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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.