John Eliot, Ph.D., is a performance psychologist, executive coach, and bestselling author best known for his groundbreaking work on peak performance under pressure. Drawing on decades of research in neuroscience, sports psychology, and behavioral science, Dr. Eliot has developed a counterintuitive framework for achieving excellence — one that challenges conventional wisdom about practice, focus, and the pursuit of success.
Dr. Eliot is the author of Overachievement: The New Science of Working Less to Accomplish More, which argues that the habits and mindsets traditionally associated with high achievement — perfectionism, overthinking, and excessive preparation — actually undermine elite performance. His research-backed approach has made him a sought-after consultant for Fortune 500 executives, professional athletes, military special operations units, and top surgical teams. He has helped individuals and organizations unlock their highest potential precisely when the stakes are greatest.
A former professor at Rice University and SMU's Cox School of Business, Dr. Eliot has appeared on national media including 60 Minutes, NBC, ESPN, and The Wall Street Journal. His work with Nightingale-Conant brings his proven performance psychology principles directly to listeners seeking a competitive edge in business, athletics, and life. Whether addressing the boardroom or the playing field, John Eliot delivers practical tools for performing at your best — not in spite of pressure, but because of it.
