Drop the Act

Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most. In Part 2 of this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite performance, and what business leaders can learn from one of the most precise teams on the planet. 🎧 What You'll Learn: How the Red Arrows use tone and timing for split-second decisions Why communication isn’t optional—it's life or death What business teams can learn from military preparation and debriefs The power of visual signals and body language How Daniel mentally prepared to fly at 1,300 mph, 250 ft off the ground Why self-belief and ego (in the right measure) are essential to performance 👨‍✈️ About Daniel Lowes: Daniel is a former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor who served for over 16 years. His experience spans global combat training missions, elite-level aerobatics, and the kind of trust-driven teamwork that only exists at 700 mph in tight formation. Connect with Dan Lowes: 🌐 Website: www.daniellowes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @daniel.lowes 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellowes 🐦 X (Twitter): @Daniel_Lowes 🎭 About Christopher Key & Performing Perfectly: Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a training company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead through the power of performance. Connect with Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com 📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly 🔁 Don’t Miss Part 2: This episode is just the beginning. In the next instalment, Chris and Dan dive even deeper into the mindset of elite performers, sharing more stories, strategies, and takeaways for anyone serious about communication and leadership. 📢 Like What You Heard? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders who need to hear what it means to Drop the Act and lead with clarity and confidence

Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most. In this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite performance, and what business leaders can learn from one of the most precise teams on the planet. 🎧 What You'll Learn: How the Red Arrows use tone and timing for split-second decisions Why communication isn’t optional—it's life or death What business teams can learn from military preparation and debriefs The power of visual signals and body language How Daniel mentally prepared to fly at 1,300 mph, 250 ft off the ground Why self-belief and ego (in the right measure) are essential to performance 👨‍✈️ About Daniel Lowes: Daniel is a former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor who served for over 16 years. His experience spans global combat training missions, elite-level aerobatics, and the kind of trust-driven teamwork that only exists at 700 mph in tight formation. Connect with Dan Lowes: 🌐 Website: www.daniellowes.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @daniel.lowes 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellowes 🐦 X (Twitter): @Daniel_Lowes 🎭 About Christopher Key & Performing Perfectly: Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a training company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead through the power of performance. Connect with Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com 📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly 🔁 Don’t Miss Part 2: This episode is just the beginning. In the next instalment, Chris and Dan dive even deeper into the mindset of elite performers, sharing more stories, strategies, and takeaways for anyone serious about communication and leadership. 📢 Like What You Heard? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders who need to hear what it means to Drop the Act and lead with clarity and confidence

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Richard Wallace, co-founder of Liverpool Media Academy (LMA)—a leading creative institution in media, music, and performing arts. Since launching LMA in 2009 with his brother Simon, Richard has grown the academy into a multi-campus success story, with major backing from Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie, and global superstar Robbie Williams. Richard shares his journey from launching a bold new educational model to becoming a voice for change in how we develop talent across the creative industries. He opens up about the reality of imposter syndrome—even at the top, the evolution of modern education, and why collaboration—not competition—is the key to thriving as an artist or leader today. From managing burnout to building confidence and culture, this conversation offers powerful lessons in leading with purpose, especially in a world where creativity and performance intersect.   💡 Key Highlights Imposter Syndrome? You’re Not Alone – Even the most successful leaders feel it. Here’s what to do with it. Education Is Changing—Are You? – Why the traditional model isn’t fit for today’s creative world, and how LMA is rewriting the script. Artists, Stop Competing—Start Collaborating – A fresh perspective on why teamwork outperforms ego. Balancing Work and Personal Life – The honest truth about protecting your energy in high-demand environments. Building Creative Confidence – Why belief is the foundation of every success story. 🧠 Takeaways for Leaders & Teams Mindset matters – Believing in yourself—and those around you—is the first step to building something meaningful. Collaboration wins – Whether in education, business or the arts, shared success beats solo battles. Lead with empathy – Understanding the human behind the performer unlocks real potential. Reimagine the system – The world is changing—our approach to learning, leading, and growing should too. About Richard Wallace: Richard Wallace is the co-founder of LMA (Liverpool Media Academy), a groundbreaking creative institution offering education in media, music, performing arts, and digital innovation. Since launching LMA in 2009 with his brother Simon, Richard has championed a vision to empower the next generation of creatives. With support from Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie, and global pop icon Robbie Williams, LMA has expanded across Liverpool and London. As a passionate leader and advocate for collaboration, Richard continues to inspire students and organisations to embrace change, unlock talent, and lead with heart.  Contact Us: Performing Perfectly Website Performing Perfectly on Instagram Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn LMA Website Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.  

