In this episode, I sit down with professional footballer and coach Coleby Shepherd, someone I’ve known since he was a teenager, when I used to train him at my gym.
From never touching alcohol to investing almost half his wages in training at 16, Coleby’s discipline and mindset are rare. He opens up about his disappointment of being released from Sunderland Academy, to overcoming that and what it really takes to become a professional athlete, and the mental toughness required to compete day in and day out.
Coleby shares his insights on Leeds United star Sam Greenwood and what he learned from him during their time at the academy.
We discuss confidence, failure, and the psychology of high performance, exploring how lessons from elite mentors, such as Manchester United’s former S&C coach Mick Clegg (The man Ronaldo credited for this increase in performance), have shaped his life.
We also explore how he’s channelled that same mindset into business, launching his own gym and football academy to pass on the lessons to the next generation.
If you want to know what true commitment looks like — and the mindset behind elite performance — this one’s unmissable.
Key talking points:
Getting released from Sunderland at 15 — and how rejection fuelled his drive.
Training with men at 16 — and the mindset shift it demanded.
Never drank, smoked, or partied — full commitment to the game.
Confidence vs competency — why skill trumps self-belief under pressure.
Behind the scenes of pro football — no off days, constant competition.
How to handle setbacks and stay match-ready, mentally and physically.
Lessons from elite mentor Mick Clegg — the man who trained Ronaldo.
Bringing the athlete mindset into business — and coaching the next generation.
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Website: www.iamdavidwilkinson.com
