In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Danae Frentz—a mental performance professional and self-compassion researcher—to explore a powerful idea that challenges how many high achievers think: being hard on yourself isn’t what drives success—self-compassion is.
Drawing from nearly a decade of research and applied work in sport and performance psychology, Danae shares how self-compassion helps athletes and performers regulate emotions, recover from setbacks, and sustain high performance without burnout. She explains that self-compassion isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about responding to challenges in a way that fuels growth, resilience, and confidence.
Throughout the conversation, Danae breaks down the science behind self-compassion and its connection to performance, well-being, and emotional regulation. She highlights how perfectionism and a harsh inner critic often block growth—and how shifting your inner dialogue can actually help you perform better, not worse.
Danae also shares her personal journey with perfectionism and how learning to practice self-compassion transformed both her performance and well-being. Together, we explore the common misconceptions that keep people stuck—like the fear that being kind to yourself will make you complacent—and why the opposite is actually true.
You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools you can use immediately—especially in moments of failure or self-doubt—including how to respond to your inner critic and what to say to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be your harshest critic to succeed—you can be your strongest ally.
You’ll Learn:
What self-compassion really is—and what it’s not
How self-compassion improves performance, resilience, and emotional regulation
The connection between perfectionism and self-criticism
Why being hard on yourself can actually hold you back
A simple way to respond to mistakes with more effectiveness and less judgment
How self-compassion and confidence work together
One small step you can take today to be kinder—and more effective—with yourself
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Download the National Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about Danae Frentz and her work:
frentzmentalperformance.ca
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Maximilian (Max) Pollack—a Cognitive Performance Specialist supporting U.S. Special Operations—to explore what it truly takes to think clearly, stay composed, and execute under extreme pressure.
Drawing from his work with elite military operators, Max shares a powerful perspective: high performance isn’t just about toughness—it’s about training your mind and body to work together when it matters most. His expertise sits at the intersection of psychology, physiology, and performance, helping individuals regulate stress, sharpen attention, and make better decisions in high-stakes environments.
Throughout the conversation, Max introduces the concept of being “introspective about your perspective,” and explains how elite performers build awareness, control their internal state, and lead their thinking—especially when everything around them feels chaotic. He breaks down what separates the mentally elite from others, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation, intentional self-talk, and the ability to downshift in moments of intensity.
You’ll also hear practical tools you can apply immediately—including breathing techniques for rapid regulation, the role of biofeedback in building awareness, and how to “be the commander of your brain” through intentional self-talk. Max emphasizes that lessons are everywhere—if you’re willing to reflect, learn, and apply them.
This episode is a masterclass in cognitive performance—showing you how to build clarity, confidence, and control so you can perform at your best, especially when the pressure is highest.
You’ll Learn:
• What separates mentally elite performers in high-stakes environments
• How to regulate stress and stay composed under pressure
• The power of “introspective about your perspective”
• A simple breathing tool to downshift and regain control
• How imagery and biofeedback can enhance performance
• Why self-talk is critical—and how to “command your brain”
• One key strategy to perform more consistently when it matters most
Episode Resources & Links
Watch the Mental Performance Summit:
https://mentalperformancesummit.org/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Download the National Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Follow Max on LinkedIn: Maximilian Pollack, CMPC, BCB | LinkedIn
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with mental performance coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Lauren Johnson & Co, Lauren Johnson, to explore what it really means to become elite by choice.
Lauren shares the pivotal story that shaped her career. After a job opportunity fell through, she found herself working at Starbucks, questioning her direction and waiting for something to change. A blunt interaction with a customer became the turning point. It forced her to recognize that she was waiting for opportunities instead of creating them.
From that moment, everything shifted. Lauren began taking ownership of her path, building her own consulting work from the ground up, which eventually led to working with the New York Yankees and some of the highest-performing athletes in the world.
At the center of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea. People don’t become average because of their ability. They become average because of their actions.
Lauren explains how daily decisions shape long-term performance, especially in moments of adversity. She breaks down why high performers don’t wait for perfect conditions, how they respond when things don’t go as planned, and what it looks like to take full responsibility for your growth.
