Published on 17 June 2022
One of the world’s authorities on mindset and leadership is sharing his experiences on how to best unleash the power of your potential at a north-east lecture.
Leading motivational coach Dr Maurice Duffy works with elite and international performers in sports, business, politics and public figures. He made world-wide headlines in 2019 after being credited with transforming Aussie Ashes hero Steve Smith from almost quitting cricket after his suspension for ball tampering, to steering his country to victory over England.
As a word-class brain trainer, Dr Duffy believes that you can unlock new levels of potential when you train your mind to think powerfully and on purpose. Otherwise, he says we’re just waiting for the world to get better.
He will be sharing his knowledge and expertise during a Professorial Lecture: We are sheep in suits, at the University of Sunderland on Tuesday, June 21, 1pm-2pm, at the Sir Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, Sir Tom Cowie Campus, St Peter's. This is a free event. Register via Eventbrite
The Professorial Lecture is a forum in which Sunderland’s professors and visiting professors present a research theme.
Dr Derek Watson, Associate Professor in the University’s Faculty of Business, Law & Tourism, said: “Maurice is an exceptional Visiting Professor who not only integrates live global commercial examples into our curricula but his energy and commitment to enhancing our student experience and employability opportunities is truly inspirational.”
Dr Duffy, a University of Sunderland Visiting Professor and PhD graduate, runs his own consultancy from Tynemouth.
He has previously worked as CEO and Senior Vice President at such blue chip organisations HP, Nortel, STC, Manpower, Right, GFI and managed thousands of people in over 23 countries. In his own consultancy he has worked with the very top leaders at Google, Proctor and Gamble, HP, Rio Tinto, NHS, Twitter, BASF, and many more in over 44 countries around the world.
Dr Duffy, who has a PhD in Change and Transformation, said: “I have run businesses big and small, I have worked and run teams in over 40 different countries, and think the knowledge and experience I bring to coaching is drawing upon the things I have done well and poorly. Also I am a tough and demanding coach, I have spent the last 25 years understanding and learning behaviour.
“I try to talk to clients about the importance of resilience and mental agility, how to build that muscle memory both in their brain and in the physical aspects of what they do.”
Former Australian Cricket captain Steve Smith was banned for a year from the sport after a ball-tampering scandal during a Test against South Africa in March 2018. Stripped of his captaincy, Smith broke down and admitted he felt so desperate he considered walking away from the sport.
However, he served his suspension and returned to help Australia retained the Ashes in 2019 with an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the series. Smith is now considered by many judges as the world’s best batsman, and credits his return to the sport to his family and Dr Duffy.