The Built For Pressure Podcast - podcast cover

The Built For Pressure Podcast

Will Foden
This podcast is for leaders, business owners and executives to find their next 1%. This podcast will educate those who want to regain their edge, consistently perform during times that matter and turn potential into performance. - Human Optimisation - Peak Performance - Elite Mindset Strategy - Personal Development - Communication - Leadership Performance - Business Growth These are all parts of the bigger puzzle for the modern leader. This podcast is designed to connect and remodel what modern day leadership needs to become. We are placing the human at the forefront of the performance.
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Episodes

There Are Five Warning Signs You’re Slipping Into “Cruise Control”

It’s easy for your standards to slip without you even noticing. Summer hits and suddenly it’s more BBQ's, more calories, more “I’ll get back to it later.” But high performers don’t drift with the crowd, they hold the standard when others are wavering. In this episode, I discuss the five red flags that you’ve shifted into cruise control and, more importantly, how to get your fire back fast. Here’s what we cover: The subtle mindset shift that turns your big targets into “nice to haves” Why “doing ...

Aug 11, 202521 minEp. 39

Designing A Life On Your Terms

If you want to learn more about how to work with me here's the doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m5OZIWgqBzFowqoYTLpJD9fBwVyFDeB7nIVPrQGoeg0/edit?tab=t.0 Most people chasing success let themselves slip before they let their business or team down. Why? Because they’ve lost connection with the mission, the destination, and the identity of the leader they need to become. In this raw and honest episode, I break down what it really means to live a high performance life? Not just in business, b...

Aug 07, 202516 minEp. 38

The Guilt of Rest: My Struggle With Slowing Down

The One Challenge I’ve Never Spoken About (Until Now) As a high achiever, I’ve always taken pride in being the workhorse. Relentless, consistent, always “on” to which that output level became part of my identity. But recently, being away forced me to face something I’ve never shared publicly: the guilt, anxiety, and internal pressure that came with trying to switch off. In this episode, I set the scene of what it felt like to step away from the usual chaos and what I was bumping up against not j...

Jul 29, 202515 minEp. 37

If You Can't Get Ahead, This Is For You

If you're not getting the results you want, in your career, training, or life then this is the video you need to watch. In this After Action Review, first implemented by the SWAT team, we break down exactly why high level professionals hit performance plateaus… and what elite teams do differently. This isn’t motivational fluff. It’s about measuring what matters, assessing honestly, and planning with precision — the same principles tactical units use to stay ahead under pressure. You’ll learn: Ho...

Jul 22, 202510 minEp. 36

Optimise Your Morning Routine with Science

In this episode, we break down the essential science-backed habits that will help you win the morning and set the tone for a high-performance day. We dive into the 5 key elements of a powerful morning routine: Hydration: Why drinking water first thing primes your brain and body for peak function. Sunlight: How natural light within the first 30 60 minutes of waking regulates your circadian rhythm, boosts mood, and sharpens focus. Movement: The importance of low-intensity movement to activate your...

Jul 15, 20258 minEp. 35

Setting Yourself Up To Win

How to Own Your Day, Not Just Survive It Most high performers don’t have a time problem. They have a prioritisation problem. In this episode, we unpack what having a High Impact Day truly means. In this episode, learn: - How do you prioritise yourself with your diary without dropping the ball? - How to use white space to make better decisions - How do you plan and execute like a pro without feeling you're just reacting to everything? Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur or elite professiona...

Jul 08, 20258 minEp. 34

Closing the Gap: How to Set Clear Goals and Dominate Q3

Most people set goals. Few know how to close the gap. In this episode, I break down the difference between vague ambition and clear, high-hard goals—the kind that stretch you, demand your focus, and actually pull performance out of you. You’ll learn: Why Q3 is the make-or-break quarter for high achievers The truth about “the gap” between where you are and where you want to be Why process beats outcome (and why chasing outcomes is what kills most goals) How to set clear goals that create daily al...

Jul 01, 202511 minEp. 33

Why Your Current Perfectionism And Standard Could Be Holding You Back

Why Your Perfectionism Is Killing Progress (And Feeding Imposter Syndrome) Perfection isn't what you think it is. In fact, it's likely the exact thing holding you back. In this episode, I unpack why high-performing professionals often wear perfection like a badge of honour — but underneath it is fear, ego, and a false standard that’s stopping progress in its tracks. We’ll break down: Why perfection is a mask for fear and uncertainty How chasing the “perfect time” has kept you stuck for years The...

Jun 24, 202520 minEp. 32

Your Next Level Won’t Wait.

Stop Talking About Standards, Show Me Them. Anyone can say they’re about high performance. But real performance isn’t a slogan—it’s an identity you live, day in and day out. In this episode, I break down the difference between talking about “holding the standard” and embodying it. I share my personal story—from injury and self-doubt to being in the worst shape of my life—and the moment I decided enough was enough. Waiting for the perfect time? It doesn’t exist. You don’t need more motivation—you...

