Testimonials

 ‘The Sporting Bodymind programme has superior practical value for those who wish to be totally prepared for the competitive athletic world of today.’
Sam Adams, Head Coach USA Athletics team, 1984

‘Sporting Bodymind have been able to provide invaluable facilitation and guidance, resulting in outcomes supported by all participants.’
Nick Barter, Director of Product Development, Jaguar, 1998

‘The Sporting Bodymind team have been terrific allies as we've created a high performance, multi-cultural team. They have brought insight, skill and a flexible approach to team building and problem solving that has worked extremely well for us.’
Patti Bellinger, Group Vice President BP
Executive Development, Diversity & Inclusion, 2005

‘If anyone said to me ‘who could we use?’ you are the only person who comes to mind’
Dick Benson, Commercial Director, Carillion Construction Limited, 2001

‘Your hard work and enthusiasm resulted in a highly successful LEG team workshop. We all both learned a lot from the session and equally importantly thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the process.’
Peter Bevan, Group General Counsel BP, 1991

‘Working with John Syer, we became so close that we made no mistakes. It never ceases to amaze and fascinate me how he turns around the most heated and seemingly irretrievable meeting to make it productive. With him involved we stand a much greater chance of international honours.’
Chris Boardman, OBE, team pursuit rider on Olympic qualification, 1991

‘John Syer played no small part in my winning an Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. A few experienced words at the right moment were all I needed to turn my nervous energy into excitement and aggression that allowed me to be as good as I could be.’
Chris Boardman, OBE, Olympic Individual Pursuit Cycling Champion, 1992

‘As for the [England] team as a whole, I think the time has come to ride the sneers and sarcasm and insist they have a series of sessions with an experienced sports psychologist, someone like John Syer.’
Mike Brearley, OBE, Psychologist and past England Cricket Captain, 1988

‘Sporting Bodymind workshops with our technology teams were key to both individual and team performance improvement. They are very effective for both established and newly formed teams.’
Dr. Bernie Bulkin, Head of Research BP, 1996

‘Sporting Bodymind are the team building psychologists, used by many people in BP, who I think are really superior. If anyone is interested I can tell them a little of what it is like but really you have to have faith and try it. I don’t think they have ever gotten a bad review!’
Dr. Bernie Bulkin, Chief Scientist BP, 2004

‘You guys have neat deceptively simple ways of flushing out difficult conversations, without it becoming very emotional’
Tim Bullock, President BP Gas and Power, North America, 2004

‘Sporting Bodymind helped us to discover a lot about ourselves when pressure was at its greatest. They gave me a fresh approach in my relationship with the players and staff. I learnt the art of helping the players to discover the answers to problems themselves and thereby become more involved and responsible. I can say without any shadow of doubt that our mental performance improved through our relationship with Sporting Bodymind and that they contributed to our two successive FA Cup victories.’
Keith Burkinshaw, Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, 1986

‘It is very helpful to have someone like John around who can put you in a positive frame of mind. I think I enjoyed my cricket more than ever the year he was with us.’
Alan Butcher, Captain Glamorgan CCC, 1988

‘This is the best practical application of psychology to sport which I have experienced as a coach and a competitor.’
George Byng, Scottish Weightlifting Coach, 1981

‘Experience of the Sporting Bodymind approach is an essential part of the preparation of all physical education teachers.’
Jean Carroll, Vice Principal Dunfermline College of Physical Education, 1987

‘Sporting Bodymind helped my players to handle tension and myself to build a strong group atmosphere.’
Boudewijn Castelijn, Head Coach, USA Women’s Field Hockey team, 1987

‘I want to thank you for the intelligence, skill, energy and flexibility you shared with us. I was extremely impressed by your collective ability to fine tune the agenda in real time based on live feedback. I can’t imagine having been in better hands’.
Marc Citrin, Director of the Biostatistics and Data Sciences (BDS) Smithkline Beecham, 2000

‘The workshop was very exciting and very worthwhile.’
Air Vice-Marshall David Clark CBE, 1982