This episode is a direct reminder that elite performance isn’t random or reserved for a few. It’s built through consistent, intentional decisions over time.
You’ll Learn:
• What “elite by choice” really means and how to apply it daily
• Why average results come from average actions, not lack of talent
• The moment that can shift you from waiting to taking control
• How to respond to adversity instead of backing away from it
• Why creating your own opportunities is critical for growth
• How small, consistent decisions compound into long-term success
• The mindset shift that separates high performers from everyone else
Lauren is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Mental Performance Summit, where she’ll expand on these ideas and share practical strategies to help you take ownership of your performance and raise your standards.
👉 Learn more and register here: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Register for the Mental Performance Summit: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Learn more about Lauren here: www.laurenjohnsonandco.com
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download our Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Zach Brandon—performance and leadership coach, former Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and founder of MVP Mindset Consulting—to explore what it really takes to thrive at a high level without sacrificing wellbeing.
Drawing from his experience working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, Zach shares a powerful perspective: high performance isn’t just about winning more—it’s also about living better. He challenges the idea that success and wellbeing are mutually exclusive and instead offers a framework for pursuing both with intention.
Throughout the conversation, Zach breaks down what separates great coaches and leaders from the rest—especially when it comes to building belief, confidence, and trust within teams. He explains how the best performers respond under pressure, why identity plays a critical role in performance, and what it truly means to “lead yourself first.”
You’ll also hear practical tools from his “Coach’s Playbook,” including strategies to reset after mistakes, quiet the inner critic, and help individuals move through plateaus. Zach emphasizes that growth starts with awareness—and that small, intentional shifts in mindset can create powerful momentum.
This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is built from the inside out. When you strengthen how you think, lead, and respond, you don’t just perform better—you live better, too.
You’ll Learn:
• What drives high performance at the elite level
• How great coaches build belief and confidence in others
• What separates those who rise under pressure from those who shrink
• A practical tool to improve how you show up immediately
• How to reset after mistakes and manage your inner critic
• Why leading yourself first is essential for leading others
• How identity shapes performance—and how to intentionally build it
Zach is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Mental Performance Summit, where he’ll share more in his session: “The Coach’s Playbook: Strategies for Winning More and Living Well.”
👉 Learn more and register here: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Register for the Mental Performance Summit: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Follow Zach Brandon on X: (4) Zach Brandon (@MVP_Mindset) / X
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download our Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Jess Ekstrom to explore what it really takes to build confidence, find intrinsic motivation, and share your voice without losing yourself in the process.
Jess is the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, where she has helped thousands of women become more confident speakers and step into their voice. Her upcoming book, Making It Without Losing It, focuses on how to stay grounded, purpose-driven, and intrinsically motivated in high-pressure, performance-based environments.
At the heart of this conversation is a powerful shift: moving from being a “spotlight speaker”—focused on how you’re being judged—to a “lighthouse speaker”—focused on how you can help others.
Jess shares how this shift not only reduces anxiety but also improves performance, authenticity, and impact.
The conversation also dives into intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, and why chasing outcomes, recognition, or approval can lead to burnout and disconnection. Instead, Jess encourages us to reconnect with purpose, focus on what we can control, and measure success by impact—not applause.
This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence and fulfillment aren’t built by performing for others—but by staying connected to what truly matters and using your voice to serve.
You’ll Learn:
• The difference between a spotlight speaker and a lighthouse speaker—and how it changes your confidence
• How to shift from outcome-driven thinking to purpose-driven performance
• A simple “purpose test” to evaluate your motivation
• Why intrinsic motivation leads to more creativity, fulfillment, and impact
• How to stay confident and authentic—even in high-pressure environments
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about Jess Ekstrom:
https://jessekstrom.com/
Register for the Mental Performance Summit April 17th:
https://mentalperformancesummit.org/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download the Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with University of New Mexico Head Football Coach Jason Eck to explore what it truly takes to build belief inside a team.
