The psychology that changes how we lead | Paul McVeigh | TEDxBlack Mountain
What does it take to go from the streets of Belfast to the Premier League and beyond?
In this powerful and often humorous TEDx talk, former professional footballer Paul McVeigh shares the life-changing lessons behind world-class performance, and the beliefs that hold us back. From training with football legend Jürgen Klinsmann to doing yoga alone in a locker room of sceptical teammates, Paul reveals how dreams begin, how doubt creeps in, and what happens when you believe anyway.
With three unforgettable stories, and one unforgettable Aunt Jean, Paul explores the real psychology of belief and performance. Whether you're leading a team, chasing a dream, or simply trying to believe in yourself again, this talk might just change how you see what’s possible.
“What if one small belief was the difference between watching from the sidelines… and scoring your own goal?”
Paul McVeigh is a former Premier League footballer
who played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur,
Norwich City, and representing Northern Ireland
internationally. After retiring, Paul transitioned into
performance psychology, driven by a passion for
understanding what separates good from great in both
sport and business.Now a sought-after speaker, coach, and author of The
Stupid Footballer is Dead, he works with global
organisations and elite performers to improve
mindset, resilience, and high performance. Paul
combines lived experience at the top level of sport
with evidence-based psychological strategies, helping
individuals and teams unlock their full potential. His
engaging, practical approach continues to inspire
audiences in sport, business, and beyond. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 25:49Riding Beyond Limits: From Dreams to Destiny | Rinaa Shah | TEDxSPCEThis inspiring talk traces the path of breaking barriers and defying stereotypes—revealing the grit, self-belief, and resilience it takes to succeed. It shatters the illusion of instant wealth, showing that true triumph comes from passion, persistence, and resilient faith in oneself Rinaa Shah, India’s first female polo player, transitioned from a successful fashion career to polo in 2009. After training in India, Argentina, and the UK, she won several tournaments and launched her own polo team, ‘Rinaldi Polo.’ Known for her fashion label ‘Rinaldi Designs,’ which had a celebrity clientele, Rinaa now blends her passion for polo with her design work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 20:51Strings of Truth: Realities and Journey of Musicians | Sandeep Thakur & Yutika Banerjee | TEDxSPCEThis talk delves into the never seen side of the music industry—breaking common myths, revealing hard realities, and sharing the struggles behind the spotlights. It offers an honest look at what it takes to pursue a musical career with passion and resilience. Sandeep Thakur is an Indian violinist known for his work in Bollywood films like Mohabbatein and Dangal, collaborating with top composers like A R Rahman. He has performed at renowned venues like The Royal Albert Hall and worked on global projects like Raga Symphony. A TEDx speaker and viral YouTube artist, he aims to inspire a passion for the violin worldwide.Yutika Banerjee, a versatile violinist from Mumbai, is celebrated for her vibrant and energetic performances. Starting her musical journey at age 6, she gained prominence in 2015 and has since performed at over 2,000 shows across India and internationally, including UAE, Kenya, and Thailand. She has collaborated with top brands like ORRA, SBI, and Skoda, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:47The Mind as Stage: Unlocking Potential Through Hypnosis and Mentalism | Shibin Harinadh | TEDxSPCEA hypnotist, mentalist, kickboxing champion, and MMA practitioner explores the limits of the mind through psychology, science, and showmanship. With live mentalism and hypnosis, this talk reveals how shifts in perspective can unlock potential, break barriers, and inspire self-discovery. Shibin Harinadh is a hypnotist, mentalist, national kickboxing champion, and MMA practitioner. A two-time TEDx speaker, he blends psychology, science, and showmanship in his performances, inspiring audiences to unlock their potential while continuing his own journey of learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:01Хобби | Batmanlai Byambadorj | TEDxKhanuulЗорилгынхоо төлөө үргэлж тэмүүлээрэй Бүжгийн спортын олон улсын хэмжээний мастер This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:58Монгол мөрөөдөл | Zolbayar E | TEDxKhanuulМөрөөдлийг залуус бий болгодог, мөрөөдөлд залуус хүргэдэг. Lemon Press хамтран үүсгэн байгуулагч, Capital Markets Mongolia-н үүсгэн байгуулагч гүйцэтгэх захирал This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:02Хөдөлмөр | Odgerel B | TEDxKhanuulХийж байгаа зүйлдээ дурла, дуртай зүйлээ хий. Ойм ногоон урлангийн үүсгэн байгуулагч This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx