How to Strive - with Nick Adkins

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In this episode of How to Strive, I’m joined by Dr Perry Walters to explore the adolescent brain, the science of human development, and how we can create environments that help people thrive.
Drawing on his ASPIRE model, Perry offers a fascinating perspective on six key dimensions of adolescent development:
Autonomy, Self, Purpose, Inquiry, Relationships and Emotions. 
Each provides a different lens through which we can better understand what motivates young people, how they learn, and what they need from the adults around them.
We explore how coaches, teachers, parents and leaders can move beyond simply managing behaviour to nurturing independence, building identity, developing purpose, encouraging curiosity, strengthening relationships and helping young people channel their emotions in positive ways.
But this conversation isn't just about understanding young people. It's also an opportunity to reflect on our own lives.
Whether you're working in sport, education, leadership or simply trying to understand yourself and others better, Perry's insights challenge us to think differently about development and the environments we create.
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www.strive25.co.uk/

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What does it take to help someone discover their potential, and build a future on their own terms?
If you feel inspired to understand the great work happening at Brit you can visit the website www.BRIT.school 
You can also email info@brit.school and follow the School on instagram @thebritschool 
In this episode of How to Strive, I’m joined by Dan Clark from the BRIT School, the renowned performing and creative arts school that has helped develop talent across music, theatre, dance and the wider creative industries.
Dan and I explore what it means to create environments where people can thrive, the importance of understanding and celebrating who you are, and how the right people, opportunities and experiences can shape the direction of your life.
We discuss awareness, alignment, adversity and action, exploring how young people can turn their aspirations into meaningful progress. We also look beyond the success stories and ask what it really means to succeed, why collaboration matters, how we learn from setbacks, and the role educators and leaders play in helping others realise their potential.
Whether you’re a coach, educator, leader, parent or someone striving to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers valuable reflections on developing people, creating opportunities and helping others find their path.
Because striving for better isn’t simply about becoming the best. It’s about understanding who you are, discovering what matters to you, elevating others and taking purposeful steps towards the person you want to become.
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www.strive25.co.uk/

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What if the biggest opportunity to improve your coaching isn't another qualification, another session plan or another coaching course?
What if it's learning to understand yourself?
In this episode of How to Strive, I'm joined by Tom Hartley, an experienced coach, coach developer and leader who has spent more than 20 years working across football, professional sport and coach development.
Tom's journey has taken him from coaching in grassroots and professional football, into coach development across Olympic and motorsport.
We explore a question that sits at the heart of sustainable development:
Who's coaching the coach?
We talk about reflection, self-awareness, curiosity and the importance of having people around you who can challenge your thinking rather than simply tell you what to do.
🪞 Why coaches need people who can hold up a mirror rather than provide all the answers.
🧠 How reflection can change your coaching practice.
❓ Why asking better questions may be more powerful than having better answers.
🤝 The importance of relationships, trust and connection in coach development.
🌱 How coaches can continue to grow when they are already experienced.
⚽ What football can learn from coaching across different sports.
And perhaps most importantly:
How do we create the conditions that allow coaches to strive?
This is a conversation for coaches who are ambitious, curious and willing to challenge themselves.
Whether you're coaching grassroots football, working in an academy, leading a team, developing other coaches or simply trying to become better at what you do, there will be something here for you.
Because becoming a better coach isn't about arriving at a destination.
It's about staying curious enough to keep moving.
Keep Striving.

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www.strive25.co.uk/

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In this episode of How To Strive, I’m joined by Dr Jamie Taylor, a leading coach developer, researcher and educator whose work sits at the intersection of coaching, skill acquisition, talent development and expertise.
Jamie has coached at the highest levels of sport, worked extensively in coach development and now researches what actually makes expert coaches different. His work has included collaboration with organisations across elite sport, including the Premier League, professional rugby and Olympic sport.
And this conversation goes much deeper than simply asking:
"How do we become better coaches?"
We explore what it really means to develop expertise.
How do we create environments where coaches and athletes can continue to learn, adapt and strive?
This is a conversation for coaches, coach developers, athletes, leaders, teachers and anyone interested in how humans develop expertise.
If you've ever wondered:
"What could I do differently to become better at what I do?"
This episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now.
And as always...
Keep Striving.

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www.strive25.co.uk/

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In a world where we are constantly moving, achieving, reacting and rushing into the next challenge, one of the most powerful skills we can develop is the ability to pause, reflect and intentionally choose our next step.
Welcome to the Sunday Strive, a guided weekly practice designed to help you look back with curiosity, learn from your experiences and create intentional action for the week ahead.
In this episode, we explore how reflection transforms everyday experiences into meaningful learning and how taking time to notice the small moments can create significant change over time.
Together, we will explore:
📝 Reflecting without judgement
Looking back over your week with curiosity rather than criticism, noticing the moments, conversations and experiences that shaped you.
🏆 Recognising your wins and progress
Learning to acknowledge the steps you have taken towards the person you are striving to become and connecting your progress to your Striver Table — your foundations of health, relationships, skills and contribution.
🧠 Turning experiences into learning
Understanding the challenges, setbacks and successes of the week and asking what they can teach you moving forward.
🧭 Creating direction for the week ahead
Identifying what matters, understanding the moments that may challenge you and planning how you can create the conditions for success.
⚡ Building behaviours that support your goals
Creating simple, sustainable habits and actions that you can return to when life becomes busy, unpredictable and challenging.
Because striving is not about creating a perfect life.
It is about creating awareness.
It is about making intentional choices.
It is about becoming slightly better, consistently.
The most successful people and teams do not simply experience life — they learn from it.
So grab your journal, find a quiet moment and give yourself the opportunity to reflect, reset and refocus.
Ask yourself:
Where am I going?
Do my behaviours align with what matters?
What is my next step?
Because:
Direction + Alignment + Effort = Striving
🎧 Join this weekly reflection practice and take one intentional step towards becoming the person you are capable of becoming.
Start Striving at 

www.strive25.co.uk/