Episodes

1d ago

What truly turns a collection of talented individuals into a team that outperforms its parts? Chris Lendrum, GM of Professional Rugby and Performance at New Zealand Rugby, reframes culture with a striking idea: ten times eight can equal 60, 80, or 120 depending on the environment you build. From there, we unpack the daily leadership work that makes the “120” possible—where psychological safety meets accountability, and where connection fuels relentless standards. We get practical about selection and development. Chris explains why technical skill is table stakes and how to hire for drive, openness, and alignment at scale. He shares how to assess worst‑day behavior, blend gut instinct with data, and use pointed questions to keep teams honest to their own plans. We also explore why AI will democratize tactical knowledge, raising the floor to “80,” but why only human leadership—storytelling, trust, and shared identity—elevates the ceiling. The conversation turns to pressure, perspective, and joy. Chris describes the trap of living between anxiety and relief, and the habits that pull leaders back to gratitude: sleep, movement, fewer distractions, heads up and eyes out. We draw clear parallels between sport and business, and dig into strategy as a living practice—mapping how you win, making choices under constraints, and constantly refining as people and context change. Finally, we celebrate the rise of women’s rugby as a different, joyful product with a new audience. Chris reveals why more than half of recent Women’s World Cup ticket buyers were new to professional rugby, and how to “commercialize joy” without losing its soul. The takeaway is simple and demanding: every new person makes a new group; leaders must evolve with it. If you care about building cultures that win and last, this conversation will sharpen your tools and widen your lens. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a leader who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more people find conversations like this. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

5d ago

One sentence can tell the truth about a team: small players want to tackle and big players want to run. We took that line apart and found the blueprint for a culture that turns comfort zones into competitive edges and effort into belonging. Across the mic, we share stories from the 10–7 connection, why the jersey’s history pulls more weight than any motivational speech, and how visible acts of courage and generosity become the signals that set standards without shouting. We dig into three pillars. First, meaning bigger than self: players who feel the weight of the colors, the families on the sideline, and the kids dreaming in the stands make different choices when it hurts. Second, peer accountability: when a small halfback chops a runner or a big forward chases a kick with burning lungs, the group recalibrates to the example and excuses die. Third, team-first thinking: roles flex to meet the moment, with backs hunting collisions and forwards embracing repeat-effort runs because the team needs time, territory, and momentum—not comfort. We get practical about coaching, too. Connect standards to story every day so effort feels like honor, not rule-following. Celebrate the unseen carries and pressure tackles that buy the next phase. Build training that forces generosity under fatigue, where players rehearse choosing the harder version of their job. The outcome is a locker room where people adjust themselves before anyone calls them out, and where identity is proven by actions you can see from the first whistle to the last ruck. If this lens helps you lead, share it with a coach or captain who sets the tone. Subscribe for more coaching culture reflections, leave a review to boost the signal, and send us your favorite culture quotes so we can feature them next week. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Dec 10

A team list can teach you more than a scoreboard. Ben opens up about growing up in New Zealand rugby culture, missing A teams year after year, and how that sting forged a durable kind of resilience that later powered a professional career and a life in coaching. The story tracks an unlikely path from D team disappointment to Super Rugby, through concussion and identity loss, and into a craft that puts people at the center of performance. We dive into three formative gifts: learning to live with setbacks without letting them define you, discovering the freedom to think in environments with less structure, and being shaped by teachers who coached the person before the player. Those lessons become the backbone of a culture-first approach: standards that lift rather than crush, honesty handled with skill, and belonging built deliberately, not by accident. Along the way, Ben shares how early obsession with skills and tactics gave way to a deeper truth seen in clubhouses and national programs across Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada: the difference between good and great is cultural, not just technical. The new book gathers practical wisdom from world-class coaches who have been hired and fired, doubted and trusted, and who keep showing up with clarity and care. You’ll hear why plays and systems age quickly, but human laws endure; how to grow people, not just players; and how to design training and feedback that keep the flame alive while raising the bar. Whether you lead an under-12 squad, a professional side, or a business team, these principles travel because they are grounded in lived experience and behavioral science. If this conversation sparks something in you, grab the book on your local Amazon—How to Be a Great Coach: Lessons from the World’s Best Coaches by Ben Herring—then subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review to help more leaders build cultures that win and stay human. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Dec 7

Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Dec 5

A golden Sydney evening sets the scene, but the real heat in this conversation is Mike Catt’s blueprint for durable, high-performing teams. We go far beyond tactics to unpack why love for the game, genuine care, and trained calm turn individual talent into collective results. Mike traces a remarkable journey from South Africa’s hard-edged competitiveness to Bath’s winning heyday, through Italy’s tough rebuilds, Ireland’s detail-rich evolution, and now the Waratahs, where skill development meets identity and purpose. We dig into the idea that calm is a skill, not a mood. Mike explains how “think fast, move at 30–40%” creates better pictures, cleaner decisions, and efficient attack—especially when forwards are coached to scan, connect, and pass sharply at the line. He shares how Ireland’s players embraced change by pairing deep study with immediate transfer, and why “no dumb questions” is the cultural rule that accelerates alignment. The result is psychological safety without softness: honest standards, straight talk, and a team that learns in public. Culture here isn’t posters—it’s small daily acts that build trust. Mike outlines the rituals that work: player-led interviews, shared coffees after hard sessions, jerseys in the gym, and space to tell the stories that make teammates real. We explore how national identities shape style—South Africa’s history-fueled intensity, Ireland’s GAA-born skills, England’s structural strength—and what Australia needs now: a renewed kicking game and a purpose that earns attention in a crowded sports market. Along the way, Mike reframes failure as tuition, from Italy’s grind to a landmark win, to the famous Lomu moment that he meets with humility and perspective—then reminds us he lifted the 2003 World Cup. If you lead a team, coach athletes, or care about culture that actually performs, this one’s packed with usable ideas: train calm, upskill everyone, invite questions, and make it matter beyond the scoreboard. Enjoy the conversation, and if it sparks something for you, follow the show, share it with a coaching friend, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Dec 3

A 70-point demolition tells one story. The way South Africa kept shape with cards, shuffled roles without panic, and attacked with conviction tells the real one: culture, clarity, and coaching aligned. We trace that edge back to Tony Brown’s fingerprints and the mindset that flips good teams into ruthless, resilient units. We start with the simplest signal that changes everything: show up as a rugby person first, a coach second. That posture earns trust fast, respects the jersey, and helps a leader amplify the team’s identity instead of importing a foreign system. From there, Brown’s hallmark emerges—give players simple pictures that free instinct and speed. Meetings get shorter, the field time gets longer, and the difficulty shifts to execution, not explanation. You can see it in how the Springboks back themselves, keep role clarity under stress, and turn belief into points regardless of who’s on the field. We also dig into the fork every coach faces: recruit ruthlessly or coach relentlessly. Brown chooses growth. Develop the players you have, invest in their improvement, and build loyalty that runs both ways. The 2015 Highlanders become a proof point—written off on paper, they became champions by mastering clear frameworks and chasing precision at speed. For leaders beyond rugby, the takeaways hold: learn the local strengths, simplify the plan until it’s teachable at pace, and put the hard work into reps. When clarity meets commitment, performance compounds. If you value culture as a competitive advantage and want a sharper playbook for execution, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a leader who cares about people and performance, and tell us what you’d simplify first. Subscribe for more coaching culture reflections, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 30

If culture is just words on a wall, it won’t survive a 30‑game season. We sat down with Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson to unpack how a top Premiership club actually lives its values: clear behaviors, blunt but caring feedback, and a sense of humor that makes hard work sustainable. From academy integration to senior leadership, from recruitment to mindset, Phil shares the frameworks and small rituals that keep Saints connected and competitive. We trace Phil’s pathway from player to DOR and why long-standing relationships can be a strength—so long as you keep the door open to new voices. You’ll hear how Chris Boyd’s challenge to “let people in” helped the staff avoid the echo chamber, why one hard rule (be on time) sets the tone for respect, and how traditions like mini‑teams, staff relays, and playful competitions build bonds across starters and non‑starters. Phil also lifts the lid on recruitment in a relentless English season: character, robustness, and the ability to adapt to life changes matter just as much as skill, especially for young players stepping into the spotlight. Mindset sits at the heart of consistency. Phil explains why he brought in a sports psychologist to tune messages for a diverse squad where some chase Lions dreams and others chase their first start. He shares a painful lesson—a trusted player leaving after feeling unheard—and the practical system he built to prevent it: a visual board that prompts regular check‑ins with every player. We dig into the balance between media opportunities and on‑field focus, and the honest view that culture doesn’t have to look pretty to be effective; it has to fit the people and the mission. If you care about leadership, team cohesion, and performance that lasts beyond the highlight reel, this conversation delivers lived tactics and fresh perspective. Listen, share it with a coach or teammate, and if it resonates, subscribe and leave a review so we can keep the ideas flowing. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 26

Coaches love big ideas until pressure hits and the ideas melt. Today we share our drafted chapter on Eddie Jones and pull out the hard, usable lessons that survive heat: culture as behavior, observation as a craft, and high standards delivered without resentment. After nearly 50 interviews with elite rugby minds, Eddie’s lens still cuts the clearest path from theory to team habits you can see and measure. We start by redefining culture as what people correct in each other when it’s awkward. From Leicester’s “we don’t do it like that here” to Springbok players pushing back on language, Eddie reads non‑negotiables as the true map of a group’s values. He shows why diagnosing the room beats importing templates, and how a team’s game model should mirror its social DNA—contain and strike for England, speed and relentless work for Japan. That coherence turns slogans into self‑policing standards. Then we go deep on “walk the floor.” Eddie treats observation like a superpower: who stands with whom, who lingers for extras, who drifts to leadership without a title. Small social cues—pre‑meeting chatter, post‑training extras—become live metrics for belonging. The goal is player ownership, where leaders gather units for work unprompted and the coach nudges rather than drives. To test it, try the teabag test: add pressure and see if conversations hold, habits stick, and the group stays connected. Finally, we break down coaching without resentment. Keep the bar high; change the delivery so people can hear it. Eddie’s switch from blunt critique to data‑led self‑review shows how standards and dignity can coexist. He also normalizes doubt and builds a “second set of eyes” ritual to turn emotion into decisions. You’ll leave with simple actions: diagnose before you design, name your identity in one sentence, map cultural leaders, track the tiny tells, and tailor your corrections so they land clean. If this episode helped sharpen your coaching, follow the show, share it with a coach who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more people can find it. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 23

