Locker Room Power

Hosted by David Sammel

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Episodes

264

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Think Clearly Under Pressure Pressure changes thinking—and thinking determines performance. In Locker Room Power, David Sammel draws on 35+ years coaching elite athletes, CEOs and high performers to explore how the best make better decisions when the stakes are highest. Through conversations with exceptional guests and insights from inside the coaching box, you’ll learn to think more clearly, perform more consistently and discover how much further you can go without sacrificing what matters most.

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60 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 28214 min

How to Perform Under Pressure in Sports and Business

In Part 2 of his conversation with Ron Cox, David Sammel takes the hot seat as Ron turns the questions toward leadership, mindset, and high performance. They explore what separates talented individuals from true leaders, why leading by example matters, and how self-talk, confidence, and clarity influence performance both on the field and in the boardroom. David shares why great competitors can still perform under pressure even when things aren't going perfectly, and why experience helps people stay composed when the stakes are high. He also reflects on two major influences in his life: his father, who taught him to find another way when things go wrong, and Tony Robbins, whose work helped set him on a lifelong journey of personal growth and self-awareness. Connect with Ron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcdevsolutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcdevsolutions Website: https://www.rcdevsolutions.com/ 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method Podcast: https://lockerroompower.podview.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/

October 1, 2026Episode 28150 min

From Bullied to the Boardroom: Ron Cox on Leadership, Resilience & Success

In Part 1 of this conversation, David Sammel speaks with Ron Cox about his remarkable journey through adversity, resilience, and leadership. Ron shares how being raised by his grandparents shaped his values, how battling a rare illness led him to Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits , and how his experiences inspired his books, Me and My Best Friend: 30 Stories over 30 Years (2024) and Unbroken: From Bullied to Boardroom (2025). Ron also discusses overcoming serious health challenges, the importance of accountability and having the right people around you, and how he helped transform a struggling organization through better leadership, culture, systems, and putting the right people in the right roles. A powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, leadership, and the importance of never giving up. Connect with Ron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcdevsolutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcdevsolutions Website: https://www.rcdevsolutions.com/ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method⁠⁠⁠ Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://lockerroompower.podview.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/⁠

September 17, 2026Episode 2805 min

How to Stay Calm and Perform Under Pressure

In this solo episode, David Sammel explores why nerves are not something high performers need to eliminate. After 35 years of working with elite athletes, CEOs, and other high performers, David has seen that even the best performers get nervous before moments that matter. The difference isn’t how nervous you feel - it’s what you believe those nerves mean. David explains how to reframe nerves as a sign that you care and your body is preparing to perform, rather than seeing them as a warning that something is wrong. He shares a simple approach for turning nerves into readiness: focus on the evidence that you are capable, remember what you do well, and direct your attention toward the first move you need to make. Nerves with direction become readiness. Nerves without direction become panic. Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method⁠⁠ Podcast: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://lockerroompower.podview.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/⁠

September 3, 2026Episode 27912 min

What High Performers Can Learn About Self-Awareness

In Part 2 of this conversation, Jonathan Cave flips the mic and puts David Sammel in the hot seat with a series of deep and unexpected questions. David opens up about his deepest fear, what he would change about his past, the lessons he learned through his coaching journey, and the impact of losing his father. He also shares what he would want his descendants to remember and the three words he hopes people would use to describe him. The conversation explores self-awareness, responsibility, confidence, vulnerability, and what it really means to keep growing beyond external success. Jonathan and David finish by reflecting on self-awareness as one of life’s most important journeys. Connect with Jonathan: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cave/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.jonathancave.com/⁠ 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: ⁠https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method⁠ Podcast: ⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://lockerroompower.podview.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/⁠

August 20, 2026Episode 27834 min

Why High Achievers Struggle With Inner Fulfillment

In Part 1 of this conversation, David Sammel speaks with Jonathan Cave about his journey from a successful legal career to discovering the importance of inner alignment, fulfillment, and peace. Jonathan shares what he learned from working with high-performing entrepreneurs, why external success doesn’t always lead to internal fulfillment, and how high achievers can reconnect with themselves. They explore the hidden pressures behind high achievement, imposter syndrome, becoming comfortable with discomfort, and why continually chasing the next mountain may not bring the fulfillment we expect. Jonathan also introduces his approach to discovering your core values, talents, and deepest aspirations, along with a simple question that can change how you start your day: “Who do I want to be today?” Connect with Jonathan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cave/ Website: https://www.jonathancave.com/ 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method Podcast: https://lockerroompower.podview.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/

