Scott Shapiro, MD

Organizational and Executive Coach
Specializing in Workplace Performance and Productivity

performance coach

Performance Coach for Professional Athletes: 10 Proven Strategies for Unlocking Peak Outcomes on the Field

Performance Coach, performance coach Scott Shapiro, MD for Professional Athletes – Photo Credit – iStock Ostill

Performance Coach for Professional Athletes: 10 Proven Strategies for Unlocking Peak Performance

Testimonial from Rich Fernando, Former Director of Coaching Administration, Philadelphia 76ers – Worked with Performance Coach, Scott Shapiro, MD

“I met with Scott during my first month with the 76ers. I had been tasked by our head coach to develop a more efficient meeting and learning for both players and coaches. Scott was able to give me simple yet effective insights as well as benchmarks to maintain and enhance standards. It was a very productive and eye-opening meeting. I recommended him to people within my network as well.”

Performance Coach

Case Example

When Jamal*, a professional football player, was referred to me to be his performance coach, he was struggling with performance anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and inconsistent focus during games. In addition, he was traveling often with his team and juggling a demanding training and media schedule. We worked together remotely, which allowed him to fit sessions into his routine with ease. Moreover, through our work, Jamal began to feel more centered and in control. His pre-game anxiety decreased, he reported better sleep and reaction time, and most importantly, he found himself playing with more presence and confidence. The strategies we used—some of which are detailed below—helped him unlock his potential and extend his impact on the field.

This is the type of transformation I strive for with every athlete I work with.

Leading Performance Coach – Scott Shapiro, MD

As a peak performance coach, psychiatrist, and former competitive athlete, I help professional athletes achieve their goals and perform at their highest level—consistently. My work is grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science, combined with two decades of clinical experience and my own athletic background. I rowed for the University of Pennsylvania, ran the Marine Corps Marathon, and continue to compete in tennis. I understand the complex relationship between mindset, emotions, motivation, and cognitive performance—not just from theory, but from lived experience.

Over the years, I’ve worked with athletes who struggle with injuries, burnout, performance anxiety, fear of failure, or difficulty maintaining motivation. Many are already at the top of their game, but they want to break through to the next level. They seek an edge—not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. That’s where I come in.

Approach

Using a comprehensive, individualized approach that integrates neuroscience, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, executive coaching, mindfulness, and sports psychology, I help athletes train their minds with the same discipline and intentionality they use to train their bodies.

Here are ten core strategies I often incorporate in my work with professional athletes.

Visualization and Mental Imagery Training from a Performance Coach

Visualization activates the brain similarly to actual performance. By mentally rehearsing specific plays or routines, athletes strengthen the neural pathways needed for peak execution. In addition, mental imagery is a proven strategy that also reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.

Because of this science, we use vivid, multisensory exercises where athletes imagine successful performance from a first-person perspective. This may include visualizing the environment, bodily sensations, and even the emotions involved in competition.

Why It Matters:

Why it matters: Visualization can improve muscle memory, enhance motivation, and increase motor control. It is used across sports by elite performers to solidify technique and build psychological resilience (Di Fronso & Budnik-Przybylska, 2022).

Managing Anxiety and Arousal with Breathwork and Mindfulness

Anxiety and arousal are natural responses to high-stakes situations. However, excess adrenaline or tension can lead to decreased focus, shaky hands, and impaired decision-making. Breathwork helps regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce overactivation.

I teach athletes how to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s rest-and-digest mode—through techniques like resonance breathing and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). These help bring heart rate and breathing into sync, which increases vagal tone.

What is vagal tone? It refers to the activity of the vagus nerve, which helps regulate heart rate, digestion, and emotional state. High vagal tone is associated with better emotional regulation, focus, and resilience.

Mindfulness practices such as mindful yoga, body scanning, and sitting meditation have been shown to improve performance and reduce perceived stress in athletes (Di Fronso et al., 2022; Tebourski et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022).

Schema Therapy for Uncovering Hidden Roadblocks by Your Performance Coach

Many athletes carry unconscious beliefs about themselves, shaped by early life experiences. Schema therapy helps identify and transform these deep-rooted patterns. For example, a belief like “I must be perfect to be valued” can lead to crippling pressure and burnout.

We use guided imagery and cognitive restructuring to challenge and reframe these beliefs.

Ravi*, a pro tennis player, believed he was only worthy if he won. We uncovered this belief and worked through it using schema techniques. Over time, he was able to play with more freedom and less self-judgment.