What if the best culture in your team is hiding in plain sight—in the way players clean a table, put plates away, or stick around for a coffee that really means connection? We sit down with Nathan Gray—Wallaby, defense specialist, and now director of rugby—to map the behaviors that make standards visible and repeatable under pressure. Nathan pulls back the curtain on selection and reveals the trait he hunts that tape often misses: intent. He explains why toughness is both physical and mental, and how to coach it without crossing into chaos. We dive deep into defense culture, separating system errors from individual misses, and explore how clarity turns aggression into smart decision-making. His mantra—think clearly, act aggressively—comes to life through drills that pair collisions with immediate second actions, training the red head to blue head switch that wins big moments and avoids cheap penalties. We also talk about the coaching journey: moving between micro and macro lenses, writing down the big picture to remove emotion, and leaning on assistants who live in the details. Nathan shares the story behind the Safe D Tracker, the simple tool that makes tracking lines visible so players arrive safe, tackle better, and build confidence. From rewarding the low tackler who creates turnovers to reframing roles without damaging trust, this conversation is packed with practical coaching cues, culture signals, and performance insights. Along the way, we champion growth outside rugby—study, family, other sports—as a secret edge that makes better players and better people. If you value culture you can see, defense that players love, and coaching that treats the person as well as the player, you’ll find plenty to use this week. Subscribe, share with a coach who cares about clarity, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway so we can keep raising the standard together. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 19

Ever feel like two practices a week can’t possibly cover skills, systems, set piece, and fitness? We unpack a practical blueprint that turns time pressure into sharper sessions, starting with the one choice that clarifies everything: define your team identity and let it set the plan. From there, we lean into a DIY fitness culture that takes conditioning off your training clock and puts ownership in your players’ hands, using simple prompts and social accountability to make extra work normal and even fun. We keep set piece clean and efficient. Instead of a binder full of lineout calls, we argue for one to three options executed with ruthless quality and a hooker who throws outside team time. The scrum gets the same treatment: clear sequence, tight timing, and micro-extras for front row craft after practice. Less variety means fewer meetings and more ball won when it counts. On the systems side, we show how a straightforward one-three-three-one structure can build confidence, spacing, and predictable support, whether you have two full sides to scrimmage or you’re repping on air. We talk video, minimal stoppages, and how to lock in one to three focus points so players leave with a clear picture. Skills are the heartbeat. We prioritize the big four—catch and pass, run and evade, breakdown, and tackle—and multiply reps through small-group rotations. With a stopwatch, tight constraints, and simple cues, you trade lines and lectures for density and intensity. Defense gets its own spotlight with two or three signature drills you can scale from no contact to live, creating a shared language and a built-in fitness hit. The throughline is simplicity: do fewer things, do them better, and connect them back to how you want to play. If you’re a coach juggling time, roster size, and ambition, this conversation offers a clear path to more impact with less clutter. Subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and tell us: which block are you streamlining first? Your feedback shapes future deep dives, so leave a review and drop your biggest coaching bottleneck. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 16

What does a team feel like when the culture works? Players show up early. Coaches look for solutions when it rains. Conversations flow before and after practice because care and connection aren’t slogans—they’re the system. We sit down with Sean Graham, long‑time Director of Rugby at St. Joseph’s Nudgee College and founder of the Youth Rugby Coaches Forum, to unpack how he builds environments where kids can’t wait to train and coaches keep raising the bar. Sean explains why the coach is the single biggest factor in a player’s experience and the two traits he hires for every time: ruthless work ethic and a growth mindset. He shares the early signs a program is healthy, from engaged warm‑ups to players repeating the week’s themes during a pre‑game knee huddle. We dive into practical tools you can use tomorrow—specific individual feedback that names what “good” looks like, feed forward questions that grow decision‑makers, and a rough five‑to‑one praise ratio that keeps the standard in sight without sugarcoating. You’ll also hear how he aligns parents with selection messages to avoid mixed signals in the car ride home. Beyond tactics, Sean opens up about accountability and presence: intervening early when coaching fit is off, pairing coaches for age and temperament, and prioritizing non‑negotiables that scale across 39 teams. He makes a compelling case that winning can hide flaws, while defeat reveals the next one‑percent improvement. That mindset fuels his forum’s mission—sharing the art of coaching so the game becomes safer, smarter, and more connected. If you want a team that trains with intent and leaders who model can‑do standards, this conversation gives you the playbook and the questions. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a coaching friend, and leave a review with your top takeaway—we read every one. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 12

