The Talent Equation Podcast

In this ‘Dog Walk Diary’ episode, I dive deep into how narratives and slogans shape coaching approaches and talent development, particularly examining how research concepts like the "10,000-hour rule" and "talent needs trauma" get oversimplified and sometimes misapplied in practice. I explore the tension between evidence-informed practice and harmful performance narratives, advocating for a more nuanced "talent needs turbulence" approach that values challenge without crossing into potentially damaging territory. Key takeaways: - How Ericsson's deliberate practice research was popularised but oversimplified through Gladwell's "10,000-hour rule," shifting focus from quality to quantity - Why catchy three-word slogans like "talent needs trauma" can be problematic when they justify harsh coaching practices in performance environments - The importance of researchers taking responsibility for how their work is presented and the real-world consequences of their messaging If you're interested in joining more convers