Duncan French: Building People, Systems and Legacies
Aug 29, 2025
Episode 192: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we speak with Duncan N. French, PhD, CSCS*D, RSCC*E, UKSCA — Senior Vice President of the UFC Performance Institute and one of the most respected leaders in global high-performance sport.
Since joining the UFC in 2017, Duncan has overseen the delivery of high-performance services to over 700 world-class MMA fighters worldwide, managing a multidisciplinary team of 68 professionals across three state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes in Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City. With over 25 years of experience in elite professional sport, Duncan’s career spans coaching Olympic medalists, World Champions, world-record holders, and NCAA National Champions.
His leadership journey has taken him from national lead roles in the British Olympic system and the English Premier League, to directing performance sciences at the University of Notre Dame, and now shaping the global performance strategy of the UFC. Alongside his practical leadership, Duncan is a prolific contributor to the field — with over 60 scientific manuscripts, 9 book chapters, and as lead editor of the NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science textbook. In 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the UKSCA for his outstanding service to the strength and conditioning profession.
Topics Discussed:
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Career Path — From British Olympic teams and Premier League football to NCAA and the UFC
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Leadership Evolution — Transitioning from technical expert to organisational leader
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Core Skills — Communication, influence, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence
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Building High-Performance Systems — Designing infrastructure and protocols from the ground up
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Leadership Models — Holacracy, situational leadership, and empowering teams
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Team Culture — Managing egos, fostering psychological safety, and leading with authenticity
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Personal Development — Staying technically sharp while reflecting on leadership behaviour
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Wellbeing — Strategies for sustaining energy, including surfing, meditation, and cold exposure
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Future Trends — The growing role of AI and technology alongside the enduring need for human connection
This episode offers rare insight into building world-class performance environments, sustaining leadership impact at scale, and balancing technical expertise with human-first leadership in elite sport.
Key Points
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Effective leadership in sports requires a balance between technical expertise and the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team. Leaders must be able to communicate effectively across different disciplines, ensuring that each team member feels valued and understood. This involves not only understanding the technical aspects of each role but also fostering an environment where open communication and collaboration are encouraged.
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Leadership often involves stepping away from one's core competencies to manage broader organizational goals. This transition can be challenging, as it requires leaders to develop new skills and perspectives. Successful leaders are those who can adapt to these changes, leveraging their existing knowledge while being open to learning and growth in new areas.
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Building a successful team in sports involves creating a culture of trust and empowerment. Leaders should focus on developing a flat organizational structure where every team member feels they have a voice and can contribute to decision-making processes. This approach not only fosters innovation but also encourages team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities.
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The ability to manage egos and personal ambitions within a team is crucial for maintaining harmony and focus on organizational goals. Leaders must be adept at recognizing and addressing potential conflicts, ensuring that personal interests do not overshadow the collective mission. This requires a delicate balance of empathy, assertiveness, and strategic thinking.
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Reflective leadership is essential for continuous improvement and personal growth. Leaders should regularly assess their actions and decisions, considering how they can improve their approach to better support their team and achieve organizational objectives. This reflective practice helps leaders remain grounded and focused on their long-term vision.
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Humor and authenticity are powerful tools for reducing stress and building rapport within a team. By creating a positive and enjoyable work environment, leaders can enhance team morale and productivity. This approach also helps in building strong relationships, as team members are more likely to engage and collaborate when they feel comfortable and valued.
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Leaders must be prepared to adapt their strategies and approaches in response to changing circumstances. This flexibility is particularly important in high-pressure environments, where quick decision-making and problem-solving are often required. By remaining open to new ideas and approaches, leaders can ensure their team remains agile and responsive to challenges.
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The integration of technology and data analytics in sports leadership is becoming increasingly important. Leaders must be able to leverage these tools to enhance decision-making processes and optimize team performance. This requires a commitment to staying informed about the latest technological advancements and understanding how they can be applied to improve outcomes.
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Emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership. Leaders must be able to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team members. This involves being aware of the impact of stress and pressure on performance and taking steps to support team members in managing these challenges.
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Finally, successful leaders are those who prioritize the development and well-being of their team members. This involves providing opportunities for professional growth, offering support and guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By investing in their team's development, leaders can build a resilient and high-performing organization.
Where you can find Duncan:
Sponsors
VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training
Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.
