with Gareth Holebrook:
In endurance sport and in business, success is rarely about talent or intensity. It’s about intent, practice, and resilience applied consistently over time. In this talk, I’ll introduce Ishi – The Iron Mindset. A philosophy shaped by Ironman racing, the brutal Kiwiman Double Xtreme Triathlon, and decades of leading organisational transformation.
The conversation centres on four Japanese principles that unlock sustainable performance for individuals and teams:
- Ikigai – Purpose. Clarity of why fuels energy and alignment.
- Kaizen – Continuous improvement. Big results emerge from small, daily changes.
- Kata – Deliberate practice. Structured repetition turns experience into learning.
- Ishi – Determined intent. More than willpower, it’s the anchor when challenges multiply.
These principles are not abstract ideas. They are practical tools that leaders and teams can apply immediately:
- Shifting language from “they” to “we” to energise ownership.
- Using Kata to evolve every step into a learning step.
- Asking “What’s Important Now?” to stay resilient under pressure.
- Connecting personal purpose (Ikigai) with organisational goals to create momentum.
By weaving stories from world championship triathlons with lessons from technology leadership, this talk demonstrates how intent, improvement, and practice can effect lasting impact.
This talk will align with the book of the same name, expected to be published end of 2025
Learning outcomes
Attendees will leave not just motivated, but equipped with language, tools, and habits to sharpen intent, build resilience, and lead with clarity.
- Reframe Leadership Language – Based on Marquets Intent-Based
- Apply Kata in Coaching – Gain a practical framework for guiding teams through deliberate practice: define the target, assess the current state, identify obstacles, take the next step, and reflect.
- Build Resilience Through Ishi – Discover how to help teams anchor in determined intent (Ishi) to maintain focus and momentum under pressure.
- Align Personal and Organisational Purpose – Explore techniques for connecting individual Ikigai with organisational goals to sustain motivation and meaning.
- Turn Philosophy Into Daily Practice – Leave with simple, repeatable habits that coaches can introduce immediately to cultivate Kaizen and resilience in their teams.