What if the reason most business owners burn out isn’t a lack of discipline - but training the wrong system?
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Wood, former intensive care paramedic and high-performance coach to elite athletes and top CEOs, to break down the 4-step formula elite performers use to win - and why it applies just as much to business as it does to sport.
Dave shares his personal story of chronic pain, burnout, and a “dark night of the soul” moment that forced him to stop outsourcing responsibility and take radical ownership of his physical and mental health. That journey became the foundation of the system he now teaches to fighters, executives, and founders operating under extreme pressure.
In this conversation, we cover:The 4-step formula elite athletes use to perform under pressureWhy unrelenting self-belief is a trainable skill (not motivation)How top performers balance stress and recovery for sustainable successThe difference between controlled stress vs uncontrolled stressWhy most business owners live permanently “in the red” - and the cost of thatHow nervous system regulation directly impacts focus, clarity, and decision-makingWhy recovery is not a reward, but a core performance strategyHow founders can apply elite athlete principles without burning out
We also dive into:Dave’s work with world-class athletes (including high-pressure fight camps)The “red brain vs blue brain” framework used by elite teamsWhy hustle culture creates short-term output and long-term collapseSimple, non-glamorous habits that compound into elite performanceHow to build a business that lasts 10, 20, 30+ years - not just a sprint
This episode is for:Founders, CEOs, and business owners under constant pressureHigh performers who feel stuck in stress, anxiety, or burnoutAnyone trying to build success without sacrificing health, relationships, or longevity.
If you want to win - not just once, but consistently - this conversation will change how you think about performance.