In his first season leading the Lobos, Coach Eck engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football—leading the program to nine wins, a bowl game appearance, and Mountain West Coach of the Year honors after being projected near the bottom of the conference.
But behind the wins is something deeper.
Coach Eck shares how leadership, culture, and mindset shape the foundation of a high-performing team. Drawing from more than two decades of coaching experience across Division II, FCS, and FBS football—including championship runs at Minnesota State and South Dakota State—he explains how leaders create environments where confidence grows and teams outperform expectations.
Throughout the conversation, Eck discusses how belief is rebuilt in struggling programs, how players develop mental toughness for high-pressure moments, and why culture must become player-driven rather than coach-driven for lasting success.
This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence and culture aren’t built overnight. They are created through daily standards, aligned leadership, and a mindset that prepares teams to perform when the stakes are highest.
• How Coach Eck helped players build real confidence after a turnaround season
• What leaders can do to help teams handle pressure and rising expectations
• Mental habits athletes use to stay composed in high-stakes moments
• How leaders rebuild belief in teams that haven’t experienced success
• Leadership lessons from rebuilding multiple football programs
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Follow University of New Mexico Football: (1) New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) / X
Follow Jason Eck on X: (1) Jason Eck (@Coach_Eck) / X
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team: https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download our Confidence Research Study: https://confidencestudy.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Belinda Jensen—Chief Meteorologist at KARE 11, science communicator, children’s book author, and beloved “Bel the Weather Girl”—to explore what it takes to perform under pressure when the stakes are high and the forecast is uncertain.
With more than three decades on live television, Belinda shares how she manages stress and decision-making during severe weather events, when clarity, calm, and trust matter most. She explains how high performers stay grounded when conditions change rapidly—and why preparation, presence, and purpose are essential to sustaining excellence over time.
Throughout the conversation, Belinda reflects on her unconventional path into broadcasting, the resilience required to stay energized across a long career, and the mindset habits that help her balance demanding deadlines with family, writing, speaking, and community impact. She also shares why making complex science simple is a leadership skill—and how clear communication builds confidence, reduces fear, and helps people take action.
Belinda also opens up about her passion for educating kids through her Bel the Weather Girl books, especially helping children manage anxiety around storms and inspiring young girls to see themselves in STEM careers.
This episode is a powerful reminder that high performance isn’t about controlling conditions—it’s about learning how to stay steady, confident, and purposeful no matter what the forecast brings.
How to stay calm and focused during high-pressure moments
Mindset strategies for making decisions when outcomes are uncertain
Why clear communication builds trust and confidence
Lessons in resilience from a 30+ year career in broadcast media
How preparation and presence fuel consistent performance
Ways to reduce fear and anxiety through education and understanding
Advice for performing at your best—on air, at work, and in everyday life
Learn more about Belinda Jensen:
https://beltheweathergirl.com/
Download our 2025 National Confidence Crisis Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Glen Guyton—futurist, leadership strategist, and author of The Art of Harmonious Trust—to explore why trust is not a soft leadership concept, but a measurable performance strategy.
Glen’s work sits at the intersection of trust, employee retention, and future-focused talent development. Drawing from his experience across military, nonprofit, and corporate systems, Glen explains why competitive pay, perks, and policies often fail to retain high performers—and what leaders must understand about trust if they want people to stay, grow, and contribute at their highest level.
Throughout the conversation, Glen introduces the concept of harmonious trust and breaks down how it differs from traditional conversations about culture. He shares the patterns he’s observed in organizations that retain the right people—not just retain people—and the critical role direct supervisors play in engagement and quiet quitting. He also connects retention to skills development, workforce disruption, and future-ready talent strategy.
This episode is a powerful reminder that organizations don’t lose people because of change—they lose people when trust erodes during change. Leaders who build trust intentionally don’t just improve morale—they create sustainable high performance.
