Locker Room Power with David Sammel
Join author, coach, and performance consultant David Sammel for powerful weekly episodes that sharpen your mindset and unlock your potential. From insightful interviews where guests also interview David - to short, punchy solo shows, this no-nonsense podcast delivers proven strategies, myth-busting truths, and coaching insights that work in the real world.
With experience coaching Olympians and international athletes, David brings a unique mix of practical wisdom, storytelling, and humour. Whether you’re chasing goals or clarity, Locker Room Power will get you thinking and taking action.
Locker Room Power with David Sammel
Join author, coach, and performance consultant David Sammel for powerful weekly episodes that sharpen your mindset and unlock your potential. From insightful interviews where guests also interview David - to short, punchy solo shows, this no-nonsense podcast delivers proven strategies, myth-busting truths, and coaching insights that work in the real world.
With experience coaching Olympians and international athletes, David brings a unique mix of practical wisdom, storytelling, and humour. Whether you’re chasing goals or clarity, Locker Room Power will get you thinking and taking action.
In this episode of Locker Room Power, Barry Cowan turns the tables and interviews David Sammel on the mental realities of elite performance.
David breaks down how top athletes manage pressure, why high performers live close to anxiety, and how confidence is built through resilience, endurance, and coping capacity. The conversation also explores what separates today’s great players, how stress can be used as a performance advantage, and what the next evolution in elite sport may look like.
A deep, thoughtful discussion on mindset, performance psychology, and thriving under pressure.
Barry Cowan knows what it means to walk away from elite sport and build a second career that lasts.
In this episode of Locker Room Power, Barry Cowan joins David Sammel to talk about the real transition athletes face after competition ends. From his journey as a professional tennis player to becoming a respected voice in global sports media, Barry shares the mindset shifts, uncomfortable moments, and hard truths that shaped his next chapter.
They explore:
Why “just working hard” isn’t enough
How pressure changes when your identity is on the line
The danger of knee-jerk decisions in sport and life
What athletes and professionals get wrong about success
How to stay relevant when the game keeps evolving
This conversation isn’t about trophies, it’s about identity, patience, and finding meaning beyond performance.
🎯 For anyone navigating change, reinvention, or life after a major chapter.
In this powerful conversation, Chad Dunn sits down with David Sammel to explore elite mindset principles that help athletes and leaders turn pain into power. They dive into discipline, emotional control, resilience, and the mental tools required to perform under pressure in sport and in life.
A valuable deep-dive into how champions think, train, and navigate setbacks with purpose.
In this solo episode of Locker Room Power, David Sammel dives deep into one of the most overlooked foundations of performance: true confidence.
Not the loud kind… but the kind that comes from self-honesty, consistency, and taking ownership of your habits, especially when life feels difficult.
David shares practical mindset tools to help you rebuild momentum, strengthen self-belief, and stay grounded no matter what challenges you’re facing.
Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone working toward personal growth, this episode gives you the mental framework to take control and move forward with purpose.
Watch Video ON YouTube :
https://youtu.be/_PsDiH1vJhM?si=_NnhlDGHFFz_JugV
#AthleteToBusiness #LeadershipSkills #MindsetTraining #SportsToBusiness #MentalFitness #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #Leadership #LockerRoomPower
In this powerful episode of Locker Room Power, David Sammel sits down with Chad Dunn, a former BMX rider, business owner, and survivor of addiction, prison, and deep personal transformation.
Chad shares his journey from chasing adrenaline and bad decisions to rebuilding his life, launching a rehabilitation and human performance centre, and helping thousands transform physically and mentally.
This episode explores:
💥 Identity, self-awareness & personal responsibility
🧠 Mental toughness and learning to coach yourself
🔥 Discipline, resilience, and the role of daily choices
🏋️ How movement, silence, and mindset fuel real change
👨👩👧 Balancing business, personal growth, and family
Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone navigating a tough season, Chad’s story will challenge your thinking and remind you that change begins with one choice at a time.
🔑 Quote: “It’s not about one big win, it’s about a series of small victories stacked day after day.” Chad Dunn
#AthleteToBusiness #LeadershipSkills #MindsetTraining #SportsToBusiness #MentalFitness #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #Leadership #LockerRoomPower
What if the real separator between good and great is not talent, but how you manage your mind?
In this solo episode, David Sammel explains why mental fitness is the foundation of both elite performance and business leadership. He breaks down discipline thinking, emotional management, and the power of composure when fatigue, pressure, and attention collide. Drawing from tennis and decades of coaching, David shows how the best leaders learn to recharge through success instead of being drained by it.
David Sammel, performance coach and former professional tennis player, shares practical frameworks to help athletes and ambitious professionals train their minds like their bodies so they can recover faster, think clearer, and lead stronger under pressure.
What You’ll Learn
Timestamp Guide
0:00 – Mental fitness vs. positive thinking
0:37 – Why mindset is a trainable business skill
2:01 – The hidden danger after success
3:42 – How top players like Alcaraz and Sinner sustain winning form
4:49 – The key question every leader should ask
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
“The gap between good and great is rarely physical. It’s mental and it’s trainable.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe now for weekly insights on mindset and leadership.
👉 Explore more insights at https://www.davidsammel.com
👉 Follow on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel
👉 Join the conversation: https://x.com/DaveSammel
#AthleteToBusiness #LeadershipSkills #MindsetTraining #SportsToBusiness #MentalFitness #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #Leadership #LockerRoomPower
Is your athletic mindset holding you back or launching your next career? Discover the athlete-to-business transition as David Sammel unpacks why timing, self-awareness, and leadership discipline drive success beyond sports.
Learn the principles top performers use to navigate sports management careers and leadership roles. David Sammel, performance coach and former pro tennis player, reveals practical frameworks to help athletes and professionals win through every transition.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamp Guide:
00:51 – David’s advice to his younger self
07:57 – Transitioning from tennis to business and self-promotion
10:21 – Book tips and the key to systemized organization in business
14:30 – Using AI and trust to enhance human leadership
Tools, Frameworks, Or Strategies Mentioned
“Don’t waste energy forcing change, focus on what matters, let people find their own drive, and leverage your athletic discipline to lead and win in business.”
Book Recommendations by David and Barry:
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#AthleteToBusiness #LeadershipSkills #HighPerformanceMindset #SportsBiz #CareerGrowth #SportsIndustryLeadership #AIAndTrust #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticInfluence
How do you turn the competitive edge of sport into clarity and control in business?
From high-performance tennis to business leadership, discover the frameworks that transform athletic drive into direction and results.
David Sammel and Barry Scollo reveal how mindset, resilience, and “go for it” leadership help athletes and professionals thrive beyond the court.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamp Guide:
00:00 - Introducing Barry Scollo
01:30 – Barry’s early career and turning points
11:06 - Mental models to make better decisions
14:19 – Resilience and player journeys that inspire business thinking
18:48 – Common myths on the field
22:10 - Influences on leadership
26:06 - Advice to his younger self
Tools, Frameworks, Or Strategies Mentioned
Closing Insight / Key Takeaway:
Transfer your sports discipline and master “go for it” leadership to excel in business and life.
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#SportsToBusiness #Leadership #PerformanceMindset #AthleteTransition #LockerRoomPower
Discipline is not born. It is forged through reflection, challenge, and feedback. In this episode of Locker Room Power, David Sammel, former professional tennis coach turned leadership mentor, explains why everyone needs a coach, from world-class athletes to business executives. David reveals how a great coach does not tell you what to do but reminds you of who you are at your best. He shares real stories from the court, insights on mindset, and how to apply sports coaching principles to business, leadership, and life.
What You’ll Learn:
Listen and rediscover your own power in sport, business, and beyond.
Timetamps
00:00 – Why every top performer needs a coach
03:02 – Share to start the ripple effect
05:24 – A coach is as mirror
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#AthleteToBusiness #ExecutiveCoaching #PerformanceMindset #LeadershipSkills #ClarityInBusiness #CoachingForLeaders #LeadershipUnderPressure
After a setback, what separates elite performers from everyone else?
In this episode, David Sammel and Stefanie Teichmann unpack how resilient leaders turn challenges into growth. Learn how empathy, bravery, and self-awareness create stronger teams and sharper decision-making under pressure, from the locker room to the boardroom.
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for elite-level mindset frameworks that help you lead and bounce back like a pro.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:59 – How Top Athletes Bounce Back Fast
10:42 – Why Off-Field Life Drives Performance
22:01 – Nurturing Young Talent and Bravery
30:05 – From Sports to Business Insights
35:19 – Key Takeaways
37:00 – Final Wrap-Up
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #HighPerformance #ResilientTeams #AuthenticLeadership #AthleteToExecutive #ConfidenceUnderPressure #BusinessPerformance
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When the title disappears, who are you as a leader? Stefanie Teichmann shares how leaving global brands like McKinsey, Nike, and Google sparked a deeper journey into self-awareness, courage, and authentic leadership. From trusting your gut to leading through AI-driven change, she reveals how clarity and adaptability define high-performance leadership today. 🎧 Subscribe to Locker Room Power for more lessons on confidence and leadership under pressure. #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #BusinessGrowth #TransformationalLeadership #AIinBusiness Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Career Journey: McKinsey → Nike → Coca-Cola → Google 03:53 – Pivotal Career Moments 12:01 – Decision-Making Models 13:45 – Trusting Gut Feelings 16:36 – Leading Under Pressure 26:42 – AI Strategy & Mindset 35:58 – Mentors & Leadership Lessons 44:57 – Advice for Emerging Leaders 46:22 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser 👉 Subscribe now for weekly insights on mindset and leadership. 👉 Explore more insights at https://www.davidsammel.com 👉 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel 👉 Follow on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel 👉 Join the conversation: https://x.com/DaveSammel
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Every leader starts as a beginner.
In this solo episode, David Sammel reveals why bravery, failure, and delegating to star players define authentic leadership. Learn how pressure-tested decision-making frameworks and a high-performance mindset fuel business success. From athlete to executive, discover how clarity → decisions → results creates the ultimate founder playbook.
Subscribe now and start building confidence under pressure.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
1:09 – The Myth of Instant Expertise
8:07 – Closing Thoughts
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipUnderPressure #HighPerformanceMindset #ConfidenceUnderPressure #AuthenticLeadership #FounderPlaybook
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What if success scares you more than failure?
In this reverse interview, David unpacks how fear of success blocks leaders and athletes, and why self-awareness and emotional intelligence create lasting growth.
Discover how to reframe failure, build resilient team culture, and embrace the mindset shifts that fuel performance in sport and business.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Hot Seat Setup
01:04 – David’s Mindset Shifts and Self-Awareness
12:08 – Fear of Success and Mental Blocks
21:08 – Book Recommendations & Coaching Lessons
31:40 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
Get your freebie from Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z
Book a Session with Delmont Madison:
https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #HighPerformanceMindset #AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamCulture
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What transforms athletes into resilient leaders?
David Sammel and Delmont Madison explore emotional well-being, mentorship, and life transitions that shape peak performance. From pivotal personal moments to the power of guidance, they reveal lessons that sharpen decision-making and build confidence under pressure.
Discover how athlete experiences translate into leadership strategies that inspire, strengthen teams, and unlock long-term success.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
0:39 – Meet Delmont Madison
3:06 – Transition from Athlete to Professional Basketball
4:40 – Emotional Well-Being Drives Peak Performance
13:57 – Family & Mentors Who Shaped Leadership
19:47 – Pivotal Life Event That Changed His Path
24:31 – Building Athletes Compass with Dr. Charles
27:11 – Superpowers & Beliefs Behind Their Coaching Approach
34:18 – Preview: Delmont Interviews David (Reverse Interview)
35:26 – A Message to Athletes & Leaders Everywhere
37:43 – Closing Reflections
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.” Connect with David Sammel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/ Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs: https://www.redvanly.com/ Get your freebie from Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/3jHGa3FS953z Book a Session with Delmont Madison: https://zpr.io/UbALNf8UbALY 👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance. #AthleteDevelopment #PeakPerformance #LeadershipMatters #MindsetMastery #EmotionalWellbeing #BusinessGrowth #TheAthletesCompass #LockerRoomPower
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What if your greatest business edge isn’t working harder, but reflecting deeper?
In this episode of Locker Room Power, Olympic coach David Sammel unpacks the Clarity Advantage, why deep reflection fuels sharper decision-making, stronger leadership, and business growth without distraction.
Discover why comparison holds you back, and take on David’s challenge: start with 10 minutes of reflection each week to unlock clarity.
Timetamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Sitting With Yourself & Reflecting
03:54 – Reflection vs. Meditation
06:06 – The Clarity Advantage & David’s Challenge
07:46 – Next Episode Preview: Delmont Madison
08:20 – Partner Shoutout: Redvanly
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
https://www.redvanly.com/
👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
#LeadershipMindset #ClarityAdvantage #HighPerformanceLeadership #DecisionMaking #BusinessGrowth #SelfAwareness #PerformancePsychology #ReflectionForGrowth
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In this episode, David Sammel and Ian MacDonald explore what truly shapes a player’s identity, how mindset influences performance, and why modern tennis demands more than just strengths and style. David shares powerful lessons from years of coaching, including the importance of communication, understanding personality, and learning from disciplines outside tennis.
A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone who wants to think, compete, and develop at a higher level.
🔑 Key Takeaways1. Mentorship Accelerates Growth – The right mentor provides clarity, accountability, and belief that fuels confidence.2. Adaptability Creates Lasting Impact – Strong principles are vital, but leaders thrive when they evolve with challenges and people.3. Communication Builds Trust – Asking better questions and listening deeply creates alignment and stronger relationships.🎯 If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build teams that perform under pressure, this episode will show you what matters most.Timestamps01:00 - Introduction01:22 - David’s Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self09:34 - How Coaching Experience Changed David’s Perspective15:12 - Evolution in Tennis and Coaching Styles20:09 - Adapting Coaching for Modern Players24:23 - Freedom and Responsibility in Coaching28:12 - Balancing Principles with Player Identity33:33 - Lessons Every Young Coach Should Learn37:00 - The Importance of Communication and Questioning40:07 - Guest Suggestions & Closing Remarks“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”Connect with David Sammelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:https://www.redvanly.com/👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.#LeadershipMindset, #CoachingEvolution, #MentorshipInBusiness, #PeakPerformance, #BusinessLeadership, #CommunicationForLeaders, #LeadershipGrowth
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Barry Cowan joins David to unpack the real story behind his coaching journey — from being an overlooked junior player to becoming a leader who develops champions.
