Dr. Jim Afremow is a high-performance consultant and the author of The Creative’s Mind: How Exceptional Artists Think, Make and Perform, along with several bestselling books on sport psychology and leadership. He has trained athletes, teams, coaches, and professionals across achievement domains to perform under pressure and sustain success.
In this special 700th episode, Jim shares how the same mental frameworks used by elite athletes apply to creative professionals. He explains how grit, identity, and deliberate mental training fuel both artistry and performance.
In this episode, you will learn:
The 5 C’s of Mental Toughness for Creatives—courage, confidence, commitment, composure, and concentration
The Two Voices that guide performance: Protection vs. Greatness
Why confidence is a decision and how to strengthen it daily
Mental tools like the 2-Minute Drill to beat procrastination and the Blow Out the Junk technique to calm nerves
Why identity before goals creates consistency and resilience under pressure
Jim shows that creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration. It’s about training your mind like an athlete to step up when it matters most.
In this insightful episode of the High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff explores why psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams.
Drawing on Google’s groundbreaking Project Aristotle study, she explains that the best teams aren’t the ones that avoid mistakes—they’re the ones that embrace them as learning opportunities.
Psychological safety means people can take risks, share ideas, and challenge the status quo without fear of judgment or punishment. Cindra outlines practical strategies for leaders to build this culture.
This Week’s Power Phrase: "I create a safe space for my team to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. We learn together, and we win together."
This Week’s Quote of the Week: "Psychological safety is not just about being nice or lowering performance standards. It’s about creating an environment where failure is an opportunity to learn, not something to fear." — Dr. Amy Edmondson
Tune in to discover how normalizing mistakes can unlock creativity, boost performance, and strengthen your team’s commitment to success.
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Henna Pryor, CSP, is an award-winning keynote speaker, workplace performance expert, and the author of Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You.
She’s been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Fast Company, and NBC, and her work helps leaders and teams reframe awkwardness as a superpower. She blends science, storytelling, and real-world strategies to help us step into the discomfort that fuels growth.
In this episode, you will learn:
🔹 HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about Henna Pryor and Her Study & Keynote Speaking
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!
In this fascinating and high-energy episode, I interview Traci Brown—ranked the #3 body language expert in the world and a go-to voice on lie detection, deception, and influence. A former elite cyclist turned deception detection expert, Traci brings a rare combination of athletic discipline and forensic insight to her work.
Traci is a frequent television guest featured on CBS, NBC, and Nancy Grace, and is the author of How to Detect Lies, Fraud and Identity Theft. She works with businesses, financial groups, and law enforcement to prevent fraud, protect profits, and make better decisions under pressure. In this episode, Traci shares practical strategies to read people more accurately, ask better questions, and spot deception before it costs you.
You’ll learn:
Why detecting deception is a leadership skill—and how to sharpen it
The body language differences between big and small lies
How lie detection can accelerate business results and reduce losses
Everyday signs of deception that are easy to miss—and how to catch them
How to use body language to gain the truth from customers, coworkers, and clients
Traci also discusses her new book and how her experience as a U.S. National Cycling Team member helped shape her ability to “read between the lines.” Whether you're hiring, selling, or simply trying to understand people better, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead and decide with clarity.
🔹HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about Traci Brown and her work
🔹 Get your copy of How to Detect Lies, Fraud and Identity Theft
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!
Quote of the Week: “When you change your story, you change your power.” – Brené Brown
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
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Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this science-backed and practical episode, I interview John Edwards—executive coach, speaker, and founder of The Edwards Groups. With a background in neuroscience and years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, John shares powerful insights on how to navigate stress, lead with presence, and thrive through change.
John’s approach blends neuroscience with leadership strategy to help high performers build resilience, expand their influence, and lead confidently in complex environments. In this conversation, he breaks down why our brains are wired for stress, how to rewire for strength, and what it means to be a standout leader in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.
You’ll learn:
Why your brain’s default setting is stress—and what you can do to override it
The neuroscience behind executive presence and how to grow your influence authentically
How to boost cognitive capacity and resilience through better daily habits
What a “chaos point” is—and how to lead your team through uncertainty
Practical strategies for navigating change, conflict, and ambiguity with clarity and calm
John also shares a roadmap for change leadership and how you can put executive presence on “autopilot” by rewiring habits and emotional patterns. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to lead with more resilience, clarity, and confidence—especially in high-pressure environments.
🔹 HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about John Edwards and The Edwards Groups
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!
In this episode of the High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff challenges you to dream bigger and pursue bold, gritty goals—even if they feel just out of reach.
