IAM595- Mental Performance Consultant Guides Clients to Better Wellness

Naomi James is a mental performance consultant who runs Naomi James Performance Consulting. As a former athlete, Naomi went through her own hurdles that led her to study sports and performance psychology. The mental skills she implements are life skills that are applicable across contexts for business people, performers, athletes, and high-achievers alike.

• CEO Hack: (1) Reading (2) Book – The One Thing
• CEO Nugget: Progress, not perfection
• CEO Defined: Ability to follow my passion

Website: http://www.naomijamesconsulting.com/

Instagram: @Naomijames_mpc
Twitter: Naomijames_mpc
Facebook: NaomiJamesConsulting

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Transcription

Intro 0:02

Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview?

If so, you've come to the right place, Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of.

This is the I am CEO podcast.

Gresham Harkless 0:29

Hello, hello, hello, this is Gresh from the I AM CEO podcast I have a very special guest on the show today. I have Naomi James of Naomi James Performance Consulting Naomi, it's awesome to have you on the show.

Naomi James 0:38

Thanks for having me.

Gresham Harkless 0:40

No problem. Super excited to have you on and what I want to do is just read a little bit more about Naomi so you can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing.

Naomi is a mental performance consultant, who runs Naomi James performance consulting. As a former athlete, Naomi went through her own hurdles that led her to study sports and performance psychology. The mental skills she implements are life skills and are applicable across contexts for business people, performers, athletes, and high achievers alike.

Naomi, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?

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Naomi James 1:07

I certainly am, let's do it.

Gresham Harkless 1:08

Let's do it. Let's make it happen. So I wanted to kick everything off and hear a little bit more about how you got started with your CEO story. What led you to get started in their business?

Naomi James 1:15

Yeah, no problem. Um, so as you know, and I kind of alluded to I was an athlete for a really long time. So I'm not going to say how long because then you'll know how old I am so to ourselves, but I played basketball almost my whole life. And when I got to the university level, I played in combat, and I started to recognize that I had hurdles that were clearly mental, there were no physical challenges in practice, I would go, and I would perform really well, you know, I could knock down shots, I could do all that stuff.

And then I would get into a game. And it really wouldn't translate. And so I started to get really, like, I was really nervous. And I was like, Hey, what is going on? I can't figure this out. Then my third year, I decided to take a sports psychology course. And then once I took that course, I realized, oh, my gosh, here are all these skills that I didn't even know about that were really helpful. Had I known this earlier, I would have been implementing, implementing them a lot sooner.

And then that kind of started me to actually go into the fields and then you have to do your master's. So I did my masters in Ottawa, EU. And then I was like, Yeah, I was completely sold like, this is what I want to do, I really want to help people sort of overcome their mental challenges or obstacles that they experience on a regular, everyday basis. And I think that the mental skills are just how I was able to do that. So I've been running my business for about two years now.

Gresham Harkless 2:36

Nice. Well, definitely congratulations. I know when we first connected, we talked a lot about, you know, the mental part of like some of the most successful athletes, and I don't know, if you find that this happens, where it, it is something I don't know if it's newer, but it seems like it's not new, but it's becoming more widespread, where people are getting more awareness around it because we talked about Kobe and how he talked about a lot of the mindset and things like that. But just as you probably had at that time, you know, you never really know that that's part of how people are becoming successful.

Naomi James 3:03

Yeah, and I think as we talked touched on it last time, sorry. But a lot of times, it's actually really interesting, because the most successful people are the ones that we obviously feel are most physically capable, but they're also the most mentally capable as well, hope is just one of them. Again, I'm a basketball junkie. So there's always been the Lebron Michael Jordan, Kobe debate, you know, every single one of them had a mindset, regardless of who you believe is the greatest.

Every single one of them had the mindset of, you know, a really high performer. So I think that's really interesting, because it's often not talked about, and I think we're able to now sort of bring it to the forefront and we're having those conversations now, like Kevin Love sort of came forward. And we talked about the fact that there's going to be a mental health sort of consultant on almost every team in the NBA now, which is, which is really big.

Gresham Harkless 3:52

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I think that it only helps things out, you know when that awareness comes about, and I think that I don't know, if you find this, with people that you work with. Sometimes when you're you have that frustration or something doesn't go the way you want it to you can practice, but the performance hasn't necessarily happened that you kind of feel like, what's wrong with me, you kind of feel by yourself, and you get into that hole, it's hard to get out of unless you know that it is something that happens to a lot of people.

Naomi James 4:18

Yeah, I think when you normalize any conversation, like I know, well, let's talk just happens. So you know, we're trying to normalize mental health, like, when you can feel like you can connect to other people and you feel that you're understood, and regardless of whatever way that is, I think it really helps you right to, to understand that, like, this is part of every human experience. We all have our setbacks. And again, just like, you know, like, I kind of used the example sometimes of like medicine, like you have like Advil if you have a headache, right?

