Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, community, and progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the sports industry, this podcast isn’t about preaching or claiming to have all the answers. Instead, it’s a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations exploring how to create positive, actionable change in and through sports.
Born from a passion for progress, Pre-Zero Sports Talk explores the pressing topics shaping our world today—leadership, innovation, community impact, performance and well-being, regenerative agriculture, governance, and more. Each episode goes beyond the surface, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues—conversations that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark action. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, industry leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, entertains, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in building a cleaner, safer, and more connected world—one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
From Homeless to Game-Changer: Phil Pelucha’s Story of Impact
In this powerful episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Phil Pelucha, a former professional footballer turned sports business strategist and founder of the Pelucha Sports Academy.
From being homeless at 14 to building a global 8-figure consultancy, Phil’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and bold leadership. He shares how sports saved his life, why he created a means-tested academy to empower underprivileged athletes, and the leadership lessons that translate directly from the pitch to the boardroom.
Phil also reveals how he helps businesses scale from six to eight figures, his mindset around fear and growth, and how his academy model is expanding into India and South America. This episode is packed with real stories, sharp business advice, and personal insights that will inspire athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders alike.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Phil’s Journey
02:39 – Founding the Pelucha Sports Academy
04:13 – Building a Means-Tested Model
09:14 – From Struggles to Success: Academy Stories
21:34 – What Sports Teach Us About Leadership
31:39 – How to Scale Businesses Fast
40:22 – Thinking Bigger and Facing Fear
43:20 – Mental Health in High-Pressure Roles
45:31 – Advice for Facing Life’s Challenges
46:31 – What Businesses Can Learn from Elite Teams
51:19 – Lessons from Liverpool FC
01:01:54 – Global Vision for the Academy
01:07:28 – Lightning Round: Personal Insights
01:13:19 – Closing Reflections
🎧 Whether you’re a coach, CEO, or athlete, this episode will leave you motivated to lead, grow, and create impact.
👉 Learn more about Phil Pelucha and his work at https://billionairesinboxers.com
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