‘Sporting Bodymind Group have brought real benefits to the organisations I have had the privilege to manage. Dysfunctional teams have shown a dramatic improvement through using their techniques; teams from both sides of a deal have gained a clear understanding of the commitment that partnering requires; and perhaps most importantly, new project teams have been rapidly developed into smoothly functioning units.’
Jon Dale, Managing Director, Skanska Cementation International Ltd, 2001

‘We have found that SyCon - Sporting Bodymind Group add a dimension to our Leadership training that we have not been able to find before. They are fresh, interesting and practical. Their work has made a sustained impact on our managers.’
Maxine Dolan, Head of Leadership Stream, Tesco, 2004

‘I enjoyed my time working with you. I feel I've learned a few things that will help me in my life. Continue the good work, although I know at times it’s hard.’
Les Ferdinand, Tottenham Hotspur FC, 2004

‘Participating in the Sporting Bodymind programme undoubtedly made me a more effective manager of both myself and my staff. As a result of the training I feel that I communicate more effectively, that meetings I manage go more smoothly and that I solve problems in a more logical and efficient way. The 'quality culture' sold by Sporting Bodymind is practicable and applicable to everyday work situations; its great fun to do and the payback for me was immediate.’
David Flory, Director of Finance, Northern Regional Health Authority, 1995

‘I judge the weekend to have been a most valuable experience. I gained great insight regarding mental rehearsal and I was able to convey to the Scottish Gymnasts the techniques which I learned. Their reactions have been, without exception, positive.’
Gordon Forster, Scottish National Gymnastics Coach, 1981

‘Time passes by much too fast, but you are not forgotten. Fighting has been changed to communication and co-operation - which has spread to other levels. Attitudes have changed - it is possible also to smile.’
Leif Fridorf, Construction Manager, Orestadsselskabet - Metro (Copenhagen Metro Company), 2000

‘The low key way that John Syer presented himself to the team was a major factor in helping us to see how we could help each other. He made himself part of the coaching stable. Our talks together were also a very great help in me seeing where to focus.’
Maurits Hendriks, Head Coach, Netherlands Men's Field Hockey Team, Olympic Champions, Sydney 2000

‘The British Cycling Federation is convinced that Sporting Bodymind’s practical application of psychology to sport has brought about distinct improvements to the performance of top level riders and their coaches.’
Jim Hendry, BCF Director of Coaching Development, 1986

'John Syer is a super coach “pedagog*”. Coaching is based on an ancient Socratean principle which states you have to become aware of how you do things. John has taught us this in a fantastic way.’
*God of teaching, from the Greek, Pedagogue, meaning ‘teacher’
Goran Henriks, National Coach, Women and Youth Programme, Swedish Basketball Federation, 2002

‘Sporting Bodymind has given Ford powerful techniques which enable people to become more aware of the effect they have on others and so work together more effectively as teams. These skills are presented in a clear, straightforward, non-threatening manner and are of significant benefit to both the individual and the Company.’
Dr. Ed Henshall, Quality Co-ordinator, Ford of Europe, 1996

‘I have benefited from their work with us. I feel we are now streets ahead in the organization of our team meetings. Individual players are encouraged to explore and express their ideas. This is new and exciting.’
Glenn Hoddle, England and Tottenham Hotspur FC, 1982

‘It's really interesting working with you. You make me think. The potential of our work together is limitless.’
Glenn Hoddle, Manager Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, 2003

‘I have had many positive comments from our staff about the event and the ‘Trade Fair’ was clearly an enormous success. I must say that success to me was demonstrated by the openness and caring that was evident throughout, even during some the more stressful sessions.’
Dave Humphries, Manager of KD Export Planning & Logistics, Ford Motor Company, 1989