She shares compelling research from Harvard and insights from performance psychology that show how stretch goals—ambitious targets that push you beyond your current limits—can fuel creativity, persistence, and breakthrough performance. The key is believing the goal is possible and tying it to a powerful “why.”
Cindra also draws on wisdom from her conversation with Caroline Adams Miller, author of Getting Grit, about the value of pursuing hard goals that demand risk, discomfort, and long-term effort. These are the kinds of goals that spark real growth.
You’ll learn:
Why stretch goals create clarity, focus, and passion
How top performers connect long-term dreams to daily actions
What to do when doubt creeps in and tempts you to play small
Why writing down your goals can be a game changer
This episode is a reminder that dreaming big isn’t just for vision boards—it’s a discipline. And you deserve to pursue goals that challenge and inspire you.
Power Phrase This Week: “I pursue bold goals because greatness lives just beyond my comfort zone.”
Quote of the Week: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” — Norman Vincent Peale
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Alden Mills—former Navy SEAL platoon commander, championship rower, best-selling author, inventor, and entrepreneur. Alden’s life is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From overcoming childhood asthma to leading Navy SEAL teams and building a $95M business with the Perfect Pushup, Alden shares how the unstoppable mindset shaped every chapter of his extraordinary journey.
Alden is the author of Be Unstoppable, Unstoppable Teams, and Unstoppable Mindset, and was named Entrepreneur magazine’s #1 virtual speaker. In this episode, he reveals the mental strategies that helped him turn adversity into advantage, failure into fuel, and vision into impact.
You’ll learn:
Why being “unstoppable” is a choice—and how to practice that choice daily
The story behind the mantra: “No one defines what you can and can’t do”
How Navy SEAL leadership skills apply directly to business, family, and life
The CARE Loop framework and how to build high-trust, high-performing teams
The 8 essential actions from Be Unstoppable, including “Plan in Pencil” and “Understand Your Why”
Alden also unpacks how setbacks have fueled his biggest comebacks and what mental toughness means at the highest levels of performance. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or chasing a personal goal—this episode will help you unlock your unstoppable potential.
🔹HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about Alden Mills and his books
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!
In this engaging episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff talks with Stacey Hanke—nationally recognized communication expert, keynote speaker, and author of Influence Redefined and Influence Elevated. Stacey challenges the common myths around influence and shares how true influence isn’t about charisma or likability—it’s about showing up consistently with presence, clarity, and connection.
Stacey is the founder of Stacey Hanke Inc., where she equips leaders and teams with the tools to communicate more effectively in high-stakes environments. Her work with Fortune 500 companies, NFL teams, and top-level executives offers real-world strategies for building trust and leading with credibility, even when feedback is limited or unclear.
You’ll learn:
The biggest misconception people have about influence—and what it really takes
Stacey’s 6-part Influence Elevated model for lasting impact
Why self-awareness is the foundation of powerful communication
The connection between confidence and your ability to speak up under pressure
Daily rituals and mindset shifts to lead with authenticity and consistency
Stacey also shares how elevated presence leads to stronger connections and greater influence, plus one tool you can start using today to transform how you come across. If you want to level up your leadership and communication, this episode is a must-listen.
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about Stacey Hanke and her work
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!
Welcome back to the High Performance Mindset Podcast, the show where we explore what it takes to show up fully and perform at your best—mentally and emotionally—every single day. I’m Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, and I’m so grateful you’re here.
Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes mental performance. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kristofer Kracht, a championship coach, professor, entrepreneur, and highly respected mental performance expert with over 25 years of experience. Kris is known for his vulnerability, energy, and contagious passion for helping others grow.
He currently serves as the Director of Mental Performance for Washington State University Football, where he empowers athletes to thrive under pressure and train their minds to match their physical talent. He’s also worked with elite programs at South Dakota State, Creighton, Winona State, and several others across the country.
In this episode, Kris shares what he’s teaching athletes most often, how he helps players thrive under pressure, and a simple performance number system that builds self-awareness and accountability.
We dive into practical tools like breathing and refocusing techniques, and why hallway conversations matter more than you think. Kris also reflects on his personal journey—from studying applied sport psychology to shaping the culture at Washington State Football.
Let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Kristofer Kracht.
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
LISTEN TO OUR CONFIDENCE FOR ATHLETES FREE WEBINAR
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this episode of the High Performance Mindset, we dive into the power of emotional agility—the skill of being present with your emotions without letting them take the wheel.
Backed by cutting-edge research, we explore how processing and labeling emotions can reduce distress, enhance performance, and improve your ability to lead and live with purpose.
