Wisdom Keepers: Dimensions of Dr. Alan Goldberg
Sara Vatore
In this special and deeply personal installment of the Wisdom Keepers series, I am joined by my father, Dr. Alan Goldberg, an internationally recognized pioneer in peak sports performance and mental toughness. Together, we explore the winding path of his life and work, from his early days on the tennis court to an unexpected shift from fisheries biology into counseling psychology and performance coaching.
Our conversation traces the evolution of his work beyond traditional mental training and into a more multidimensional understanding of the nervous system, trauma, and the deeper roots of performance blocks. We also explore creativity, failure, legacy, and what it means to pass forward decades of wisdom as I step into leadership within the business he built.
Dr. Alan Goldberg, Ed.D., SEP is the founder of Competitive Advantage LLC and has spent more than four decades helping athletes at every level—from youth competitors to professional athletes and Olympians—develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Known for his clarity, humor, and highly practical approach, Dr. G has helped countless athletes break through slumps, overcome fear-based blocks, and perform at their best when it matters most.
Early in his career, he recognized that mindset training alone wasn’t enough for many athletes struggling with repetitive performance problems, and he went searching for something deeper. He became one of the first in his field to integrate nervous system science and body-based approaches into sports performance work, training in Brainspotting, EMDR and later Somatic Experiencing® to help athletes resolve repetitive performance problems at their root.
Dr. Goldberg is the author of more than 35 books and training programs and has worked with NCAA championship teams, spoken at the Olympic Training Center, and presented at top coaching clinics worldwide. A first-degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu karate and grandfather of two, he continues to bring curiosity and depth to both his work and his life.
Inside this episode, we explore:
The early passion for tennis that sparked a lifelong fascination with the mental side of performance
The daring shift from a Master’s in marine biology to a doctorate in counseling psychology
Why traditional mindset coaching often falls short when the nervous system is involved
How trauma, the body, and stored survival responses can shape athletic performance
The multidimensional nature of performance, including the impact of parents, coaches, and relational systems
The body’s “voice” and how physical sensations can guide healing and transformation
Creativity, perfectionism, and learning to bypass the hypercritical front brain
Reframing failure as information, experimentation, and curiosity
Maintaining hope and meaningful focus during chaotic times
The transition of a family legacy and the continued evolution of Competitive Advantage LLC
I hope you enjoyed this installment of the Wisdom Keepers series.
To learn more about Dr. G’s work, his books, and the resources available for athletes and parents, you can find all the relevant links at competitivedge.com. Stay tuned later this month for the exciting launch of the website revamp.
If something in this conversation stirred remembrance, sparked an insight, or opened a new doorway for you, I’d love to hear from you at sara@saravatore.com.
More Wisdom Keepers to come.
Links:
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