Optimising Human Systems: Training for Resilience, Performance & Well-being
After our 2024 Wrap Up with A-Game, which you can read about here: High Digital 2024 Wrap-Up. We realised that the High Digital team spends a lot of time optimising systems to deliver the best performance for the software we build, without always putting the same level of effort into optimising our human systems.
Given the desk-based nature of our work in data product development, integrating physical activity into our routine is essential. One of our most impactful initiatives has been our strength and conditioning workshops with kickboxing champion, drawing from practical experience in elite sports. These sessions focus on building resilience, improving posture, and enhancing overall well-being—key factors for long-term performance in a digital environment.
That’s why we kicked off the year with another event designed to help us sharpen both body and mind. On Friday, 14th February (Happy Valentine’s Day!), we headed to Kensington Boxing Club, for an afternoon training, expert insights, and practical performance strategies.
What Happened?
We started with an training session led by A-Game’s Arnold Oborotov, who guided us through movement, posture, and resilience-building techniques, as well as just hitting the pads. Like in software development, efficiency and adaptability are key in physical performance—learning to move well, stay strong, and recover effectively all contribute to long-term success.
After training, we took time to refresh before diving into a talk from Matt Lovell, a specialist performance nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in elite sports, including England Rugby, Manchester City, and top-tier athletes. He shared insights on fuelling for peak performance, maintaining energy, and optimising recovery, helping us apply the principles of high-performance sports to our work and daily lives.
We are a small team, and work can go on indefinitely, so it is important to foster a culture of autonomy and work-life balance. Whether through flexible schedules, wellness resources, or encouraging regular activity, we believe that a high-performing team starts with a healthy team.
By applying physical and mental techniques gleaned from elite sports principles to the workplace, we are not just preventing burnout—we are empowering our employees to operate at peak performance in and outside of work, just like the systems we build.
