GALLUP® Called to Coach

0:07 Introduction to Called to Coach 3:05 Discovering Gallup and Strengths 5:02 Performance Coaching Insights 6:37 The Role of Self-Awareness 15:29 Managing Weaknesses in Sports 19:02 The Evolution of Coaching 25:58 Coaching Individual vs. Team Performance 29:39 Universal Principles of Success 39:23 Navigating Pressure and Fear 45:02 Embracing Pressure and Nerves 47:38 Pressure of the World Cup 56:29 Knowing vs. Believing 59:52 Cultural Nuances in Coaching 1:03:38 Creating a Fertile Environment for Growth In this powerful episode of Gallup’s Called to Coach, host Jim Collison and co-host Deepanjan Deb (DD) sit down with world-renowned performance coach Paddy Upton for a wide-ranging conversation on self-awareness, strengths, pressure, and elite performance across sports and business. Paddy shares his journey with Gallup and the CliftonStrengths assessment, first introduced to him during his second master’s degree in business coaching. What began as one of many tools quickly became a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. Drawing from positive psychology, Paddy explains how deep self-awareness—especially understanding one’s strengths—creates the foundation for sustained performance. He also shares his own Top 5 strengths (Strategic, Futuristic, Ideation, Self-Assurance, and Achiever) and how they shape the way he coaches individuals and teams. The conversation explores the critical link between performance and self-awareness, with Paddy reflecting on his experience working with elite athletes and leaders across cultures. While many high performers demonstrate strong self-awareness, others struggle to reflect effectively during moments of both success and failure. Paddy emphasizes that this ability to reflect—to understand what’s happening mentally in high-stakes moments—is essential for growth, learning, and long-term success. Jim and DD guide the discussion into the practical realities of coaching, especially in sport. Paddy explains how developing athletes must balance building new skills with playing to their strengths. He illustrates this with compelling examples from cricket, including Virat Kohli, whose sustained excellence comes from relentlessly refining his core strengths rather than over-investing in areas that don’t naturally suit him. Pressure becomes a central theme as Paddy reframes nerves, fear, and anxiety—not as problems to eliminate, but as natural signals of importance. He explains how pressure is created by the value we place on future outcomes and how performance improves when attention returns to the present moment. These insights resonate not only in sport, but also in corporate and leadership environments where expectations and stakes are high. The episode also dives into culture and leadership, drawing from Paddy’s experience coaching diverse teams across countries and disciplines. He explains why culture always starts with leadership and why self-aware leaders are better equipped to adapt their approach across different people and contexts. Using a memorable metaphor, Paddy likens leadership to tending a garden—creating the right conditions for growth rather than trying to control outcomes. Toward the end of the conversation, Paddy introduces a critical distinction between believing in strengths and knowing them. Believing, he argues, is fragile; knowing is grounded in preparation, experience, and trust. Leaders and coaches who help people truly know their strengths create environments where confidence, performance, and resilience can thrive. This episode is packed with real-world stories, practical wisdom, and hard-earned insights from one of the most respected performance coaches in the world. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or high performer, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how self-awareness, strengths, culture, and pressure intersect to drive exceptional performance.

