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In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sebastien Page, bestselling author of The Psychology of Leadership, to explore how sports psychology, mindset, and positive habits can elevate leadership and productivity.
Together, they unpack powerful concepts like the PERMA model from positive psychology, the Yerkes-Dodson curve on optimal stress levels, and the importance of core beliefs in shaping our perception and performance. Sebastien shares how conversations create brain chemistry that either enhances connection or sparks stress, and how communication and flow are critical to effective teamwork. They also examine the surprising science behind social synchronization, strategic patience in decision-making, and how reframing stress can lead to peak performance. Through personal stories and practical insights, Sebastien reveals why leadership is more about managing mindset than chasing perfection, and how athletes and leaders alike thrive not by avoiding pressure, but by harnessing it.
Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode offers science-backed strategies and real-world advice for performing at your best. Don't forget to check out Sebastian's book and subscribe for more productivity wisdom every week!
What We Discuss
[00:00] Introduction to Sebastien Page
[04:32] The underrated power of communication
[05:38] Conversational intelligence and brain chemistry
[07:07] Writing the book after hitting a wall with stress
[08:45] Sports psychology and redefining success
[15:53] Seligman's PERMA model and leadership application
[18:13] Driving meaning, engagement, and relationships at work
[22:54] Flow state: what it is and how leaders can spark it
[29:04] Core beliefs, team alignment, and upgrading your mindset
[33:44] The reticular activating system and what we choose to see
[35:56] Understanding the Yerkes-Dodson curve and stress optimization
[43:15] Control theory, decision-making, and strategic patience
[48:19] Where to find Sebastien and get the book
[49:27] Closing and call to action
Notable Quotes
[04:32] "I just came across a study, Gerald, about how much IQ matters to your lifetime earnings... it shows that after controlling for factors like personality and grit, your IQ accounts for 1 to 2% of your lifelong earnings. Just think about that." – Sebastien Page
[05:14] "Business is a team sport. No matter how good you are, if you can't pass the ball, you're not going to be welcome on the team and you're not going to contribute." – Sebastien Page
[11:17] "Sports psychology is not about winning, it's about losing." – Sebastien Page
[12:26] "The myth of effortless excellence is just that, it's a myth." – Sebastien Page
[36:30] "Optimal performance does not occur at a stress level of zero, which means that stress activation can increase performance up to a point." – Sebastien Page
[45:04] "Strategic patience is an unbelievably underrated leadership skill. The ability to not make a decision and wait it out and see what happens." – Sebastian Page
Our Guest
Sebastien Page is a bestselling author, leadership thinker, and head of a $500 billion investment business. In his book The Psychology of Leadership, Sebastien blends neuroscience, sports psychology, and behavioral science to help individuals and teams unlock