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Leon Lloyd, a former England international rugby player, high-performance strategist, and leadership expert. With 11 major trophies, including English and European titles with Leicester Tigers, Leon has competed at the highest level against some of the world’s best athletes. Leon shares his unique journey from professional sport to becoming an influential speaker and advisor for top organisations, including Microsoft, AMEX, the Premier League, and the UK Special Forces. He discusses how the skills and lessons learned on the field are directly transferable to building high-performance teams and sustainable success in the corporate world. He dives deep into the leadership skills you can’t afford to ignore, the hidden struggles of life after sports, and the secret to managing big egos in elite teams. Leon also explores why success starts in the mind, how to foster a culture that outperforms raw talent, and how to navigate the challenges of starting over after a professional sports career.   Key Highlights: The Leadership Skill You Can’t Ignore – The one thing every leader needs to master. Life After Sports: The Battle No One Talks About – Navigating the challenges of transitioning out of professional sport. Managing Big Egos in Elite Teams – Strategies for maintaining harmony and performance. The Athlete’s Perspective on Success – Why mindset is the foundation of high performance. Team Culture vs. Talent – Why culture beats raw talent every time.   Takeaways for Leaders & Teams: Mindset is key – Achieving long-term success starts with the right mental approach. Building high-performing teams – Leadership, communication, and culture matter more than individual talent. Overcoming transitions – Whether in sports or business, starting over can be challenging but rewarding.   About Leon Lloyd: Leon Lloyd is a former England international rugby player with a decorated career, including 11 major titles. Now a sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance strategist, Leon helps organisations build resilient teams and positive cultures. With academic credentials, including a first-class honors degree and an MBA with distinction, Leon is committed to empowering teams and leaders to achieve lasting success. Contact Us: Performing Perfectly Website Performing Perfectly on Instagram Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn Contact Leon Lloyd via LinkedIn Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.  

Episode Overview In this season finale of Drop the Act, Christopher Key sits down with Lucy Key, co-founder of Performing Perfectly, to reveal the hidden techniques behind powerful communication. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 3 key components of effective communication: body language, voice, and words ✔️ How storytelling releases oxytocin, building trust and engagement ✔️ Why most business leaders fail at communication (and how to fix it) ✔️ The psychology behind nerves—and how to control them like a performer ✔️ The biggest mistakes professionals make when speaking ✔️ How breathing techniques can transform your confidence in public speaking Lucy shares insider secrets from her experience as a West End performer and explains how the same skills used on stage can help business leaders, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs captivate any audience. 📢 Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a keynote, or pitching a deal, this episode will change the way you communicate. About Lucy Key Lucy Key is the co-founder of Performing Perfectly, an expert in effective communication and performance coaching. With a background in West End theatre, Lucy blends theatrical techniques, psychology, and coaching to help business leaders and professionals command the room, inspire audiences, and speak with impact. 🔗 Learn more about Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com 📧 Email: hello@performingperfectly.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Tess Howard, an Olympic hockey player, sports equality advocate, and founder of Inclusive Sportswear. At just 25 years old, Tess has already left a lasting impact on and off the field—making her Olympic debut in Paris while leading a movement for inclusive sportswear that has changed hockey uniforms forever. Tess shares her inspiring journey as an athlete and changemaker, exploring how she balances elite performance with driving meaningful social change. She discusses why sports uniforms should be about choice, how her research and activism led to a groundbreaking shift in women’s sportswear, and why 70% of girls quit sports—and what we can do to change that. She also reflects on the psychological secrets to peak performance, the leadership lessons she’s learned from Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and how her Olympic journey is transforming her both as an athlete and as a person. Key Highlights: The Fight for Inclusive Sportswear – Why uniform choice matters and how Tess successfully campaigned for change. Peak Performance & Mindset – The psychological strategies that drive elite athletes to success. Why 70% of Girls Quit Sports – Understanding the barriers and how we can create a more inclusive future. Leadership Lessons from Ruth Bader Ginsburg – What a Supreme Court Justice taught Tess about resilience and advocacy. Winning Awards, But the Fight Isn’t Over – How Tess continues to push for greater inclusivity in sports. The Olympic Journey & Personal Growth – How representing her country on the world’s biggest stage has shaped her. Takeaways for Leaders & Changemakers: Lead with Purpose – Advocacy and leadership go hand in hand. Tess’s story proves that even one voice can create massive change. Performance Is Psychological – Success in sports and business comes from mindset, confidence, and mental resilience. Inclusivity Drives Participation – Making sports more accessible empowers more people to stay engaged and reach their full potential. Change Starts with You – Whether in sports or leadership, challenging outdated norms  About Tess Howard: Tess Howard is an Olympic hockey player for Team GB and a leading voice for inclusivity in sports. As the founder of Inclusive Sportswear and winner of the Changemaker Award at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year ceremony, she is dedicated to ensuring that every athlete, regardless of gender, feels empowered and comfortable in their sport. Her advocacy has led to a revolutionary change in women’s hockey uniforms, proving that small changes can make a massive difference. Contact Us: Performing Perfectly Website Performing Perfectly on Instagram Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn Contact Tess Howard via LinkedIn Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.  

