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_outlineWords 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.
If you're someone who leads, teaches, pitches, or performs when it matters most…
this one's for you.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
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How to command a room without raising your voice
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The 5-to-1 rule of feedback that builds trust
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What theatre teaches us about presence under pressure
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Why your posture and tone may be miscommunicating confidence
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How rehearsal and preparation beat "winging it" every time
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The body language mistakes even smart leaders make
🎙️ Featuring:
Christopher Key, Associate Director, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Wizard of Oz (UK Tour)
Guest on How to Strive with Nick Adkins
🔗 Connect with Christopher Key
🌐 Website: Performing Perfectly Website
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-key
📍 About Performing Perfectly:
Performing Perfectly helps professionals show up at their best in high-pressure situations—when it really counts. Hosted by Christopher Key, this podcast reveals the mindset, tools and preparation that underpin elite performance, from operating theatres to boardrooms.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Performing-Perfectly
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Connect with Us:
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