The Pathway to Peak Performance Podcast
Welcome to Pathway to Peak Performance
Hosted by Jock Putney, this channel is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence—mental, physical, emotional, and professional.
Each episode dives deep into the real stories of high achievers from all walks of life: elite athletes, tactical operators, innovators, creators, and leaders who have pushed themselves to the edge and beyond. This isn’t about hype. It’s about mindset, discipline, failure, growth, and the relentless pursuit of getting better.
If you’re driven to elevate your performance—whether that’s in the gym, in your work, or in your personal life—you’re in the right place.
🎯 Real people.
🔥 Real stories.
💡 Real tools to help you perform at your highest level.
Subscribe and start your own journey toward peak performance.
The Pathway to Peak Performance Podcast
Inventor/Designer; Big Waves To Big Wins | Stephen de Zordo’s Pathway to Peak Performance Ep14
🚨 SUPPORTING EDUCATION 🚨
Every view and share of this episode supports FACES SF, a nonprofit providing educational programs and opportunities for underserved youth and families in San Francisco. Learn more or donate here: https://facessf.org/
In this inspiring episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, host Jock Putney sits down with Stephen de Zordo — former pro athlete, toy industry innovator, and founder of Deckhand — to explore how resilience, creativity, and passion drive both business and life.
From nearly drowning as a kid to charging 20-foot waves in San Francisco, from creating the hit toy Doodle Top that sold hundreds of millions worldwide, to building a career telling stories for some of the world’s biggest companies, Stephen’s journey is filled with lessons on perseverance, creativity, and mental toughness.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How childhood struggles with ADHD and dyslexia shaped resilience and creativity
- The wild origin story behind Doodle Top (and how it became a global hit)
- Lessons from the toy industry: failing fast, innovating, and scaling big
- The importance of storytelling in business and leadership
- How controlling your mindset can save your life in moments of crisis
- Why passion and belief are essential to building meaningful work and teams
✨ If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone navigating life’s curveballs, this episode is packed with insight, grit, and inspiration.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with innovators, athletes, and leaders redefining peak performance.
📍 Connect with FACES SF and support their mission: https://facessf.org/
#PeakPerformance #Entrepreneurship #ToyIndustry #Resilience #Storytelling