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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew, a former elite rugby player who carved out a 15-year career across Australia, Wales, Ireland, and France. 

From captaining teams in Europe to managing operations for a global engineering company, Andrew shares how the lessons learned in rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—translated seamlessly into his post-sport career. He opens up about the challenges of letting go of the athlete’s dream, the importance of loyalty, and how curiosity and vulnerability became his superpowers in the corporate world.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Curiosity: Andrew’s willingness to say “yes” to opportunities—even when he felt out of his depth—led to unexpected career paths and personal growth.
• Teamwork Beyond Sport: Discover how the dynamics of a rugby team mirror the needs of a high-performing business team, and why diversity in skills and personalities is key to success.
• Letting Go of the Dream: Andrew reflects on the emotional journey of retiring from professional sports and how he found new purpose in leadership and mentorship.
• The Art of Honesty: Learn why brutal honesty (with a touch of empathy) is crucial in both sport and business, and how it builds trust and respect.
• Goal Alignment: Andrew shares a powerful analogy about running across broken glass and why aligning personal goals with professional ones is the secret to staying motivated.

Memorable Moments:

• Andrew’s unexpected career pivot after a casual chat with an executive committee.
• The culture shock of moving from sunny Queensland to the freezing valleys of Wales—and how it shaped his adaptability.
• Why loyalty and vulnerability are non-negotiables in leadership, both on and off the field.
• The surprising similarities between high-pressure rugby matches and high-stakes business meetings.

Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re an athlete contemplating life after sport, a professional navigating a career transition, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take the next big leap, Andrew’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying curious.

Tune in to hear:

• How Andrew turned a one-year stint in Wales into a decade-long international career.
• The moment he realized it was time to hang up his boots and prioritize family.
• Practical advice for athletes and professionals alike on setting goals, building relationships, and embracing vulnerability.

Quotable:
“In sport, you pick yourself. If you’re not getting selected, it’s because you haven’t done what’s needed. The same applies in life—you’ve got to take ownership of your journey.” – Andrew

Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io