In episode 90, host Dr. I. David Daniels speaks with Brian Turnage, owner and founder of Mental Edge Performance, a business focused on improving the mental performance of athletes in baseball as well as other competitive sports. He also translates these skills into organizations by connecting competition, business, coaching, and leadership.

This episode is being released at the beginning of the season of a sport called “America’s Pastime.” Baseball, like other competitive sports, requires:

Strong physical strength and hand-eye coordination are essential for batting and pitching. Players should also be strong sprinters with the agility to move quickly between bases. A great player can consistently hit the ball with power and accuracy and field the ball cleanly and accurately. Baseball players also need mental agility, mental toughness, a fast reaction time, and a good understanding of the game.

Many learn how to compete, how to win, and even how to lose in competitive sports. But even more important than physical skills, the mental aspect of sports can follow a person into their professional life. It can tremendously affect how they perceive and experience the work environment.

Taking his background as an athlete and former firefighter, Brian works with athletes, business leaders, government officials, and others to convert their focus on winning into a focus on performance. This focus on the mental side of performance can be a key to establishing, maintaining, and thriving in, a psychologically healthy and safe environment.