Jun 17, 202520 minEp. 31

Disrupting The Industry With Dylan Goddard

In this episode, we're joined by Dylan Goddard, a seasoned personal trainer with over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience. From stepping into a gym at just 12 years old and overcoming a significant knee injury at 18, to moving across the globe to Singapore at 26 and competing at the highest levels in CrossFit for eight years, Dylan shares his journey through athletic pressures, personal growth, and elite performance. Now, as co-founder of Elvte Gym, a pioneering elite training facility in Singap...

Jun 10, 202544 minEp. 30

Are You Even Performing?

What does performance actually mean—and are you truly living it? In this episode, I dive into my personal relationship with performance and why I believe athletic performance is the ultimate gateway to creating real impact in every area of life. We unpack what high performance really looks like beyond the physical—touching on human optimisation, biometrics, sleep, recovery, mental capacity, and performance-based nutrition. I’ll share how holding an athletic standard shapes mindset and why asking...

Jun 03, 202519 minEp. 29

Why Business Leaders Need Stress To Perform

In this episode, we unpack a powerful truth: stress isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. Why Business Leaders Need Stress To Perform dives into how high-performing entrepreneurs and leaders can use stress to sharpen their edge rather than burn out. We explore the role of the central nervous system in handling pressure, staying regulated in chaos, and maintaining performance when it matters most. You’ll learn how to shift from reactive to responsive, how to stay grounded through uncertainty, and why lear...

May 28, 202518 minEp. 28

Three Lessons the Immersion Taught Me

In this episode, I share three powerful lessons from the first KSA Immersion: why nothing outperforms true connection, the importance of finding people who thrive under pressure, and the impact of working alongside elite operators like Nicholas Hurlston and Owen Satterley. This one’s personal—and a reminder of what it takes to lead at the highest level.

May 20, 202515 minEp. 27

Priming Yourself To Perform - Four Days Out

Priming to Perform Performance isn’t just about showing up—it’s about preparing your mind and body to rise when it counts. In this episode, we explore what it really means to prime yourself to perform under pressure. You'll hear why chasing pressure isn’t something to fear but something to lean into—and how learning to trust yourself in those moments is the ultimate competitive edge. Whether you're walking into a boardroom, starting a race, or pushing for your next breakthrough, this episode is ...

May 13, 202511 minEp. 26

The Power of Stepping Away: What Time Off Really Does for Your Performance

Most high performers fear stepping away will slow them down—but the truth is, being off is the only way to truly be on . In this episode, recorded while away on holiday, we unpack five powerful principles that prove rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a weapon. You’ll learn why creativity can’t breathe inside the walls of your business, how a different environment unlocks curiosity, and why true clarity only comes when the noise stops. We talk boundaries, burnout, and the importance of remembering why you ...

May 07, 202513 minEp. 25

Founder Files - With Dave Hamlet of D & G Consulting

In today’s episode, we take a slightly different approach. Recently, I had the privilege of joining Founder Files with the team at D&G Consulting, where we discussed the increasing pressures faced by founders and leaders in today’s environment. This conversation explores how to train, operate, and lead effectively during turbulent times, and examines the deeper strategies required to sustain high performance under pressure. Our discussion also features insights from Dave, former Commercial D...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 23

My Biggest Mistakes With My Performance & Leadership Skills

In this episode, I break down the personal, physical, professional, and leadership shifts I’ve had to make—and am still making—to operate at my highest level without burning out or losing myself in the process. We talk about the trap of chasing milestones—pro rugby, the big paydays, even fatherhood—and realising none of it would "complete" me. I dive into how my identity was wired for attack mode—where everything felt like a war I needed to win—and how that cost me clarity and peace. Physically,...

Apr 21, 202517 minEp. 22

The Evolution Of REAL.MEAL - With Major Will Simpson

High Performance is never a given. But this man not only lives and breaths performance, he's been able to create a world class meal replacement bar whilst being a Major in the army as well as having a young family. Leadership and entrepreneurism is never easy. But REAL.MEALS evolution is not only inspiring, its now a movement inside the high performance nutrition space for those on deployed, on expeditions as well as for those using them for endurance sports such as myself. In this episode, Will...

Apr 14, 202559 minEp. 21

Finding Elite Performance With Tom Clough

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Clough, the Head of Athlete Performance at Huddersfield Giants and the driving force behind MyPerformance Club. Known for his sharp eye for detail, relentless standards, and ability to lead from the front, Tom brings a rare level of honesty and depth to this conversation about what it really takes to perform—and lead—at an elite level. We start from the beginning. Tom shares what it was like growing up, the experiences that shaped him, and when his leadership...

Apr 07, 202559 minEp. 20

My Q1 Review - Manage What You Measure

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the first quarter of the year—what worked, what didn’t, and what it’s taught me. This isn’t just about business and performance; it’s about real-life lessons, personal growth, and the standards I’m setting for myself moving forward. I break down my biggest highlights from Q1, the challenges that tested me, and the key takeaways that have reshaped my approach to success. I also reflect on the expectations I had going into 2025 and whether I need to raise m...

