Praise for Crunch Time
“Rick and I had many conversations about process optimization and problem-solving. Thankfully he and Judd Hoekstra have now memorialized a practical method for getting out of our own way and easing into the flow that can be applied to any endeavor. Absolutely invaluable stuff.”
—Steven Soderbergh, Palme d’Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival, Academy Award winner for Best Director
“Crunch Time provides practical action steps to reframe and change our thoughts to see the opportunity through chaos. During intense, pressure-packed moments, this is a key leadership difference between success and failure. A must-read!”
—Betsy Myers, former senior adviser to two U.S. Presidents; Founding Director, Center for Women and Business, Bentley University
“On the surface, Crunch Time seems to skillfully address a specific life situation—the physiological and psychological response to pressure. Upon reflection, its application is much more than that. From public speaking to parenting to corporate leadership, the richness of the life lessons that are incorporated in this engaging and relatable text is, in fact, enormously broad. So, sit back, relax, and reframe your perspective.”
—Jim Conroy, President and CEO, Boot Barn
“Throughout my career, both as a player and an executive, I’ve clearly seen differences in how some players cave under the pressure while others thrive. With entertaining stories from an insider’s perspective, Rick and Judd share how those who appear to be immune to the pressure think differently and are able to be their best when it matters most. Just as Rick was a difference-maker for our team, the wisdom captured in Crunch Time will be a difference-maker for you and your team. Enjoy!”
—Billy Beane, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, Oakland Athletics
“As the Navy SEAL Training Officer for Basic and Advanced training, I trained SEALs to deal with fear and adversity so they would perform their best when we needed them most. If you are looking for ways to help inoculate yourself and your team from the potentially hazardous times of adversity, start reading Crunch Time.”
—Ed Hiner, Retired Navy SEAL, twice awarded the Bronze Star for valor, and bestselling author of First, Fast, Fearless
“I’ve said for a long time that positive thinkers get positive results. Learn from Rick and Judd how to reframe your mind so that you can’t imagine yourself failing, regardless of the pressure.”
—Ken Blanchard, New York Times bestselling author, The New One Minute Manager
“In your high-pressure moments, don’t just try to survive. Apply Rick and Judd’s coaching and you will thrive!”
—Marshall Goldsmith, The Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker in the World
“When I was working on Moneyball and talking with Rick, it was clear that his coaching ability to maximize performance under pressure was extraordinary. I had the distinct thought: he should write a book.”
—Michael Lewis, New York Times bestselling author
“Rick helped me unlock potential I didn’t know I had. He has a knack for using humor and anecdotes to enhance his message. I have no doubt that Crunch Time will help you unlock your potential and help you perform at your best under pressure!”
—Tom Glavine, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Pitcher, World Series Champion
“In business as in baseball, your ability to perform under pressure can make or break your career. Crunch Time will teach you how to thrive in high-stakes situations.”
—Travis Bradberry, bestselling coauthor of Emotional Intelligence 2.0
“Rick has the deepest knowledge of pitching that I have come across in my career. He helped me immensely. This includes sharing wisdom in areas beyond baseball, such as dealing with pressure. I encourage you to dig deep into Crunch Time. The lessons last a lifetime.”
—Barry Zito, fifteen-year major league pitcher, World Series Champion, three-time All-Star, and Cy Young Award winner
“I love Rick’s progressive and out-of-the-box thinking. He helped me improve as a major league pitcher at the back end of my career in the pressure cooker of New York with the Mets. In Crunch Time, Rick and Judd provide a GPS for you to perform your best under pressure.”
—Al Leiter, nineteen-year major league pitcher, two-time World Series Champion, two-time All-Star, and Emmy award–winning Major League Baseball analyst
“Crunch Time succinctly defined and taught me concepts and techniques that are relevant across business, personal, and athletic challenges. So easy to grasp and apply, and with enough variety for just about any situation. Thanks for helping me find ways to ‘change the station,’ remember that it’s okay to relax under pressure, and simply perform better.”
—Tracey Roberts, Chief Human Resource Officer, Weber-Stephen Products LLC, busy mom, and “weekend warrior” triathlete
“Your heart is racing, your stomach is churning, and all eyes are upon you; your next move will decide whether you win or lose. Sales professionals, like professional athletes, know this scenario all too well. Crunch Time is a fun read that helps you take advantage of your adrenaline and make the most of high-pressure situations.”
—Bill Mathews, Associate Vice President, Facilities Growth, Aramark
“Rick Peterson is a national treasure. His storytelling is matched only by his hard-earned wisdom, and I’m thrilled he’s teamed with Judd Hoekstra to bring you the best of both. Their book is packed with insights on being at your best when the pressure is highest.”
—Cade Massey, PhD, Professor, The Wharton School
“Every day is Crunch Time in New York. When I was the New York Mets’ manager, Rick was the perfect fit to be my pitching coach. He has a unique ability to reframe pressure situations to maximize performance. Crunch Time is a must-read to optimize your performance in your own ‘Big Apple.’”