‘SyCon, Sporting Bodymind Group Ltd has been very successfully employed by Whessoe Oil and Gas Ltd on several occasions in the past and most recently on one of our major Joint Venture projects. Here they were asked to carry out an investigation into the perceived communication problem caused in no small part by cultural differences between the Joint Venture partners. The work they carried out and their recommendations went a long way towards helping senior management to understand and hence resolve the underlying issues.’
Roy Isden. Project Director, Whessoe Volker Stevin JV Dragon LNG Project, 2006

‘I am 100% convinced that sport at a very high level revolves around mental preparation and concentration. Consequently, when I was at a period in my life where I was under a lot of pressure, I found the help I got from Christopher Connolly very helpful’
Tony Jacklin OBE, professional golfer, 1980

'Sycon's engagement in the team building on the A2/A282 project at Dartford provided a step change in facilitation and coaching in pursuit of enhanced team performance. Their work on behavioural issues was leading edge and has enabled us to deploy the highest performing project team.' 
Darren James, Director of Highways, Costain, 2007

‘It has been clear to us in Manufacturing that the only way we could cope with all the pressure for change - social, technological, political and competitive - is by learning to work effectively as a team. There have been many attempts by business consultants to develop proposals in the area. These had all failed to deliver teams which stand the test of time and pressure. I was fortunate to hear of John Syer and Christopher Connolly of Sporting Bodymind, [with whom we have built] an extremely fruitful partnership. Together, we are now developing effective team-building processes within our European Manufacturing base. Team building processes which the client embraces with enthusiasm.’
Tony Lewis, Manager Education & Training Manufacturing Operations, Ford Motor Company, 1988

‘You do a tremendous job.’
Rupert Lowe, Chairman, Southampton Football Club, 2002

‘I have finished reading Team Spirit and am well into Sporting Body, Sporting Mind and thoroughly enjoyed both. They gave me some fundamental applications to many of the changes we are trying to make.’
Bill Luff, Head of Strategic Planning and Control BP, 1990

‘Sporting Bodymind gave me the control in my performance and the ability to withstand (and in fact use to my advantage) the pressures of world-class competition’
Barbara Lynch, European Trap-Shooting Champion, 1979

‘It was refreshing to have someone like John around to suggest different ideas when you’re having problems. It was good to try different techniques.’
Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan CCC and England, 1988

‘For the first time in eighteen years of coaching I found something I could actually use with athletes in this area. Syer and Connolly talk what works. You won’t find hocus-pocus or magic spells - just exercises that will work with teams or individuals. Their work has helped my team and that is fine with me. I look forward towards future materials and workshops.’
Kevin McGill, Head Track & Field Coach, Columbia University, 1986 (reviewing Sporting Body, Sporting Mind).

‘You are very very highly regarded in our business’
David M Mills, Head of Learning and Development AMEC, 2002

‘The training you gave greatly modified some behavioural patterns, thus enabling promotion to take place. My underlying feeling is that Sporting Bodymind’s training is very professional and has proved very effective.’
Stuart Morris, Head of Product Design and Development York UK, 1998

‘At the start of 2006 I faced the challenge of consolidating two parts of the AMEC business into one (CS and D&M into DPS). There were new appointments and different business cultures to be brought together in a top team that could address the problems of the past and take our business forward. SyCon did an excellent job in behavioural alignment that has allowed us to recognise our differences but work as a team, with mutual support, to deliver for the future.’
John Moss, Managing Director, Design & Product Services AMEC, 2006

‘For the first time in 18 years of coaching, I discovered something I could actually use with athletes in this area. An excellent course. The national coaches from all the European countries represented were very satisfied.’
Karel Muijs, Netherlands National Canoe Coach, 1987

'From 1975 John Syer travelled many times to the Netherlands for courses and consulting in sport. I was lucky to meet him. The insight he gave in my own performance as a coach is today still a big value for me. He is a master in teaching how you can perform at the highest level. I do not know many other facilitators who have this quality. Many coaches know him. A great guy.'
Peter Murphy, National Coach Netherlands Women's Volleyball team, 1996; Secretary to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Technical Commission, 2006.

