In this conversation, Sten Morgan sits down with Dr. Jarrod Spencer, a concierge health and sports psychologist who works with elite performers—from pro athletes and championship teams to high-level executives. Jared breaks down the difference between “mental” work (thought-based) and “emotional” work (body-based), and why emotional energy is the real fuel behind health, leadership, and performance.

They explore how the culture around mental health has shifted (especially after high-profile moments like Olympic and pro sports withdrawals), and what high performers actually want: not an excuse to stop performing, but tools to show up at their best under pressure. Jared lays out a practical model for growth—outside-in learning (content + frameworks) combined with inside-out work (self-awareness + counseling/coaching)—and explains why most people’s limitations aren’t intellectual, but emotional.

A major throughline is that sleep is the foundation: without sleep, performance tools don’t stick. Jared shares tangible insights on circadian rhythm, phone addiction, and how better emotional energy leads to clearer thinking, stronger relationships, and better decision-making—especially for advisors who are paid to solve complex problems. The episode ends with a powerful question for every leader: “What is it like on the other side of you?”

Takeaways

Emotional energy is performance fuel. When it’s high, you think clearer, lead better, and perform stronger—when it’s low, even great people unravel.
High performers don’t want an “out”—they want an edge. The goal isn’t avoidance; it’s learning to show up well under pressure.
Growth requires two lanes: outside-in learning (podcasts/books/frameworks) + inside-out work (therapy/coaching, “know thyself”).
Leadership is built on EQ, not IQ. Emotional development drives trust, influence, and decision-making.
Sleep is the foundation of mental health and performance. If sleep is broken, mindset tools and performance techniques won’t stick.
Phone scrolling at night is “anti-melatonin.” Most people know what to do—but addiction and environment (including a partner’s habits) keep them stuck.
The biggest limitations are usually emotional. You can have the knowledge and resources—emotional blind spots are what typically trip people up.
Motivation determines how deep people go. Some pursue optimization; others finally act when relationships or life pressures force the issue.
Trust is built in layers. People “test the waters” first; real transformation happens when rapport is strong enough to go deep.
A better you changes the room. The question “What is it like on the other side of you?” becomes a compass for leadership and client relationships.

https://gobeelite.com/

217 The Missing Fuel Behind Elite Performance with Dr. Jarrod Spencer