Why trust is a performance strategy—not just a leadership value
The real reason high performers leave even when compensation is competitive
What “harmonious trust” means and how to build it
The connection between skills gaps and employee retention
How supervisors directly influence engagement and quiet quitting
Early warning signs that commitment is slipping
One practical habit leaders can implement immediately to strengthen trust
Learn more about Glen Guyton:
https://www.glenguyton.com/
Order The Art of Harmonious Trust:
https://www.glenguyton.com/
Download our 2025 Confidence Crisis Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Ted Ma—leadership strategist, researcher, author, and keynote speaker—to explore what truly separates average leaders from exceptional ones.
Earlier in his career, Ted built and led a sales organization of more than 6,000 people across North America. But through that experience, he began asking a deeper question: What actually makes leadership sustainable, impactful, and human? That curiosity led him to study mentorship, trust, confidence, and culture—and to develop the concept of Everyday Mentorship.
Throughout the conversation, Ted explains why leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about the small, daily behaviors that build trust, confidence, and performance over time. He breaks down the “DNA” of high-performing teams, why culture is a true competitive advantage, and the common misconceptions leaders have when trying to shift culture.
Ted also shares research-backed insights on what drives engagement and retention, the mental barriers that limit leadership confidence, and practical ways leaders can begin building stronger cultures immediately.
This episode is a powerful reminder that high performance doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally, one conversation and one courageous leadership decision at a time.
What Everyday Mentorship really means—and why it matters now more than ever
The DNA of high-performing sales teams
Why culture is a competitive advantage (not just a buzzword)
The biggest misconception leaders have about changing culture
Research insights on trust, confidence, and engagement
The mental barriers that limit leadership growth
One practical framework leaders can implement immediately
Learn more about Ted Ma:
https://realtedma.com/
Download our 2025 National Confidence Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Jill Schulman—Bravery Expert, United States Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and author of The Bravery Effect—to explore why bravery isn’t a personality trait, but a skill anyone can build.
Jill shares the pivotal experiences that led her to study the science of fear and courage, and why so many high performers unknowingly hold themselves back by playing it safe. Drawing from positive psychology, neuroscience, and her military background, Jill explains why bravery is not the absence of fear—but the decision to act alongside it.
Throughout the conversation, Jill breaks down the hidden cost of avoiding hard conversations, the myths that keep leaders stuck, and why small, repeated acts of bravery compound over time to shape identity, performance, and fulfillment. She also introduces the three core dimensions of bravery—thinking bravely, acting bravely, and connecting bravely—and explains how these skills fuel leadership, confidence, and impact.
This episode is a powerful reminder that growth requires discomfort—and that the life and leadership you want sit just on the other side of a brave decision.
Why bravery is a skill—not a personality trait
The difference between fearlessness and true courage
The real cost of playing it safe in your career and life
The most common fears that hold leaders back
How small, daily acts of bravery shape identity and performance
Why psychological safety requires personal bravery
Practical ways to take action even when you feel unsure
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about Jill Schulman:
https://www.jillschulman.com/
Order The Bravery Effect:
https://www.jillschulman.com/
Download our 2025 Confidence Crisis Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Johnny Quinn—U.S. Olympian, former professional football player, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of PUSH: Breaking Through the Barriers—to explore what it really takes to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned.
Johnny shares his remarkable journey of being cut from the NFL multiple times, losing millions in contracts, suffering a career-altering knee injury, and ultimately redefining his identity beyond the game. Rather than letting setbacks define him, Johnny explains how one powerful question—“What’s next?”—became the catalyst that led him to represent Team USA in bobsled at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Throughout the conversation, Johnny breaks down the invisible barriers that hold high performers back, the difference between a setback and a setup, and how daily mindset choices shape our response to change, loss, and uncertainty. He also connects lessons from elite sport to leadership and organizational culture, explaining how accountability, resilience, and discomfort are essential ingredients for sustained high performance.
This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t about certainty—it’s about adaptability, ownership, and the courage to keep pushing forward when the path changes.
