Topic: Peak Performance

Ralf Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher is one of Germany’s best known sport’s stars, achieving no fewer than six race wins and 27 podium finishes during a Formula 1 career which spanned 11 seasons. Now an expert pundit for Sky Sports Germany, Ralf remains a familiar figure in the Formula 1 paddock and is a highly respected figure within the industry.

Born in Hürth, Ralf is the younger brother of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, and together they created a memorable era in the sport’s history. The two brothers started karting from a young age at their parents’ go-kart track in Kerpen, with Ralf beginning when he was just three years old.

After a several seasons of karting success, including winning the 1992 German Junior KartChampionship, Ralf moved into car racing. He initially competed in Formula BMW before graduating to Formula 3 where he won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix and finished 2nd in the German F3 Championship, the Monaco F3 race and Masters of Formula 3 event.

In 1996 Ralf secured a seat in the Japanese Formula Nippon Series and became the first driver to win this major domestic championship in their debut season. This led to him testing for McLaren and, the following month, it was announced Ralf had signed a contract with the Silverstone-based Jordan Grand Prix team.

In only his third Formula 1 race, the 1997 Argentine Grand Prix, Ralf scored the first podium of his career and, at that time, became the youngest ever driver to achieve an F1 podium. The following season he added a further two podium finishes, including a record 1-2 maiden win for Jordan behind team mate Damon Hill at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.

In 1999 Ralf signed a contract with Williams and would ultimately drive for the team for six seasons. He achieved his first Grand Prix win with Williams in 2001 and picked up two further victories that season, leading to a fourth-placed finish in the World Drivers’ Championship. The following year, he added another win to his tally at the 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix, one of only two races that season to not be won by Ferrari.

At the 2003 French Grand Prix, Ralf and teammate Juan-Pablo Montoya delivered a triumphant victory for Williams, finishing first and second respectively. To date, this is the last time Williams achieved a one-two finish.

Between 2005 and 2007 Ralf drove for Toyota’s F1 team, scoring three further podium finishes, the last coming at the 2006 Australian Grand Prix.

After leaving Formula 1, Ralf explored several areas of motorsport. He joined the German Touring Car championship (DTM) and competed for five years before becoming a shareholder for Mücke Motorsport and entering into a managerial role. In this position, he has acted as a mentor to young drivers signed with Mercedes-Benz.

Ralf has also ventured into broadcasting and currently works with Sky Sports Germany, while his son David is a successful driver in both junior formulae and sports car racing.

Michael Ballack

Retired award-winning German footballer, Michael Ballack is one of the top goalscorers in the history of the German national team. Known best for his dominating presence in midfield along with his powerful shot, physical strength and passing range. Making his professional debut in 1995 following his previous career as a youth at Chemnitz, which was his local team. By 1996 he had already made his debut for Germany's Under-21 side which led to his transfer to FC Kaiserslautern in 1997 where he won his first major honour within the first season, the Bundesliga. During the 1998 and 1999 season Michael had earned his first senior national cap for Germany and became a first-team regular.

By 1999 Michael was a popular well established player who was brought by Bayer Leverkusen for €4.1 million. As a crucial member of the team which finished runner up in the DFB-Pokal, Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League during the 2001-02 season. 2002 was also the year Germany lost to Brazil in the World Cup, however Michaels performance carried the team scoring consecutive game-winning goals in the quarter-final and semi-final. After a €12.9 million move to FC Bayern Munich where he scored fifty eight goals between 2002 and 2006 he eventually joined Premier League club Chelsea. He helped take Chelsea to their first ever Champions League final and win the FA Cup in 2009 and 2010.

Michael has had an impressive football career to say the least and was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA’s 125 Greatest Living Players. He was named the UEFA Club Midfielder Of The Year in 2002 and won the German Footballer of the Year award three times. An international phenomenon, Michael has played alongside two FIFA World Cups and in three UEFA European Football Championships.  Michael makes for one of the best sports speakers on the circuit and can offer insights into 'behind the scenes' football. Whether it's at an award ceremony or sporting function the legendary footballer can discuss a huge range of topics from high performance and maximising success to leadership and teamwork, he is a huge inspiration in the sporting world.

