Resilience Leadership for High Performance

This simple mindset took me from a broken, heavy-drinking 50-year-old to becoming the first person to run 3,140 km across China in 60 days at age 55.

After the victory lap, everything felt empty. You’ve just closed the biggest deal of the year. The product launch went better than expected. The team hit the aggressive target everyone said was impossible. And then… nothing. Energy drops. Motivation evaporates. Even simple decisions feel heavy. Some of your best people start disengaging. The whole team feels flat. This isn’t just “post-project fatigue.” It’s what happens when a massive effort ends without a clear next chapter

Singapore is world-renowned for efficiency, discipline, and excellence. But in a city-state that prizes high performance above almost everything else, even the best teams eventually face the same challenge: how do you sustain peak performance over the long haul? This is where ultra-endurance thinking becomes a game-changer. Having completed multiple ultra-endurance challenges including becoming the first person to run Hong Kong’s Five Trails (400 km with 20,000 m elevation) b

In Hong Kong, pressure isn’t occasional, it’s constant. From soaring skyscrapers to relentless market demands, the city’s business environment tests leaders and teams every single day. As a former professional jockey who made million-dollar decisions at 50 km/h and later ran 3,140 km across China in 60 days, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding pressure, it’s about performing at your best because of the pressure. Why Hong Kong Demands Exceptional Resilience Hong

One of the most exhilarating times of the year is the Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University Big 11 entrepreneurship competition. This unique partnership brings together talent from both Hong Kong and mainland China. Observing hundreds of young founders step into the arena evokes memories of my experiences in the saddle and on the ultra trails. As a motivational speaker in HK and mentor, I had the privilege of working with talented young founders from Hong Kong and mainl

Jo Lodder Resilience Journey - Listen to the full interview here: Jo Lodder on BBC Hereford & Worcester There is a unique kind of stillness you only find at 7:00 AM on a misty morning in rural China. It’s the kind of quiet that forces you to face yourself. For 60 days, that silence was my constant companion as I embarked on a journey that, quite frankly, many told me was impossible for a 55-year-old: running 3,140 kilometers from the Great Wall of China to Hong Kong. Recently

On Sunday 3 May at Olympian City, we turned the atrium into a living story of resilience. I stood on stage with nine extraordinary students from Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, John Fan (my partner on the road), Principal Eric, and the team that made it all possible. We shared never-before-seen footage and raw stories from the 3,140 km RunChina.Run documentary premier — from the Great Wall of China to Hong Kong in 60 days. The Moment That Almost Ended It All Day Six. Chines

You only need to inspire one person. That one life changed creates a ripple effect far bigger than you expect.

Understand Resilience as a Skill to Build Jo emphasizes that resilience is not an innate trait but a skill leaders can develop. It involves managing stress, staying focused on goals, and recovering quickly from setbacks. Leaders who view resilience as a muscle to train can better prepare themselves and their teams for uncertainty. Key Steps to Build Resilience To build resilience: Practice self-awareness: Recognize your emotional responses to pressure and learn to regulate th

Motivating & building resilient teams is one of the toughest challenges leaders face today. I’ve learned this firsthand—not just in boardrooms, but on the road and the racetrack. Running 3,140 kilometers across China and spending years riding as a jockey taught me valuable lessons about endurance, trust, and adaptability. These experiences shaped my approach to building resilient teams that can withstand pressure and keep moving forward. Endurance on the road: a winding path

Booking a motivational keynote speaker can transform an event, inspiring audiences and creating lasting impact. For CEOs, business leaders, and executive assistants tasked with this responsibility, the process may seem daunting at first. This guide breaks down 10 clear steps to help first-timers navigate booking a keynote speaker with confidence and ease. 1. Define the Event’s Purpose and Audience Start by clarifying the event’s goals. What message or theme should the keynote

In today's fast-paced world, resilience is not just a buzzword; it is a critical skill that teams must cultivate to thrive. Jo Lodder, a renowned speaker and expert in team dynamics, offers keynotes that empower teams to build resilience and navigate challenges effectively. This blog post will explore how Jo's insights can transform your team's approach to resilience, enhancing their performance and well-being. Understanding Resilience Resilience is the ability to bounce back

A few months ago, John and I stood at the Great Wall and took the first steps of what would become a 3,140km journey to Hong Kong. At the time, the goal was simple: keep moving. What we didn’t realise was how much bigger the journey would become. Yes, it tested us physically — long roads, ancient mountain passes, coastal highways, exhaustion, and days where even the next step felt uncertain. But the real story was never just about the distance. It became about the people we m

Entrepreneurs of Lantau 2-year anniversay with speaker Jo Lodder! Last night’s talk was something I’ll never forget. Standing in front of so many familiar faces, I was reminded once again why I’m doing this — not just for the challenge, but for the people, the communities, and the ripple effects we can create together. Jockey Jo Lodder I shared a bit of my journey — from being a jockey to breaking my back, to finding new purpose through running. And now, as I prepare for RunC

From the Great Wall to Hong Kong – one step at a time. People often ask me: “Jo, why would you run 3,000km? Through mountains, cities, and the countryside of China... 60km a day, for 60 days? Are you mad?” Maybe a little. But this run isn’t about me. This is for the people who can’t run. For the millions living with disabilities who are too often forgotten, excluded, or simply unseen. It’s about shining a light on what’s possible when we come together — as communities, as tea

But what hit me recently wasn’t a race or a mountain — it was the fatigue that comes after the finish line, when the adrenaline fades and the body starts whispering, “slow down… I need a moment.”

Oxfam Trailwalker 2024 This year’s Oxfam Trailwalker in Hong Kong was monumental—it marked the 40th anniversary of the oldest and most...

I recently had the privilege of being a guest on Hector Telmo’s podcast, Kinetic Outcome , where we had a fantastic conversation about...

As an ultra-runner, former professional jockey, and sales and marketing expert, I've learned one thing above all: success requires...

People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it! Just like running an ultra-marathon, where every mile demands careful planning,...