Paul has competed in two of the most competitive industries in the world: elite sport, and performance psychology. Paul played professional football at Premier League level, for both Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City FC. He realised though, early on in his career, that whilst he knew he wanted to play football, he also had a time limit on his career. This realisation sparked a career in his other passion—psychology. Paul is now a qualified psychologist; published author of ‘The Stupid Footballer is Dead’; and motivational speaker. He works worldwide, with companies such as Microsoft and Aviva, on performance psychology, the power of our beliefs, and how they form and get in the way of our success in business. Paul chats to James and Mark about the ‘growth mindset’ that’s needed in business. They discuss how improvement and progression only come from a certain type of mindset, and hinges on how you approach a situation, and then deal with it. They talk in depth about the power of beliefs. If we all spent time unpacking our beliefs, we’d realise just how many negative ones we have, and how much they get in our way! Paul also gives fascinating insight into what it takes mentally to play at the highest level of the beautiful game, and the imposter syndrome that can come with it, and how he came to realise that his Belfast accent was not a barrier after all! If you are enjoying the series, we would really appreciate it if you could follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever else you get your podcasts! You can also find all episodes on our website www.larking-gowen.co.uk/IBC If you have feedback, questions or think you might be a great guest on the podcast, please get in touch! Email the team at [email protected] Show notes: Contact Paul at: paulmcveigh.co.uk LinkedIn Mentioned books: The Stupid Footballer is Dead Man’s Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust Robert Dilts Awaken The Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Life Top tips: Tip 1 – Belief systems and reaching goals skip to 38:30 Tip 2 – Internal and external locus of control skip to 41:00 Tip 3 – Identity – transitioning from footballer to business psychologist skip to 38:30 Listen here!