In this episode of the Student of the Game podcast, host Brad Noll speaks with Anita Phillips, a distinguished lawyer with 22 years of experience, an accomplished executive coach, and a passionate trail runner. Brad and Anita dive into the remarkable journey of preparing for the grueling Ultra Trail de Montblanc (UTMB) race. This race involves 176 kilometers of arduous trails with a staggering 10,000 meters of vertical elevation, demanding intense physical and mental preparation. Anita reveals the foundational principles behind her success: self-belief, the significance of time investment, strategic planning, and the critical role of support systems. 

Quote

• "The journey is the practice and the destination is going to be the race.” -Anita Phillips [28:15] 

• "Mental strength is undervalued but crucial; life is a mind game, and the only person we are playing against is ourselves.” -Anita Phillips [37:55] 

Guest Bio

Anita Phillips is an accredited coach and consultant with 22 years of corporate experience across London, Paris, and Hong Kong. With a background as a lawyer and consultant at a leading international law firm, Anita specialized in dispute resolution and diversity and inclusion for 20 years. She holds a diploma in Executive Coaching, a First Class honors degree in Law, and is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales.

Anita's expertise spans sectors and geographies, working with individuals and organizations to push perceived limits and create fulfilling workplaces where stretch and support coexist. Her dedication to advancing the role of women led her to co-chair Women in Law Hong Kong (WiLHK), Asia’s largest female lawyer network, from 2016 to 2019. Anita's approach to coaching is informed by her experience navigating major transitions across geographies and professional roles as a working parent.

Currently residing in the French Alps with her family, Anita is an avid trail runner, rock climber, and skier. She is training for the UTMB, a 176km trail running race across the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. Through this, she is gaining firsthand insight into the parallels between coaching for performance in sports and coaching for performance in business, particularly the challenge of overcoming the internal opponent. Anita Phillips is the founder of DA Coaching and Consulting Ltd, which is registered in the UK.

Timestamps

(00:00) Anita Phillips' Upcoming Extreme Race Challenge

(02:50) From City Lawyer to Simple Life in the French Alps

(03:50) Training for the Ultra Trail de Montblanc

(09:31) Mastering Fundamentals and Embracing Self-Belief for Big Goals

(17:37) Achieving Big Goals Through Time Management and Strategic Planning

(26:31) Falling in Love with the Practice of Ultra Running

(32:37) Strength Work, Stretching, and Nutrition in Ultra Running

(41:51) Discomfort and Determination

(43:30) Balancing Family, Nature, and Purposeful Work for a Richer Life

(44:49) Community, Career, and Ultra Trail Running

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