In this engaging episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff talks with Stacey Hanke—nationally recognized communication expert, keynote speaker, and author of Influence Redefined and Influence Elevated. Stacey challenges the common myths around influence and shares how true influence isn’t about charisma or likability—it’s about showing up consistently with presence, clarity, and connection.

Stacey is the founder of Stacey Hanke Inc., where she equips leaders and teams with the tools to communicate more effectively in high-stakes environments. Her work with Fortune 500 companies, NFL teams, and top-level executives offers real-world strategies for building trust and leading with credibility, even when feedback is limited or unclear.

You’ll learn:

• The biggest misconception people have about influence—and what it really takes

• Stacey’s 6-part Influence Elevated model for lasting impact

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of powerful communication

• The connection between confidence and your ability to speak up under pressure

• Daily rituals and mindset shifts to lead with authenticity and consistency

Stacey also shares how elevated presence leads to stronger connections and greater influence, plus one tool you can start using today to transform how you come across. If you want to level up your leadership and communication, this episode is a must-listen.

HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE
🔹 Learn more about Stacey Hanke and her work
🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team
🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute

Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

• Why your brain is wired to avoid pain and how to override that instinct
• The difference between interpreting challenges as happening to you vs. for you
• How to reframe past and current experiences for growth
• Key questions to ask yourself to reassign empowering meaning

Welcome back to the High Performance Mindset Podcast, the show where we explore what it takes to show up fully and perform at your best—mentally and emotionally—every single day. I’m Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes mental performance. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kristofer Kracht, a championship coach, professor, entrepreneur, and highly respected mental performance expert with over 25 years of experience. Kris is known for his vulnerability, energy, and contagious passion for helping others grow.

He currently serves as the Director of Mental Performance for Washington State University Football, where he empowers athletes to thrive under pressure and train their minds to match their physical talent. He’s also worked with elite programs at South Dakota State, Creighton, Winona State, and several others across the country.

In this episode, Kris shares what he’s teaching athletes most often, how he helps players thrive under pressure, and a simple performance number system that builds self-awareness and accountability. 

We dive into practical tools like breathing and refocusing techniques, and why hallway conversations matter more than you think. Kris also reflects on his personal journey—from studying applied sport psychology to shaping the culture at Washington State Football.

Let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Kristofer Kracht.

HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE

LISTEN TO OUR CONFIDENCE FOR ATHLETES FREE WEBINAR

REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE

Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset, we dive into the power of emotional agility—the skill of being present with your emotions without letting them take the wheel.

Backed by cutting-edge research, we explore how processing and labeling emotions can reduce distress, enhance performance, and improve your ability to lead and live with purpose.

You’ll learn:

• Why emotional agility is a key to resilience, leadership, and well-being.
• The three essential steps to becoming emotionally agile: noticing, labeling, and choosing action aligned with your values.
• How to shift from “I am anxious” to “I’m noticing I feel anxious”—and why that subtle reframe matters.
• Why emotions are data, not directives—and how that mindset gives you back control.
• Whether you're an athlete, leader, or high achiever under pressure, this episode will help you respond with intention, not reactivity, and become the kind of person who leads with clarity and confidence.

Power Phrase: “My emotions inform me, not define me.”

Quote of the Week: “You don’t have to believe everything you feel.” — Dr. Susan David

REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE

Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.