‘How well you guys work with groups! Inspirational! You’re the only consultants I said “Bring in!”. All the others I said “Get rid of!”’
Steve Nussey, Global Chief Dealer BP, 2001

'John and Sycon approach teambuilding differently from others I have experienced in the construction industry. Can have positive results amongst hard bitten engineers!  Service Category: Teambuilding Coach. Year first hired: 2006.  Top Qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative.'
Simon O’Hana, Engineering & Systems Manager, Costain, 2008 

‘SyCon - The Sporting Bodymind Group has now trained the top three tiers of our management structure in transformational leadership techniques. A year after the training, the messages are still very much alive in the organisation. They worked with us to tailor a programme to our needs and built an initial enthusiasm and commitment to the leadership techniques that has had lasting benefits.’
Helen Ostrycharz, Director of Human Resources, Yorkhill NHS Trust, 2004

‘I have very much appreciated your high standards and the very inspiring and constructive cooperation. You have to a great extent contributed in a very positive and skilful way to our process of management development.’
Michael Pieschewski, SAS Management Consultants, 1986

‘We used Sporting Bodymind most successfully at BP Finance International to help mould a more effective top team of management. SBM helped each of us on my team see the others on the team more clearly, and also understand how each of us were being seen. This led to much more productive executive meetings with increased resulting action which was important to our business.’
Steve W. Percy, President and CEO BP Oil, 1993

‘For two people with such slight knowledge of football to be listened to so carefully by seasoned pros is fantastic. In the end they got through to us all. John and Chris have helped us go much deeper into the game. They give us complete confidence and that’s what we need.’
Steve Perryman OBE, Captain Tottenham Hotspur FC, 1984

‘The main thing that struck me is the depth of intelligence they bring to their programmes. There is no hype, just genuine desire to help individuals and organisations to improve their performance.’
Diane Platt, Leadership Development, Service Provision and Training, Barclays Bank PLC, 2000

‘This is a small group of people who have an extraordinary ability to coach senior executives to appreciate their personal patterns of interaction within their teams.’
Tony Pryor, Chief Operating Officer, Brown & Root Services Europe and Africa, 1999

‘Sporting Bodymind helped me achieve excellent results when developing a multi-national, multi-disciplinary management team.’
Tom Quigley, Vice President Southern Europe, BP Gas and Power, 2005

‘Not only have we developed our coaching skills for staff but we’ve also improved the way in which we operate as a team at Board level.’
John Reeve, Chief Executive, Family Assurance Friendly Society, 2000

‘I very much like your approach to leadership development. I found the discussion informative, useful and very much in line with what we are attempting to achieve in GW.’
Rosanna Rees, HR Manager Development GlaxoWellcome, 1999

'I have personally enjoyed and the whole team have benefited from our engagement with Christopher and John from Sporting Bodymind. The results were immediate bringing together on our project key individuals from all across the different teams, in some cases for the first time in contrast to their previous experiences. We have built upon the outcomes from their activities with us and continue to reap the rewards from working with them.'
Phil Roberts, BP Project Director Harding Area Gas, 2006

‘John Syer did a lot of good and pointed us in the right direction.’
Nick Saban, Defensive Coach, Cleveland Browns, 1994

‘The difference between winning and losing in modern sport lies not only in skills and tactics but peripheral darkness of the mind. Syer uses his psychological wizardry to enlighten, unravel and reveal the brightness of the athlete’s mental state and thus create the winning edge.’
Lorne Sawula, Technical Director, Canadian Volleyball Association, 1984

‘We operate in an increasingly complex environment. We are overloaded with information. E-mails and Powerpoint take priority. The ability to have real conversations and the ability to access collective intelligence through real dialogue will be a competitive advantage. Not an easy path but that's where Sporting Bodymind can help… We always have an inspiring exchange of thoughts.’
Helmut Schuster, Vice President, HR Management, Gas Renewables, Supply & Trading, 2005