Pressure doesn’t invent character—it reveals it. When the game tightens and the season bites back, many of us slide into sarcasm, shut people out, or bury ourselves in busywork that feels safe. I unpack those dark traits head-on and share how elite coaches identify them, speak them aloud, and build systems that keep emotion from hijacking the facts. Drawing on insights from Mick Byrne, John Mitchell, and Steve Hansen, I break down what happens when stress narrows perspective and why the first step is simple awareness without shame. Then we go further: refusing to justify the behavior, creating a cooling-off protocol for heated conversations, and returning to decisions when heads are clear. You’ll hear a relatable sideline-to-swimming-pool analogy that shows how public frustration seeds private resentment—and how small, steady changes in tone and timing rebuild trust. If you lead teams at any level, you’ll get practical tools you can use today: a quick reflection log to spot triggers, pre-agreed signals with assistants to pause spirals, and a “reset kit” for post-game recovery that protects relationships and improves decisions. We look at how to coach hard without leaving scars, how to make feedback land without resentment, and how to grow capacity the same way you grow muscle—stress, recover, adapt. Tune in, take what serves your context, and tell me what you’re noticing under pressure. If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a coach who needs it, and drop fan mail with your toughest leadership moment so we can tackle it together. Your voice helps shape future episodes—let’s build better coaches, and better people, one clear choice under pressure at a time. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 9

What if culture didn’t need a slogan? Mick Byrne, head coach of the Flying Fijians and former All Blacks coach, joins us to unpack a disarmingly simple idea: culture is values, standards, and beliefs lived every day. No fanfare. No buzzwords. Just behavior. From a Fijian security guard celebrating effort after a loss to rival teams singing together post‑match, Mick shows how joy and humility can power high performance without softening the competitive edge. We dig into the tools that make this real. Mick explains why “don’t” is a coaching trap and how doing words create the right pictures in a player’s mind. He shares how to prepare for tough selection talks by literally sitting in the player’s chair, listening first, and steering away from emotion—the greatest distraction in any conversation. You’ll hear the power of “critical friends,” the gentle prompt of “time for a coffee,” and the Crusaders-inspired “stab in the belly”: honest feedback to your face, not whispers behind your back. We also explore what separates elite environments like the All Blacks and Melbourne Storm. Meetings can be fierce, but the standard is truth, not personal shots. Disagree and commit is non‑negotiable. The focus stays on performance over outcome, even after a win, and the identity of the person remains steady—rugby is what you do, not who you are. As Mick puts it, mature coaching isn’t about weaker beliefs; it’s about more options to reach the standard, applied with consistency and respect. If you lead teams, coach, or parent, this conversation gives you practical language, repeatable habits, and a grounded model for culture you can see and feel. Subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and tell us: what’s one behavior you’ll change this week? Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 5

What if the best parenting lessons come from the locker room—and the sharpest coaching insights come from home? I share how a sudden end to a playing career and the birth of my first child collided, starting a sixteen-year stretch where coaching and parenting ran in parallel and taught me the same truths about growth, standards, and care. We unpack tough love the right way: not harshness, but honest care with clear expectations. I explain how to deliver hard feedback without breeding resentment—whether it’s a non-selection talk with an athlete or a boundary with a teenager—by building real rapport before you need it. You’ll hear simple rituals that make a big difference, like one-on-one walks, hot chocolate chats, and pre-practice conversations about life that signal, I see you and I’ve got your back. When people know you care, facts can be heard even when feelings run hot. Tone control becomes the secret weapon. If you yell all the time, no one hears you when it counts. If you vary your delivery and save your strongest voice for true urgency, your words land. I share practical ways to build that range—yes, even Toastmasters—so your voice works like an instrument, not a siren. From there, we focus on culture: creating environments that invite ownership, encourage experimentation, and make people proud to be part of the team. The target is simple and bold—be the coach or parent they’re proud of, not because you were easy, but because you were fair, consistent, and deeply invested in their growth. If you’re raising kids, leading athletes, or both, this conversation gives you a usable framework: build rapport, shape tone, and lead for long-term pride. If something here sparked a shift for you, subscribe, share this with a friend, and tell me what you’ll try this week. Your reflection might become the next topic—drop me a message on LinkedIn and let’s keep growing together. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Nov 2

What if the best culture you ever built came after a 90-point loss? That’s not a stunt—it’s the backbone of our Sunwolves story, where people, not facilities, carried an underdog through brutal travel, language barriers, and constant roster churn. We dig into a season that forced clarity. With 13 cultural backgrounds and minimal prep, we taught through images and objects, opened meetings with music, and played noughts-and-crosses to train communication and poise. We asked players to share three personal facts so the room saw humans first, jerseys second. Then we redefined success: not chasing wins we couldn’t control, but tracking meaningful improvement across four-week blocks—smaller losing margins, more tries created, defensive effort counted honestly. After a tough day at Loftus, we sang the team song anyway, then beat the Bulls weeks later in Tokyo. That wasn’t luck; it was a deliberate culture choice. You’ll hear how leadership language shapes buy-in, why “aces in their places” prevents personality overload, and how individualized coaching can turn a senior skeptic into your strongest messenger. We talk coach self-awareness under stress—who runs to novelty, who doubles down on basics—and how blending both keeps a team stable. And we follow Sam’s journey beyond pro rugby into Polynesian youth pathways, where identity and skill development meet. When young players see role models who share their blood and story, their effort deepens and their ceiling rises. If you lead a team in sport, business, or anywhere people perform under pressure, this conversation is a playbook: actions over slogans, rituals that lower stress, success defined by improvement, and connection that outlives the scoreboard. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a coach or teammate, and leave a review telling us your favorite culture ritual—we’ll feature the best on a future show. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 29

