Why Most Founders Plateau Early (According to the Research)

Most people still believe excellence is a gift. This episode shows you why that idea is false — and why that belief is quietly capping your potential. Today I break down one of my favourite pieces of performance research: The Making of an Expert by Anders Ericsson (the researcher behind Peak). It’s a rare, compact overview of what actually creates world-class performance in any field — business, coaching, sport, relationships, leadership, anything. Inside, we cover: • why experts are made, not born • why “being talented” predicts nothing • why most founders plateau early • the real definition of expertise (and why it’s uncomfortable) • what deliberate practice actually looks like • why most people never come close to their potential • how to structure your own path to elite performance • the role of coaches, feedback, and psychological stretch • why your mind — not your tactics — determines your ceiling If you’re a founder who feels capable of far more than you’re currently producing, this episode will give you a scientific blueprint for becoming exceptional — not through motivation, but through real sets and reps. This is how world-class performers are built. And it’s available to you.