But, you know, when you're experiencing some of these effects, it's sort of like medication in the sense because now you're able to sort of implement something, right? That's going to have a response that's going to help you better sort of react or respond to the situation right? So not that I think it's the same, but I'd like to sort of compare it to that because then you sort of get an understanding, okay, I'm sick, I'd take something for it, I feel better.

And it's not as quick of a fix, which I think is another sort of like, hurdle. Sometimes I run into people who want to change their mindset, as you know, change is really hard. And so it's not something that's just gonna happen, I take something one time and it works. It's sort of something you practice over and over and over again but is in the long term really effective.

Gresham Harkless 5:32

Yeah, that makes perfect sense. And yeah, just like a, you know, any type of exercise, any type of muscle, shooting a basketball, whatever that might be, it takes practice to be able to kind of make that happen doesn't just happen, overnight. So, I know you touched on, obviously, you know, from the athlete's standpoint, could you take us through, I guess, exactly how your practice works, and exactly what you do to kind of support the clients you work with?

Naomi James 5:53

Yeah, sure. So depending on the form of integration, I sort of operate on three different fronts. So I do individual one-on-one consultations. I also do workshops, right, which can then be like a series of workshops, depending on what you feel you might need. And then I do sort of an integrated one where it's mixed in between the two. And so regardless of what form of integration, I'm always a really big believer that every individual and every team or group has its own unique needs, right?

It's the same way that sometimes we're the strongest athletes with certain skills right off the bat, and other ones need work. So I go in, and I do an assessment, regardless of whatever level it is. And then we talk about the skills that we feel will be most beneficial because I believe that people do have a good understanding generally of what they need. And then sometimes they'll tell me things, and then that allows me to sort of just evaluate and get to the bottom of whatever it is, what skill might be most essential at the time. And then we work towards implementing that.

So sometimes it might be a combination of skills, sometimes it might be a couple, even like to give you an example, I'm currently working with a basketball team. Our whole theme this year is building culture, having a good culture, and then also making sure that people are holding themselves and each other accountable. So we're a brand new team with, you know, like no experience. So what's going to be really important is our foundation. And so that's just an example of the way that I've integrated with that specific team. But yeah, it varies.

Gresham Harkless 7:31

Yeah, no, it definitely sounds like it. And so it's not necessarily like when someone calls you or reaches out to us that they, you know, they, they can't hit a free throw, and I'm using that as a metaphor. You know, they can't execute on whatever it is that they are, it could be them trying to build those foundational things so that their team and organization and all those people can be as optimal and successful as possible.

Naomi James 7:52

Yeah, I really stressed the importance of again, sports, like it's not a band-aid solution. I know a lot of people often come to me, and they're like, Okay, well, now there's this problem that fixes it. And it's like, okay, well, if you've allowed it to sort of get to this point, right, it's now we sort of have to backtrack. And we have to sort of start from ground zero up. But if you can just do that right away. And if you can implement that right away, right?

And even if you are having success, you know, you can always be a better communicator, you can always be focused for longer periods of time, you can do more preparation, right? So there are so many things already that you can still do, regardless of you know, whether you feel it's needed, because you're struggling, or, you've reached a good point. And I want to take that one step further.

Gresham Harkless 8:36

Yeah, no, that makes so much sense. I think anybody who is, you know, those driven people, the people that you know, listening to this show, and definitely are nine times out of 10 athletes as well to where they want to get better. There never really is a, I guess a finish line, in your self-development, your preparation, there's always room to kind of get better. So it sounds like that's what you're providing as well.

Naomi James 8:57

Exactly.

Gresham Harkless 8:58

Nice. So I definitely appreciate that. Now, I wanted to ask you for what I call your secret sauce, and it can be for you or your organization. But what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?

Naomi James 9:08

That is a good question. I think what really sets me apart specifically is just that I'm very focused on the individualistic approach. And I think that that really drives home. I think, obviously, there are businesses and there are brands out there that offer very generic, you know, things that you can do, but it's really important to understand that as an individual, or as an individual organization or implement whatever context you want, you are going to have very specific needs.

And it's okay, right? I obviously think it's great to have any skills, right? Anything I think would help but to be able to really drive the point home and drill down on okay, what is actually essential right now, for us to take that next level is something that I feel like I really do provide and I strive hard to make sure that I provide Getting the most benefit to my client, not only for the short term but also long term.

Gresham Harkless 10:04

I appreciate you for sharing that. I wanted to switch gears a little bit and ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So that could be like an app or book or a habit that you have. But what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?

Naomi James 10:16

My absolute favorite thing to do is read. I love it. My favorite book that someone actually recommended to me was called The One Thing, and this has completely changed the way I have sort of operated the way that I do things.

Gresham Harkless 10:33

I appreciate you for sharing that with us. Now I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO nugget. So that could be like a word of wisdom or a piece of advice. It could be around you know, focusing or psychology or around, you know, that aspect or anything in general. But what's something you might tell a client or maybe even your younger business self?

Naomi James 10:50

What would I tell my younger business self, um, I think for me, progress not perfection is a big thing for me? And again, that comes with a lot of different things. But I rather choose progress, which means consistently doing things over needing to do them perfectly. As somebody who got I struggled mentally myself, it was all around perfectionism, because I wanted everything to be perfect. And I was waiting for the right moment to do things instead of just going out and doing them. So I often say to myself, progress, not perfection, because you can still be making strides, and it's okay if it's not good.

But again, I think, as I sort of said a little bit earlier, the greatest part about us as human beings is our capacity for constant improvement. And so knowing that, and taking that, and even using that with some of my athletes, like we're still striving towards greatness, right? That might take a while, and it's going to be messy at times, but it's going to be really good. It's going to be really bad. But you know, what, we're always moving forward. We're always increasing. Progress, not perfection has literally changed sort of my view on the way I operate, and whether I post things or not, or, you know, going out and getting new clients. So I think that's my biggest nugget.

Gresham Harkless 12:05

I love that nugget. In going back to you know, when we first connected as well, too. We talked a lot about, Kobe, missing those shots, when he was the very first time in the playoffs, we talked about Jordan, and how you miss so many shots. I think a lot of times we see somebody's finish line, and we don't see kind of like the progress that they take the how they missed all those shots to start making shots and that kind of journey that it takes to kind of get there.

I think, we're kind of robbing ourselves of how great we can be if we're not necessarily tapping into that and being and taking action rather than being obsessed with perfection.

Naomi James 12:37

Yeah, no, I agree. And to take that even just one step further is like, sometimes we get so caught up in like the finish line, that we're not recognizing, in the moments, the steps that we've had, that we have made that we have taken, right? And so that's, again, that ties right back into, I need to be perfect, I need to be there.

But we're not acknowledging where we are now. And so that's really huge for like, when I work with my athletes, it's like you still have to acknowledge where you are, you don't have to necessarily be satisfied. But you should still celebrate where you are in those moments. And then we're going to keep building and keep working.

Gresham Harkless 13:09

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, if we sometimes turned around and look back to where we were a year, five years or so down the line, we'd be astounded because we never would have thought sometimes we are exactly where we are. So yeah, we have to kind of celebrate that progress, as you said, as well. So definitely appreciate that as well.

So I wanted to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different, quote and quote, CEOs on the show. So Naomi, what does being CEO mean to you?

Naomi James 13:35

I don't even necessarily really think about that on a regular basis if I'm being really honest. But what I really love about it, is I think it means sort of like the ability to just follow my passion. I don't necessarily, feel like I have somebody telling me what I need to do or when to do it, but it holds me really accountable, but it allows me to pursue the thing that I want to do more than anything else.

I think to me, that's what a CEO is, for me. It's really just being able to follow your passion 110% And not necessarily, you know, be worried about not that we don't have any worries, but do I like what I'm doing, what's next for me? The only next questions, I asked her were, like, what's the next step? Or what's the next process? You know, so, um, I think that is it for me, just being able to really follow your passion. That's what it means to be a CEO for me.

Gresham Harkless 14:31

Nice. Well, I definitely appreciate that. And, you know, so many times we don't realize that we have so many opportunities and we can't follow our passions, that's not realistic for a lot of us. So it's definitely a great kind of opportunity. You have to kind of be able to do that and to be able to marry your skills, your interests, and your passions all into one thing and do that on a daily basis.

I love how you've kind of talked about the accountability part too because I think there is that accountability where when you are charged or given certain gifts and certain abilities that you are charged even if it's within yourself to some degree on making sure that you're striving for greatness, you're being excellent. And you're giving your gifts to the world to make you know everything a better place.

Naomi James 15:07

Yeah, I completely agree.

Gresham Harkless 15:10

Awesome. Well, Naomi truly appreciates that definition, appreciate your time even more. So what I want to do is pass you the mic so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know and then of course, how best they can get ahold of you and find out about all the awesome things you're working on.

Naomi James 15:24

Okay, awesome. So again, I just want to say thank you for having me on the show. If you have any questions or information, you can contact me via email at Naomi at Naomi James consulting.com. My website is also w w w dot Naomi James consulting.com. My Instagram and Twitter handle is Naomi James underscore MPC.

I am always open I love meeting people who are really passionate about the same things that I am I love connecting with different groups of people. So regardless of whether you're an athlete or not, you know, if you're striving for wellness, and overall well-being or you want to be your high performer in any capacity, I am totally open and I love love love meeting and working with new people. So yeah.

Gresham Harkless 16:10

Awesome. Well, thank you so much. Again, Naomi. We will definitely have the links and information in the show notes so that everybody can follow up with you as well and make it easier. But thank you so much you know for your time and all the awesome work you're doing and I hope you have a phenomenal day.

Outro 16:22

Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co. I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community.

Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE And leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co This has been the I AM CEO podcast with Gresham Harkless.

Thank you for listening.

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