One Thing with Dr. Adam Rinde

Episode 120: Right Foot, Left Foot: Finding Your Way Back After Setback with Dr. Haley Perlus

Dr. Haley Perlus · July 28, 2025

Author · Executive Coach · Entrepreneur · Leadershipin

Interview with Dr. Haley Perlus

Episode 120: Right Foot, Left Foot: Finding Your Way Back After Setback with Dr. Haley Perlus

Podcast: One Thing with Dr. Adam Rinde

July 28, 2025

How do we move forward when the future is uncertain and the path to healing feels like a rollercoaster? In this episode, host Dr. Adam Rinde sits down with renowned sports and performance psychologist Dr. Haley Perlus to explore the emotional and mental dynamics of healing,…

GO TO SPOTIFY

Key topicsWhy Confidence Is a Skill, Not a Personality TraitThe biggest myth in business is that some people are just “naturally confident.” In reality, confidence is trained-just like strength or stamina-and the lack of it quietly holds back even the most talented leaders. Dr. Haley Perlus draws on her work with elite athletes and executives to reveal how confidence is built through repetition, calculated risks, and breaking through mental barriers. She shows professionals how to condition their mindset for high-stakes moments-whether it’s commanding a boardroom, pitching investors, or leading under pressure-so they can perform with clarity and conviction when it matters most. How to Perform When It Counts the MostWhen the stakes are high, your mental response determines your outcome. Haley explores how leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs can use pressure to sharpen their skills, rather than crumble under it. She shares stress-optimization techniques used by Olympic athletes and high-performing executives, helping professionals train their minds to stay sharp, execute with confidence, and channel stress into peak performance. Decision Fatigue & Mental Endurance: How High Performers Make Better Choices Under PressureEvery day, business leaders make hundreds of decisions-from strategic planning to crisis management. But when the brain is overloaded, decision fatigue sets in, leading to poor judgment, hesitation, and burnout. Haley unpacks the psychology of decision-making, explaining how top performers-whether in business or elite sports-train their mental endurance to sustain clarity, confidence, and precision under pressure. View all topics →

About Dr. Haley Perlus

Dr. Haley Perlus, podcast guest

PhD Sport Psychology, Author and Expert in High-Performance Strategies

PhD Sport PsychologyTrusted by NASA, Marriott, Starbucks & DeloitteFeatured Oprah, ESPN & Business InsiderPublished author Personal Podium

Dr. Haley Perlus is a Performance Psychology expert, speaker, and author specializing in helping business leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers apply the mental strategies of elite athletes to reach peak performance. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and certifications in coaching, fitness, and nutrition, she transforms high-stress environments into arenas for success—whether in the boardroom, on the stage, or in high-stakes leadership roles.

Her expertise has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies, top executives, and business innovators looking to master mental resilience, sustain focus under pressure, and turn obstacles into opportunities. Haley’s work goes beyond motivation—she provides actionable, science-backed tools that optimize leadership, enhance decision-making, and drive peak productivity.

She is the author of Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential, which distills the psychological strategies of world-class performers into practical techniques for business and personal growth. Her insights have been featured on Oprah, ESPN, Thrive Magazine, and Beachbody, and she has spoken for companies such as Marriott and Starbucks, bringing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to mastering high performance.

Whether coaching executives on mental toughness in leadership, helping entrepreneurs develop a high-performance mindset, or guiding professionals through the psychology of sustainable success, Dr. Perlus equips individuals with the tools they need to stay composed, focused, and driven—no matter the challenge.

View profile →

About this episode

How do we move forward when the future is uncertain and the path to healing feels like a rollercoaster? In this episode, host Dr. Adam Rinde sits down with renowned sports and performance psychologistDr. Haley Perlusto explore the emotional and mental dynamics of healing, resilience, and intentional recovery.

Drawing from her decades of experience working with Olympic athletes, business leaders, and wellness warriors, Dr. Perlus offers a compelling framework for managing fear, reframing perfection, and cultivating momentum—even in the face of chronic illness and burnout. Together, they dive into the emotional quadrants of resilience, the role of low-positive emotional states (like calm and reflection), and the importance of pre-performance rituals in healing journeys..

Whether you’re navigating stress, autoimmune challenges, or simply seeking to live with more presence and purpose, this conversation will help you tap into the energy of intention and rediscover your own power to heal.

🔹 About Dr. Haley Perlus

With a Ph.D. in sport and exercise psychology, Dr. Perlus is an international keynote speaker, author of The Personal Podium, and trusted coach to elite performers worldwide. She helps individuals conquer mental blocks, unlock motivation, and perform with purpose. Learn more at drhaleyperlus.com.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor

01:04 – Fear as an Ally in Healing

02:09 – Lessons from Elite Athletes

07:12 – The Power of Intention

10:18 – Daily Recovery and Acceptance

15:52 – Working with Fear, Not Against It

21:57 – Resilience vs. Perfection

30:18 – Emotional Quadrants of Resilience

36:22 – Stillness vs. Active Recovery

41:54 – Healing Imagery & Visualization

44:26 – Dr. Perlus’s Work & Offerings

47:52 – Final Words: Right Foot, Left Foot

Attention listeners: Since 2019, we have been providing free content that is life-changing and valuable. The expense of producing a high-level podcast depends on your generosity; please support us through our affiliate sponsors.

You can support the podcast through affiliate sponsors like ⁠⁠⁠⁠Healthgevity⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use code ONETHING for 10% off)

Guest: Dr. Haley Perlus

Book Dr. Haley Perlus for your show

19+ podcast & stage appearances. Remote or in studio, broadcast-grade audio.

Request an interview →