Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades studying one fascinating question — what separates the very best from everyone else?

As a cognitive neuroscientist and high-performance consultant, Kerry has worked with Formula One legends, Olympians, key All Blacks and some of the world's highest performers, helping them understand how the brain works and how to perform when it matters most.

In this episode of What a Lad, Kerry shares some incredible insights from his career. From working with three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering his relentless attention to detail, to seeing firsthand the work ethic and mindset required to become a world champion.

Kerry also breaks down the science behind elite performance — why athletes choke under pressure, how the best performers see things others don't, why being the best youngster doesn't guarantee future success, and how our emotions and experiences can shape the way we think and behave.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

Working with Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering what made him so different

The incredible work ethic Kerry has witnessed from world champions

Why some Wimbledon champions can predict where a serve is going before the ball is even hit

Why thinking too much under pressure can actually make you perform worse

Why being the best athlete at 16 doesn't mean you'll become the best as an adult

The mentality behind Hamish Bond and Eric Murray's incredible success

Why there are no shortcuts when it comes to becoming world-class

How confidence can be built just like a muscle

How emotional experiences from our past can continue to influence us years later

Why Kerry believes we have a far greater ability to change ourselves than we realise

This is one of those episodes that will make you think differently about performance, confidence and what we're actually capable of. Whether you're an athlete, coach, business owner or simply someone wanting to improve, there's plenty of gold in this one.

If you enjoy hearing how some of the world's best think and what we can learn from them, you'll love this episode.

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