Brian C. Hite, Ph.D.

Who Is

Brian Hite?

From leaping off buildings in Hollywood blockbusters to guiding leaders through high-stakes decisions, Brian Hite has spent his life mastering the art of performing under pressure. As a professional stuntman with over 130 film and TV credits, Brian knows what it’s like to face life-threatening moments where focus and clarity determine success. Yet, it was his curiosity about the psychology behind these moments that led him to pursue advanced degrees in sport and organizational psychology.

While earning his PhD, Brian worked with U.S. Army soldiers, helping them develop the mental tools to excel under pressure in some of the world’s most challenging environments. These experiences shaped his groundbreaking approach: pressure isn’t something external—it’s shaped by perception, meaning, and focus.

Today, Brian combines his expertise as a stuntman, psychologist, and speaker to challenge outdated beliefs about pressure. He shows individuals and teams how to dismantle the mental barriers that hold them back and thrive in their most critical moments. Whether speaking to corporate audiences, coaching athletes, or delivering his signature PressureX program, Brian’s mission is simple: to help you see pressure for what it truly is – an illusion created by perception – and eliminate it as a barrier to success.

In a Stryker – Ft. Lewis

Playing – Ft. Lewis

Playing at the Track

Football!

Pressure exists in the mind, not in the moment. It’s not a force acting on you, but a perception created by how you interpret a situation’s stakes, meaning, and expectations. This fundamental idea shapes every aspect of my approach to performance. By understanding that pressure is an illusion, we can dismantle its power over us, shifting from a reactive mindset to one of clarity, control, and focus.

In my work, I guide individuals and teams to reframe high-stakes moments as opportunities rather than threats. Whether it’s a stunt performed 50 feet in the air or a critical decision in the boardroom, the key lies in redirecting attention from the imagined weight of pressure to the task at hand. This shift not only removes mental barriers but also unlocks the ability to perform consistently at your peak. My philosophy isn’t about managing pressure—it’s about eliminating it entirely, freeing you to succeed with confidence and purpose.

Doctoral Graduation

“Hawaii Five-O”

Credentials

Brian Hite’s unique expertise in pressure management is rooted in decades of high-stakes experience and advanced academic training. His qualifications include:

  • Professional Stuntman: With over 130 film and TV credits, Brian has performed life-threatening stunts that demand unwavering focus and control under pressure.
  • PhD in Organizational Psychology: Brian’s doctoral work deepened his understanding of human behavior, motivation, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
  • Master’s in Sport Psychology: This foundation allowed Brian to specialize in optimizing performance for athletes, performers, and professionals facing intense pressure.
  • Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC): Recognized by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Brian is credentialed to help individuals and teams maximize their potential.
  • U.S. Army Contractor: For over a decade, Brian trained soldiers to thrive in some of the world’s most high-pressure situations, combining psychological tools with practical strategies.
  • University Faculty Member: As a Senior Dissertation Chair, Brian mentors doctoral students, helping them navigate the mental demands of academic and professional achievement.
  • Published Author: Brian’s book, Begin Again: Utilize the Wisdom of Eastern and Western Ideologies to Achieve Your Full Potential, explores performance and well-being, blending ancient philosophy with modern science.

“24”

“The Cleaning Lady”

With this unparalleled combination of real-world experience, academic rigor, and applied expertise, Brian is uniquely positioned to help others see pressure for what it truly is—and eliminate it as a barrier to success.

by Brian Hite, has become a habit that I have no intention of breaking. I love the format of having a couple of pages of inspiration and motivating ideas that bring me back for each day’s new reading. Brian delivers a distinctive combination of encouragement and challenge that works to create new perspectives on defining and achieving your personal success. This is one of those few books that I truly would recommend to everyone as an excellent resource to find more satisfaction and success in both your career and your personal life.

Joe Calloway; Author - Be The Best At What Matters Most

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