What if the difference between good and exceptional wasn’t talent, hustle, or luck… but something far more subtle?
Enter Michael Fooks - mindset architect and the kind of speaker who doesn’t just talk at a crowd but moves one. This October, he’s taking the stage at NZ Talent X to crack open the psychology of performance (and it's anything but your average pep talk).
For more than 20 years, Fooks has worked with some of New Zealand’s biggest organisations, diving into the real mechanics behind influence, resilience and results. With a background in psychology, a
diploma in clinical hypnotherapy, and some serious NLP chops, he’s all about helping people operate from what he calls the Top 2% Mindset.
“The question of what separates poor performers from great ones? Everything,” says Michael.
“The real puzzle is this: what’s the difference between good… and exceptional? That’s where things get interesting.”
In his session, “Performance: The Difference That Makes the Difference,” Michael will lift the veil on thinking patterns, emotional control, and the science of luck.
Drawing on the research of psychologist Richard Wiseman, Fooks will explore why some people seem to have the magic touch, and how it’s not actually magic at all.
“Turns out, people who think they’re lucky do a handful of things differently,” he explains.
“And when you teach others those same principles, guess what? They start getting luckier too.”
Forget the fluffy affirmations and unicorn-level positivity, Fooks is all about practical tools with serious impact. Think mindset hacking meets behavioural science.
“This isn’t about pretending the tough stuff doesn’t exist,” he says. “It’s about controlling what you can; your thinking, your habits, and your energy…and watching the dominoes fall.”
Expect movement. Expect interaction. Expect moments that might just mess with your head in the best possible way.
“I want people to feel the shift, not just hear about it,” says Fooks. “If you’re open, curious, and ready to level up,1 this is your session.”
Catch Michael Fooks at NZ Talent X, where science meets strategy, and performance gets personal. October’s never looked so powerful.
Grab your tickets here. This is an event for the entire team.