Ever wonder why some teams lift their standards from the inside while others grind for results that never stick? We dig into a simple chain that explains it: vision shapes leadership, leadership shapes culture, culture shapes performance, and performance shapes legacy. The magic happens in the middle. Culture isn’t a side project or a mood; it’s the daily environment that leaders design on purpose. We start by contrasting two visions—a high-performance push to top the table versus a community-first club built on belonging—and show how each vision demands different leadership moves. Hiring, coaching time, facilities, and budget flow from that choice. From there, we reframe culture as a practical lab. Think petri dish: add rituals, language, and standards, then observe what grows. When the inputs are right, the bar rises organically. People show up early, do the small things without being asked, and solve problems together. That’s culture turning into performance. You’ll hear crisp one-line definitions from elite coaches—“the way we do things around here,” “what we do when no one’s watching,” “the values and standards we operate by”—and why writing your own line is the fastest way to make culture real. We share how top teams schedule culture like training, from mini-team competitions to short connection drills, and how those reps turn intentions into habits. The yogurt analogy ties it all together: start with the right culture starter, and the environment transforms into something stronger and more resilient across sport, work, and home. Walk away with a clear mission: write your culture in one sentence, put it on the calendar, and live it loudly enough that it becomes contagious. If the vision is your North Star, this is your compass. If this helped you see your team with fresh eyes, subscribe, share it with a leader who needs it, and leave a quick review—what’s your one-line definition of culture? Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 26

Ever notice how the “genius coach” story never mentions the stacked deck? We dig into the Monopoly Effect—a coin-flip advantage that people later mistake for skill—and use it to decode why some teams look unstoppable while others keep rebuilding without getting better. With Ben Darwin of Gain Line Analytics, we map the hidden architecture of performance: feeder systems that quietly lower error rates, stable combinations that turn instincts into shared reflex, and board decisions that either protect or pulverize cohesion. We walk through real examples across rugby, league, and football: why single-feeder clubs dominate, how national sides thrive when selections cluster, and what happens when a decorated coach imposes a new system on a group that hasn’t unlearned the old one. The data is blunt and liberating. Money can buy talent, but instability taxes skill; cohesion compounds for free. Copying champions often fails because you’re importing their adaptation to a weakness you don’t have. Better questions lead to better builds: Which links in our decision chain must stay together? Where do we refine the existing grammar instead of rewriting the playbook? What timeline are we truly managing—this week’s optics or next season’s reflexes? If you lead a team, this conversation gives you a framework to stop overreacting to luck, set-piece swings, and noisy narratives. You’ll learn how to stabilize fast without going static, communicate realistic timelines to anxious boards, and measure progress beyond the scoreboard. The takeaway is simple and hard: sustain combinations, shrink chaos, and let cohesion do what talent alone can’t. If this resonates, share it with a colleague, hit follow, and leave a review to help more coaches and leaders find it. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 22

The fastest way to unlock performance isn’t a new drill or a sharper playbook—it’s lowering the mental noise your athletes carry in with them. We share a simple story from a doctor’s office that proves how precise care changes state without changing a single variable on the whiteboard. That shift in state turns scattered attention into readiness, and readiness into better outcomes. We walk through why care is not a soft extra but a performance lever. When players feel seen beyond the jersey, they take smarter risks at training, tell the truth in review, and compete with freedom on game day. You’ll hear three simple, repeatable actions you can use tonight, whether you coach pros, school teams, or weekend warriors: start with the person, not the plan; name and normalize the pressures in the room; and close the loop within 48 hours so players feel remembered, not managed. These moves don’t cost time; they buy focus. Along the way, we talk about owning the feel of the environment, reading arrivals, and adjusting your session openers to meet real human energy. We highlight why presence is a skill, how good questions are data, and why psychological safety accelerates learning. Nothing flashy—just small, consistent signals that compound into trust. Over time, those signals build resilient people and better teams, even when the drills stay the same. State before outcome becomes the rule, and performance follows. If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a coach who cares, and leave a quick review telling us which of the three actions you’ll try first. Your feedback helps more coaches find these tools. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 19

Glenn Jackson's remarkable rugby journey defies conventional paths. After an impressive playing career with Bay of Plenty, the Chiefs, and Saracens (where he earned Premiership Players Player of the Year), he pivoted to become a professional referee, officiating 32 Test matches before transitioning to coaching. Now head coach of the Fijian Drua, Jackson occupies a rare position of having played, refereed, and coached at elite levels. What makes Jackson's perspective so valuable is his deep understanding of the delicate balance between traditional Fijian culture and professional rugby demands. "There's a huge change or element of speed around traditional culture and professional culture in Fiji," he explains. The Drua, comprised entirely of Fijian players, maintains strong connections to traditional practices like prayer, family bonds, and kava ceremonies while navigating the structured requirements of Super Rugby competition. Jackson's coaching philosophy centers on creating an environment where players can reach their full potential. His initial approach focused on each player becoming "a leader of themselves" before attempting to lead others. This proved especially important given the unique pressures Fijian players face – many young athletes come from villages, have limited travel experience, and suddenly find themselves on billboards across the country. The conversation reveals fascinating insights about team building across cultural contexts. Jackson organized his team culture around TIME: Togetherness, Investment, Memories, and Enthusiasm. The "memories" component highlights that beyond results, rugby creates lasting bonds. His experience as a referee also gives him unique perspective on coach-referee relationships, advocating for mutual understanding rather than antagonism. What shines through most clearly is Jackson's genuine care for his players' development. "If you truly want to help someone and they can feel that, that's where the real power is," he shares. As the Fijian Drua continues evolving in Super Rugby, his approach offers valuable lessons for coaches at all levels about balancing performance expectations with cultural authenticity. Have you considered how cultural understanding impacts your approach to leadership? Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 15