‘Having inherited a group of high performing individuals, John Syer helped me start the journey of turning that group into a high performing team. He took great care to understand each team member’s background and then to understand our dynamics and relationships. In particular, he helped us focus on giving each other honest constructive feedback and on ensuring that our team meetings were conducted as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a direct result, we’re behaving better as a team. We’ve got a long way to go but at least, with SyCon’s help, we’re headed in the right direction.’
Dr. Phil Sleat, Business Systems Director, Belron International, 2006

‘John Syer has made a definite impact in ways I didn’t at first think were going to happen and that is people being more mentally aware of their own team-mates’ duties and their own duties and how they can help themselves to be more positive and more confident on the pitch. If they’re doing all that, it communicates a team spirit and a better feeling amongst everybody.’
Jim Smith, Manager Queens Park Rangers FC, 1990

‘Christopher has been a valued member of my team in both the league and our FA Cup run.’
Gordon Strachan, Manager, Southampton Football Club, 2003

‘Sporting Bodymind is not about climbing mountains, paintballing or other physical exercise - instead they challenge your fundamental assumptions and perceptions, helping you to realise your full potential. This consultancy has ways of enabling you to understand yourself, your motives and those of your team - the results are frequently nothing short of astounding.’
Dr Michael R Taylor, Emergency services information strategist, 2003

‘Sporting Bodymind add a new dimension to teambuilding. Their impartiality means a balanced and rational discussion and their organisational skills are outstanding. They are a catalyst for change.’
Colin Tivey, Chief Programme Engineer X400, Jaguar Cars, 1999

"During the preparation of the 2000 Olympic Games we ran a programme called the MindRace. John Syer made some great contributions to this programm and thus helped us to sharpen olympic athletes, coaches and staffmembers in order to deliver peak performances. At the moment John is a regular contributor to our programm MasterCoach, a personal development programm for our best coaches to become even better."
Frans van Dijk, Performance Manager Netherlands Olympic Committee, 2006

‘The Sporting Bodymind course was of immense interest and a great aid in understanding the psychology of top sportspeople. In addition, it helped me personally to relax following times of mental stress.’
Mike Varney, Physiotherapist, Tottenham Hotspur FC, 1982

'A team is a number of individuals associated in some joint action, whilst ‘building’ means to establish, increase or strengthen. Too often, individual team members are unable to see the wood for the trees and, like an unruly mob, need direction. In my three years working with SyCon, their direction and coaching was the missing ingredient, not just in building a team but by ensuring the whole was greater than the sum of the parts’.
Duncan Wallace, COO Merchants Group, Pan European Chair O2, RVP AIG, 2006  

‘John and Chris made an enormous difference to the way we behaved and interacted as a team - and our performance delivery benefited significantly as a result. They also used their skills to help properly integrate a multi-national team with very different backgrounds. They are very skilled at what they do, really care about the people they are helping, and really make a difference. Use them!!’
David Watson, Group Vice-Chairman Finance BP, 2000

"Christopher Connolly and his team at SyCon were instrumental at every stage of the Royal College of Music's Zoning In project - from honing the initial research design, to crafting peak performance programmes for musicians, to implementing new courses for our students. The value and strength of their work has been evident both in the benefits realised by musicians at the time of the project and by it's long-reaching impact on our current work with students."
Dr Aaron Williamon, Royal College of Music, Zoning In Project

‘Christopher used a number of techniques to draw from me my strengths, my aspirations and views on possible futures. Good questioning, excellent listening, regular testing of positions and great summarising all helped me explore a range of possibilities and then get focused on specific ideas to progress. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sessions which passed quickly and left me feeling further forward at the end. I am now clear about my future direction and looking forward to it with energy and enthusiasm.’
Len Williamson, Director of DCT Global Operations and Integrity Processes BP, 2005

‘Sporting Bodymind provided a great learning experience about ourselves and each other, resulting in improved communication and the ability to relate more effectively.’
Constance Wolf, Director of Communications & Strategic Change, Dow Corning Europe, 1996

:: back to top