Athlete Transition Accelerator

We sit down with Conor Gilsenan, former professional rugby player whose promising career was cut short by concussion.

What followed was a bold leap into the unknown, competing on The Apprentice, diving into tech sales, and redefining what success looks like beyond the game.

Key Takeaways from Conor’s Journey:

• You have to become an expert in something else – talent and reputation open doors, but learning a new craft is key to long-term success.
• The best is yet to come – use the platform of professional sport to create new opportunities and build your next chapter.
• Let go of perfection – mistakes and pivots are part of the process, embrace the uncertainty, it’s where the growth happens.
• Nothing fully prepares you for retirement – even when you think you’re ready, the moment the lights go out, it’s still tough.

Conor shares openly about the emotional toll of early retirement, the pressure to succeed quickly, and the mindset shift needed to thrive after elite sport. His story is honest, relatable, and full of wisdom for any athlete facing the unknown.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined by rugby legend Conrad Smith, former All Black, two-time Rugby World Cup winner, and now a global advocate for athlete wellbeing and development.

Conrad shares his transition journey with the calm insight and self-awareness that defined his playing career. He reflects on life after rugby, the importance of self-knowledge, and why stepping away from sport doesn’t mean leaving your value behind.

Whether you’re a current athlete, a retired pro, or someone supporting high performers through change, this episode delivers rare and actionable wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

• Performance improves when you disconnect.

• You don't have to stay in sport.

• Feedback is your secret weapon.

• Take your time.

• Know your personality.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with JP Cooney, former professional rugby player for Connacht, to explore the realities of retirement, identity loss, and the hard truths that come with trying to build a second career after elite sport.

JP shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what it felt like to leave behind the only thing he ever knew, rugby, and step into an unfamiliar world of job applications, interviews, and rejection. Despite believing he was prepared, he was hit hard by the harsh reality: employers wanted experience, not just potential.

Now carving out a new path, JP reflects on how the traits that made him a successful athlete, discipline, accountability, and resilience, have become even more valuable in the business world.

Key Takeaways:

• Sporting traits matter but they’re not everything
• Discipline, resilience, and accountability, while powerful, aren’t always enough to land a job. Industry experience is often prioritised, but your athlete traits are amplified once you're in.
• An identity crisis is real
• “The only thing I was, was a rugby player.” JP speaks openly about the psychological challenges of leaving sport and the process of rediscovering who he is beyond the game.
• Being prepared doesn’t mean it will be easy
• Even with a plan, the emotional and professional adjustment to life after sport was harder than JP expected. That doesn’t mean the prep was wasted, it made the difference.
• Lean on your circle

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Rachel Lewis, former professional volleyball player for England and Great Britain, and Olympian, to explore her thoughtful and proactive approach to transition. Rachel shares her journey from elite sport to life beyond, revealing the pivotal mindset shifts and planning strategies that helped her navigate one of the most challenging and identity-shifting times in her life.

Rachel reflects on the lessons learned through sport, not just in competition, but in character development, personal growth, and preparation. She talks about the importance of early conversations, building a network, and creating space to explore: Who am I beyond the game? What do I need to move forward? How can I show up at my best in this next chapter?

Whether you’re still playing or already in transition, Rachel’s insights are practical, grounded, and deeply empowering.

Key Takeaways:

• Start before the end
• Build your network early
• Sport is a chapter, not the whole book
• Sense check your direction
• Embrace the growth
• Ask the right questions

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organizations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Oliver Soames, former first-class cricketer, to explore how life on the field shaped his approach to planning, networking, and building a purposeful career beyond sport.

Oliver reflects on the reality that not every career ends with a fairytale finish, and why that makes preparation and honest conversations so important. He shares how opening up to other athletes and leaning into your network can provide unexpected opportunities, valuable perspective, and even peace of mind.

From handling the emotional side of transition to understanding the power of using your platform while you still have it, Oliver’s story is a grounded and inspiring reminder that you’re not alone, and you’re more prepared than you think.

