Meet the former EFL star who now charges £15,000 as a keynote speaker: Paul McVeigh opens up on ‘second life’ and reveals how teams can cope with the pressure of a play-off final
As Paul McVeigh stepped into the Tottenham dressing room for the first time at just 17 years old, he was met with a mix of emotions. The Northern Irishman was surrounded by football legends like Sol Campbell, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Teddy Sheringham, which was daunting, to say the least. However, it wasn’t the superstar status of his teammates that intimidated him, but rather his own feelings of inadequacy. Growing up in Belfast and moving to England as a teenager, McVeigh often felt like an outsider, and being one of the few non-English players in the youth team didn’t help. The experience was overwhelming, and he struggled to keep up with the best players in the world.
It was during this time that a friend recommended McVeigh read a book on performance psychology and mindset, titled “Awaken The Giant Within” by Tony Robbins. This book became a turning point for McVeigh, opening his eyes to the importance of mental preparation and self-belief. He began to question why some players were more successful than others, and what set them apart. McVeigh realized that technical and physical skills were just the baseline, and that the real differentiator was mental toughness and psychology. This newfound understanding sparked a fascination with the subject, and he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand the secrets of success. As he delved deeper into the world of psychology, McVeigh began to apply its principles to his own game, using the psychological side of things to gain an advantage over his fellow professionals.
McVeigh’s playing career was nothing short of impressive, with 20 caps for Northern Ireland and two titles with Norwich, where he holds legendary status. However, he retired at just 32, feeling that it was time to start his “second life.” This decision was not taken lightly, and McVeigh has spoken about the challenges he faced in walking away from the sport he loved. Nevertheless, he was determined to pursue a new passion – psychology. McVeigh became the first Premier League footballer to secure a Masters degree in psychology, and he now works as a renowned keynote speaker and performance psychologist. His client list boasts blue-chip companies like PWC, Microsoft, Investec, and KPMG, and he commands a fee of £15,000 per speech. McVeigh’s success in his second career is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, and he continues to inspire others with his story.
As McVeigh reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of self-belief and mindset. He believes that the limits we place on ourselves are often the greatest barriers to success, and that by working on our psychological aspects, we can unlock our full potential. This is a lesson he applies not just to football, but to the corporate world as well. McVeigh argues that while technical skills are essential, they are not enough to guarantee success. It is the psychological aspect that sets individuals and companies apart, and this is an area that is often neglected. By prioritizing mindset and self-belief, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. McVeigh’s own journey is a shining example of this, and he continues to share his insights with others through his work as a speaker and psychologist.
McVeigh’s journey to becoming a successful speaker was not without its challenges. He recalls his first booking, which earned him £3,000, and how it made him feel like a “three grand an hour speaker.” As he continued to work on his craft and build his confidence, his fees increased, and he began to attract high-profile clients. McVeigh’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief, and he continues to inspire others with his message. He is also an author, and his book offers a unique perspective on the importance of psychology in achieving success. Through his work, McVeigh aims to help others unlock their full potential and overcome the limitations they place on themselves.
As the football world gears up for a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of EFL play-off finals, McVeigh has some valuable advice for the players taking to the pitch. He urges them to focus on playing the game rather than the occasion, and to remember that the skillset of a professional is being able to perform at a high level regardless of the stakes. McVeigh knows a thing or two about high-pressure matches, having been on the losing side in the 2002 Division One final. However, he believes that players often get caught up in the occasion and lose sight of what they’re capable of. By focusing on the game and not the occasion, players can overcome their nerves and perform at their best. This advice is not just relevant to footballers, but to anyone facing a high-pressure situation. By prioritizing mindset and self-belief, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve their goals, whether on or off the pitch.
