From the Velodrome to the Boardroom: Lee Povey on DR Leadership Lounge
I recently had the opportunity to join the DR Leadership Lounge podcast to share my story—from coaching elite athletes to helping founders and executives lead with clarity, resilience, and impact.
In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind high performance, what makes leaders thrive under pressure, and why real leadership begins with learning to lead yourself.
From Olympic Coaching to Executive Leadership
Before I became a leadership coach, I spent years in the world of elite sport—first as a national-level cyclist, then as a coach for Olympic and national championship athletes. That experience taught me the mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns that separate top performers from the rest.
But what truly shifted my work was realizing this: high-performance principles aren’t just for athletes.
They apply to founders, CEOs, and executive teams trying to scale companies while staying grounded, intentional, and connected.
What We Talk About in This Episode
In this conversation, we cover:
The mindset of elite athletes—and how founders can apply the same discipline
The transition from sports coaching to executive and leadership coaching
Why even high-performing leaders hit emotional ceilings (and how to break through them)
The role of self-awareness, vulnerability, and feedback in building trust and team culture
The link between emotional resilience and sustainable success
Whether you're running a fast-growing startup or managing a leadership team, this episode offers practical insights you can use right away, especially if you're feeling the pressure to perform without the space to reflect.
Why This Conversation Matters
Too often, leadership is approached like a sprint: constant motion, little rest, and pressure to perform at all times. But sustainable leadership—the kind that builds strong cultures and companies—requires a different approach.
It’s not about pushing harder.
It’s about showing up more fully.
With clarity, humility, and the courage to face what’s real.
This episode unpacks how to do exactly that.
