Today we’d like to introduce you to Josiah Igono.
Josiah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in South Phoenix to working class parents. As the oldest of 4 boys, I had to learn humility and leadership early. I learned my work ethic from my parents, who put their sons in great positions to succeed.
When I finished playing college football, I knew I was going to be working with athletes. My mission statement quickly became: <i>”To train athletes physically, to challenge them mentally, and to encourage them spiritually.”</i> I love helping people establish foundations and frameworks for a powerful mindset.
For more than 20 years, I have been knee-deep in the world of athletics, serving as a Strength Coach, Performance Psychology professional, and as a Chaplain. The intersection of faith, psychology, and human performance is where you will find me.
Some of my posts have included Lead Performance Athletic Specialist at Grand Canyon University, Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Texas Rangers, Major League Director of Peak Performance for the Texas Rangers, Adjunct Professor role at University of Texas Permian Basin, and Associate Professor of Psychology & Physiology at Arizona Christian University.
My journey has traversed many professional sports organizations, universities, and private sector. I have found that people and performers all deal with the same universal obstacles. Having done chapels for NFL teams like the Denver Broncos & Jacksonville Jaguars, I can tell you that they get just as nervous as the Tempe High Buffaloes or the North High Mustangs before a football game!
As a former athlete, I understand the triumphs and tribulations that performers face. Fascinated by how individuals respond to stressors, I have dedicated years to researching mental toughness and the impact it has on high performers. My doctorate is in Performance Psychology and I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
My wife Erin, and I, reside in Phoenix, AZ with children Hannah, Michael, Elise, and Justin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been smooth. There have definitely been challenges. Raising a young family, building the first Performance Psychology department for the Texas Rangers, and finishing a doctorate simultaneously came with its unique challenges. In the competitive landscape of sports, you learn very quickly that not everyone is rooting for your success. I found that keeping my faith, and having the <i>heart posture</i> to help people eventually diminished many of those obstacles.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Performance Psychology Specialist. Performance psychology is the scientific study and practical application of psychological principles to help individuals and teams perform at their highest level consistently, especially under pressure. My primary sphere is athletics, but I work with musicians, executives, and other high performers.
I meet these individuals at the intersection of their mindset, their craft, and often times their faith. Many athletes feel stuck, need to be reminded, need to be encouraged, or need structure. I meet them here.
The work that I do is often with individuals who are looking for an edge. Many of my clients have experienced long-term success after working with me because my approach is to teach them to ‘fish’ and not to spoon-feed them with the answers. Several clients have taken the teachings and use them with their teams, with family members, and even in their marriages! It is fulfilling work.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I was the 2nd Black Director of a Performance Psychology Department in Major League Baseball. Dr. Derick Anderson was the first.
I speak Spanish which throws many people off!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: josiahigono
- Facebook: josiahigono
- Linkedin: josiahigono
- Twitter: josiahigono
- Youtube: @allthingsperformance4379
- Other: https://feeds.libsyn.com/259199/rss