Andrea Pirlo

One of the finest playmakers to have ever played football, Andrea Pirlo was a joy to watch. Known for his remarkable vision, Pirlo was a world-class footballer with a creative streak that set him out as a role model to football fans throughout the world.

Breathtaking at times, Pirlo had a unique ability to control and play a ball with the perfect balance of speed, accuracy and control. In addition to his tremendous skill in open play, Pirlo was one of the finest dead-ball specialists in world football. His ability to pick out the top corner with a dipping and curling free-kick earned him rave reviews.

His quality was recognised on numerous occasions. As an individual, he won over 40 accolades, some of which included entry into the FIFPro World XI in 2006 and the Serie A Team of the Year on four consecutive occasions.

In 2012, 2013 and 2014 he was the Serie A Player of the Year, and he was inducted into the AC Milan Hall of Fame. He was also voted in Juventus' Greatest XI of All Time in 2017. On three separate occasions, he was nominated for the biggest individual prize in football, finishing 9th, 5th and 7th in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

In 2018, he was given a Golden Foot award that recognises players who stood out for their personality and athletic achievements. He was also appointed an Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italian in Italy.

But, as is the character of Andrea Pirlo, his biggest strength on the pitch was in his ability to inspire, to lead and to work for the greater good of the team. Former international coach, Marcello Lippi said of him: "Pirlo is a silent leader. He speaks with his feet". He was affectionately known by fans around the world as "the Architect", "The Maestro", "Mozart" and "the Professor".

Pirlo won Serie A twice, the Champions League twice and both Italian domestic cups once each at his time with AC Milan, becoming a club legend in the process. Pirlo then moved to Juventus, where he once again played a pivotal role in the club's success, winning four successive league titles , which included two league and cup doubles.

At international level, Pirlo was instrumental as Italy landed football's grandest prize, the FIFA World Cup in 2006. He would also help Italy to an Olympic Bronze medal in 2004 and a runner up spot in the 2012 European Championships.

Since hanging up his boots after a successful two-year stint in the MLS with New York City, Pirlo has been a popular presence in the media and at events all over the world. Whether to entertain or inspire corporate audiences or feature as special guest at awards and events - Andrea Pirlo offers a touch of magic.

Michael Owen

Michael Owen is a former footballer who progressed through the ranks of Liverpool youth team and scored on his Premier League debut in May 1997, becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer at the time. In his first full season in the Premier League, he won the Premier League Golden Boot and was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He was Liverpool’s top goal-scorer from 1997 to 2004.

Owen helped Liverpool to a treble in 2000–01, as the team won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup to end a six-year trophy drought. He scored both Liverpool goals late in the 2001 FA Cup Final to turn around what had appeared to be a certain defeat for Liverpool at the hands of Arsenal and later that year, he was awarded the Ballon D’or award in recognition of his performances that season.

Owen joined Real Madrid in 2004 before returning to the Premier League with Newcastle in 2005 followed by spells at Manchester United and Stoke City before announcing his retirement in 2013. He scored 163 goals in all club appearances.

Internationally, Owen first played for the senior England team aged 18 in 1998 against Chile. Just months later, he scored his first International goal in a pre-World Cup friendly against Morocco. He went on to score a total of 40 goals in 89 international appearances, including that goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France that was voted one of the greatest ever England goals and a memorable hat-trick against Germany in 2001.

Michael owns Manor House Stables racing yard and alongside his commercial activities, he also works as a pundit for Premier League Productions.

Robert Pires

Robert Pires is a French football coach and former professional player.

Pires played for French clubs F.C. Metz and Olympique de Marseille prior to his time with Arsenal F.C., where he won two FA Cups and two Premier League titles including the club's unbeaten season of 2003-04. A former France international, Pires earned 79 caps between 1996 and 2004 for his country, including winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup France (1998) and UEFA Euro 2000 Video Game (2000). He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, was the Player of the Tournament for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, FWA Player of the Year for the 2001-02 season, Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995-96 season, and was included in the FIFA 100 by Pelé. He was also voted by Arsenal F.C. fans as the 6th greatest player in the club's history.

