How to Strive - with Nick Adkins

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , I’m joined by Dr Perry Walters to explore the adolescent brain, the science of human development, and how we can create environments that help people thrive. Drawing on his ASPIRE model, Perry offers a fascinating perspective on six key dimensions of adolescent development: Autonomy, Self, Purpose, Inquiry, Relationships and Emotions. Each provides a different lens through which we can better understand what motivates young people, how they learn, and what they need from the adults around them. We explore how coaches, teachers, parents and leaders can move beyond simply managing behaviour to nurturing independence, building identity, developing purpose, encouraging curiosity, strengthening relationships and helping young people channel their emotions in positive ways. But this conversation isn't just about understanding young people. It's also an opportunity to reflect on our own lives. Whether you're working in sport, education, leadership or simply trying to understand yourself and others better, Perry's insights challenge us to think differently about development and the environments we create. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to help someone discover their potential, and build a future on their own terms? If you feel inspired to understand the great work happening at Brit you can visit the website www.BRIT.school You can also email info@brit.school and follow the School on instagram @thebritschool In this episode of How to Strive , I’m joined by Dan Clark from the BRIT School, the renowned performing and creative arts school that has helped develop talent across music, theatre, dance and the wider creative industries. Dan and I explore what it means to create environments where people can thrive, the importance of understanding and celebrating who you are, and how the right people, opportunities and experiences can shape the direction of your life. We discuss awareness, alignment, adversity and action, exploring how young people can turn their aspirations into meaningful progress. We also look beyond the success stories and ask what it really means to succeed, why collaboration matters, how we learn from setbacks, and the role educators and leaders play in helping others realise their potential. Whether you’re a coach, educator, leader, parent or someone striving to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers valuable reflections on developing people, creating opportunities and helping others find their path. Because striving for better isn’t simply about becoming the best. It’s about understanding who you are, discovering what matters to you, elevating others and taking purposeful steps towards the person you want to become. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest opportunity to improve your coaching isn't another qualification, another session plan or another coaching course? What if it's learning to understand yourself? In this episode of How to Strive, I'm joined by Tom Hartley, an experienced coach, coach developer and leader who has spent more than 20 years working across football, professional sport and coach development. Tom's journey has taken him from coaching in grassroots and professional football, into coach development across Olympic and motorsport. We explore a question that sits at the heart of sustainable development: Who's coaching the coach? We talk about reflection, self-awareness, curiosity and the importance of having people around you who can challenge your thinking rather than simply tell you what to do. 🪞 Why coaches need people who can hold up a mirror rather than provide all the answers. 🧠 How reflection can change your coaching practice. ❓ Why asking better questions may be more powerful than having better answers. 🤝 The importance of relationships, trust and connection in coach development. 🌱 How coaches can continue to grow when they are already experienced. ⚽ What football can learn from coaching across different sports. And perhaps most importantly: How do we create the conditions that allow coaches to strive? This is a conversation for coaches who are ambitious, curious and willing to challenge themselves. Whether you're coaching grassroots football, working in an academy, leading a team, developing other coaches or simply trying to become better at what you do, there will be something here for you. Because becoming a better coach isn't about arriving at a destination. It's about staying curious enough to keep moving. Keep Striving. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How To Strive , I’m joined by Dr Jamie Taylor , a leading coach developer, researcher and educator whose work sits at the intersection of coaching, skill acquisition, talent development and expertise. Jamie has coached at the highest levels of sport, worked extensively in coach development and now researches what actually makes expert coaches different. His work has included collaboration with organisations across elite sport, including the Premier League, professional rugby and Olympic sport. And this conversation goes much deeper than simply asking: "How do we become better coaches?" We explore what it really means to develop expertise . How do we create environments where coaches and athletes can continue to learn, adapt and strive? This is a conversation for coaches, coach developers, athletes, leaders, teachers and anyone interested in how humans develop expertise. If you've ever wondered: "What could I do differently to become better at what I do?" This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now. And as always... Keep Striving. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In a world where we are constantly moving, achieving, reacting and rushing into the next challenge, one of the most powerful skills we can develop is the ability to pause, reflect and intentionally choose our next step. Welcome to the Sunday Strive, a guided weekly practice designed to help you look back with curiosity, learn from your experiences and create intentional action for the week ahead. In this episode, we explore how reflection transforms everyday experiences into meaningful learning and how taking time to notice the small moments can create significant change over time. Together, we will explore: 📝 Reflecting without judgement Looking back over your week with curiosity rather than criticism, noticing the moments, conversations and experiences that shaped you. 🏆 Recognising your wins and progress Learning to acknowledge the steps you have taken towards the person you are striving to become and connecting your progress to your Striver Table — your foundations of health, relationships, skills and contribution. 🧠 Turning experiences into learning Understanding the challenges, setbacks and successes of the week and asking what they can teach you moving forward. 