By Dan Lothian
The conversation between Daniel Lothian and Ben Paszkowec, a performance psychologist, provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of working in high-performance sport. Ben shares his unconventional career path, beginning as a youth footballer before transitioning into psychology. His early career involved playing at youth level for Walsall and West Bromwich Albion before pivoting to academia, where he earned degrees in Science and Football and later Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University.
Ben emphasises the unpredictability of career trajectories in sport, noting how his move into self-employment arose organically. He highlights the adaptability required in sports roles, as well as the value of building strong professional networks to secure opportunities.
The conversation explores the emotional demands of working in sports, particularly in helping athletes manage transitions, setbacks, and the psychological toll of injuries. Ben reflects on the importance of fostering trust with athletes, which often involves blending technical expertise with interpersonal skills to understand the unique pressures they face.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing personal life with professional commitments in sport, especially in roles that require frequent travel and irregular hours. Ben underscores the need for self-care to maintain longevity in the industry.
A key takeaway is the collaborative nature of high-performance sport. Ben stresses the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, where specialists from diverse backgrounds—coaches, nutritionists, psychologists, and physiologists—must work cohesively to support athletes’ holistic development.
Ultimately, the conversation provides valuable insights into the dynamic, often unpredictable world of sport and the critical role psychology plays in enhancing athlete performance and well-being. For aspiring professionals, it offers practical advice on navigating career challenges and the significance of passion, adaptability, and resilience in achieving success.
D.T.Lothian@bham.ac.uk