The Performance Scientist

Empowering individuals and teams in an increasingly demanding world

Meet our Founder

Adventure & Human Performance Scientist Nikki McLeary translates cutting-edge research into evidence-informed talks, courses and interventions which inspire, educate and empower individuals and teams in an increasingly demanding world. For 25 years Nikki has worked with corporate business, complex organisations, universities, elite/amateur extreme athletes, and general populations to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Alongside her academics she operated overseas full-time for 15 years in desert, winter mountain and ocean environments; From a World First traversing the ancient Amharic trade route across the highlands of Ethiopia… to being evicted from an isolated Bhutanese Shepherd’s hut by an angry yak (!)

This combination of extensive operational experience in demanding environments, underpinned by an academic approach, facilitates engagement with audiences that not only inspires and engages but targets development of sustainable performance.

Nikki is an extensively published author with 25-years senior editorial experience on corporate and academic publications, Science Lead for World Extreme Medicine, Associate Editor of British Medical Journal Open Sports & Exercise Medicine, Honorary Senior Lecturer of the Public Health & Sports Science department Exeter University, Faculty MSc Extreme Medicine, Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, and Fellow of the Extreme & Wilderness Medicine Society.

Contact Nikki directly to discuss public speaking engagements and courses for global workforces, university students and adventure/expedition projects on [email protected]

Our faculty

Alongside Nikki there is an expert faculty of performance scientists and medical professionals who also deliver content chosen for their academic prowess, adventure experience and communication skills.

PROJECTS

S.E.L.S.T.A.R^TM

In January 2023 The Performance Scientist is launching S.E.L.S.T.A.R in the UK and United Arab Nations; Student and Employee Life Skills Through Adventure Response. This 1-day course is the result of a 5-month scientific study conducted using systematic Intervention Mapping (IM) methodology to target development of the key life skills observed by the World Economic forum (2020) and World Health Organisation (1999) as crucial for work- and non-work success.

Despite being acknowledged as important, life skill deficit has been identified amongst global workforces (World Economic Forum, 2020; OECD Skills Strategy, 2019) and graduates according to recent systematic review (Prakash and KavitaLaghate, 2020). This cutting-edge approach to life skill development is underpinned by Outdoor Adventure Education to target benefit categories Resilience, Teamwork Skills and Complex Problem Solving from the comfort of university campuses and workspaces. Engaging, worthwhile, rewarding and convenient this exciting experience sets your people apart from their peers.

Adventure Medicine^TM

600 Public Health & Sports Science undergraduates from Exeter University have now been trained in Adventure Medicine, with a further 350 undergraduate students of science and medicine trained via Kings College London, Cork University Ireland and publicly available courses. Adventure Medicine provides lifesaving skills to respond as an Outdoor Emergency Casualty Carer in environments where emergency services may be delayed. This course is particularly suited to undergraduate students of medicine and undergraduate/post graduate students of sports & health sciences, physiotherapy, podiatry, geography, biosciences and conservation. The course is also transferable to adults engaged in adventure sports and expeditions. 1500 people to date have been trained in Adventure Medicine over 2 years.