From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.

Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you're an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam's refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.

About Sam Kotadia
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC's remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He's the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.

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Discover:

• The advice legendary all-rounder Imran Khan gave him that changed his game.
• How Ajmal brought cricket back to Pakistan with an historic MCC tour.
• His philosophy on developing fast bowlers in today’s game.
• The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from player to coach.

Ajmal’s honest reflections on authenticity, leadership, and learning from failure will leave you inspired. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or cricket fan, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your game.

** About Ajmal Shahzad**
Ajmal Shahzad is a former professional cricketer and World T20 champion who represented five counties and England at the international level. Breaking barriers as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player, Ajmal transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He is now the lead bowling coach at Derbyshire and has worked with elite teams like the Trent Rockets. Renowned for his innovative approach and leadership, Ajmal continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers while shaping the future of fast bowling.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher