Bulletproof Leadership: Thalia Burt on Fitness, Mindset & Resilience for Success
Drop the Act
Bulletproof Leadership with Thalia Burt explores fitness, mindset, and resilience strategies to help leaders, performers, and business professionals sustain peak performance and mental clarity. In Episode 10 of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with Thalia Burt, founder of The Bulletproof Dancer and former international performer, to explore how fitness, mindset, and resilience can transform leadership performance — whether on stage, in business, or at the highest levels of sport. Thalia shares her journey from Cape Town to the West End, her transition from performer to...
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FA Coach Guy Whittingham on Leadership, Mindset & Career Transitions
Drop the Act
FA Coach Guy Whittingham on Leadership, Mindset & Career Transitions In this episode, FA Pro Licence course leader Guy Whittingham shares how he went from Army PTI to Premier League striker to elite coach—exploring resilience, leadership, and communication in high-performance settings. You’ll hear how military mindset, emotional intelligence, and adaptability shaped Guy’s coaching philosophy — and how business leaders can apply the same tools to lead under pressure. Episode Highlights: The mindset shift from soldier to striker to coach Adapting from team-first to individual...
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Master Your Mindset: Breath Control, Fear & High Performance (Best Of)
Drop the Act
In this episode we re-visit our best bits from Season 1 & 2. Breath control, elite team rituals, performance mindset, breath control, overcoming fear and high performance take centre stage in this curated “best‑of” episode. Featuring Annesley Park, Lucy Key, Richard Wallace, and Dan Lowe—these highlights dive into practical techniques and powerful stories guaranteed to elevate your communication and leadership game. 💡 Key Highlights Complacency Creeps in Quietly The moment you feel comfortable, you’re already losing edge. Staying alert and self-aware is what keeps high...
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Christopher Key: Real Leaders Know This Storytelling Secret
Drop the Act
Words matter—but how you show up matters more. 🎭 Special Feature Episode – Chris on the How to Strive Podcast 🎙️ This week, we're switching things up on Drop the Act. Instead of hosting, Chris steps into the guest seat for a powerful conversation with Nick Adkins on the How to Strive podcast. From directing Les Misérables across continents to helping business leaders find their voice, Chris dives deep into the art of non-verbal communication, feedback that lands, and how to truly perform under pressure—whether you're on a stage, in a boardroom, or leading a tough conversation....
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Annasley Park: Alone on the Ocean, Stronger Than Ever
Drop the Act
In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key talks with Annasley Park — former professional cyclist, yoga instructor, somatic coach, and one of only nine women in history to complete a solo, unsupported 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. On Friday 28th March, Annasley made history at The Alnwick Garden by finishing this grueling journey from Gran Canaria to Barbados in nearly 55 days. Battling extreme weather, dangerous animals, sleep deprivation, and a capsize, she turned this epic challenge into a powerful metaphor for life’s ups and downs. Annasley shares her inspiring story...
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Benedict Sherwood and Sophia Cashman - What Surgery Taught Me About Leadership
Drop the Act
In this powerful episode, Chris is joined by Dr. Sophia Cashman and Mr. Benedict Sherwood—two exceptional surgeons at the forefront of NHS leadership and patient care. Together, they take us inside the operating theatre to explore the life-or-death communication, real-time decision-making, and emotional intelligence required to lead under pressure. What unfolds is an unflinching, honest, and surprisingly human look at leadership, teamwork, and trust—offering vital insights for any business leader seeking to build resilient, high-performing teams. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: How...
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Daniel Lowes Part 2: Debrief: The Boardroom’s Missing Ritual
Drop the Act
Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most. In Part 2 of this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in...
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Daniel Lowes - Precision Under Pressure with a Former Red Arrows Pilot
Drop the Act
Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most. In this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite...
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Richard Wallace: Imposter Syndrome? You're Not Alone
Drop the Act
In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Richard Wallace, co-founder of Liverpool Media Academy (LMA)—a leading creative institution in media, music, and performing arts. Since launching LMA in 2009 with his brother Simon, Richard has grown the academy into a multi-campus success story, with major backing from Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie, and global superstar Robbie Williams. Richard shares his journey from launching a bold new educational model to becoming a voice for change in how we develop talent across the creative industries. He opens up about the reality of...
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Leon Lloyd: The Leadership Skill You Can’t Ignore
Drop the Act
In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Leon Lloyd, a former England international rugby player, high-performance strategist, and leadership expert. With 11 major trophies, including English and European titles with Leicester Tigers, Leon has competed at the highest level against some of the world’s best athletes. Leon shares his unique journey from professional sport to becoming an influential speaker and advisor for top organisations, including Microsoft, AMEX, the Premier League, and the UK Special Forces. He discusses how the skills and lessons learned on the field...
info_outlineIn this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Amy Merricks, Head Coach of Birmingham City FC Women’s, to explore her leadership journey, her passion for changing the perception of women in football, and her approach to developing high-performance teams. Amy shares her insights on building leaders, maintaining engagement throughout a season, and the realities of being a minority in leadership roles. The conversation delves into the art of tough love, personal growth, and the power of believing in oneself.
Key Highlights:
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Building a Team of Leaders, Not Followers: Amy’s approach to creating empowered individuals who drive success within the team.
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Keeping Your Team Engaged All Season Long: Insights into maintaining motivation and energy throughout a demanding season.
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The Art of Tough Love in Modern Leadership: How Amy balances compassion with firmness to inspire growth and development.
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The Reality of Being a Minority in Leadership Roles: Amy’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the importance of resilience.
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Owning Every Role You Play: The importance of adaptability and taking full responsibility in all aspects of leadership.
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Adapting Yourself for Success: Why flexibility is essential for both personal and professional growth in leadership.
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Believing in Yourself as the Ultimate Superpower: How self-confidence fuels achievement, especially in challenging environments.
Takeaways for Business Leaders:
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Build a culture of leadership, where every team member feels empowered to lead.
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Keep teams engaged by setting clear goals, maintaining communication, and fostering motivation.
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Use tough love to challenge your team while maintaining support.
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Embrace the power of adaptability to succeed in diverse roles.
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Believe in your own potential—confidence is a critical leadership trait.
About Amy Merricks: Amy Merricks is the Head Coach of Birmingham City FC Women’s, where she leads the team with passion, purpose, and a commitment to transforming the landscape of women’s football. Holding a UEFA Pro Licence and an LMA Diploma in Football Management, Amy is dedicated to fostering an environment where leadership and personal growth go hand in hand. Her drive to change the perception of women in football and inspire the next generation of leaders shapes her dynamic approach to coaching and leadership development.
Links:
- Performing Perfectly Website
- Performing Perfectly on Instagram
- Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn
- Contact Amy Merricks via LinkedIn
Connect with Us:
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