A new book by University of Staffordshire performance psychologists reveals how elite athletes and high achievers perform when it matters most
The psychology of performing under pressure belongs to everyone facing expectation, novelty and uncertainty, not just elite athletes. We feel the book has wide appeal, with practical advice that will interest so many people.
Performing Under Pressure: Conversations With Those That Know brings together insights from footballers, Olympians, coaches, and the psychologists who work alongside them.
Drawing on over 80 hours of interviews recorded for their popular podcast, Dr Paul Mansell and Professor Matt Slater distil conversations with dozens of elite performers into 17 core themes, from mindset, preparation, belief, and self-compassion, right through to leadership, teamwork, and recovery.
Sport psychologist Chris Shambrook pushes back on the very idea that “pressure is a privilege”. Kate Richardson-Walsh, captain of Team GB’s gold medal-winning Rio 2016 hockey team, reflects on leadership as something the whole team shares, not just the armband-wearer. Premier League footballer and England international Conor Coady explains how a group of individuals can forge a sense of togetherness. Former football international Matilde Fidalgo reflects on how a mistake only becomes a downward spiral if you let it define you.
Their stories sit alongside the research and applied practice that explain why they work – and what we can all learn from them. Each chapter features a “Try this now” section offering three techniques readers can put into practice.
The authors have both worked with athletes, coaches and performers across high-performance environments, bringing together academic research and real-world experience.
Dr Paul Mansell is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and co-creator of the Performing Under Pressure podcast. His research explores how athletes respond to pressure and adversity, including stress mindset and mentoring.
Professor Matt Slater specialises in leadership and team dynamics, using the social identity approach to understand how people work together in high-performance environments.
Dr Mansell said: “We released our first episode of the podcast nearly three years ago and the book has taken a long time to write, but we feel proud to be able to draw together the great ideas of our guests.
“We have spoken with Olympic gold medallists, England international footballers, a Major General from the British Army and inspirational local leaders.
“Rather than reading like an academic textbook, Matt and I take quotes from our guests, organise them into specific chapters, such as ‘Leading’ and ‘Rationalising’, and offer some commentary on their quotes and stories from a theory and research perspective.
“The psychology of performing under pressure belongs to everyone facing expectation, novelty and uncertainty, not just elite athletes. We feel the book has wide appeal, with practical advice that will interest so many people.”
Performing Under Pressure: Conversations with Those That Know is available from Hawksmoor Publishing from 30 October 2026. Listen to the Performing Under Pressure podcast on Spotify.
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