Music by bassmanguk (top man!)

Show Notes: The Neil Bowles Episode

Episode Overview: In this episode, Nick Rockell and Mark Moss sit down with Neil Bowles, a former Chairman, offensive lineman and offensive line coach with the London Blitz, who played a crucial role in the development of the program. Now the Vice President of Air Traffic Management at Adacel, Neil reflects on his journey from Belfast to the UK and UAE, his career in air traffic control, and the leadership lessons he took from American football into his professional life.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

·      Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles and the impact on his early life and sporting experiences.

·      Transitioning from rugby and cricket to American football at university.

·      Learning the game in Ireland and the influence of early coaches.

·      Moving to England, training as an air traffic controller, and searching for a team.

·      Joining the Cheetahs and experiencing team culture in British American football.

·      The decision to join the London Blitz and help build a struggling team into a powerhouse.

·      The challenges and responsibilities of being club Chairman during a pivotal time in the Blitz’s history.

·      How sport prepared him for leadership roles in his professional career.

·      Coaching in Dubai and helping to establish the Emirates American Football League.

·      The parallels between coaching football and managing professional teams.

·      The importance of empowering teams, fostering a strong culture, and leading by example.

·      Reflecting on the evolution of British American football and its future.

Final Thoughts: Neil Bowles’ journey from player to coach, and eventually to a high-level executive, highlights the power of sport in developing leadership, resilience, and teamwork. His experiences illustrate how lessons learned on the field—accountability, adaptability, and building a strong team culture—translate seamlessly into business and life. His story is a testament to the long-lasting impact of the sport beyond the playing field.

"Whether in football or business, the real challenge isn’t just knowing the game—it’s getting people to believe in the vision and push together to make it happen." – Neil Bowles

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