#119 The Psychology of High Performance: Why Great Leaders Avoid Burnout
Author: Sacha
July 10, 2026
Duration: 44:54
Leadership is one of those things people think is about working harder, pushing further, and doing more, but often the greatest breakthroughs come from understanding yourself first.
In this episode of Uncomplicate It, I sit down with Sebastien Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership, to explore how sports psychology can help leaders perform at a high level without sacrificing their health, relationships, or long-term success.
Drawing from decades in investment management and lessons from elite athletes, Sebastien shares why leadership isn't just about hitting KPIs or chasing outcomes. It's about mastering the process, managing your mindset, and creating the conditions for sustained performance.
His message is simple but powerful: the best leaders don't obsess over winning they focus on getting better.
We talk about why so many high achievers burn out, how ego can quietly derail leadership, and why psychology is one of the most underrated tools for building stronger teams and better businesses.
We also get into the realities of leadership today, from stress and decision-making to team dynamics, goal setting, and the habits that separate great leaders from everyone else.
We cover:
The difference between ego and mastery
Why high performers experience goal-induced blindness
How sports psychology applies to business leadership
The science behind stress and peak performance
Why listening is a leader's greatest skill
How to build stronger teams with introverts and extroverts
The concept of Return on Time Spent (ROTS)
Practical ways to avoid burnout while staying ambitious
Why process goals matter more than outcome goals
The psychology behind sustainable leadership
Takeaways:
Leadership starts with self-awareness
Mastery creates longer-lasting success than ego
Great leaders listen more than they speak
Burnout is often a sign of misaligned priorities
Process drives performance
Teams perform better when every voice is heard
Time is your most valuable resource
Sustainable success requires intentional habits
If you've ever felt like success requires constantly pushing harder, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, performance, and what it really takes to thrive over the long term.
Connect with Sebastien:
💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-page/
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