Why Grit Is Killing Your High Performers And What Elite Teams Do Instead | Dr. Amy Athey

Discover how holistic human performance can transform leadership and organizational success in From the Top. Host Chad Hesters sits down with Dr. Amy Athey to explore the science behind elite performance and why it’s essential for today’s executives.

By Chad Hesters

In this episode of From the Top, host Chad Hesters welcomes Dr. Amy Athey, an expert in performance psychology with experience spanning elite athletics, special operations, and corporate leadership. Together, they unpack the principles of holistic human performance—an integrated approach to optimizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being—and discuss why this model, long embraced by high-performing teams in sports and the military, is becoming critical for executives navigating today’s complex business landscape. Listeners will gain insight into how organizations can elevate performance, resilience, and leadership effectiveness by prioritizing the whole person.

Watch the full episode below:

About the Author

Chad Hesters

President & CEO, Boyden Corporation
Member, Board of Directors

Chad Hesters is an experienced global leader with a comprehensive background in executive search, business advisory and consulting. As CEO, he focuses on maintaining Boyden’s high standard of client service and its industry leadership, while developing and implementing strategies to further expand the firm’s global presence and enhance its capabilities across all lines of business.