Learn how to move AI from theory to practice in your coaching and how to use it for the benefit of your clients, with Gallup's Dean Jones. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/692549/getting-started-with-ai-cliftonstrengths-coaches.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths® for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Find answers to your questions about retaking the CliftonStrengths assessment, as well as its reliability and stability, as Gallup rolls out a new Access feature. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/690980/should-i-retake-cliftonstrengths.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths® for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn how an organization in Asia has combined simple guiding principles with CliftonStrengths to build a thriving culture. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/692171/strengths-simplicity-thriving-culture-loreal-asia.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths® for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn how a grassroots approach to CliftonStrengths has changed the organizational culture at a bank in India. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/691781/starting-small-pull-approach-strengths-idfc-first-bank-india.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths® for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn about an organization that brings many cultures and nations together to discover and apply their CliftonStrengths as they pursue a unique mission. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/691238/called-to-serve-strengths-based-teamwork-aboard-mercy-ships.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths® for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn what a Gallup award-winning workplace of educators is doing to engage its employees as they apply their strengths. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/658775/engaging-your-storm-the-power-of-strengths-and-engagement-in-education.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Get better informed on what you'll need to do to get ICF coaching credentials, and how Gallup can help you in that quest. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/658229/use-your-gallup-courses-coaching-toward-icf-credentials.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Increase your awareness of what launching CliftonStrengths in an organization looks like, including three phases of strengths adoption, from Gallup's Dean Jones. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/657908/launching-cliftonstrengths-organization-strategies-success.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Discover how a diverse organization in South Africa is applying its employees' strengths to successfully navigate change.Join Proconics CEO Melvin Jones, Yendor Felgate, and Jim Collison and learn the power of strengths in times of change. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/655037/strengths-meets-strategy-navigating-organizational-change-africa.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Discover eight dimensions of strong, collaborative partnerships and the power of strengths to help you in your quest to build them. Join Jillian White and Jim Collison and see what the future of work looks like. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/654866/building-intentional-strengths-empowered-partnerships.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn about an organization that has built an engaging workplace culture and the difference it is making to leaders and employees. Join iHerb's Elizabeth Luzardo and Gallup's Katie Humble and Jim Collison for an informative discussion on how to successfully navigate the challenges of engaging your organization's employees. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/654671/from-clock-in-to-buy-in-building-culture-that-inspires.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Learn how organizations can build thriving cultures that are human-centric and growth-oriented as they focus on strengths. Join Gallup's Jillian White and Jim Collison for an engaging discussion of the future of work. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/654476/building-human-centric-growth-oriented-organizations.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Bring greater effectiveness to your coaching as you learn from someone who has built a thriving community of coaches. Join Jim Collison and guest Amy Shuman from the University of California, Davis, and discover more. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/653681/cultivating-community-coaches.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Gain a firm grasp of strengths-based development and how you can put it into practice with those you coach or manage. Join us as Gallup's Dean Jones gives you an instructional tour de force in developing others through their talents and strengths. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/652478/leveraging-strengths-based-development-in-your-coaching.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Ideation | Futuristic | Strategic | Communication | Restorative Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to helping advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist -- a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work they do. A trained ethnographer, Simon is fascinated by the people and organizations that make the greatest and longest-lasting impact. Simon may be best known for his TED Talk on the concept of WHY, which has been viewed over 60 million times, and his video on millennials in the workplace -- which reached 80 million views in its first week and has gone on to receive hundreds of millions of views. For more interviews visit leadingwithstrengths.com Transcripts available upon request

Discover how managers can become more effective at applying employees' strengths, in Part 2 of a 2-part series with Gallup's Dean Jones. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/544364/what-is-strengths-based-manager-part-2.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

Discover what it means to be a strengths-based manager and how to become one, in Part 1 of a 2-part series with Gallup's Dean Jones. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/513035/what-is-strengths-based-manager-part-1.aspx Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents. Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx

What is a life calling, and how can you find yours -- including whether it involves coaching others? Join Gallup's Dean Jones for insights on this important topic. View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/398045/are-you-called-to-coach.aspx Follow Us Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths/ LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths/ Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Twitter -- https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Pinterest -- https://www.pinterest.com/CliftonStrengths/ Learn More About CliftonStrengths Subscribe to the CliftonStrengths Newsletter -- https://bit.ly/30IjWMH How It Works -- https://bit.ly/36gD4mi 34 CliftonStrengths Themes -- https://bit.ly/30FyexO 4 CliftonStrengths Domains -- https://bit.ly/36eLvyx The History -- https://bit.ly/30OggZZ Who’s It For Individuals -- https://bit.ly/2ukUNf1 Teams -- https://bit.ly/3axoASj Organizations -- https://bit.ly/38pj7Lm Schools -- https://bit.ly/37gPvjl Popular Products Assessments -- https://bit.ly/2Gi9Etf Materials and Tools -- https://bit.ly/3azKrZc Courses -- https://bit.ly/37ftuRP Books -- https://bit.ly/36jdfC2 Additional Resources Articles and Videos -- https://bit.ly/2TNAh19 Webcasts -- https://bit.ly/2GeKHip Guides and Reports -- https://bit.ly/37erWI0