Removing the Brain Blinkers: How to Shift Beliefs and Unlock High Performance

In this energising episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie Christopher sits down with keynote speaker, coach and creator of Brain Blinkers, Anthony Bonnici, to explore how our own thinking often limits our potential. Drawing on more than 20 years of global speaking and leadership coaching, Anthony reveals the three key mental barriers that hold people back and how leaders can identify and remove them. From tackling limiting beliefs to breaking patterns of self-sabotage, Anthony introduces his practical COFFEE model — six ways we unconsciously undermine our success: Catastrophising, Overgeneralising, Filtering, Forecasting failure, Emotionalising, and being at the Effect of problems instead of the cause. Anthony and Stephanie discuss how reframing even one limiting belief can shift behaviour, why recognising the right problem is crucial before solving it, and how small daily mindset changes can transform performance. Whether you lead a sales team or a company, this conversation will help you challenge unhelpful thinking, take ownership, and get “above the line” — focusing on solutions that move you and your team forward. Key takeaways: Identify your own “brain blinkers” — the beliefs and habits that narrow your thinking. Replace self-defeating thoughts with small, realistic reframes. Use the COFFEE model to spot common self-sabotage patterns. Stop reacting to problems — diagnose the real issue, then act. Lasting change requires consistency, self-awareness, and action over time.