You’ll learn:
Power Phrase: “My emotions inform me, not define me.”
Quote of the Week: “You don’t have to believe everything you feel.” — Dr. Susan David
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this powerful episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with internationally respected sport psychologist Dr. Richard Thelwell to explore the psychology behind high-performance coaching. Drawing on decades of research and applied practice, Dr. Thelwell shares why coaches must see themselves as performers and how their emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness directly shape athlete performance and team culture.
Richard is a Professor of Applied Sport Psychology and currently serves as the Executive Dean at the University of Portsmouth. He’s a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and his groundbreaking research has helped shape how we understand the coach-athlete relationship, emotional intelligence in sport, and how coaches thrive under pressure.
You’ll learn:
Why the coach-athlete relationship is central to consistent performance
The surprising impact of nonverbal cues on athlete engagement and confidence
How coaches can manage pressure, burnout, and organizational volatility
Why rest is a psychological skill—and how coaches can develop a rest strategy
Practical strategies to help coaches stay composed, reflective, and effective under pressure
Dr. Thelwell also offers insights from his research on coach stress, organizational change, and the powerful role of emotional regulation. Whether you're on the sideline or in the boardroom, this conversation will help you lead with more purpose, presence, and performance.
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
LISTEN TO OUR CONFIDENCE FOR ATHLETES FREE WEBINAR
MENTIONED RESEARCH DOCUMENT (Psychology of Rest in Athletes)
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this episode of the High Performance Mindset Podcast, Dr. Cindra explore the impact of setting stretch goals - ambitious, meaningful targets that push us out of our comfort zones and closer to our potential.
Backed by research from Harvard Business School, they explain how high-effort goals can fuel innovation, focus, and sustained performance when they're supported by belief and purpose.
You’ll also learn why writing down your goals matters, how to break the habit of playing small, and how to shift your thinking when self-doubt shows up.
Power Phrase of the Week: “I pursue bold goals because greatness lives just beyond my comfort zone.”
Quote of the Week: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” — Norman Vincent Peale
Today’s episode features a powerful conversation with two standout leaders in sport and performance—Melissa Hager and Brock Thompson.
Melissa is one of the only women in Minnesota coaching boys high school basketball and brings a wealth of insight on leadership, resilience, and building trust with athletes. Brock is the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at South Dakota State University and a seasoned leader with over 25 years in college athletics. Both are certified Mentally Strong Coaches and bring real-world perspective on what it takes to develop confident athletes and teams.
Together, we discuss:
Why confidence is the most fragile and most essential performance skill
How to help athletes recover after a setback or tough feedback
The different ways confidence shows up in male and female athletes
What mentally strong coaching really looks like—and how to model it
Why relationships are foundational to performance and growth
We’ll also share a sneak peek into our upcoming free webinar on June 10—Building Confidence for Athletes and Coaches—and the exciting launch of the Mentally Strong Academy for Athletic Coaches, starting June 19.
To register for the webinar or learn more about both opportunities, visit mentallystronginstitute.com.
If you're listening after June 10, head to confidenceforathletes.com to catch the replay.
In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra shares how the way we talk to ourselves can shape our confidence, performance, and leadership.
Drawing from Serena Williams’ affirmation practice before winning Wimbledon in 2015, we explore how powerful self-talk can override doubt and pressure—especially when things aren’t going perfectly.
You’ll learn how thought patterns are formed early in life to protect us, and how those same patterns can now limit us unless we choose to rewire them through consistent mental conditioning.
This episode covers four tools you can use to shift your mindset, respond to challenges with intention, and talk to yourself in a way that builds strength instead of stress.
Power Phrase of the Week: “Speak louder than your doubt.”
Quote of the Week: “I am strong. I am a champion. I’ve got this.” – Serena Williams
I’m incredibly excited about today’s guest—Sylvie di Giusto—who is a globally recognized expert in personal branding, leadership presence, and first impressions.
Sylvie helps professionals and organizations explore how people make decisions about them—and what they can do to influence those decisions effectively. With a background in corporate training and a multicultural career across Europe and the United States, she brings a unique and powerful perspective to leadership development.
She is the author of The Image of Leadership and Fair Advantage, and she’s worked with some of the world’s top organizations, from the U.S. Air Force to Google, McDonald’s, and the NBA. Sylvie is also a CSP—Certified Speaking Professional—and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who combines psychology, strategy, and practical tools to help leaders take ownership of their personal brand.
In today’s conversation, we talk about how to craft a powerful presence, why first impressions matter more than we think, and what it means to lead from the outside in.
