What separates elite coaches from good ones? It’s not just technique. It’s not just presence. It’s the ability to think at a much higher level.

In this episode, Craig sits down with developmental psychologist Dr. Darren Stevens for a deep dive on why most coaches unknowingly operate below the level of their clients and what it really takes operate at the next level of human development and performance.

Dr Darren Steven is a University lecturer, researcher, and author, he is the founder of 'Constructed Development Theory'. A breakthrough psychological approach to adult development that focuses on self-awareness through understanding the unconscious use of mental shortcuts. His theory offers a practical process to elevate levels of thinking to promote personal growth.

This is a conversation for the coaches, leaders, and self development seekers who are ready to evolve beyond their limitations and step towards the next level of human development and mastery.


SHOW NOTES

- Why coaches must think above the level of their clients
- The critical role of pattern recognition in transformation
- How traditional coaching qualifications fall short
- What happens when a client outpaces the coach
- How to step into “next-level” coaching that truly changes lives

In this episode, Craig White sits down with Leadership coach Benjamin Owen.

Ben opens up about his personal journey and the patterns that have shaped him: father dynamics, self-story and self-sabotage, the role of coaches and teams, and the small practices he uses to steady himself.

In this conversation we discuss:
- Why hiding parts of yourself limits your power as a coach
- The ripple effect of radical transparency in group settings
- How to embody love and openness in professional life
- Men's retreats and the tools that create transformation
- Integrating leadership with emotional awareness
- Creating space for others by going first
- Fatherhood dynamics and the effect on leadership

SHOW NOTES

– Intro & Ben’s background

– Growing up & father dynamics

– Self-sabotage & early struggles

– Recovery, coaches & support network

– Performance, teams & business

– Relationships & family

Clarke Carlisle was once known as the “brainiest footballer” — a Premier League defender, PFA chairman, and TV pundit.

But behind the public persona was a man crumbling under the weight of expectation, alcohol dependency, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Clarke sits down with Craig White to talk about the cost of tying your identity to performance, the masks men wear to survive, and the brutal reality of hitting rock bottom.

He also shares the turning point that changed his life in 2017 - discovering cognitive analytical therapy (CAT), finding hope, and learning how to rebuild as a father, husband, and leader.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, or wondered what it takes to come back from the darkest places, this conversation will hit home.

Show Notes

Identity & Collapse

• How injury and loss of football destroyed Clark’s sense of worth
• The dangers of tying identity to performance

Alcohol, Avoidance & The Mask

• Drinking, gambling, gaming — and the exhausting cost of hiding struggles
• The mask men wear to survive

Rock Bottom

• Depression, hypersomnia, bottles by the bed
• Suicide attempts and the moment he almost didn’t survive

The Turning Point

• 2017: NHS psychiatric hospital and cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)
• How CAT therapy gave him hope and a way out

Purpose & Transformation

• Rebuilding as a husband, father, and leader
• Turning his mess into his message with his wife
• Why speaking out, and knowing who to talk to, saves lives