In this episode, I’m joined by Marial Machar — founder of the Eastside Rams Basketball Club, now Rams Sports Group.

What started as a team of friends playing in a local carnival, quickly grew to an interstate road trip and well attended trial saw the Rams grow by 80 literally over night

At 18, while studying law, Marial formally founded the Rams — becoming one of South Australia’s youngest CEOs.

Today, the organisation supports hundreds of young people, has expanded into Queensland, and operates under a powerful for the youth, by the youth model led by peer educators and lived-experience mentors.

In July, the Rams will partner with the Adelaide Junior Basketball League (AJBL) to host the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association (SSNBA) Classic at St Clair Recreation Centre — another example of community and culture coming together through the game.

Marial is currently overseas as a recipient of the Winston Churchill Fellowship — specifically the Donald Mackay Churchill Fellowship — exploring global responses to antisocial behaviour and gang issues affecting East African youth.

I really enjoyed not only hearing more about the beginnings of the Rams but getting to know Marial himself. This impressive young man is different — thoughtful, intentional, and deeply committed to creating opportunity for others.

This is a conversation about leadership, purpose, and what can happen when you see a gap and decide to step into it.

I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.