Welcome to Style in the Arena!

In this episode, Julie Anne Quay sits down with elite performance coach Danny Donachie, who works with athletes across sports and disciplines.

Together, they explore the mind–body connection, how psychological barriers impact athletic performance, and the strategies Danny uses to help athletes overcome mental and physical hurdles.

Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire segment focused on how we can best show up in our lives.

This is your playbook. Welcome to the club.

Episode Highlights:

2:00 — Danny shares a lifelong fear
6:00 — What coaching truly entails
6:50 — A professional tennis player experiencing the yips
9:51 — Manchester City F.C. players practicing breathwork
12:45 — Roadblocks to entering a “flow” state
15:40 — Getting to the root of psychological obstacles
17:13 — Hypnosis and entering a deep meditative state
18:40 — Danny’s background as the son of a Premier League footballer
24:35 — Understanding what a mantra is
31:52 — Coping mechanisms for external pressure
39:01 — Performing a role vs. being yourself
47:09 — Routines for consistent performance and presence

51:22 — Defining presence and what it means to stay present

1:05:02 — Danny’s look and fashion

1:06:45 — Rapid-Fire Segment

Hosts: Julie Anne Quay
Guest: Danny Donachie

Style in the Arena is a VFILES Production. Sponsored by FIFA 1904.

Welcome to Style in the Arena! In this episode, Julie Anne Quay sits down with football legends Dennis Wise—Chelsea’s captain through a defining era and now president of Como 1907—and Roberto Di Matteo, scorer of one of Wembley’s greatest goals and the manager who led Chelsea to their first Champions League title.

They share insights from their journeys at Chelsea FC, reflecting on leadership, team-building, and overcoming adversity both on and off the pitch.

Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire segment covering fashion, football, and more!

This is your playbook. Welcome to the club.

Episode Highlights:

0:15 – Welcome to Style in the Arena
1:35 – Introductions: Dennis Wise & Roberto Di Matteo
6:00 – Dennis’s experience leading Chelsea FC as captain
8:02 – Roberto’s philosophy on managing Chelsea and his career
12:08 – Memorable leadership moments
20:00 – Managing leaders and star players (Di Matteo)
23:30 – Fighting for a spot on a football team (Wise)
27:55 – Racial challenges from upbringing (Di Matteo)
29:38 – Defining career moments and setbacks
32:45 – Big losses in their football careers
36:40 – Lessons from encountering loss
41:12 – Approaches to building a team: football, business, and more
43:50 – Qualities of great players, teams, and businesses
45:56 – Hardest leadership decisions
48:38 – Rapid Fire: fashion, football, and more

Host: Julie Anne Quay
Guests: Dennis Wise and Roberto Di Matteo

Style in the Arena is a VFILES Production. Sponsored by FIFA 1904.

"Style in the Arena" is a VFILES production hosted by founder Julie Anne Quay and presented by FIFA 1904.

Featuring leaders, pioneers, and innovators from the worlds of sport, fashion, entrepreneurship, and art, the series offers real insights on mindset, leadership, and movement — expanding the conversation at the intersection of sport and culture.