Robert Pires played the majority of his career as a left winger, but could also play all across the midfield or in a position to support the forward line. Pires was coaching at Arsenal.

Kaká

Kaka is an internationally renowned former Brazilian footballer who has played for some of the world’s most successful teams including Milan and Real Madrid. An incredibly talented and determined attacking midfielder, Kaka has an immensely long list of prestigious awards which are a testament to his abundance of knowledge within teamwork, leadership and achieving peak performance.

Kickstarting his career as part of a local youth team, he immediately captured the attention of his hometown team Sao Paulo, who signed him to join the youth academy at the age of eight. He signed for their youth squad Copa de Juvenil glory at the age of 15 and eventually made his senior debut in 2001. Throughout the 27 appearances he made for the team in his first season, he managed to score a staggering 12 goals, an effort in which helped them to win their first and only Torneio Rio-Sau Paulo Championship.

Throughout his impressive career, Kaka managed to make over 460 appearances across four teams and also scored nearing 150 goals. He also boasts 92 caps and 29 goals for the Brazillian national team in whom he played for, for 14 years. A pivotal player in Milan’s victory at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2008, he scored the team’s third goal in a 4-2 victory against Boca Juniors in which crowned them World Champions.

With some of his most recent successes including playing in the MLS All-Star Game in three consecutive seasons and helping to win the 2012 Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid, it’s evident that Kaka has a valuable skillset in which he has the ability to relate to both corporate and school organisations as well as sporting clubs as an after dinner speaker.

Awarded World Soccer Player of The Year, the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball and the FIFA World Cup Top Assist Provider amongst other awards including being inducted into the AC Milan and Maracana Hall of Fame, Kaka has established himself as one of the most prominent names in international football. A hilarious and charismatic character, he can create an unforgettable atmosphere at any event, conference and function.

Diego Pablo Simeone

Diego Pablo Simeone, otherwise called El Cholo, is an Argentine football star, with endless of accomplishments as a manager and former football player. He used to play as a midfielder.

At the point when his club vocation began in 1987, Simeone played for Vélez Sarsfield, Pisa, Sevilla, Atlético Madrid, Internazionale, Lazio and Racing Club. He won a local twofold with Atlético Madrid in 1996, and the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1998. As though this wasn't enough, he also won another residential twofold with Lazio in 2000, just as the 1999 UEFA Super Cup and the 2000 Supercoppa Italiana.

Diego Pablo Simeone played more than 100 times for the Argentina national group and represented the country at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. He represented Copa América, in four releases winning the competition in 1991 and 1993. He additionally won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992, and a silver award at the 1996 Summer Olympic games.

Simeone also coached Racing Club, Estudiantes de La Plata, River Plate, San Lorenzo and Catania before joining Atlético Madrid in 2011. He won the Argentine Primera División both with Estudiantes and River Plate, an has won five titles since joining Atletico Madrid, including the Liga title, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League. He also arrived to two UEFA Champions League finals with the club.

Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya is a Colombian Formula 1 driver and the only motor racing professional to win a CART Serie title, the Indianapolis 500, and the Daytona 24 hours, all in his first attempt.

He inherited the love of his father for cars and from the age of five he began his passion for speed. From an early age, he began to demonstrate his skills in this sport, becoming a young promise of Formula 1.

Montoya competed in three different categories at the same time, achieving good results, until he decided to move from Colombia to Europe to follow his dream of racing in Formula 1. He is an example of personal growth and how working with perseverance will help you to achieve everything you need.

Although Formula 1 may seem an individual sport, the key to success is teamwork. Juan Pablo Montoya stands out by exploiting the capabilities of each person and looking into available resources within themselves, creating efficient, committed, and united teams that will be able to work under pressure.

Just like he did with his working teams in professional motorsports, Montoya is a speaker sending a contagious and powerful positive message of motivation and improvement to his audience.

In his conferences, he gives, through his personal and professional experience in motorsport, the keys of leadership to manage a team with success.

Juan Pablo Montoya won CART series in 1999 and achieved ten victories in two seasons with Ganassii. Afterwards, he began to race in Formula 1, stage when he won 7 victories, 30 podiums and 13 poles. 2003 was his stellar season: he won the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most important and prestigious races in the world. It was also in 2003 when he beat the world record racing, the latest lap in Formula 1, at 250,844 Kilometers/hour in Italy Grand Prix.

Since 2017, he is part of Team Penske 2017, one of the most prestigious teams of motorsport and he is considered by many the best driver of Colombia.

Ed Mylett

Ed Mylett is a global keynote speaker on peak performance and is considered one of the most inspiring speakers of our time. He is also the host of the critically acclaimed and top rated podcast “MAXOUT” with Ed Mylett.

Ed has been sought after, and privately mentored many of the top professional athletes, entertainers, and business executives in the world for over two decades. He is considered the “success and fulfillment whisperer” for elite achievers in helping them to perform at “MAXOUT” levels of their lives. He is one of the country’s top 50 wealthiest under the age of 50, and is acknowledged for building one of the largest financial organizations in America today.

Ed Mylett is one of the top business leaders, peak performance experts, and global keynote speakers in the world today. While many leaders and speakers just “talk the talk,” Ed is a team-made millionaire who has built one of the most prolific financial service businesses the world has ever seen.

After graduating from high school in Diamond Bar, California, Ed Mylett attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton. A student-athlete who balanced his studies in communications with playing baseball for the NCAA Division I Pacific Tigers, Ed Mylett graduated from Pacific as a three-time All-American and the NCAA leader in stolen bases. Following college, he worked as a youth counselor for underprivileged boys.

Ed joined World Financial Group (WFG) in 1992. Because of his outstanding ability to inspire leaders, Ed Mylett quickly advanced at WFG, becoming one of the company’s youngest CEO Marketing Directors in only a few years. After he achieved the top level of a Senior Executive Vice Chairman and then joined the WFG leadership team as a Chairman’s Council member and as the Director of Field Leadership at WFG.

Ed has a passion for mentoring and coaching others on what it takes to become a champion in all areas of life. He has shared the stage and has very close personal relationships with other business legends such as Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, Phil Knight, and many others.

Jacques Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve is a former F1 World Champion and Canadian NASCAR Whelen Euro Series racer who has also competed in Formula E and various other motorsport competitions. A career that is nearing 30 years long, Jacques has amassed an abundance of valuable skills within sport in which he can also relate to corporate audiences as an after-dinner speaker. Known to leave audiences feeling inspired by his story to success and inspired to maximise their productivity, he can make the best impact at any variety of corporate event, function or conference.

A childhood dream to follow in his father’s moto racing footsteps, Jacques discovered his passion on the track when he was finally allowed by his mother to drive a 100cc kart. Demonstrating an impressive skill from day one, he eventually made his way up to drive a Formula Four car on the Grand Prix circuit before joining his Jim Russell Racing Driver School. By the age of 17, he was up against the likes of F1 legends Johnny Cecotto and Riccardo Patrese in events including the Alfa Cup and the Macau Grand Prix.

Following on from a successful career in the CART IndyCar World Series, Jacques joined William’s F1 team in 1996. Claiming a podium finishing position in his debut race and four winning races in his debut season, it became apparent very quickly that he was set to be the next biggest name in motor racing. He went onto drive for British American Racing, Renault, and BMW Sauber whilst collecting a total of 235 career points, 11 wins and the title at the 1997 Formula One World Championship.

Outside of F1, Villeneuve has set his sights on becoming the first man since Graham Hill to claim the Triple Crown of Motorsport. With the Indianapolis 500 and the Formula One World Championship under his belt, he made it his mission to win 24 Hours of Le Mans in an attempt to claim the missing title. With his best achievement in the race being 2nd place, Jacques has shown extreme determination and skill within racing. Most recently, he has become a NASCAR racer and has competed in various formats of the game. Currently racing in the Whelen Euro Series, Jacques has managed to secure two poles and 13 starts.

A man with an abundance of talents, Jacques career anecdotes can make for one of the most interesting and insightful after-dinner speeches. A charismatic and dynamic speaker, he can engage even the largest of audiences and leave them feeling empowered to make a change to their working style.