Apr 01, 202524 minEp. 19

How To Go From Chaos To Calm With Your Performance

Professionals Don’t Need More—They Need Better Most professionals believe performance is about doing more—more training, more work, more stress management. But real high performance isn’t about adding; it’s about optimizing. The Chaos of Poor Performance: Stuck in a binge-purge training cycle, feeling guilty for missed sessions or overdoing it Constantly putting out fires (stress, alcohol, poor food choices) without addressing the root causes Chasing “balance” when in reality, it doesn’t exist T...

Mar 24, 202521 minEp. 18

The Modern Leader's Guide To Performing Under Pressure

The Modern Leader's Guide to Performing Under Pressure In today’s high-stakes business world, leaders are expected to drive impact, maintain freedom, and increase revenue—all while navigating intense pressure. The challenge isn’t just sustaining performance; it’s excelling without sacrificing health, energy, and mental clarity. What sets elite leaders apart? Uncompromising personal standards – They train with purpose, fuel their bodies strategically, and optimize energy, not just manage time. A ...

Mar 18, 202521 minEp. 17

What Taught Me How To Lead - Insights From My Best Mentor

I've been incredibly lucky to have such a man in my life, and now I truly understand why I am built the way I am and why I value these lessons so much. In this episode, I share five key insights from my father—the principles that shaped me, pushed me, and continue to drive me forward. Understanding grief to build greatness is imperative and these lessons will help you unlock your own edge and find deeper meaning in both success and struggle. What You'll Learn: How to leverage grief for growth an...

Mar 10, 202519 minEp. 16

7 Step Framework To Lead Yourself And Regain Your Edge

How do you regain your edge? Most people think it’s all about motivation, grinding through the tough moments until something finally clicks. But what if that approach is wrong? In this episode, we break down: What your edge actually is – and why it’s not a war of attrition The two types of motivation (towards vs. away from) – and why most people need “away from” motivation to take action What happens when you stabilize in a good position – and why success can be a trap A personal rugby story – h...

Mar 03, 202521 minEp. 15

What I’ve Learnt From Working With Some Of The Most Successful People On The Planet.

In this episode, I break down the five key lessons I’ve learned from working with some of the most successful people on the planet. These high performers operate differently—focusing on the bare minimum to stay sharp Rejecting the myth of balance, and strategically relinquishing power to gain true freedom. They don’t wait for confidence to take action; they move first. And at the core of it all? Structure—across their personal, professional, and physical lives. If you want to elevate your perfor...

Feb 26, 202515 minEp. 14

Finding Freedom With Tom Foxley

This week on the Built For Pressure Podcast I'm joined by Mental Performance coach Tom Foxley. An ex-Royal Marine and someone who I have followed for a while, he now specialises in helping business leaders and high performers rediscover how to increase fulfilment, resilience and sustained growth across the person and the professional. Living life on your terms is thrown around the social media space, but Tom not only lives and breathes personal development and mental fitness, he also uses princi...

Feb 17, 202556 minEp. 13

The Immersion Debrief

What does it take to lead when everything is on the line? In this episode, I discuss my leadership lessons from running my first Immersion event. I pulled off a world-class experience in a country I’d never operated in, with a team I’d never met in person and clients who showed up ready to push their limits. Believe in the Mission, Pivot When Needed – You can’t control everything, but sheer belief in your ability to deliver—paired with the adaptability to pivot—makes execution possible. Build a ...

Feb 12, 202515 minEp. 12

Use Imposter Syndrome As Fuel

This week on the Built For Pressure Podcast, we deeply dive into how I'm overcoming Imposter syndrome as we come close to our first event. Here's the truth: you're probably not pushing hard enough if you don’t feel imposter syndrome. Every great leader experiences it when stepping into new territory. It’s not a sign of failure—it’s proof that you’re growing. In this episode, I break down the six types of imposter syndrome and share frameworks to help you recognise, manage, and move through it: S...

Feb 03, 202522 minEp. 11

Make More Impact & More Cash With These Steps

Welcome back to the Built For Pressure Podcast, where we take a deep dive into how to create the impact and freedom you desire without using old, outdated tactics. The world of performance is evolving, and in 2025, it’s clear that doing more and pushing harder isn’t the way forward as this is the sure way to become burnout and unfulfilled with what you're doing. With the rise of AI, a changing global landscape, and an overwhelming flood of information, the old business strategy methods and relen...

Jan 27, 202522 minEp. 10

My Biggest Mistakes In Leadership And Business

This won't be what you think. Most business leaders seek more strategies around their team performance, culture or systems to improve performance. But most leaders need to lead themselves from a place of conviction, understanding and focus. You can't achieve this without becoming more self-aware of what drives you, what holds you back and what patterns of behaviour keep showing up in your life that you're not adapting to right now. In this episode, I talk more about the three parts of the high p...

Jan 20, 202512 minEp. 9
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