—Willie Randolph, former Manager, New York Mets, six-time All-Star, and six-time World Series Champion
“Fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about how elite leaders, coaches, and performers have learned to thrive under pressure. The best part is that the lessons apply to all of us in our everyday pressure situations.”
—Jon Gordon, bestselling author of Training Camp and The Energy Bus
“Contrary to what many of us assume, it is not our body or possessions that determine happiness and success; it is the state of our mind. This book will help you go from stress and fear to optimal performance when it matters most, by teaching you how to train your mind.”
—Dr. Rogier Hoenders, psychiatrist and Director, Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Lentis, the Netherlands
“This is one of those books I’ll keep close to me, to pull out when I need encouragement and coaching. I wouldn’t be surprised to find myself reviewing it again and again.”
—Martha Lawrence, coauthor of Trust Works
“Rick Peterson has always applied a distinctive blend of insight and creativity in his out-of-the-box approach to solving problems. With Crunch Time, he and Judd Hoekstra lay out, in a compelling and entertaining way, an approach to dealing with pressure that can help all of us in our tough personal and professional moments.”
—Bill Squadron, Professor, Columbia University, and former President, Bloomberg Sports
“Using engaging stories from high-pressure situations in business, sports, and life, Rick Peterson and Judd Hoekstra give you the mental tools you need to deliver when tension is high and everyone is depending on you. A key part of Leadership is learning; using that learning to develop an engaged and passionate culture is vital.”
—Garry Ridge, President & CEO, WD-40 Company
“The pressure to perform is a constant, and Judd and Rick bring a clear and actionable approach that helps me get in the mindset to thrive in pressure situations instead of caving in. I wish I had these tools earlier in my career and when I was coaching my kids in sports!”
—Howard Farfel, President, The Ken Blanchard Companies
“Crunch Time brings the magic of The Professor (as Rick was known throughout the big leagues) to the reader in an engaging, inspiring way. Judd translates Rick’s success as a pitching coach into the everyday pressures we face at work, at school, at home, and in the community. The proven power of reframing—under the most trying of circumstances—can help shift our heads, hearts, and hands from victim to victor. You need Crunch Time to be your best!”
—S. Chris Edmonds, author of the Amazon bestseller The Culture Engine
“At one time or another, at work or at home, all of us have felt like the whole game was riding on our shoulders. Rick and Judd apply what Rick has learned working with elite athletes to not only lift that burden but enable you to perform at your best.”
—Susan Torroella, Executive Vice President, Wellness Corporate Solutions;
Fortune Small Business Best Boss Award recipient
“Bookstore shelves are littered with a ton of boring, impractical snoozers that profess to solve the secrets to business success. Most amount to no more than academic theory with some less-than-riveting case studies that happen to fit the approach. Crunch Time actually entertains while providing concrete, actionable, PERSONAL behavior changing advice. Great stories, great advice…a great read.”
—Mark Censoprano, Chief Marketing Officer, Aspen Dental Management
“Crunch Time is an instant classic. Rick’s unique wisdom on the baseball diamond and Judd’s ability to translate that wisdom across numerous work, sports, and life situations has produced the definitive prescription for clutch performance. This book has already improved my professional mindset and my golf game!”
—Douglas Madenberg, Principal, Retail Feedback Group and coauthor of Feedback Rules!
“Crunch Time has already helped me reframe one issue, allowing us to save six figures. This is an amazingly inspirational book with examples everyone can relate to. I’ve shared this new knowledge with our team, resulting in a renewed alignment, confidence, and success!”
—Yogesh Madhvani, CEO, SimplexDiam, Inc.
“I wish I’d read this book sooner! I had an experience where I choked hard core. The more I tried to figure out why I was striking out, the greater the pressure became. I could no longer think clearly. Reading Crunch Time, with its practical techniques and relatable examples, I can now see what I will do differently next time.”
—Laurie Cooke, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
“I loved it! It’s the perfect book. It is a wonderful combination of intellectual explanation, engaging stories, practical methods for business and life application, and enjoyable reading! Also, launching a new company is the perfect time to practice conquering pressure. As I read, I applied the ‘Try This’ recommendations to our current situation. I have an immediate success story to share with you!”
—Nicole DeFalco, Partner, Upsurge Advisors
“Nobody knows more than Rick Peterson about dealing with pressure, whether it be the seventh game of the World Series or a real-world situation.”
—Jerry Reinsdorf, Chairman and owner, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls
“Rick has years of experience teaching professional and amateur pitchers how to maximize their true potential, how to embrace pressure and avoid crumbling under the weight of others’ expectations. He and Judd now team up to share those experiences in Crunch Time, a must-read for anyone looking to conquer pressure in the business world or in daily life!”
—Jim Duquette, former General Manager, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles, and Major League Baseball analyst