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A BEACON FOR BETTER...

Bridge the gap between potential and peak performance

Whether you are leading executive teams through high-stakes transformation or building a squad competing at the pinnacle of elite sport, technical capability only gets you so far. When pressure mounts, collective trust and psychological adaptability become your competitive edge.

I help high-performing teams, transformational leaders, and elite athletes cultivate cognitive clarity, reduce friction, and develop psychological adaptability under pressure.

Using the BPS-accredited Spotlight Profile framework developed in elite sport, I help teams and their leaders understand their behavioural preferences and how to adapt when the stakes are highest.

Combining 20+ years of corporate leadership at global brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Cisco with evidence-based sport psychology, I deliver actionable interventions that transform how you and your team perform under pressure.

How we work together

Spotlight Profile Sessions & Team Workshops

The Science of Adaptability & Peak Team Performance

Moving beyond static personality boxes, Spotlight by Mindflick—born in elite sport—captures real-time behavioral flexibility (FLEX) and mental coping strategies (COPE), replacing "who you are" with "how can you adapt to perform under pressure?”

Key Client Outcomes:

  • Build Psychological Safety & Mutual Trust: Give team members explicit "Wriggle Room"— understanding the exact support and space each person needs to unlock their natural strengths without judgment.

  • Master "Empty Chair" Thinking: Actively flex beyond your natural biases. By bringing the perspectives least in your spotlight into decision-making, you eliminate team blindspots and build cognitive agility when stakes are high.

  • Prevent Overplayed Strengths: Identify early stress triggers to stop top performers from doubling down on habits that turn strengths into derailers under pressure.

  • Establish a Shared High-Performance Language: Accelerate team alignment, reduce friction during change, and foster a culture grounded in psychological adaptability.

Format Options:

  • Individual Spotlight Debriefs (1:1): Deep-dive profile debriefs to map personal strengths, stress triggers, decision-making biases, and performance levers.

  • Interactive Team Workshops & Maps: Hands-on group sessions mapping collective team dynamics, building mutual trust, and training adaptable execution under pressure

Performance Psychology Coaching

Cognitive Clarity, Psychological Flexibility & Values-Driven Action

Motivation gets you started, but cognitive control keeps you executing when stakes are high. Drawing flexibly from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), — alongside Motivational Interviewing — coaching is never one-size-fits-all. I adapt the methodology to match your unique cognitive style, timeline, and specific challenge:

  • When perfectionism or irrational demands block performance: We might use REBT to actively dispute rigid beliefs ("I must execute flawlessly") and replace them with pragmatic, high-performance philosophies.

  • When uncomfortable emotions or thoughts threaten focus: We might leverage ACT to build psychological flexibility—teaching you to unhook from intrusive thoughts, accept the inevitable discomfort of high-pressure environments, and take committed action toward your core values.

Key Client Outcomes:

  • Develop True Psychological Flexibility: Learn to make room for anxiety, self-doubt, or pressure without letting those feelings dictate your behaviour or derail your decision-making.

  • Deconstruct Irrational Demands & Imposter Syndrome: Systematically dismantle core beliefs that lead to burnout, overthinking, and analysis paralysis, building a resilient cognitive foundation.

  • Rapid Problem Solving & Immediate Traction: Leverage your existing personal resources to generate rapid insights, bypass root-cause dwelling, and leave with the tools to build momentum.

  • Drive Values-Aligned Action: Move beyond short-term emotional reactions to align your daily actions and high-stakes choices with long-term professional and personal values.

    Format Options

  • 1:1 Breakthrough "Single-Session" Strategy Call: A targeted, highly structured 60–90 minute session focused on a specific upcoming event, critical decision, or performance bottleneck. You walk away with immediate clarity and an actionable execution plan.

  • Executive & Founder Performance Coaching: High-cadence retainer or targeted coaching blocks designed for leaders navigating career pivots, high-growth pressure, or organisational transformation.

  • Elite Athlete & Performance Mastery Coaching: Dedicated mental skills training for athletes, coaches, founders, and high-performing individuals striving for competitive mastery and inner excellence.