Episode Summary: In this episode of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with former professional footballer turned keynote speaker, Mark O’Brien. From making his senior debut at just 16 to retiring at 27 due to a life-threatening heart condition, Mark’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose beyond the game. Together, they explore the mental battles of elite sport, overcoming setbacks, and the lessons leaders can learn from high-performance athletes.   Key Takeaways: The Struggle of Letting Go and Finding New Purpose: Mark opens up about the emotional toll of retiring at 27 and the identity crisis that followed. He shares how he transitioned from athlete to speaker, finding a new purpose in helping others navigate change. What Facing Death Taught Me About Living: A routine heart screening at 16 revealed a life-threatening condition, forcing Mark to confront mortality at a young age. He discusses how this changed his perspective on life, resilience, and making every moment count. Retired at 27 – The Mental Struggles No One Talks About: While early retirement might sound like a dream, for athletes, it can be an identity-shattering experience. Mark delves into the unseen mental health struggles, from loss of purpose to rebuilding self-worth. How to Truly Connect with Young Athletes: Mark reflects on his experiences mentoring young footballers and the importance of genuine connection, honesty, and vulnerability in coaching and leadership. Every Setback Is a Comeback – The Power of Mindset: From being told he might never play football again to making a senior debut, Mark shares how mindset, perseverance, and adapting to change have shaped his career and life.   Actionable Tips for Business Leaders: Adaptability is key – When life forces a pivot, embrace change as an opportunity, not an obstacle. Mental resilience isn’t just for athletes – Leaders should build a strong mindset to navigate setbacks. True leadership is about connection – Whether in sports or business, people follow those who genuinely care. Don’t let setbacks define you – Instead, let them shape your next move. Reevaluate your ‘why’ often – Purpose evolves, and so should your approach to success.   Notable Quotes: “You can either let setbacks break you, or you can let them build you.” – Mark O’Brien “At 16, I was told I might not survive surgery. That’s when I truly started living.” – Mark O’Brien “Retirement wasn’t the hard part. Figuring out who I was without football—that was the real challenge.” – Mark O’Brien “Great leaders don’t just instruct, they listen. They connect.” – Mark O’Brien “Football gave me a career, but adversity gave me a purpose.” – Mark O’Brien Connect with Us: Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly Podcast Subscription: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.  