You’ll Learn:
How to respond when your identity, plans, or goals fall apart
Why asking “What’s next?” is a powerful performance mindset
The difference between a setback and a setup for growth
How daily mindset practices build resilience and confidence
What elite sport teaches us about leadership, culture, and accountability
How to break through mental barriers that keep you stuck
Johnny’s definition of confidence—and how to cultivate it
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about Johnny Quinn:
https://www.johnnyquinnusa.com/
Order PUSH: Breaking Through the Barriers:
https://www.johnnyquinnusa.com/push/
Download our 2025 Confidence Crisis Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff interviews Meg Myers Morgan, negotiation expert, executive coach, and author of Everything Is Negotiable, to explore why self-worth is the foundation of confidence, leadership, negotiation, and peak performance.
Meg explains how our belief about what we’re worth shapes what we ask for, what opportunities we pursue, and how we show up under pressure—long before we ever walk into a negotiation, performance moment, or leadership conversation.
You’ll learn why negotiation isn’t about winning or convincing, but collaboration, clarity, and context—and how many people try to solve emotional needs (like feeling valued) with logistical asks (like money or titles). Meg also introduces her Three C’s of self-worth—clarity, confidence, and navigating conflict—and explains why slowing down, regulating emotions, and deeply knowing yourself are essential skills for sustainable high performance.
This episode will help you advocate for yourself more confidently, negotiate more effectively, and perform at your best by truly knowing your worth.
You’ll Learn:
Why self-worth is a foundation of high performance
How your self-belief determines what you ask for and what you avoid
The Three C’s of self-worth: clarity, confidence, and conflict
Why negotiation works best as collaboration, not confrontation
How to stop solving emotional problems with logistical solutions
The role of context when negotiating salary, roles, and boundaries
Why slowing down and self-regulation improve performance
How to ask for what you need with clarity and confidence
🔗 Episode Resources:
Learn more about Dr. Meg Myers Morgan: https://www.megmyersmorgan.com/
Order Everything Is Negotiable: https://www.megmyersmorgan.com/books
Download the Confidence Crisis Study: https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call: https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Explore the Mentally Strong Institute: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—you might hear your name on a future episode!
Confidence at work rarely disappears overnight. It erodes slowly through everyday leadership behaviors.
In this episode, Cindra shares findings from her National Research Study on Confidence and introduces the 8 Confidence Killers. These are common leadership behaviors that quietly undermine employee confidence, motivation, and trust.
You will learn what employees say damages confidence most, why these behaviors are often unintentional, and why confidence is directly tied to performance, engagement, retention, and revenue.
You will also hear one statistic that changes how leaders think about confidence at work and a simple action you can take today to become a more intentional confidence builder.
Because every interaction either builds confidence or breaks it.
Quote of the Week: “Confidence isn’t lost in one big moment—it’s eroded by small leadership behaviors repeated over time.”
Power Phrase of the Week: “Every interaction either builds confidence—or breaks it.”
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Will Bowen—founder of the global Complaint Free® movement—to explore how habitual complaining quietly erodes confidence, performance, leadership, and culture.
Will shares the origin story behind the now-iconic purple bracelet and how a simple 21-day challenge became a worldwide movement impacting millions. Together, they unpack why complaining feels so automatic—even for high performers—and how awareness is the first step toward real behavior change.
The conversation dives deep into the psychology of complaining, including Will’s five types of complaints and his powerful GRIPE framework, revealing the hidden motives behind why people complain and the true cost it creates for teams and organizations. Will also explains the critical difference between constructive problem-solving and unproductive complaining—and how leaders can model accountability without suppressing honest feedback.
This episode is a masterclass in personal ownership, confidence, and intentional response, showing how reducing complaints doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means choosing responsibility, agency, and growth.
Why habitual complaining undermines confidence, mindset, and performance
The five types of complaints and how to recognize them in yourself and others
How the simple act of awareness (like the bracelet) accelerates behavior change
The GRIPE framework and the real reasons people complain
How leaders can address feedback without creating a culture of blame
The difference between problem-solving and complaining—and why it matters
How becoming complaint-free strengthens confidence, ownership, and agency
Learn more about Will Bowen and the Complaint Free movement: www.WillBowen.com
Download the 2025 Confidence Crisis Study: https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call: https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!