Reframing Failure and Building a Growth Mindset

Athletes often interpret mistakes as proof of inadequacy. I teach clients to view failure as feedback. This involves replacing all-or-nothing thinking with more realistic assessments.

We use review protocols (like post-game analysis forms) to identify what worked and what needs improvement. This reframing builds a growth mindset—seeing challenges as opportunities to grow rather than signs of failure (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Precision Goal-Setting and Weekly Accountability Systems

Performance coaching isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about implementation. We set weekly SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and use WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) to anticipate barriers.

Tracking progress through shared digital platforms gives athletes immediate feedback. This creates momentum and builds trust in their own ability to grow.

Enhancing Executive Function for Strategic Thinking with Your Performance Coach

Executive functions are the brain’s command center—responsible for focus, planning, flexibility, and self-control. These are crucial for athletes who need to make split-second decisions or pivot under pressure.

We work on strategies like dual-task training (performing a cognitive and physical task simultaneously), emotional regulation exercises, and mental simulations of competitive situations.

Darius*, a team captain in pro hockey, learned to stay calm when his team fell behind. Using breath control and self-talk strategies, he maintained focus and helped lead a comeback.

Mindfulness for Performance (MFP) and In-the-Moment Focus

MFP teaches athletes to focus on the present, rather than obsess over past mistakes or future outcomes. This includes mindfulness drills that anchor attention to the body or breath.

As a performance coach, I help my clients be in the moment. This improves reaction time, decision-making, and emotional regulation. It also builds self-awareness, so athletes can redirect their focus when distracted (Tebourski et al., 2022).

Wearable Technology and Biometric Feedback for Recovery and Readiness

Wearables like WHOOP, Oura Ring, and Garmin collect real-time data on:

  • HRV (Heart Rate Variability): A key marker of stress and recovery
  • Sleep efficiency: The percentage of time in bed actually spent asleep
  • Recovery Score: A composite score based on physiological readiness

I help clients use this data to improve training timing, manage sleep hygiene, and optimize performance. For example, reducing screen time or caffeine after 6 p.m. can improve deep sleep and HRV.

Jordan, a pro football player*, used wearable data to fine-tune his sleep schedule. We saw a 20% improvement in his recovery scores and fewer energy crashes on game day.

Biofeedback and HRV Training for Stress Resilience

Biofeedback helps athletes learn to control internal physiological states. Devices like HeartMath’s emWave and Inner Balance monitor heart rate rhythms and teach users how to shift into a calm, focused state.

Why it matters: Higher HRV is linked to faster recovery, better focus, and improved emotional control. We also use the DAVID Delight Pro to help with sleep onset and mental clarity (MindAlive, n.d.).

Neurofeedback and Focus Training Using Wearable Tech

Neurofeedback uses EEG or light/sound stimulation to train the brain to produce desired states. For example,  I recommend DAVID Delight Pro helps athletes enter deep focus or relaxation states by modulating brainwave activity.

This is particularly helpful for athletes who experience “overthinking” during competition or struggle to wind down after intense training.

Conclusion about a Performance Coach

Helping athletes reach peak performance as a performance coach is both an art and a science. By aligning the athlete’s mind, emotions, physiology, and behavior with their performance goals, we unlock their full potential—not just for a season, but for a career.

If you’re a professional athlete ready to elevate your performance—or a coach seeking support for your team—I invite you to reach out. Together, we can train your most important muscle: your mind.

Bibliography

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The ‘what’ and ‘why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.

Di Fronso, S., & Budnik-Przybylska, D. (2022). Sport psychology interventions for athletes’ performance and well-being. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1024. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031024

Li, Y., Liu, C., Zhang, Y., & Huang, X. (2022). External versus internal attentional focus in sprint performance: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 2319. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19032319

Lochbaum, M., et al. (2022). Self-confidence and athletic performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031832

MindAlive. (n.d.). DAVID Delight Pro. https://mindalive.com

HeartMath. (n.d.). Inner Balance and emWave devices. https://www.heartmath.com

Oura Ring. (n.d.). Oura Ring Gen3. https://ouraring.com

Ruiz, M. C., Raglin, J. S., & Hanin, Y. L. (2022). Psychobiosocial states as mediators in the relationship between perceived stress and performance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 812. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19030812

Tebourski, T., Martinent, G., & Latinjak, A. T. (2022). Effects of mindfulness for performance training on athletes’ mindfulness and free-throw performance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

Wang, X., Zhang, C., & Liu, J. (2022). Mindfulness training and shooting performance in basketball: A quasi-experimental study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031210

WHOOP. (n.d.). WHOOP wearable performance tracker. https://www.whoop.com

Garmin. (n.d.). Garmin fitness watches. https://www.garmin.com

*Disclaimer: All names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. These case studies are illustrative in nature and are not intended to represent any specific individual.

