Change always starts in the mind long before it shows up in the results. In this episode, I sit down with Rui Pedro Silva, Global VP of Digital & Transformation at Adidas, we explore how real transformation begins with mindset, courage, and discipline, not technology alone. Rui shares how his roots in Portugal shaped his leadership, what sports have taught him about performance, and why the future of digital lies in human behavior, adaptability, and trust. We talk about: How fear and failure can drive innovation when reframed as learning. What sports and Formula 1 teach us about marginal gains and team resilience. The difference between control and readiness and why "pressure is a privilege." How adidas builds digital transformation around people, process and purpose, not buzzwords. Why leadership isn't about being perfect, it's about showing up and trying again. This episode is a masterclass in performance and mindset, from one of the voices shaping the next decade of digital leadership. 🎥 Watch the full conversation and tell me in the comments what part shifted your view on leadership or fear. 00:00 – Intro | From Portugal to adidas: The path to digital leadership 03:00 – Growing up in a humble background and the first lessons from sports 08:40 – Discipline, teamwork and what sports teach about resilience 12:10 – Fear vs Focus: learning to be comfortable with discomfort 16:00 – Circle of control: why leaders must focus on process over outcome 19:45 – Readiness and performance: you can't fake preparation 22:30 – Pressure as a privilege and the difference between average and elite teams 24:00 – Leadership beyond technology, building trust and purpose 26:00 – Final reflection: making the best use of time and people in life and work #adidas #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #Mindset #Innovation #Transformation #SportsLeadership #SantiagoNaranjo

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