport is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Universities and Associations are pumping out countless numbers of Physiotherapists, Sport Scientists, S&C coaches, Dieticians etc. and it only takes doing a little simple math to work out there are hundreds of professionals being churned out each year.

To make it even more competitive these new graduates are competing for only a handful of professional sporting jobs along with the hundreds of thousands who are already qualified professionals in the field.

But there is a way you can put yourself ahead of the game and it’s an ability to be able to talk and build relationships with leaders who are already in professional sport who may be able to assist with recommendations, provide council or who may actually be at the time looking for someone and you happen to be the exact right person for the role.

But this can be hard. As more than ever it is far more difficult to acquire the contact details of these individuals to be able to contact them in the first place.

In this solo episode I show you the ability to acquire the contact details of any leader in the field of high performance which I have learnt through trial and error over many years. And it is these initial interactions that have led to establishing some strong and mutually fruitful relationships with numerous exceptional individuals in professional sport.

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part of an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*

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David Wellington (Wello) is the Head Physiotherapist for the ACT Brumbies who currently compete in the premier Rugby competition in Australia, Super Rugby. Wello talks about his journey from growing up in rural north Queensland, to playing professional rugby himself in Portugal, to now being the Head Physiotherapist of one of Australia’s most successful Rugby clubs.

Highlights from the episode…

• What Wello learnt from first working in Gympie Hospital that has helped him in professional sport to this day.
• While playing overseas what sport physiotherapy looked like in Portugal.
• How he was able to transition from Rugby into soccer, a sport completely unfamiliar with and still be effective in his role.
• 80/20 principle to injury trends in sport.
• What Wello got from doing his Masters in Sport Physiotherapy…and it wasn’t a golden ticket to getting a job in professional sport.
• How Wello got his foot in the door with the ACT Brumbies.
• Outside of clinical skills what other skills Wello found were important to hone…hint one is empathy.
• One of the most powerful questions you should ask your athlete when managing a stubborn injury.
• How to best manage contact injuries.

People mentioned.

· Tim McGrath:
https://www.ersportsphysio.com.au/staff/

· Hamish McCauley:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-macauley-13944365/details/experience/

· Ed Hollis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hollis-66a16732/?originalSubdomain=au

· Byron Field:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-field-b6a171225/?trk=public_profile_samename-profile&originalSubdomain=au

· Konrad Schultz:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/konrad-schultz-1b725538/?originalSubdomain=au

David Wellington contact details.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wellington-4660915b/?originalSubdomain=au

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: luis.resa@outlook.com

*Thanks for listening and please leave a review.

If you would like more information on anything that was mentioned in this episode or would like to be part an email list where I send out tools and tips I use to help myself and other leaders in professional sport excel in their roles in high performance sport, simply send me an email.*