 

7 Strategies for Bankers, Private Equity, and Hedge Fund Professionals to Improve Focus and Performance

Investing banking, hedge fund, financial industry, private equity, improving focus and performance - elite performance
Improve Productivity and Reach Your Goals – Productivity Coach, Scott Shapiro, MD – Executive Coach – Achieving Elite Performance Photo Credit-iStock AndreyPopov

In high-stakes finance, your edge isn’t just your intellect—it’s your ability to focus under pressure, make sharp decisions, and sustain performance over long hours and volatile conditions. Whether you’re on the buy-side analyzing a deal, in meetings from dawn until after the market closes, or managing a demanding client portfolio, the ability to direct your mental energy is what separates top performers from the rest.

As a psychiatrist and executive coach based in New York City, I work with investment bankers, private equity leaders, and hedge fund professionals to fine-tune their performance using strategies grounded in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and real-world application. These seven strategies will help you cut through mental clutter, protect your cognitive bandwidth, and perform at your best—without burning out.

1. Win the First 90 Minutes of Your Day and Boost Your Performance

Start your day with intention, not reaction. Avoid diving into emails, Slack, or Bloomberg alerts the moment you wake up. Instead, use your first 90 minutes for high-leverage thinking—developing an investment thesis, planning a pitch, or outlining your talking points for a key meeting. During this time, block distractions, protect your calendar, and focus on value-generating work. This primes your brain for clarity and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

2. Apply the “One-In, One-Out” Rule to Your Mental Bandwidth

Your brain, like your portfolio, has limited capacity. If you’re juggling six priorities simultaneously, you’re not executing any of them optimally. High performers often overestimate how much they can take on without mental cost. Adopt a rule: for every major commitment or new deal that enters your pipeline, something must exit or be deprioritized. Protecting cognitive bandwidth improves accuracy and sharpens strategic thinking.

3. Use “Power Sprints” to Drive Deep Work

Work in targeted sprints—45 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted, distraction-free focus. Turn off notifications, close unused browser tabs, and keep only the materials relevant to the task in front of you. After the sprint, take a 5–10 minute break to reset. These focused bursts are ideal for financial modeling, analyzing data, or writing investment memos. Over time, this approach trains your brain for depth and precision.

4. Shift from Reactive to Proactive Communication

Constant communication can fracture focus. Slack messages, email chains, and meeting overload often make people feel productive without actually producing. To regain control, block specific times for communication and protect other windows for strategy and execution. Create a culture around intentional check-ins rather than defaulting to always-on responsiveness. You’ll be more focused—and more respected—for it.

5. Preload Decisions to Reduce Mental Fatigue

Decision fatigue is real, and in finance, the number of micro-decisions you make daily is staggering. Create routines and systems to offload low-impact decisions. This might mean setting a fixed morning routine, automating calendar priorities, or standardizing how you review new opportunities. By conserving your mental energy for high-value calls—like investment evaluations, hiring, or negotiation—you improve decision quality when it matters most.

6. Audit Your Calendar Like a Portfolio

Time is your scarcest resource. Every meeting should have a clear return on time (ROT). Review your calendar weekly and ask: which meetings are aligned with my priorities, and which are legacy obligations? Cut or consolidate anything that isn’t moving the needle. Just as you wouldn’t hold a non-performing asset, don’t allow time-sinks to accumulate. The highest performers are ruthless about protecting time for thinking, creating, and executing.

7. Recover as Intentionally as You Work

High performers often treat recovery as optional, but it’s non-negotiable for sustained performance. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation shrink the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for focus, planning, and impulse control. Build recovery into your schedule the way you build in earnings calls or board meetings. Even 10 minutes of mindfulness, walking without your phone, or breathwork can reset your nervous system and boost clarity. Recovery isn’t a weakness—it’s a performance multiplier.

Final Thought

The intensity of banking, private equity, and hedge fund environments doesn’t just demand technical excellence—it demands mental agility, emotional control, and sustainable focus. You can’t afford to burn out, zone out, or get caught in a loop of busywork that doesn’t move your career or your firm forward.

These strategies aren’t about doing more—they’re about doing what matters with precision and consistency.

If you’re ready to operate at the next level—strategically, cognitively, and emotionally—visit www.scottshapiromd.com. I work with high-achieving professionals in finance to sharpen their edge, unlock performance gains, and sustain long-term success in the most competitive environments.