Key Takeaways:

• Use your time and network wisely
• Preparation brings peace
• You’re not alone
• Find your bubble
• There’s life beyond the scoreboard

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organizations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Check out these powerful conversations:

Jonny Kennedy

Jess Roper

Connect and Contact

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Jonny Kennedy, a former professional rugby player whose promising career was cut short at just 21 due to repeated concussions. Reluctantly stepping away from the game, Jonny made the difficult but correct decision to prioritise his health, reminding us all that the brain is our most important organ.

Jonny’s journey since rugby has been anything but linear. He initially transitioned into the family business, leading a new renewables project, but something was missing. That unshakable drive, the itch for something meaningful, pushed him to co-found Neubria, a brain health company, alongside his wife.

Jonny opens up about the emotional and mental health challenges that followed his retirement. Despite having a support system and something to fall back on, the struggle was real. Jonny unpacks the shift from control in sport, where performance can be improved with extra reps, to the unpredictable nature of injury and forced transition.

Key Takeaways:

• "I begrudgingly stopped playing."
• Mental health matters.
• You can’t control everything.
• Have a growth mindset.
• Start planning now.
• Know yourself.
• Have humility.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organizations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Jess Roper, two-time English kickboxing champion, to explore her evolution from elite athlete to motivational speaker, mindset coach, and, most significantly, mother. Jess opens up about her biggest transition yet: becoming a mum, and how that life shift shaped her clarity, purpose, and ambition.

Through her personal growth journey, Jess highlights how working on yourself isn’t just powerful, it’s essential. She shares the importance of identifying the tools you want to carry with you for life, and how self-awareness helped her gain direction and vision beyond her sporting career.

From the ring to the world of personal development, Jess talks about how sport instilled a mindset for success and why thinking big, and thinking early, can open doors you didn’t know existed. She encourages athletes and non-athletes alike to ask for help, seek out mentors, and never let fear dictate their decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Your biggest transitions may happen outside of sport.
• Invest in your growth.
• Harness the mindset sport gave you.
• Start early, dream big.
• Get support.
• Don’t let fear stop you.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organizations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

If Jess’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Don Armand

Nick De Luca

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Will Mellors-Blair, former professional footballer and founder of TrueMind and Mindora, to explore his transition from elite sport to building businesses that empower individuals and organisations.

Will shares his journey of stepping away from professional football, the challenges of redefining his identity, and how he discovered his passion for neuroscience, human potential, and high performance. Now, through his ventures, he helps individuals optimise their mindset and performance, proving that success beyond sport starts with self-awareness and adaptability.

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage your skills, talents, and passion.
• Stay connected to what lights you up.
• Diversify your identity.

TrueMind - TrueMind | Advancing Mental Performance Intelligence in Sports

Mindora - Mindora: The New Era of Human Performance

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organizations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

More episodes you won’t want to miss:

Gareth Steenson

Alex Tait

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Will Fraser, former Saracens rugby player and founder of 100 and First, 100 and First Foundation, and Pineapple, to explore his journey from professional sport to building multiple businesses.

Will shares the realities of stepping away from elite rugby, the uncertainty that followed, and how he navigated his transition by testing different industries, learning through experience, and leaning into his network. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, he helps businesses, teams, and individuals build high-performance cultures, a skillset he honed during his rugby career.

Key Takeaways:

• Try, learn, and adapt
• Your network is your biggest asset
• The right questions lead to the right opportunities
• Translating sporting success into business

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

If Will’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Don Armand

Nick De Luca

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Will Foden, former Doncaster Knights rugby player and founder of Built for Pressure, to discuss his journey from professional sport to coaching high-performance individuals.

Will opens up about the realities of stepping away from elite rugby, the challenges of finding a new purpose, a new identity, and how he turned his passion for resilience and mental toughness into a business. Now, through Built for Pressure, he works with athletes, professionals, and teams to help them handle stress, perform under pressure, and maximise their potential.

Key Takeaways:

· Thriving under pressure

· Transitioning with purpose

· Lessons from the game

· Building something bigger

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

If Will’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Gareth Steenson

Alex Tait

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.