Want to find out more for how to organise a school tour: https://gullivers.com.au/rugbyschooltours/ What happens when young athletes step outside their comfort zones and experience the world through the lens of rugby? Ken Grover, the 79-year-old founder of Gulliver's Travel, has been answering this question for over four decades through more than 4,000 tours worldwide. From his early days touring with Norths Rugby Club in 1973 to organizing massive contingents for Rugby World Cups, Ken has witnessed firsthand how travel transforms young people. "The epitome of culture is going to Japan," he explains, describing how tours expose players to different approaches both on and off the field—from the Japanese respect for opponents through bowing to their practice of cleaning locker rooms after matches. The power of these experiences reaches far beyond rugby skills. Parents have called Ken saying, "Thank you, we've got our son back," after seeing positive changes in their children following tours. These transformations happen through the natural consequences of touring life: players learn punctuality, respect for opponents, and adaptability when facing unfamiliar challenges. What makes Ken's perspective particularly valuable is his recognition that tours create "learning curves that never end." The unexpected situations—like navigating a cyclone during the Japan World Cup or adapting to different playing styles—often provide the most meaningful growth opportunities. As he puts it, "Failure as well as success are two sides of the coin, and they're both very important in the learning curve." Perhaps most significantly, rugby tours build connections that transcend the sport itself. The shared experiences create bonds that last decades, forming networks of friendship and support that extend throughout players' lives. "Rugby is a special place where you can go anywhere in the world and meet rugby people," Ken observes, highlighting the sport's unique ability to create global community. Ready to transform your team through the power of travel? Discover how a rugby tour could become the defining experience that helps your players grow not just as athletes, but as leaders, global citizens, and better versions of themselves. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 12

Want a culture that actually lives on the field? We sat down with Eddie Jones to unpack the coaching choices that create real belonging, sharper decision-making, and braver rugby. From leaving a safe career to grinding through 100‑player university squads in Japan, Eddie shows how risk, clarity, and context build both teams and coaches who last. We dive into designing culture through the game itself—why a clear playing model unites diverse squads better than slogans, and how fundamentals must be taught in context to transfer under pressure. Eddie breaks down why over-organization dulls vision, how to use patterns to break defenses without becoming a slave to shape, and the simple scans elite playmakers use to act faster. He shares the power of role clarity and one‑on‑one coaching to remove hidden blocks, plus practical ways to keep feedback immediate and light using just a phone. You’ll hear the Brumbies reset story—accepting a bad year, flipping conditioning and structure, and co-creating a plan leaders owned all the way to titles. Eddie is candid about missteps too: reading the global kicking trend late, pushing change too fast, and why he still chooses boldness over comfort. We talk mentorship (keep your advice circle “super skinny”), hiring for character over credentials, and the daily routines that protect coaching energy. And yes, we go deep on tech: how to use it to accelerate learning while keeping the game flowing—goal-line and red-card TMO, let refs decide the rest. If you’re a coach at any level, this conversation gives you a playbook: be the person players flock to, build the game that builds your culture, free minds with clarity, and take the smart risks others avoid. Listen, steal what works, and tell us the one change you’ll make this week. If this resonated, follow, share with another coach, and leave a quick review so more people find it. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 8

Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 5

526 professional games ! How do elite rugby teams cultivate environments where players willingly run through brick walls for their coaches? Jimmy Gopperth, with an unprecedented 526 professional games across 23 years at the highest levels, provides rare insights into what truly builds championship team cultures. Drawing from experiences at powerhouse clubs like the Hurricanes, Leinster, Wasps, and Leicester, Gopperth reveals that authentic team culture can't be manufactured or forced. The most successful environments make players genuinely want to train every day, play for their coach, support teammates, continuously learn, and freely express themselves. When coaches fail to explain the "why" behind decisions or provide inconsistent feedback, toxic factions inevitably form within teams. Trust emerges as the foundation of effective coaching. Gopperth shares compelling examples of how the best coaches develop meaningful relationships with their game drivers through regular communication, idea-sharing, and empowerment. When players contribute ideas that coaches genuinely consider—and even stand behind when they don't work—extraordinary trust develops. Perhaps most powerful is the concept of "player power," where coaches strategically use senior players to instill behaviors in younger team members, creating organic cultural transmission rather than top-down directives. Gopperth challenges conventional wisdom about "winning cultures," suggesting that focusing primarily on learning naturally leads to winning, while obsessing about victory without process leaves teams empty when results don't materialize. His perspective on longevity, motivation techniques, and the balance between rugby and life offers invaluable lessons for coaches and players alike who seek to build environments where excellence thrives. Ready to transform your understanding of team culture? Listen now to gain insights from one of rugby's most experienced professionals on how to create environments where players give their absolute best—not because they must, but because they want to. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Oct 1

