October 13, 2025

289: What Sport Teaches Us About Leadership, Culture & the Human Mind

29 minutes

This week, host Richard Graves welcomes David Mead, former professional rugby league star turned business leader, to discuss one of the most challenging transitions in sport, life after professional competition.

Over a 14-year professional career, David represented the Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane Broncos, and Catalan Dragons, as well as Papua New Guinea on the international stage. Today, he channels the lessons learned from elite sport into helping corporate teams and organisations build courage, respect, and accountability.

In this episode, David offers a deeply personal and insightful look at the highs and lows of professional sport, the mental and emotional adjustment that comes with retirement, and how athletes can successfully navigate the shift to a new identity beyond the game.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What it takes to transition successfully from professional sport to life after competition

How to find identity and purpose once the playing days are over

The emotional and psychological challenges of retirement, and how to handle them

The importance of structure, support networks, and mindset for post-career success

Lessons from sport that translate directly into leadership and team performance in business

Why maintaining community, health, and balance is vital for long-term wellbeing

About David Mead**

David Mead is a former NRL and Super League player who represented Papua New Guinea, the Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane Broncos, and Catalan Dragons over a decorated 16-year career. Since retiring, David has become a business owner and performance coach, working with corporate and sporting organisations to instil the values of courage, respect, and accountability.

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