EPISODE 41

IMAGERY AND INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT
WITH BRIAN WILLIS

May 13, 2019 | Podcast

A police instructor speaks on stage holding a training firearm

Brian Willis is a police trainer and speaker who founded a company called Winning Mind Training, which focuses on leadership and professional development for law enforcement but is also relevant to others in the military, public safety, or who are serious about survival and personal defense. He also did a TED talk which exemplifies what a good presentation should look like. Hear his thoughts on lesson plan design, use of visual aids, improving engagement, and the role of imagery and mental rehearsals in training. Lots of book recommendations in this episode, they are listed on the episode webpage! 

Brian’s TED talk

Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds

Resonate and Slideology by Nancy Duarte

Make it Stick by Peter Brown and others

With Winning In Mind by Lanny Bassham 

Books by Dr Bob Rotella

Imagery in Sport

Hockey Tough

Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. 

Intro music credit Bensound.com

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT

Recent Episodes

National Security Strategy Review

National Security Strategy Review

This episode focuses on helping listeners understand where tactical action fits inside national-level strategy. Jim breaks down key themes, regional priorities, and notable shifts in emphasis, then explains what those signals may mean for military professionals, law enforcement leaders, and anyone operating inside large institutions. The goal is not agreement or disagreement, but comprehension—because understanding the strategy is a prerequisite to operating effectively within it.

The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword… sometimes

The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword… sometimes

This episode explores why communication is not a soft skill—but a core professional competency. Mike and Jim break down how narratives form, spread, and harden in high-stress environments, and why organizations that fail to tell their own story often lose control of it. From each of their own real-world experiences, they show how storytelling affects trust, cooperation, and institutional survival.

0 Comments