Episode 17: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. Beyond Grit: Training your mind for high performance

About this episode

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff discusses the importance of mindset in leadership and performance, sharing strategies for developing mental strength.

In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary K. Mulcahey sits down with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, a leading mental performance coach who has worked with Olympic athletes, the Minnesota Vikings, and high-performing leaders. Dr. Kamphoff shares how her experiences as a competitive runner—and struggles with self-doubt during college—led her to pursue a career in performance psychology and helping others develop mental strength. They discuss the role of mindset in leadership and performance, emphasizing that success is not just about talent or grit, but about developing the mental tools needed to manage pressure, confidence, and self-talk. Dr. Kamphoff explains the concept of the “inner coach versus the inner critic,” highlighting how the thoughts leaders choose to listen to can dramatically impact their effectiveness and growth. The conversation also explores how difficult life experiences—what she calls “crucible moments”—can shape purpose and drive meaningful impact. Dr. Kamphoff reflects on being present at the Boston Marathon bombing and how that moment pushed her to stop playing small and pursue bigger goals, including writing books, coaching elite performers, and building…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Mary K. Mulcahey

Guest: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff

Topics covered

• mental performance
• leadership
• mindset
• high performance
• self-doubt
• confidence
• mental strength

Keywords

• performance psychology
• inner coach
• inner critic
• crucible moments
• high-performance mindset
• confidence building
• reframing challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Minnesota Vikings, Mentally Strong Institute

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