🔑 Key Takeaways from Sylvie di Giusto
Perception Drives Opportunity
Sylvie was inspired to focus on perception because it's often the silent deal-maker or breaker. The way people perceive us influences the decisions they make about our credibility, leadership, and potential—often before we speak.
First Impressions Are Fast and Lasting
First impressions are made in seconds and are difficult to reverse. They impact sales, leadership trust, and client relationships. In high-stakes environments, your visual and behavioral cues can speak louder than your resume.
Unconscious Biases Are Always at Play
Every human has cognitive shortcuts (biases) that affect how they perceive others. Professionals and leaders can’t eliminate these, but they can become more aware and intentional in how they present themselves to mitigate misperceptions.
The Five Cornerstones of Decision-Making
Success today requires mastery of five key areas:
Visual intelligence – how you look
Behavioral intelligence – how you act
Verbal intelligence – how you speak
Digital intelligence – how you show up online
Social intelligence – how you connect with others
Perception Can Be Reality
While perception isn’t truth, it influences how others treat us. Therefore, managing perceptions is not manipulation—it’s leadership.
Balancing Authenticity with Professionalism
Professionals often struggle between “being themselves” and meeting organizational expectations. Sylvie suggests “authenticity within context”—knowing your audience and adjusting your expression, not your values.
Rebuilding a Damaged Reputation
To recover from a misstep, be transparent, consistent, and patient. Rebuilding trust is a process—and how you communicate and behave over time tells your story more than any apology.
Managing Difficult Conversations
Leaders must be mindful of the perception ripple effect. Sensitive conversations should be clear, kind, and anchored in purpose, recognizing that how something is said often matters as much as what is said.
Technology + Human Connection
Embracing tech doesn’t mean losing the human touch. High performers must use digital tools to amplify trust, not replace it. Leaders must be intentional about showing up in real and relational ways—even in virtual spaces.
3D Immersive Keynotes
Sylvie is known for pioneering the first-ever 3D immersive keynote experience, combining storytelling with cutting-edge visuals. Her goal? To not just inform—but transform how audiences feel, think, and act.
Final Message to High Performers
Perception is your silent business partner. Take ownership of how you show up in every setting, every platform, and every interaction. You don’t have to be perfect—but you do have to be intentional.
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
I’m thrilled to bring you a high-energy, insight-packed conversation with the dynamic and fearless Anne Bonney. After moving 27 times, attending 13 different schools, living on four continents, and navigating six distinct careers, Anne has turned change into her comfort zone.
She’s a keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and emotional intelligence expert who helps individuals and organizations embrace discomfort, lead courageously, and ignite positive momentum in their teams.
In this episode, Anne shares her personal journey of mastering change, along with actionable strategies to lead through transition, elevate emotional intelligence, and conquer tough conversations.
Anne’s energy is contagious, her insights are practical, and her message is clear—growth comes when we get uncomfortable on purpose.
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
This week when you notice yourself overthinking or believing a thought that doesn’t serve you, use The Truth Meter. Your mind tends to lie to you to keep you safe and small. Instead, take control of your mind and choose a different thought that would serve you right now. Your mind does not control you, you can control your mind!
Quote of the Week: "You don’t have to believe every thought you think." — Byron Katie
Power Phrase of the Week: “I choose my thoughts. I create my reality."
Dr. Amy Climer teaches teams and organizations how to increase their creativity so they can maximize innovation. She works with forward-thinking organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Amy is the author of the best-selling book Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results. She is also host of The Deliberate Creative Podcast, where she shares practical advice and strategies to help leaders build innovative teams. Amy has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and is a Certified Speaking Professional.
In this episode, Amy shares her powerful “Deliberate Creative Spectrum,” and she unpacks her three-part model explains how psychological safety fuels innovation.
Cindra and Amy discuss:
Why creativity is essential for organizational relevance and survival
The Deliberate Creative Spectrum: from destructive to scalable teams
The three essential elements of creative teams
Brainstorming guidelines for creativity: suspend judgment, combine ideas, aim for wild ideas, prioritize quantity
Tips for fostering psychological safety and handling conflict in teams
The leadership insight: to do something new, leaders must intentionally let something go
HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE
Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.
In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra explores the power of belief and how it shapes our future.
Using Simone Biles’ inspiring story as a launch point, we discuss how your vision for your life begins with what you choose to believe about yourself.
When you get clear on your vision, you can align your daily actions and mindset to match that future.
This episode encourages you to replace self-doubt with empowering beliefs and reminds you that your potential is limitless when you believe it before you see it.
Power Phrase of the Week: “I am becoming the person my dreams require.”
Quote of the Week: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey