337: The Mistake Leaders Make Before Every Big Deadline | Dr. Haley Perlus, Performance Psychology Expert

Release Date: Oct. 27

Failure is an option. Accepting that may be the fastest way to perform at your best.

Dr. Haley Perlus is a performance psychologist who helps business leaders and elite athletes apply the mental strategies of top performers. When leaders insist that failure isn’t an option, they often tighten up, micromanage, and second-guess every move. Dr. Haley explains why that happens and what to do instead. She also covers how to tell the difference between discipline and rigidity, why the kindest thing a leader can be is direct, and why mental toughness is really about working with whatever shows up.

What You’ll Learn:‍

Why trying to avoid failure drains the energy you need to perform
Which words (“have to,” “must,” “need”) signal fear-driven leadership, and what to say instead
How to be a “truth teller” instead of a “fortune teller,” and how a “now goal” keeps you focused
The difference between discipline and rigidity, and why it matters as AI changes how work gets done
Why being direct is often the kindest and most effective thing a leader can do
Why you can’t jump from failure straight to a lesson, and how to make room for disappointment first
How confidence and doubt can exist together, and what “doubt tolerance” means

‍In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:07) Why Avoiding Failure Backfires
(02:03) “Have To,” “Must,” and “Need”
(03:19) Leading With Curiosity
(08:05) Fortune Teller vs. Truth Teller
(11:09) Outcome Goals vs. Now Goals
(12:58) Discipline vs. Rigidity
(16:11) How a $100 Bet Started It All
(18:25) Pressure Is an Invitation
(21:27) Kind vs. Effective Leaders
(23:53) Failing vs. Being a Failure
(29:14) Redefining Mental Toughness
(33:43) Why Vulnerability Builds Connection
(37:44) Sharing a Personal Story
(40:38) Confidence and Doubt Can Coexist
(43:48) What’s Next for Dr. Haley

About Dr. Haley Perlus:

Dr. Haley Perlus is a Doctor of Performance Psychology, speaker, author, and coach. She applies sport-specific techniques to help athletes, business leaders, and high achievers optimize their mental game. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and certifications in coaching, fitness, and nutrition, she combines her firsthand experience as an athlete and coach with advanced academic expertise. Within one year of earning her doctorate, she became a professor, sought-after speaker, published author, and consultant to Olympics, X-Games, national team, and Division I scholarship athletes.

She is the author of Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential in Sport and Life. Her presentations and workshops have reached organizations including Marriott, Starbucks, and CU Buffaloes, and she has contributed content to outlets including Oprah, ESPN, One Life Radio, Thrive Magazine, and Beachbody. She also works directly with high performers across competitive sports as well as C-suite executives.

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