The hardest weeks test more than your game model—they test your culture. When results wobble and the temptation is to drown the room in clips, we take a different route: start with why, connect the people, and then coach the work. Drawing on stories from pro rugby and lessons from coaches who’ve been in the fire for decades, we map out five anchors that keep a team steady when the scoreboard isn’t your friend. We begin by reshaping the meeting everyone dreads. Instead of leading with 34 errors, we set a clear purpose for the week—restore pride, honor the jersey, make amends to supporters—so the details serve a shared why. From there, we explore belonging before pressure, showing how the best coaches switch cleanly from fierce feedback to warm human connection, making criticism about craft, not worth. The conversation then moves to growth before outcomes, using smart film work to find repeatable actions after wins and losses alike, so the session plan becomes a lever, not a lecture. Leadership gets a rethink too. Rather than clutching the reins, we seed “leaders everywhere”: primed players take the floor in reviews, speak with confidence, and spread accountability across the group. And we close by protecting joy—the secret fuel in a collision sport that asks people to put their bodies in dark places. With an on/off training rhythm, sharp intensity at the whistle and laughter between sets, teams build bonds that endure pressure and perform when it counts. If you’re a coach or leader who wants a room that stays connected, learns fast, and doesn’t fracture after a tough weekend, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share it with a fellow coach, and leave a review with the anchor you’ll try first—purpose, belonging, growth, leadership, or joy. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 28

What transforms a drinking club with a rugby problem into championship winners? According to Alando Soakai, it begins with crystal-clear values that everyone truly lives by. In this captivating conversation, Alando takes us through his remarkable coaching journey from player-coach to his current roles with Moana Pacific and the Tonga national team. His perspective on culture development comes alive through concrete examples rather than coaching platitudes – from filming players embodying team values to translating core principles into Japanese to ensure true ownership at Kubota Spears. "The rugby will happen no matter what," Alando reveals, highlighting his philosophy that technical aspects are secondary to human connection. He distinguishes between merely "knowing" players and truly "understanding" their circumstances, particularly within Pacific Island communities where cultural context shapes everything. There's something refreshingly authentic about Alando's approach to coaching diverse teams. At Moana Pacific, morning prayer sessions bring together Christians and non-religious players alike, creating a daily ritual of connection before training begins. Working alongside rugby legend Tana Umaga, he appreciates how the head coach "saves his bullets" – speaking with measured purpose rather than constant commentary. Perhaps most inspiring is Alando's revelation about his vision board. Years before securing positions with Super Rugby and Tonga, he visualized these exact roles. His pathway wasn't just technical excellence but curiosity-driven professional development that opened unexpected doors. For coaches at any level, Alando's insights on creating diversity within coaching teams offers a fresh perspective. Different coaches connect with different player personalities, creating a complementary unit that reaches everyone effectively. Ready to transform your coaching approach? Listen now to discover how understanding people deeply leads to championship results. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 24

Have you ever had a moment when someone's casual comment completely transformed your thinking? In this deeply personal reflection, I share three unexpected insights from players that revolutionized my coaching philosophy over decades in professional rugby. The first revelation came in Japan, where after stubbornly trying to implement systems that worked at Leicester Tigers, a captain gently explained, "Just because it works there doesn't mean it works here." That simple observation fundamentally changed how I approach new environments—reminding me that context and culture matter profoundly in leadership. The second awakening came when a player simply asked "Why?" during a warm-up drill, and I realized I had no substantive answer. This taught me that purpose must underpin every aspect of coaching if you want genuine buy-in. The third transformation happened after I missed celebrating a player's debut due to post-game frustration, when he quietly said, "Stay with us, coach"—a powerful reminder about emotional consistency and authentic leadership. What fascinates me is that none of these insights came from coaching courses, books, or planned development. They were golden nuggets that appeared unexpectedly in the stream of daily interactions. Coaching isn't about mining harder for knowledge; it's about developing the awareness to recognize wisdom when it passes through your hands—often from the very people you're trying to lead. The question isn't whether there's gold in your coaching river, but whether your eyes are sharp enough and your hands steady enough to catch it when it appears. Are you listening closely enough to catch the wisdom flowing past you every day? Subscribe now and join me each Wednesday for more Coaching Culture Reflections that might just spark your own leadership breakthroughs. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 21