Episode Summary: In this episode of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with two seasoned performers, Ceili O’Connor and Conner Gillooly, currently starring in School of Rock on its international tour. Broadcasting from Hong Kong, the trio explores the intersection of theatre and business, revealing key insights on confidence, resilience, communication, and the art of effective storytelling. Key Takeaways: Theatre as a Training Ground for Business: Ceili and Conner discuss how their early fascination with people-watching and body language shaped their ability to communicate effectively on and off stage. Rejection and Resilience: Conner shares wisdom from his salesman father about collecting ‘no’s’ as steps toward a ‘yes,’ while Ceili emphasizes the importance of developing a strong support network. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Both actors recount personal battles with self-doubt and how they’ve learned to trust their preparation and unique approach. The Power of Presence: The importance of mindfulness, breathwork, and hydration in managing nerves before stepping into the spotlight—lessons equally applicable in the corporate world. The Impact of Body Language: Ceili explains how posture, eye contact, and stance project confidence, while Conner highlights how physicality can shape emotion and delivery. Bringing Playfulness into Performance: Whether on stage or in the boardroom, a sense of play and improvisation can help unlock creativity and authentic engagement. Lessons from Working with Young Performers: The duo reflects on the inspiration drawn from child actors in School of Rock—their fearless energy and openness to learning serve as reminders for professionals to embrace curiosity and adaptability. Mistakes as Gifts: Conner advocates for embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth, reframing setbacks as moments to innovate rather than failures. Actionable Tips for Business Leaders: View every public speaking opportunity as a performance—prepare, but stay flexible. Use breathwork and hydration to stay grounded under pressure. Embrace rejection as part of the journey to success. Trust in your knowledge and unique voice—don’t try to imitate others. Pay attention to your body language and adjust it to project confidence and authority. Notable Quotes: “Collect the ‘no’s’—each one gets you closer to a ‘yes.’” – Conner Gillooly “Our greatest tool as performers is our ability to observe and adapt.” – Ceili O’Connor “Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re gifts.” – Conner Gillooly “Confidence isn’t about faking it—it’s about trusting yourself.” – Ceili O’Connor Connect with Us: Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly Podcast Subscription: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Claire Colvin, co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader, to explore the mindset, strategy, and leadership skills needed to scale a business with confidence and sustainability. With over 23 years of experience in business transformation, Claire shares her expertise in building high-performing teams, creating people-centred systems, and overcoming the challenges of scaling. She discusses why authenticity is the #1 leadership trait, how to crush self-doubt for good, and the key business lesson every leader needs to hear. Claire also dives into why many business leaders fall out of love with their work, the common leadership habits that drive—or hinder—growth, and why most leaders are terrible listeners. She breaks down the #1 leadership mistake that leads to failure and explores the role of love in leadership—can it actually make you a better leader? Key Highlights: Authentic Leadership in Scaling – Why vulnerability, trust, and leading with heart are essential for business growth. Overcoming Self-Doubt – How taking action, even in uncertainty, builds confidence and resilience. The Power of Relationships in Business – Why successful partnerships focus on mutual success, not just transactions. Scaling Beyond Strategy – The crucial role of energy management, mindset, and delegation in sustainable scaling. Fear vs. Trust in Leadership – How leaders who operate from trust foster innovation, while fear-based decisions create roadblocks. Building People-Centred Systems – How the right structures and culture drive long-term success. Takeaways for Business Leaders: Lead with Authenticity – The best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they build trust and empower their teams. Trust Over Fear – A leadership style rooted in trust creates stronger teams and better results. Success Is a Team Effort – Scaling isn’t just about strategy; it’s about creating the right culture and systems. Invest in Relationships – Business growth is built on strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. Energy Management Matters – Sustainable scaling requires leaders to manage their energy, not just their time. About Claire Colvin: Claire Colvin is the co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader dedicated to helping companies achieve scalable, sustainable growth. With over 23 years of experience in high-growth SMEs, global organisations, and major UK PLCs, Claire specialises in building people-centred systems that empower businesses to scale effectively. As a CIPD-qualified expert with a Master’s in HRM, she has a deep understanding of leadership, organisational development, and team performance. At Simple Scaling, Claire works alongside Brendan McGurgan to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the strategies, mindset, and tools needed to scale with confidence. Passionate about fostering trust, self-awareness, and high-performing teams, Claire is committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential.   Contact Us: Performing Perfectly Website Performing Perfectly on Instagram Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn Contact Claire via LinkedIn  Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.  

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with former Premier League striker and football pundit Chris Sutton to discuss his journey from the pitch to the world of sports broadcasting. With a storied football career spanning Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Celtic, Chris reflects on the highs and lows of his time in the game, including winning the Premier League, handling tough coaching styles, and the reality of football punditry. He shares insights on leadership, team spirit, and the power of honest feedback—both on and off the field. Chris also dives into the transition from player to pundit, the impact of tough love in shaping his career, and why great leaders sometimes inspire without saying a word. Whether you're a football fan or a business leader, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, teamwork, and the power of direct communication.    Key Highlights: How Great Leaders Inspire Without Saying a Word – Chris shares why some of the best leaders don’t need big speeches to make an impact. The Brutal World of Football Punditry – What it’s really like to critique players and managers on live TV and radio.  Winning Teams Need More Than Talent—Here’s Why – The crucial elements beyond skill that make a team successful. How Tough Love Shaped My Career – The role of no-nonsense coaching and hard truths in Chris’s journey from young striker to champion.  Does Team Spirit Really Win Games? – Breaking down the debate: is chemistry just a myth, or does it make all the difference? No Sugarcoating: How Honest Feedback Fuels Growth – Why brutal honesty can be the key to improving performance in sports and business.   Takeaways for Business Leaders: Lead by Example – Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. True leadership doesn’t always require big speeches. Embrace Criticism – Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, honest feedback—no matter how tough—drives real growth. Beyond Talent: The Winning Formula – Success isn’t just about ability. Team spirit, adaptability, and hard work set great teams apart. Stay Resilient – Chris’s journey proves that setbacks, from transfers to career shifts, are stepping stones to success.   About Chris Sutton: Chris Sutton began his football career at Norwich City before making history with a record-breaking transfer to Blackburn Rovers, where he won the Premier League in 1994-95. He later played for Chelsea and enjoyed a decorated spell at Celtic, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups. After retiring, Chris became a respected football pundit, known for his candid analysis on BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live. His no-nonsense approach to the game continues to spark debate and provide valuable insights for players and fans alike. Contact Us: Performing Perfectly Website Performing Perfectly on Instagram Performing Perfectly on LinkedIn Contact Chris via LinkedIn Connect with Us: Stay inspired by following Performing Perfectly for more insights on leadership, communication, and storytelling.