In this conversation, Barry shares:
• How early setbacks shaped his coaching philosophy
• The mentors who pushed him to grow
• Why belief, resilience, and “painting the dream” change an athlete’s future
• How great leaders balance giving freedom with giving direction
• What young coaches misunderstand about influence and development
A grounded, honest look at reinvention, leadership, and the mindset behind long-term success.🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Belief and Mentorship Drive Success: Growth comes from trusting potential and offering authentic guidance.2. Resilience Fuels High Performance: Setbacks become progress when leaders stay solutions-focused.3. Relationships Build Winning Teams: Trust, communication, and care form the core of high performance.Timestamps00:00 – Meet Ian MacDonald02:43 – Mentors Who Shaped Ian’s Approach07:25 – Family Support in Coaching and Life17:12 – Evolution of Ian’s Coaching Philosophy24:03 – Lessons from the Underdog Mindset29:51 – How Small Goals Lead to Big Wins33:55 – Leadership, Family, and Career Choices38:03 – Ian’s Beliefs and Coaching Superpowers41:06 – Positivity, Potential, and Player Development46:55 – Reflections on Success, Failure, and Growth54:11 – Closing Thoughts and Next Episode“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”Connect with David Sammelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:https://www.redvanly.com/👉 Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingExcellence #HighPerformanceMindset #ResilientLeadership #TeamBuilding #PerformanceCoaching #PersonalDevelopment
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What if the secret to winning—whether in sport or business—wasn’t talent, luck, or even hard work, but clarity?
In this episode of Locker Room Power, performance coach David Sammel explores the clarity advantage—the power of having a simple, unwavering game plan. Drawing lessons from Novak Djokovic’s approach to Wimbledon, decades of coaching experience, and business giants like Nike and Amazon, discover why clarity consistently separates champions from the rest.
Key takeaways:
If complexity is killing your performance, clarity may be the competitive edge you’ve been missing.
Timestamps
00:00 The Clarity Advantage & Djokovic’s Game Plan
01:34 Winners vs. Lesser Players
03:30 Business Examples of Clarity in Action
04:00 The Dangers of Complexity
04:45 David’s Leadership Advice
05:42 Next Episode Preview
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Connect with David Sammel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsammel/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
Subscribe to Locker Room Power with David Sammel for more insights on leadership, coaching, and peak performance.
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Shelagh Brayshaw interviews David about regret, intuition, life lessons, travel stories, and how choices shape who we become. A reflective and honest conversation filled with perspective and experience.
Key takeaways:
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
1:15 – David’s Travel Experiences and Favorite Cities
5:54 – David’s Holiday Home Preferences
8:03 – David’s Reflections on Travel and Family
13:35 – David's Reflections on Regret and Gut Instincts
15:22 – David's Family and Communication Challenges
16:28 – David's Guilty Pleasures and Food Preferences
20:47 – David's Balance Between Discipline and Indulgence
23:19 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message me and let’s talk.”
Book a Consultation with David
https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/
Visit Redvanly for your athletic needs:
Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations—subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms.
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Shelagh Brayshaw joins David Sammel to share her incredible journey from dancing at the Lido in Paris at just 16, to modelling, TV work, running fashion shows, and rebuilding her life after a major career collapse.
She opens up about discipline, confidence, reinvention, grief after losing a long-term career, the importance of enthusiasm, and the power of staying curious at any age.
A story full of resilience, humour, and life lessons you won’t forget.
Key takeaways:
Packed with unforgettable stories and hard-won wisdom, this episode will spark your own drive for growth—subscribe now to discover more powerful life lessons from remarkable guests.
Timestamps
0:00 – Shelagh Brayshaw's Life Changes and Reflections
1:37 – Early Life and Career Beginnings
3:09 – Transition to TV and Later Challenges
4:23 – Influences and Life Lessons
7:23 – Meeting Inspirational Figures
14:55 – The Importance of Enthusiasm and Curiosity
15:28 – Personal Reflections and Career Adjustments
21:36 – Memorable Moments and Experiences
24:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice
25:05 – Conclusion and Farewell
“If you want to see how the mindset of world-class athletes can sharpen your leadership and performance, message and let’s talk.”
Book a Consultation with David
https://davidsammel.com/contact-david/
Love this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations. Subscribe to the Locker Power Room podcast on all platforms.
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