🧭 Creating direction for the week ahead Identifying what matters, understanding the moments that may challenge you and planning how you can create the conditions for success. ⚡ Building behaviours that support your goals Creating simple, sustainable habits and actions that you can return to when life becomes busy, unpredictable and challenging. Because striving is not about creating a perfect life. It is about creating awareness. It is about making intentional choices. It is about becoming slightly better, consistently. The most successful people and teams do not simply experience life — they learn from it. So grab your journal, find a quiet moment and give yourself the opportunity to reflect, reset and refocus. Ask yourself: Where am I going? Do my behaviours align with what matters? What is my next step? Because: Direction + Alignment + Effort = Striving 🎧 Join this weekly reflection practice and take one intentional step towards becoming the person you are capable of becoming. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , I sit down with Nigel Adkins to explore the leadership, culture and human behaviours behind sustained success in elite sport. Nigel shares the lessons and principles that helped him guide Southampton FC from League One to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, stabilise Hull City after relegation, and achieve promotions and play-off success with Scunthorpe United F.C. Together, we dive into: How to create cultures aligned to a shared vision and common goal Why developing individuals is the foundation of developing great teams The leadership behaviours that create trust, belief and accountability How elite environments balance challenge, care and standards The importance of communication, alignment and consistency Why great teams are built through people, not just tactics This conversation is packed with insight for: coaches leaders athletes teachers business professionals and anyone striving to create high-performing environments Nigel’s humility, clarity and leadership shine throughout this episode, offering a rare look into the human side of elite performance and team development. If you want to understand what truly drives successful teams, not just for moments, but sustainably over time, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and discover how ownership, culture and leadership shape teams capable of striving together towards meaningful success. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail Why do some people grow through challenge… while others shrink from it? In this episode of How to Strive , we explore the powerful concept of mindset, inspired by the work of Dr Carol Dweck, and how it quietly shapes your performance, progress and potential. We break down the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset , and more importantly, how both show up in your everyday life, often without you even realising it. This isn’t just theory. You’ll learn how to: Recognise when you’re slipping into a fixed mindset Reframe challenges, setbacks, and failure Build behaviours that support continuous growth Use reflection to turn experience into progress Apply a growth mindset across your Striver Table —health, relationships, skills, and career Because striving isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow, again and again. If you’ve ever avoided a challenge, doubted yourself, or felt stuck in your progress… This episode will help you shift your thinking and more importantly, your actions. The mindset you choose today… shapes the life you build tomorrow. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail How to Strive: Aligning Your Behaviours to the Outcome Most people know what they want. Very few align how they live to get there. In this episode of How to Strive , we explore the powerful connection between outcomes, identity and daily behaviours and why this is the missing link for so many people striving for more. Drawing on the work of James Clear and Simon Sinek , this episode breaks down how to: Gain clarity on what you are truly striving for Understand the deeper why behind your goals Translate outcomes into clear, actionable behaviours Build habits that reflect the person you want to become Continuously reflect and adjust as your journey evolves This isn’t about setting better goals. It’s about building better systems . Because success isn’t found in big moments, it’s built through small, consistent actions aligned with purpose . If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or disconnected from your goals… This episode will help you close the gap between intention and action. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest barrier to progress isn’t effort… but direction? In this episode of How to Strive , we explore why clarity is the foundation of meaningful progress and how aligning your actions with your purpose allows your effort to truly matter. Using the simple equation Direction + Alignment + Maximum Effort = Striving , this episode breaks down how you can move beyond being busy and start moving forward with intention. Drawing on ideas such as the famous quote from Lao Tzu “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” , we explore how taking the right first step requires reflection, clarity and purpose. We also explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai , helping you consider where passion, skill, meaning and opportunity intersect in your life. Throughout the episode, you’ll learn practical frameworks to help you turn direction into action, including: • Thinking in macro, meso and micro planning • Building micro habits that create consistent progress • Structuring your goals through outcome, performance and process goals • Focusing on the process rather than obsessing over the outcome If you’ve ever felt busy but unsure if you’re moving in the right direction, this episode will help you slow down, reflect and take the next step with intention. Because striving isn’t about doing more. It’s about moving forward with purpose. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail Why do we forget so much of what we learn… and what actually makes something stick? In this episode of How to Strive , we explore the science behind learning, memory, and behaviour change, so you can move from simply consuming information to truly becoming better. Drawing on research from Hermann Ebbinghaus, we break down why repetition, emotion and environment play a crucial role in how your brain stores and recalls information. From the forgetting curve to the power of neural pathways, you’ll begin to understand why your favourite song sticks effortlessly while most of what you read or hear disappears. This episode goes beyond theory. You’ll gain practical tools to: Retain information more effectively Turn learning into consistent habits Apply knowledge in a way that drives real change Build systems that support long-term growth If you’re serious about striving, not just learning more, but becoming more, this episode will reshape how you approach your development. Keep striving. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to develop elite coaches? In this episode of How to Strive , we explore the challenge and opportunity of working with expert and master practitioners. When someone already performs at a high level, traditional coaching approaches often fall short. So how do you add value? This episode dives into the shift from teaching to refining, from giving answers to deepening awareness. We explore how to become a mirror, a thinking partner, and a precise challenger, helping top-level coaches uncover blind spots, sharpen their decision-making, and evolve their identity. If you’ve ever questioned your value when working with high performers, or you’re striving to operate at a more elite level as a coach or leader, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail Are you truly maximising the support around you? In this episode of How to Strive , we turn the lens onto the coach. Having access to a mentor or coach developer is a privilege, however the real impact comes from how you show up to that relationship. We explore how to move from being a passive recipient to an active driver of your own development. From setting clear intentions, inviting challenge and using your coach developer as a mirror… to turning reflection into meaningful action. This episode is packed with practical shifts and powerful questions to help you take ownership of your growth and accelerate your development. If you’re serious about striving to be better, not just doing more, but becoming more. this one is for you. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , Nick is joined by Anthony Limbrick, who is a highly respected football coach with experience leading professional teams and developing elite footballers internationally. Anthony brings an methodical coaching identity shaped by years in high-performance environments, from working in the academies of Southampton and West Ham United and with England’s U-17s, to managing first-team squads across Europe and now taking the helm at Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship. His methods, that are grounded in player development, tactical clarity, building competitive identity and detailed preparation have earned him success at every level he has coached at. In this conversation we explore how Anthony’s life experiences have shaped his values, how he builds cultures of growth and resilience in teams and what aspiring leaders can learn from his journey in elite sport and coaching development. As a Striver, this episode will inspire how you think about identity, challenge and continuous improvement. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail As a new year begins, this episode of How to Strive invites you to maintain your progress and align intentions heading as we move into 2026. Using the Striver Table concept, Nick guides you through a powerful process to define a meaningful title for your year and build the habits, behaviours and routines needed to support it. You’ll identify four key areas of life that which act as the table legs that keep the table up, sturdy and strong. From here you can work out what you need to stop, start and continue doing in each area. This episode also introduces a simple Sunday reflection routine to help you bring attention to whats happening, adjust week by week, stay aligned month by month, and continue striving throughout the year. If you’re looking to move beyond resolutions and create a year rooted in intention, awareness and consistency, this episode is your place to start. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail Nick is joined by Paul Holder AKA Noddy who has supported the development of many players and coaches through his energetic coaching style. This insightful episodes will be fantastic for people Striving to be better at supporting the development of people in sport and life by seeking to understand them and building trust to then create growth. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this final episode of How to Strive’s mini-series on Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills , Nick explores the essential and often overlooked skill of leaving well. Drawing on Neil’s insights from the stage, business, and psychology, we unpack why endings matter, how the final moments of an interaction, meeting, or relationship shape how it’s remembered. From the Peak-End Rule explored by Daniel Kahneman to practical advice on closing conversations, meetings, and connections with intention, this episode helps you finish strong and leave the right lasting impression. Discover how to create closure, follow up meaningfully, and ensure the “aftertaste” of every interaction reflects trust, gratitude, and growth. Because how we end something says as much about us as how we begin. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of How to Strive, Nick is joined by the brilliant Neil Mullarkey; actor, author, comedian and co-founder of The Comedy Store Players, Europe’s longest-running improv troupe. Neil shares insights from his book Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, exploring how the principles of improv, Learn, Look, Listen, Let, Link, Lighten and Leave Well can transform the way we communicate, collaborate, and lead. From the importance of listening with intent to the power of humour in leadership, Neil’s approach blends psychology, performance, and empathy into a timeless guide for connecting with others and with yourself. This conversation is both insightful and uplifting, reminding us that the ability to “strive” isn’t about perfection, but about presence, curiosity and the courage to say “Yes, and…” Whether you’re leading a team, developing yourself, or simply looking to improve the way you connect, this episode will help you learn to communicate with confidence, kindness, and creativity. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , Nick explores Step Six of Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills 'Lighten'. Humour, as Neil reminds us, is about connection. It’s a leadership tool that builds trust, creativity and resilience. A leader who can laugh at themselves invites others to do the same, creating a culture where people feel safe to grow, fail and try again. Drawing on research, stories and Neil’s decades of experience in improv and leadership development, this episode explores how humour brings perspective, strengthens teams and humanises leadership. Because when we lighten, we lift and when we lift others, we lead. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , Nick explores the next step in Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills 'Link' Link is the step that connects all the others where learning, looking, listening, and letting come together to create genuine connection. Neil reminds us that “The seven Ls are not distinct, discrete ploys, they are overlapping aspects of getting on better with people.” Through the improv principle of “Yes, and”, we explore how intentive listening, openness and collaboration turn everyday conversations into opportunities for trust, creativity, and growth. This episode unpacks how to replace the limiting “Yes, but” mindset with a “Yes, and” approach, one that builds bridges instead of barriers and helps you bring out the best in others. Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of How to Strive , Nick explores the third step in Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, Listen . Neil reminds us that hearing is automatic, but listening is a skill, one that requires attention, presence, and empathy. We look at the difference between hearing and truly listening, how to tune into both content and emotion, and why giving someone your full attention is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Hearing + Attention = Listening. Drawing on insights from improv, neuroscience, and leadership, this episode helps you shift from waiting to speak to listening to understand . Start Striving at www.strive25.co.uk/