“"We released our first episode of the podcast nearly three years ago and the book has taken a long time to write, but we feel proud to be able to draw together the great ideas of our guests. We have spoken with Olympic gold medallists, England international footballers, a Major General from the British Army and inspirational local leaders. Rather than reading like an academic textbook, Matt and I take quotes from our guests, organise them into specific chapters, such as ‘Leading’ and ‘Rationalising’, and offer some commentary on their quotes and stories from a theory and research perspective. The psychology of performing under pressure belongs to everyone facing expectation, novelty and uncertainty, not just elite athletes. We feel the book has wide appeal, with practical advice that will interest so many people."
Staffordshire University Psychologists Unveil New Book on Performing Under Pressure
New publication by University of Staffordshire academics offers practical advice on managing pressure for athletes and the general public.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of an open book with text and diagrams on a desk, with blurred figures in a lecture hall in the background.
Academics from Staffordshire University have released a new book, 'Performing Under Pressure: Conversations With Those That Know', offering insights into managing high-pressure situations.
A new book by University of Staffordshire performance psychologists reveals how elite athletes and high achievers perform when it matters most. The psychology of performing under pressure is relevant to everyone facing expectation, novelty and uncertainty, not just elite athletes. The authors believe the book has wide appeal, with practical advice that will interest many people.
'Performing Under Pressure: Conversations With Those That Know' brings together insights from footballers, Olympians, coaches, and the psychologists who work alongside them. Drawing on over 80 hours of interviews recorded for their popular podcast, Dr Paul Mansell and Professor Matt Slater distil conversations with dozens of elite performers into 17 core themes, from mindset, preparation, belief, and self-compassion, right through to leadership, teamwork, and recovery.
The book features contributions from figures such as sport psychologist Chris Shambrook, captain of Team GB’s gold medal-winning Rio 2016 hockey team Kate Richardson-Walsh, Premier League footballer and England international Conor Coady, and former football international Matilde Fidalgo. Their stories are presented alongside research and applied practice, with each chapter including a “Try this now” section offering three techniques readers can implement.
The authors, who have both worked with athletes, coaches, and performers across high-performance environments, combine academic research with real-world experience. Dr Paul Mansell is a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology and co-creator of the podcast, researching athletes' responses to pressure and adversity. Professor Matt Slater specialises in leadership and team dynamics, using the social identity approach to understand teamwork in high-performance environments.
'Performing Under Pressure: Conversations with Those That Know' is available from Hawksmoor Publishing from 30 October 2026. The 'Performing Under Pressure podcast' can be listened to on Spotify.
Based on information from the official source: Staffordshire University (27/10/2026)
