Speaking
Mental health and performance talks for athletic programs, coaching associations, military formations, public safety agencies, and organizations that operate under load.
Book Paul to Speak
Speaker bio
Paul Swanson is a mental health and performance speaker, former NCAA Division I football player at Arkansas State University, former U.S. Army Infantry Officer, and current Air National Guard Security Forces Officer. He works with high school, collegiate, and elite athletes, coaches, and teams to build clarity, leadership, and composure under pressure. Paul has presented at national and state coaching conventions across wrestling, football, gymnastics, volleyball, tennis, and multi-sport organizations. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington State and is pursuing Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
Signature topics
Athletes and teams rarely fail from lack of talent. They fail from unclear process and outcome obsession. This talk shows how elite performers simplify decisions, focus on controllables, and execute consistently under pressure.
Mental health and high standards are not opposites. This talk reframes mental health as a performance advantage while keeping accountability intact.
High-performing teams need leaders who model accountability, self-awareness, and ownership without giving up authority. This talk challenges outdated leadership myths and gives practical behaviors that raise team culture.
Selected experience
Organizations and settings
Logos reflect organizations, associations, and competitive settings connected to Paul's athletic, coaching, consulting, and military experience. Their appearance does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with Cause & Effect Institute.
Results
Dozens of state championship high school teams, including two separate 3-peat team wrestling championships; wrestling All-Americans and national teams; college-level clients across wrestling, soccer, tennis, football, golf, rowing, and gymnastics; professional UFC/MMA fighters.
See the full track record →Credentials & leadership
Available for keynotes (45 to 90 minutes), team workshops, coach education sessions, and leadership retreats, in person or virtual, nationwide. Share your audience, event date, location, and goals, and we'll scope the right session.
