Mindset Matters — But Do Our Titles Get in the Way of Access?

What Does It Really Mean to Be an Expert? Reflections from Sport, Sailing, and Beyond

I was recently named an Expert for the sailing-specific social media platform Reach, and it got me reflecting:

What does it actually mean to be an expert?

We usually define it as “a person who is very knowledgeable about or skilful in a particular area.” The word conjures up images of someone who knows it all, whose word is taken as fact, who people turn to for answers.

But as I sat with this shiny new label, I found myself wondering: does being called an expert sometimes create barriers instead of bridges?

The Many Faces of Expertise

In different contexts, the word expert carries very different weight.

Recently, I had the unique (and slightly nerve-wracking) experience of serving as an expert witness in a legal investigation. I was called in to provide a formal opinion on a subject I’ve spent years working in. The atmosphere was heavy; the stakes were high. The word expert wasn’t just a compliment , it was a responsibility.

But outside the courtroom, does the word sometimes intimidate people?

Does it make someone less approachable? Does it make people hesitate to reach out for advice or support, thinking, “They’re the expert; they probably work only with the top performers”?

The Tricky Terrain of Titles

Take the world of sport psychology, where I spend most of my time.

In the UK, the title psychologist is a protected term. You can’t just call yourself one unless you’re a chartered and accredited member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This protects standards, which is good. It means people can trust that anyone using that title meets a high level of training and accountability (although some people use it any way and that is anther discussion).

But I’ve often wondered: does the word itself put people off?

Does someone feel more comfortable saying, “I’m working with a mental skills coach” rather than “I’m seeing a sport psychologist”?

Is there more stigma attached to one title than the other?

Too often, people assume sport psychology is only for elite performers, or even only for sportspeople. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mindset matters everywhere, from amateur sport to business to everyday life.

A Real-Life Example: Finding Confidence Again

Not long ago, I worked with an amateur equestrian rider who had once been fiercely competitive and fearless, both in the arena and out on the cross-country course. But after losing her longtime horse, she suddenly found herself facing a whole new challenge: retraining an ex-racehorse for competition jumping.

What had once been second nature, committing fully to a jump, had become a mental block. She started pulling up, hesitating, second-guessing herself. She told me, “I never used to be this nervous. I used to just go for it.”

Through our work together, we didn’t just rebuild her jumping technique; we rebuilt her belief in herself. We explored how confidence can waver during transitions, how grief and change can quietly affect performance, and how mindset isn’t about being fearless, it’s about learning how to manage fear when it shows up.

This wasn’t about Olympic podiums or elite titles; it was about helping someone reconnect with the sport they loved, on their own terms.

And that’s the kind of transformation sport psychology can offer, which is why access to expert support should never feel reserved only for the elite few.

Lessons from Other Industries

I look at the personal training (PT) world with some envy.

People everywhere sign up with PTs or strength coaches, they don’t hesitate (well, outside of the financial hit!). No one questions whether they’re “worthy” of working with a PT. You don’t need to be an elite athlete; you just want to get fitter, stronger, or healthier.

But imagine if PTs were called Training Experts — would people still feel so comfortable walking up to them in the gym?

In business, we see something similar.

We all want to perform better at work, but many people assume coaching is reserved for executives. Even the title “executive coach” reinforces that belief.

If you’re not in the C-suite, do you hold back from seeking help because you think, “Well, I’m not an executive, coaching’s not for me”?

Do Titles Scream ‘Expensive’?

On top of the intimidation factor, titles often carry the whiff of cost.

Does the word expert imply expensive?

Does psychologist sound serious, medical, and therefore costly?

Does executive coach align itself with the high salaries of executives, making others feel they can’t (or shouldn’t) access that kind of support?

We need to acknowledge that expertise comes at a cost — years of training, qualifications, and experience don’t come free. But increasing access doesn’t only mean lowering prices.

It can also mean offering:

• Group workshops

• Online learning resources

• Community-based initiatives

• Shorter, focused coaching packages

Platforms like Reach are a great example of how we can rethink models of access — making it easier for people to dip their toes into expert spaces without feeling overwhelmed.

We Need Both Standards and Access

Let me be clear: We need standards and protected titles.

You wouldn’t want just anyone calling themselves a doctor or psychologist without qualifications. These professional markers protect people, ensure accountability, and uphold ethical practice.

But we also need to make sure these titles don’t create invisible walls, where people assume they’re “not allowed” or “not the type” to reach out for help.

It’s a tricky balance — but one worth working toward.

What If Gyms and Clubs Led the Way?

Imagine if gyms, sports clubs, and workplaces offered mindset sessions alongside fitness classes or training.

What if it became normal to think about mental fitness just like physical fitness?

The more we embed mindset work into everyday spaces, the less intimidating those big titles; expert, psychologist, coach will feel.

A Challenge for You: Where Are You Holding Back?

Let me leave you with a small challenge:

Where in your life are you holding back from seeking support or coaching because you think you’re “not elite enough,” “not senior enough,” or “not serious enough”?

Whether it’s in sport, business, or personal life, you don’t have to be a CEO or a national champion to deserve expert help.

Mindset matters, and everyone deserves support in strengthening theirs.

If you’re curious about how expertise can support you, or if you’ve ever been put off by a title, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s open up the conversation.