Talking Performance

In this episode of Talking Performance, Dan Vann shares his journey from sports coaching to mental skills and performance coaching, highlighting practical strategies for stress management, goal setting, and resilience. Discover how integrating mental skills can enhance performance in sports, corporate, and everyday life.

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Most leaders and coaches are afraid of showing their vulnerability, in this interview Cameron Schwab reveals why your “limp” is actually your greatest strength in leadership. At just 24, he became the youngest AFL CEO in history, navigating a club in deep struggle while grappling with his own insecurities. 
Now, he shares how embracing imperfections, drawing out your true self, and cultivating a growth-oriented mindset can unlock authentic leadership and foster powerful trust. In this candid conversation, Cameron discusses the crucial difference between leadership based on authenticity versus performance masks.
Cameron dives into how past experiences, family influence, and risk-taking shape the way we lead—especially when confronting complexity and ambiguity. We break down practical frameworks inspired by Rick Rubin and insights from elite sport to help you create environments where trust, honesty, and growth thrive.You'll learn: 
Why having a “limp” — a metaphor for your vulnerabilities and mistakes — is key to genuine influence. 
How to communicate with integrity and meet people where they are — even in challenging organizational cultures. 
The four essential coaching postures: sounding board, truth teller, idea sharer, and partner — and how to use them to navigate tough conversations. 
The importance of mental resilience and self-awareness in avoiding ego-driven leadership pitfalls. 
How to design a systems approach to leadership that empowers others and sustains success amid chaos. 
Whether you're an aspiring leader, coach, or simply passionate about creating meaningful influence, this episode is a masterclass in turning vulnerability into your most strategic asset. 
Cameron's honest stories, layered insights, and fresh perspectives will inspire you to reframe your approach to authenticity, trust, and growth. Perfect for those ready to lead with integrity and embrace the full complexity of human performance.
Cameron Schwab is a thought leader in leadership development, known for his innovative work with CEOs and high performers. His journey from AFL's youngest CEO to thought-provoking artist and coach provides a unique vantage point on human resilience, self-discovery, and organizational culture.If you're committed to leading from the heart while navigating the uncertainty of modern work and life, this episode will shift your perspective and power your next move. Ready to embrace your limp and unlock your true influence? Hit play now.
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In this episode I speak to Richard (RJ) Smith as he reflects on the evolution of athlete and coach development. RJ emphasises simplicity, critical thinking, and the power of relationships in high-performance environments. This conversation explores practical strategies for coaching, self-awareness, and fostering meaningful growth in sports and beyond. 
In this episode:
The shift towards simplicity in coaching and athlete development
How experience and knowledge enable coaches to simplify without losing depth
The importance of critical thinking and self-reflection for continuous improvement
Strategies for developing reflective practices and getting honest feedback
Managing diversity of athletes and balancing long-term growth versus immediate performance
The concept of mattering and its impact on how coaches build trust and connection
Leveraging peer-to-peer coaching and social learning to accelerate development
The potential of integrated regional approaches for coach education and collaboration
Practical approaches to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation
Future directions for coach development and leadership succession planning
This conversation highlights the significance of intentionality, the power of social learning, and the importance of trust and authenticity in leadership. It invites coaches to reflect on their practices, embrace experimentation, and develop a systems approach to sustainable high performance.
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Join us in this insightful episode where Christian Penny shares his expertise bridging Māori Tikanga, leadership, and complexity science to foster better collaboration, innovation, and performance in sports, business, and communities. Discover how cultural frameworks enhance team dynamics and how to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

In this episode:

Christian's background spanning from arts to high-performance sports leadership
The role of Tikanga Māori as practical tools, not just cultural practices
How different cultural environments influence dialogue and silence
The importance of diversity and difference in team settings
Strategies for cultivating leadership skills that embrace complexity
The art of listening, silence, and presence in high-stakes environments
The significance of shared purpose and inquiry in evolving systems
Practical examples from rugby, business, and community settings
How to introduce Tikanga principles across organizations
Fostering the skills to handle uncertainty and change
Resources & Links:

Te Ao Māori - Māori World View
Richard Young - Leadership and Tension
Coach Accelerator Program
High Performance Sport New Zealand
Dara Sheridan - Workshop in Galway
Tikanga Marae Framework
Archaeologist in Konamara
Kiwis and Irish whakapapa story
Note: This episode explores frameworks rooted in Māori Tikanga and complexity science, offering practical insights for leaders, coaches, and organizations seeking to deepen connection, foster diversity, and navigate uncertainty with cultural intelligence.
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Nick’s journey is fascinating. From one of New Zealand’s top amateurs, to early professional success, through a period where the game nearly broke him, and now into a phase where he’s playing some of his best golf with a completely different mindset.
What changed?
This conversation dives into that turning point. We explore how stepping away from outcome-driven thinking, and into a more free, self-expressive way of playing, unlocked both performance and enjoyment. It’s not about abandoning discipline or hard work. It’s about understanding who you are, and allowing that to show up when it matters most.
We talk about the tension between structure and freedom, why many athletes end up playing “with handcuffs on,” and how identity, not just technique, shapes performance. Nick shares how his experience in the YouTube golf world helped him rediscover a version of himself that had been lost in the pursuit of perfection.
There’s also an honest look at the realities of professional golf. The pressure, the internal dialogue, the sustainability of performance, and the importance of building a life that isn’t entirely dependent on results.
Some of the key ideas we unpack:
 Why playing “freely” is easier said than done, and why it takes practice 
 The difference between careless, careful, and carefree performance 
 How identity and self-awareness shape decision making under pressure 
 Why many athletes drift into compliance instead of authenticity 
 The hidden cost of success when enjoyment disappears 
 How building something outside your sport can reduce pressure and improve performance 
This isn’t just a golf conversation. It’s about how we perform, how we relate to pressure, and how we avoid becoming the bitter version of ourselves in pursuit of success.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but something still isn’t clicking, this one’s worth your time.
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