Calm Under Pressure with Dave Wood

Dave Wood has spent his career performing when the stakes are at their highest. From 12 years as an intensive care paramedic and professional ocean lifeguard to coaching elite athletes and business leaders, he understands what it takes to remain calm when everything around you feels chaotic. In this episode of The Conference Collective, Dave joins Libbie Ray to unpack the difference between thriving under pressure and simply surviving it. Together they explore why recovery is just as important as performance, how leaders can create calm during challenging moments and the simple habits that build long-term resilience. Whether you're managing a team, leading an event, or navigating the daily pressures of business, this conversation is packed with practical science-backed strategies you can implement immediately. **About Dave Wood** Dave Wood is a human performance expert and keynote speaker who simplifies the world of self-development with rare authenticity. Drawing on 12 years as an Intensive Care Paramedic and Professional Ocean Lifeguard, he brings real-world expertise in resilience, stress mitigation, and peak performance. Dave's own journey from debilitating pain to a pain-free life fuels his passion for radical ownership of physical and mental well-being. As founder of a thriving human performance business, he mentors elite athletes - including UFC champion Israel Adesanya and Emirates Team New Zealand - alongside professionals across diverse industries. **Dave is sponsored by Celebrity Speakers New Zealand** - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/dave-wood **About The PCOA:** The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand. The Association’s objectives are to increase the standard of professionalism of its members and promote a better understanding of the roles, functions and contributions of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers and other practitioners in the conference and event sector. Website: www.pco.asn.au **About Connected Event Group:** Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com **About Libbie Ray:** Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events.  Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail