Legacy Episode #217: Dr. Jim Loehr — “It’s Not About Making a Living, It’s About Making a Life”

In this special Legacy Episode of The Coaching Podcast, Coach EM honours the life and work of Jim Loehr — world-renowned performance psychologist, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute. Dr. Loehr sadly passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 83, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped athletes, coaches, leaders, and performers across the globe. From coaching 17 world number one athletes to transforming the way we think about energy, character, purpose, and performance, Jim’s work went far beyond winning. As he famously said, “It’s not about making a living, it’s about making a life.”

About Dr Jim Loehr 

Dr. Jim Loehr was one of the world’s leading performance psychologists and the co-founder of the Human Performance Institute (HPI), the pioneering organization behind the science of energy management and sustained high performance. Over a career spanning more than three decades, his groundbreaking work influenced elite performers across sport, business, medicine, and law enforcement. Jim worked with 17 world number one athletes across sports including tennis, golf, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, motor racing, and the Olympics, while also advising Fortune 500 companies, FBI Hostage Rescue Teams, and military Special Forces.

A New York Times bestselling author of 17 books, including The Power of Full Engagement and Leading with Character, Jim believed that true performance was built from the inside out. His work focused not only on mental toughness, but on emotional strength, purpose, character, and energy management. Featured in publications including Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Time, Newsweek, and on programs such as Oprah, Today, and Nightline, Jim’s legacy continues to shape coaches, leaders, athletes, and high performers around the world.