by Kate Weaver-Gibbs
This week I was joined in the Are You Ok studio by Jo Mountford, High Performance Mindset Coach and founder of Beet it with Jo , the transformative player wellness programme. Throughout our podcast chat Jo shared her personal journey and motivation to start the programme in which I got to learn about the CliftonStrengths® assessment, what the results reveal and how we can use our strengths to optimise relationships and enhance our performance as a team, on the field or in the boardroom.
I must admit I’m a sucker for any assessment in which I learn more about myself. I want feedback to make sure I am on the right track; want guidance on how to use my abilities and what feels like a mongrel-mix of experiences to create a future that’s not led by a fluffy idea of what I should be doing. Turning 40 this year the nag “If not now, when (do I find my purpose)?” Is louder than ever, so yesterday I completed the CliftonStrengths® assessment and learnt that 4 of my 5 strengths lie in the Relationship Building domain. But what does that mean for my professional future?
In my next post Jo will coach me via Zoom through the results and just for fun Gustav Gous, COO at Are You Ok is also taking the assessment and together we’ll get a joint coaching session with Jo to understand how we can work better together as a team.
If you’ve read this far chances are that you’re interested in self realisation too and I encourage you to go to the podcast link and check it out. Hear how Jo’s high performance mindset coaching method is transferable to personal and professional environments and what Red2Blue can do for you when you need to perform under pressure.
In the interim, some words from Jo on the power of mindset…
I am incredibly passionate about helping my clients achieve their peak performance. Through my work, I have seen first-hand the transformative power of incorporating holistic approaches, nutrition insights, and specialised techniques like Red2Blue into my practice.
In my journey as a coach and therapist, I have encountered clients facing various challenges, from overeating and under-eating issues to performance anxiety. These experiences sparked my curiosity about the connections between nutrition, mental health, and optimal performance. The foundation of ‘Beet it with Jo’ was laid upon these insights, symbolising both the performance aspect of my business and my commitment to recommending superfoods like beets – hence the name – to enhance well-being.
Working closely with professional athletes, including women golfers on the Sunshine Ladies tour, elite swimmers, divers and hockey, netball and tennis players, I realised the importance of having tools to help individuals perform under pressure, especially in critical moments. It was during this time that I crossed paths with Adriana Brownlee, a mountaineer and Red2Blue ambassador, whose techniques for managing mental states and high-pressure situations resonated deeply with me.
Bringing the Red2Blue framework into my coaching practice has been a game-changer. From assisting a 17-year-old springboard diver in preparation for championships to guiding divers like Julia Vincent towards their Olympic dreams, Red2Blue has proven to be a valuable resource. The ability to help athletes navigate fear of failure, unlock their full potential, and excel in crucial moments is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the key lessons I strive to impart to my clients is the importance of training not just their physical skills but also their mindset. The mindset, I believe, is the ultimate differentiator between those who achieve greatness and those who fall short. By instilling a mindset focused on resilience, determination, and self-belief, athletes can transcend limitations and soar to new heights.
Moreover, I firmly believe in starting this mindset training journey early, especially for young athletes balancing sports commitments with academic and social pressures. Red2Blue serves as a simple yet effective tool to equip them with the mental resilience needed to thrive in challenging environments and perform at their best consistently.
In conclusion, my experience as a coach, therapist, and Red2Blue practitioner has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of mindset training and holistic approaches in optimising performance. By integrating nutrition, therapeutic practices, and specialised techniques like Red2Blue, I am dedicated to guiding individuals towards realising their full potential and achieving success in all aspects of their lives.
Jo Mountford
Top 5 Gallup Strengths Themes: Harmony, Responsibility, Learner, Relator, Belief.
Find Joanne: LinkedIn. Instagram.
Contact: +27 82 657 2298
jolloyd@per4m.co.za