Contact me

Testimonials

  • Leadership & Performance Coaching Amsterdam

    Andrew Brice

    Talent Acquisition Director - Nike

    ———

    The impact Leighton has had on our team and other business teams across Nike has been incredible. You don’t earn that level of appreciation by accident—it reflects the way he shows up, invests in people, and makes everyone around him better. If you’re looking for support with coaching or building high-performing teams, I’d highly recommend connecting with Leighton. As a certified Spotlight practitioner, Nike has seen first-hand the impact he can have.

  • Leadership and team development workshop

    Kim Kleine Staarman

    CEO - Spargle

    ———

    Participating in the SCORE(S) leadership program was a game-changer for me and my team. Through the five phases of the program, we explored the importance of identity leadership, honed in on our meaningful identities, and collaboratively developed our team's values, behaviours, and vision. This holistic approach not only empowered us to become the leaders we aspire to be but also ensured that our growth was aligned with our collective goals. I highly recommend the SCORE(S) program to any organization seeking to foster strong, cohesive teams and cultivate effective, inclusive leadership.

  • Executive Coaching Leadership Mindset Performance

    Hayley Sangster

    Vice President - Velocity Global
    ———
    I hired Leighton to help me navigate my next career steps and overcome imposter syndrome. He provided valuable insights and practical tools to tackle insecurities, giving me clarity and confidence in my path forward. As an accountability partner, he challenges and motivates me to succeed. Working with him has been truly transformative

  • Spotlight Teaming Workshops Amsterdam

    Debby Prang

    Design Director - Nike

    ———

    Thank you for the great work you have put into guiding the team through these teaming workshops , it’s been really valuable. The sessions were impactful, and the way you’ve structured the follow-up and key behaviours feels clear and actionable. It gives a solid foundation to continue building the right team dynamic and culture. Thank you for the energy, openness, and thoughtfulness you brought into working with the team.

  • Sport Psychology Amsterdam

    Emily davidson

    Kart Racer

    ———

    Working with Leighton continues to be an incredibly valuable experience. His support, dedication, and expertise have been invaluable in my karting journey. He is always willing to help me in any way he can, offering guidance and encouragement to ensure I continue improving. I began working with Leighton last year during my injury recovery when I lost all enjoyment of my sport. His support during this period was invaluable and without his guidance, I would have walked away from the sport I love. I am incredibly grateful for his help and am back to enjoying karting again. I would highly recommend him to any athlete looking to strengthen their mindset and performance

  • sport psychology

    Dr Brian Hemmings

    PhD, C. Psychol.,
    HCPC Registered Sport Psychologist
    ———
    It is a pleasure to endorse the work of Leighton. His background in sport psychology and leadership development together with his ability to form strong professional relationships, means he can have bespoke conversations and deliver impactful interventions for increased well-being and performance for clients

  • mindset coaching amsterdam

    Victoria Chong

    Recruiter, coach & consultant
    ———

    What sets Leighton apart from other coaches is the way he sees the world and how he is able to help people in every walk of life.

    When challenges seem too overwhelming, he helps you get perspective. And suddenly from a different angle, everything becomes more manageable and bitesize. He is an extraordinary listener and I leave every session feeling empowered. If you get a chance, ask for the walk & talk!

  • REBT Sport Psychology

    Hugh Gilmore

    Head of Performance Psychology - Podium Psychology
    ———
    Leighton has trained in Motivational Interviewing with Podium Psychology, and is actively engaged in our community of practitioners. His ability to listen and think critically and support a person to develop their best performance is exceptional. I would also say that Leighton’s passion for performance psychology coupled with his Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy training sets him apart as a practitioner.

  • Performance Psychology Amsterdam

    Marco Groen

    Account Manager - Breinstein

    ———

    Leighton is a genuinely empathetic coach with real-life experience and hands-on knowledge. This enables him to understand people’s needs and collaboratively find the best-fitting path to improvement. These skills, combined with a pleasant way of explaining have helped me overcome significant obstacles in my life. I would like to express my appreciation in this testimonial, hoping that more people can experience the same development that I have. Dankjewel Leighton! 🙏🏼