In this conversation, Jay sits down with Olympic medalist and world champion fencer Miles Chamley-Watson to explore the mindset behind true resilience. Miles opens up about how fencing became his anchor through a difficult childhood, and the lessons shaped by failure, racism, family trauma, and the pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stages. Together, they unpack how confidence is earned through competence, how adversity can be turned into fuel, and why real success is staying rooted in who you are while creating opportunities for others. Throughout the episode, Miles shares the principles that helped him turn setbacks into purpose and use his platform to inspire the next generation.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How to Turn Setbacks Into Fuel for Success
How to Perform Under Extreme Pressure
How to Build Resilience Through Adversity
How to Stop Letting Fear Control Your Decisions
How to Create a Life Bigger Than Your Achievements
How to Be the Person Others Can Look Up To
No matter where you are in your journey, remember that you don’t have to be perfect to move forward. Keep learning, stay true to who you are, and trust that growth often happens in the moments that test you the most.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
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What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
02:03 Why Is It So Hard to Fit In?
03:47 How Fencing Changed My Life
05:14 The Power of the Right Guidance
07:23 Why Every Great Athlete Needs a Mentor
09:35 Learn to Lose Before You Learn to Win
10:53 Bouncing Back From Your Biggest Defeat
14:24 Breaking Barriers in a Traditionally White Sport
16:44 Turning Anger Into a Competitive Advantage
19:23 What It Takes to Train Like a World-Class Fencer
21:51 Preparing for Competition Day
22:59 Reading and Anticipating Your Opponent
24:08 The Tragic Incident That Changed Fencing Forever
28:52 The Road to Olympic Success
34:01 Reconnecting With an Estranged Parent
40:16 When Life Leaves You Feeling Helpless
45:53 Staying True to Yourself Through Success
46:38 The Role Models Who Shaped My Life
51:36 The Importance of Strong Male Friendships
54:21 What is Inside a Professional Fencer’s Gear Bag?
58:19 Miles on Final Five
Episode Resources:
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