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🎙️ Monday Night Live with Derek Arden & Professor Paul McGee
🔥 The SUMO Philosophy — Shut Up, Move On & Live Brilliantly!
Hello everybody — Derek Arden here!
Welcome to another energising, thought-provoking, and downright entertaining episode of Monday Night Live!
This week, I was absolutely delighted to welcome back one of my favourite guests and long-time friend — Professor Paul McGee, the man behind the world-renowned SUMO philosophy — Shut Up, Move On!
Paul is one of the UK’s leading motivational speakers, a performance coach, and the author of 13 bestselling books, including the 20th-anniversary edition of SUMO: A Straight-Talking Guide to Creating an Enjoyable and Brilliant Life.
And yes, he’s still brilliantly straight-talking! 👏
💡 The Birth of SUMO — From Glasgow Banter to Global Movement
Paul shared the wonderfully Scottish origins of SUMO.
It all started in 2002 when a Glaswegian on a counselling course blurted out,
“If all else fails, tell them to SUMO — Shut Up, Move On!”
That cheeky comment planted the seed that grew into a global philosophy — a toolkit for handling life’s curveballs with grit, humour, and emotional intelligence.
Paul calls it his “accidental brand,” born not from strategy, but serendipity — a great reminder that sometimes, success sprouts from staying curious and keeping your compass flexible, not rigidly chasing goals. 🧭
⚽ From the Boardroom to the Premier League
We also dove into Paul’s fascinating work with Premier League football teams — including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Everton.
His story about being invited into City’s inner circle was classic McGee: a mix of luck, networking, and perseverance.
One police officer loved SUMO, told her brother — who just happened to be Head of Player Care at Man City — and before long, Paul was coaching players and staff alike.
He’s worked with stars like Shay Given, Micah Richards, and Ben Mee, not to fix problems, but to help high performers get even better.
As Paul wisely put it:
“You don’t have to be ill to get better.” 💪
🧠 SUMO Meets Psychology — Allies, Not Rivals
Paul’s insights into working alongside sports psychologists were refreshing.
While some might see him as competition, the best professionals — like Patrick Vieira, Pep Guardiola, and Mikel Arteta — embraced his presence and kept learning from anyone who could make them better.
“Despite their success, they stayed humble, hungry, and curious — that’s real greatness.” 🙌
🌍 Life Lessons from the SUMO Guy
Paul unpacked his classic themes — resilience, perspective, and personal responsibility — with plenty of wit and wisdom.
He warned against wearing the “Victim T-shirt”, a metaphor for surrendering control to negativity and blame culture.
He urged us to take back control of our mental diet, because too much CNN — Constant Negative News — can quietly drain your happiness and resilience.
His antidote?
“Focus on what you can influence. Improve your sleep, connect with others, and choose optimism.” ☀️
He also reminded us that modern life is more complex than ever — from endless washing machine options to parking apps that require a PhD — and this complexity fuels stress. The solution? Simplify where you can, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
📚 SUMO for Schools — Building Resilience Early
Paul’s passion for helping young people shine came through loud and clear.
He’s brought SUMO into schools, mainly by empowering teachers first.
“Resilience in the classroom starts in the staff room.” 👩🏫
His book YESSS! The SUMO Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager has inspired children — and their parents — around the world.
One of his favourite lessons?
“Hippo Time is OK.”
Sometimes you need to wallow a bit when life knocks you down — but remember, it’s temporary.
“It’s a detour, not a destination.” ✨
🧩 Labels, Learning & Life
Paul discussed how the rise in childhood labels (like ADHD or autism) is complex.
While many diagnoses are valid and helpful, he cautioned against letting labels limit people:
“Let’s treat differences as superpowers — not excuses.”
That kind of straight-talking empathy is what makes Paul’s message land — from classrooms to corporate stages.
🎓 From Motivator to Professor
In 2019, Paul was awarded the title of Visiting Professor at the University of Chester — recognition for his gift of translating academic ideas into real-world life lessons.
He’s what his brother calls an “outward-facing academic” — making psychology accessible, engaging, and memorable for everyone.
Or as Paul puts it:
“I’m just plain Paul… the SUMO guy.” 😄
🚀 Final Tip for 2026 and Beyond
Paul left us with this gem:
“Don’t let your routines become roots. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something new — even if it’s just a different drink at your café. You might discover something brilliant.” ☕🌱
Simple, wise, and perfectly McGee.
📞 Connect with Paul
Want to bring Paul’s SUMO wisdom to your conference, business, or school?
Just search “The SUMO Guy” — you’ll find him.
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