The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast 127: Skillset vs Mindset: The Real Performance Equation with Emma Murray
Performance mindset coach Emma Murray returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast to break down why even highly capable people struggle under pressure - and how to fix it.
Emma explains that humans are not wired to perform at their best in business, sport, or life - we’re wired for survival. When pressure hits, our attention naturally drifts to fear, loss, and outcomes we can’t control, pulling us out of the present moment. Through powerful examples from golf, sales, leadership, parenting, and elite sport, Emma shows how performance collapses the moment attention leaves the task.
Together, Dwayne and Emma unpack the difference between skillset and mindset, why elite performers win through attention regulation, and how “chunking down” - narrowing focus to something small, controllable, and strength-based - restores clarity, confidence, and execution.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Emma opens by explaining why humans are wired for survival, not greatness.
01:00 – Dwayne introduces Emma and frames the conversation around skillset, mindset, and attention.
03:30 – Emma explains why attention patterns are universal across sport, business, and life.
06:00 – Golf example: how attention drifts under pressure and breaks execution.
08:30 – Skillset vs mindset explained using the “boxes within boxes” analogy.
11:00 – Scott McLaughlin story and consistency through mindset regulation.
13:30 – Expectations, execution, and why lowering outcomes is the wrong solution.
16:00 – Survival wiring: fear of loss vs fear of missing gain.
18:30 – Sales leadership example and why people avoid known next steps.
21:00 – Horse riding comeback story and gratitude removing danger thinking.
23:30 – Freeze response explained and attention leaving the arena.
26:00 – Why leaders can’t fix fear with cheerleading or pressure.
28:30 – Catching attention drift and recognizing A-game vs B-game signals.
31:30 – Small focus strategies for golf, sales, and presentations.
34:30 – Breath as the fastest way to regulate attention and mindset.
38:30 – Process focus vs outcome focus and competitive advantage.
41:30 – Post-execution review introduced: critique over criticism.
44:30 – Bonus segment setup: “Chunking Down” as a performance tool.
47:30 – Chunking down explained with leadership, sales, and riding examples.
Key Takeaways:
- Humans are wired for survival, not peak performance
- Pressure pulls attention away from the present moment
- Skillset lives inside mindset — mindset determines delivery
- Outcomes and comparison destabilize performance
- Small, controllable focus creates safety and clarity
- Breath is the fastest way to regulate attention
- Elite performers anchor attention on process, not results
- Performance improves when danger is removed from the mind
Quotes:
“We are not wired to be great in competition or to be great in sales or business, or even a great friend for that matter, or a great parent. We are just wired for survival.” - Emma Murray
Big stuff, big goals, big expectations, small focus.” - Emma Murray
“If you are stepping into that moment with your attention on the process, you've already got a massive competitive advantage.” - Emma Murray
“Control is an illusion” - Dwayne Kerrigan
Resources Mentioned
- Traditional Mindfulness (adapted by Emma Murray)
- Chunking Down Technique
- Closed-Eye Processes (mentioned as bonus content)
Emma is sought-after by ASX 100 corporations, executives, and the education sector for her unique High Performance Mindfulness practice that drives sustainable improvements in performance, by providing the skills and tools that enable participants to bring their 'A-Game' to high-pressure moments.
Website: https://www.emmamurray.com.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/highperformancemindfulness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/em.murray.mindcoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-performance-mindfulness/
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Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.