August 6, 2026Episode 2774 min

Why Successful Leaders Secretly Feel Like Frauds - And The 5 Step Fix

In this solo episode, David Sammel explores why imposter syndrome often appears just as you’re stepping up, achieving more, and entering a new level of performance. Rather than seeing self-doubt as proof that you don’t belong, David explains why it can actually be a sign that you’re growing. He shares five practical steps to manage imposter syndrome — from auditing the evidence and speaking your doubts out loud to avoiding unfair comparisons and taking action before confidence arrives. A practical reminder that confidence isn’t the entry ticket; it’s the receipt that comes after you take action. 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website: https://www.davidsammel.com/the-sammel-method Podcast: https://lockerroompower.podview.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_sammel/

July 23, 2026Episode 27632 min

How to Handle Pressure, Regret and Big Life Decisions

In Part 2 of this conversation, the tables are turned as Phyllis Borenstein interviews David Sammel about the lessons he's learned from decades of coaching elite athletes and navigating high-pressure environments. David reflects on career-defining moments, the opportunities he wishes he’d pursued, and why growth often comes from embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding it. Together, they explore resilience, decision-making under pressure, emotional control, the importance of perspective, and the value of compartmentalizing challenges without ignoring them. David also shares the story behind writing his book, his move from the UK to Florida, and why family, purpose, and long-term fulfillment ultimately shape the biggest decisions we make. This thoughtful conclusion offers practical insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone striving to perform at their best. 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Connect with Phyllis: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ , ⁠Instagram⁠ , ⁠Facebook⁠ Stay connected with David: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠Instagram

July 9, 2026Episode 27540 min

The Mindset Behind 40+ Years of Success in Real Estate

In Part 1 of this conversation, David sits down with South Florida real estate expert Phyllis Borenstein to explore what it takes to build a career that lasts. Drawing on decades of experience, Phyllis shares how relationships, consistency, and a passion for helping people have been the foundation of her success in an ever-changing industry. Together, they discuss overcoming self-doubt, building confidence, creating daily systems for success, handling pressure with composure, and why personal growth never stops. Whether you're in real estate, business, or simply looking to perform at a higher level, this episode is packed with practical lessons on mindset, resilience, and long-term success. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation continues from the other side of the microphone. 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Connect with Phyllis: LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook Stay connected with David: ⁠Website⁠ , ⁠Podcast⁠ , ⁠Instagram

June 25, 2026Episode 2745 min

Why Clarity Disappears Under Pressure (And How to Get It Back)

In this solo episode, David Sammel explores one of the most overlooked challenges of leadership and high performance: losing access to your best thinking when pressure hits. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience coaching professional athletes and leaders, David explains why clarity isn't something you find in the moment—it’s something you prepare for long before the pressure arrives. Using stories from both the locker room and the boardroom, David shares a practical approach to staying focused when your mind starts to race. Rather than trying to force calm in high-stakes situations, he argues that the key is having a simple plan you can return to when the noise takes over. This episode is packed with practical insight for leaders, athletes, and anyone who wants to perform at their best when it matters most. 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Stay connected with David: Website , Podcast , Instagram

June 11, 2026Episode 2735 min

The Biggest Lie High Performers Tell Themselves

In Part 2 of their conversation, Navid Nazemian turns the tables and puts David Sammel in the hot seat to explore the mindset, habits, and decision-making processes that separate sustained high performers from those who struggle to maintain success. Drawing on decades of experience coaching elite athletes, including Olympians, David shares why decisive action often matters more than perfect decisions, how prolific winners continue evolving after major achievements, and why tying your entire identity to performance can become a hidden trap. Together, David and Navid dive into leadership, pressure, ambition, and the mental habits that help high performers continue growing long after their biggest victories. 🎙️ Locker Room Power with David Sammel Mindset and leadership for high performers from an Olympic-level coach. 👇 Subscribe for weekly episodes that go inside the locker room. 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a drop. Connect with Navid: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ , ⁠Website⁠ Stay connected with David: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