The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast
Trauma is everywhere, and so is performance pressure. The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast is where those two worlds meet.
I’m Stephanie High, M.A. — trauma-informed performance psychology coach — and I created this show to help athletes, professionals, and leaders understand how trauma impacts performance, and more importantly, how to respond in ways that build resilience instead of reinforcing harm.
In each episode, you’ll hear a mix of science, storytelling, and practical tools. From trauma-informed leadership to resilience training and post-traumatic growth, this is a space for learning how to perform at your best without losing yourself in the process.
If you want grounded insights, real talk, and actionable strategies for thriving under pressure, you’re in the right place.
Episodes

Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Strategies in Successful Problem-Solving
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Join host Stephanie High as she explores the dynamic world of problem-solving techniques that drive success in sports, business, and life. This episode delves into how critical thinking, creativity, and resilience can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. Stephanie highlights the cognitive tools and strategies that top performers use to navigate challenges, make pivotal decisions, and achieve their goals. From the sports field to the boardroom, learn to apply these proven problem-solving methods to overcome hurdles and pave your way to success.

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Beyond the Score: Performance Analysis
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Step into the analytical side of peak performance with "Beyond the Score: Performance Analysis," this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast hosted by Stephanie High. This episode deep dives into the nuances of evaluating and enhancing performance in both the athletic and corporate worlds. Stephanie sheds light on the latest methodologies and technologies used by top performers and organizations to dissect performance, identify areas for improvement, and strategize for future success.

Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Harmony in Action: Uniting Mind and Body
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Dive into the profound world of the mind-body connection in this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, hosted by Stephanie High. "Harmony in Action" explores the intricate dance between mental and physical health and their combined impact on achieving peak performance. Stephanie delves into cutting-edge research and practical strategies, highlighting how mental states influence physical capabilities and vice versa. This episode is packed with insights on cultivating a harmonious relationship between mind and body, from mindfulness techniques that enhance physical endurance to physical exercises that calm the mind. Whether you're an athlete looking to elevate your game or a professional striving for excellence, "Harmony in Action" offers valuable lessons on leveraging the mind-body connection to unlock your hidden potential.

Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Navigating the Path to Mental Readiness
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Step into the world of mental fortitude with this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, "Navigating the Path to Mental Readiness." Host Stephanie High offers a concentrated burst of insight into the essential strategies for cultivating a mindset primed for success. In this quick but powerful session, discover the key techniques that athletes and top performers use to prepare their minds for the challenges ahead. From harnessing the power of visualization to embracing the calm of mindfulness, this episode is your express guide to becoming mentally battle-ready. Whether you're facing a crucial competition or a pivotal professional moment, "Navigating the Path to Mental Readiness" equips you with the mental tools to step into your arena with confidence. Tune in and transform your mental prep game in just two minutes!

Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Fuel to Win - Nutrition & Hydration
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the critical roles of nutrition and hydration in enhancing mental and physical performance in both the sports and corporate worlds. Stephanie highlights dietary choices' profound impact on athletes' strength, training, and recovery. She emphasizes the importance of hydration in maintaining concentration and cognitive function.

Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Essentials of Effective Leadership and Leading with Impact
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
In this insightful episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. She highlights that true leadership transcends mere team management – it's about inspiring, influencing, and making impactful decisions. Drawing from a study in the 'Journal of Organizational Behavior,' Stephanie emphasizes the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EI) in managing both personal and team emotions, fostering strong relationships and a positive work environment. She also explores the balance between analytical and intuitive decision-making for making informed and effective choices. The episode further examines the importance of clear and transparent communication, resilience in facing challenges, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in leadership.

Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
The Science of Setting Successful Goals
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High explores the science-backed art of goal setting. She explains how setting specific, challenging goals, Goal-Setting Theory, can significantly enhance performance. Stephanie discusses the S.M.A.R.T framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) as a proven method for setting effective goals, the importance of commitment to goal achievement, and how regular feedback and the practice of visualization, respectively, are critical in keeping on track and enhancing performance.

Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Smart Choices and Other Aspects of Decision-Making
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High takes an in-depth look at the art of decision-making. She highlights its importance in high-pressure situations, whether in sports or business. Drawing from a study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Stephanie explains that effective decision-making is a blend of cognitive processing, emotional regulation, and contextual understanding. She discusses the role of the prefrontal cortex in evaluating options, the influence of emotional intelligence as per the 'Psychological Bulletin,' and the importance of being attuned to one's environment, referencing the 'Journal of Applied Psychology.' Stephanie also introduces the STOP method - Stop, Think, Observe, and Proceed - as a practical tool for making considered decisions. This episode is a guide to refining the decision-making process, emphasizing that it's a skill that can be honed for better outcomes in any field. Stephanie encourages listeners to apply these insights to enhance their decision-making abilities and unlock their potential.

Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Build Confidence
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
In this insightful episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the science and psychology behind building confidence. She explains the concept of 'Self-Efficacy' as defined by Albert Bandura, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering confidence and enhancing performance. Stephanie explores various strategies to bolster self-efficacy: drawing strength from past successes ('Mastery Experiences'), finding inspiration in the achievements of others ('Vicarious Experiences'), the power of positive feedback ('Verbal Persuasion'), and managing physiological and emotional states to combat stress and anxiety. This episode offers a comprehensive guide on nurturing confidence through practical, science-backed methods. Stephanie's message is clear: confidence is not innate; it's a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Beyond Words: Mastering the Art of Communication
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High explores the essentials of effective communication. Diving into research from prestigious sources like the 'Harvard Business Review,' Stephanie reveals that effective communication is much more than just the words we speak. It encompasses active listening, understanding nonverbal cues, clarity and brevity, effective feedback, and emotional intelligence. By integrating these elements, she illustrates how we can enhance trust, convey confidence and empathy, and improve our overall interpersonal interactions. Stephanie’s insights provide practical tips for anyone looking to improve their communication skills, whether in a leadership role or everyday life. She emphasizes that mastering the art of communication is key to unlocking our full potential and achieving great results.