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a championship team culture? Dan McKellar, current Waratahs head coach with a coaching resume spanning the Brumbies, Wallabies, and Leicester Tigers, cuts through the noise with refreshing honesty and clarity. "Culture is just the actions of the people in the building," McKellar explains, offering a deceptively simple yet profound definition that frames his entire leadership approach. "When the last person at night shuts the door and turns the lights off, the culture goes with them. And then in the morning it comes in with the first person that walks in." McKellar opens up about the personal sacrifices required at the highest levels of coaching, candidly admitting that family sometimes comes second – a difficult reality of high-performance environments. Yet he balances these demanding standards with genuine compassion for his players as people first, athletes second. His authentic leadership style is summed up perfectly: "If you sway too much away from what you are as a head coach, it's bullshit." From his early days as a 25-year-old player-coach at Wicklow Rugby Club in Ireland leading men a decade older than himself, to his current role transforming the Waratahs culture, McKellar shares the leadership principles that have guided him. He emphasizes the critical importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and being physically present with players rather than constantly hidden behind laptops and analysis. The conversation explores how small moments of connection with players compound over time, building the relationships that drive performance in the most crucial moments of games. Whether you're coaching at grassroots level or leading a professional organization, McKellar's insights on balancing discipline with enjoyment, maintaining perspective after losses, and creating environments where players genuinely want to be will transform your approach to leadership and culture building. Listen now to discover why McKellar believes the dressing room – not the trophies or salary – is what coaching is truly about. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 17

Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 14

What if the secret to building championship teams isn't found in tactics or talent, but in a single, powerful word? Pat Lam, architect of the Bristol Bears' transformation from strugglers to European powerhouse, offers a refreshing perspective on leadership that challenges conventional wisdom. At the heart of his philosophy lies an unexpected foundation for team culture: love, defined as "sacrificing oneself for the benefit of others." This conversation reveals how Lam has masterfully cultivated environments where players willingly put themselves at risk for teammates - from a 75kg scrum-half throwing his body into a ruck to protect a ball-carrier, to coaches offering spare cars when colleagues face transportation troubles. Rather than abstract concepts, Lam demonstrates how culture manifests in daily actions, large and small. The discussion explores Lam’s innovative approaches to leadership development, including requiring players to apply and interview for leadership positions, having them present their personal "why" to teammates, and establishing a middle tier of leadership to develop future team leaders. His practical wisdom on giving honest feedback ("No one will respect you if you're saying one thing but meaning something else") and managing relationships creates a blueprint for coaches at any level. Perhaps most compelling is Lam’s perspective on setbacks. Having been fired from the Blues in New Zealand, he reframed the experience for his children as an exciting new adventure, believing that joining the ranks of world-class coaches who have been sacked is a "privilege" - provided you learn and grow from the experience. Whether you're leading a sports team, managing a workplace, or simply trying to bring out the best in others, Lam’s insights on building trust, fostering genuine connection, and creating environments where people willingly sacrifice for each other will transform your approach to leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 10

What truly defines a coach's legacy? For Jim Mackay, it's not the championship trophies or international honors – it's the journey of becoming and the meaningful experiences along the way. In this enlightening conversation, Jim shares his remarkable path from coaching amateur clubs in England to leading the Queensland Reds to Super Rugby glory and eventually becoming Australia's attack coach. His story is a masterclass in resilience, culture-building, and authentic leadership. Jim reveals how he defines culture as "how we're perceived and how we want to be perceived," emphasizing that values must emerge collaboratively rather than being imposed. Through vivid examples from his time with North Walsham, the Cornish Pirates, and the Reds, he demonstrates how connecting team identity to local history creates deeper meaning and belonging. The transformation of the Queensland Reds offers particularly valuable insights. Working with young talents like Will Genia and Quade Cooper, Jim helped shift a losing mentality by raising awareness, teaching game management, and building relationships. This player-centered approach, combined with clear strategic frameworks, turned perpetual losers into champions within two years. Most compelling is Jim's perspective on setbacks. From club closures that left him jobless to the challenges of coaching internationally, he views each difficulty as formative rather than definitive. "A coach's journey is not one of being, but of becoming," he explains, highlighting how experiences – good and difficult – shape your evolution as a leader. Whether you're coaching at grassroots level or aspiring to international heights, this episode offers profound wisdom about leading with authenticity, building culture intentionally, and finding meaning in the journey rather than just the destination. Listen now to transform how you approach coaching and leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 7

Ever wonder how a guy who started his working life digging holes transformed into a rising star in rugby coaching? Ryan Schultz's journey from manual laborer to head coach at Canberra Vikings reveals the gritty reality behind professional coaching success. In this illuminating conversation with host Ben Herring, Ryan peels back the curtain on his coaching philosophy built around three core pillars: connection, development, and performance. He candidly shares how his early experiences – from pumping up footballs at his old school to coaching cricket teams – shaped his unique approach to leadership and culture-building in rugby. What sets this episode apart is Ryan's refreshing honesty about navigating the pressure of coaching at a prestigious club with expectations of immediate success. "I did struggle with that at times," he admits, "wanting to make sure I was achieving for the club." His innovative solution to club unity – creating "Valhalla," a dedicated social space where players from all levels could connect – demonstrates how thoughtful leadership extends beyond training sessions and game plans. Perhaps most thought-provoking is Ryan's controversial belief that "maybe the scoreboard doesn't matter." This perspective challenges conventional coaching wisdom while emphasizing the profound impact coaches can have on players' lives beyond rugby. His approach to stakeholder management – whether dealing with parents in school rugby or managing a team with 13 different nationalities – offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Whether you're a coach seeking fresh perspectives, a player curious about leadership development, or simply fascinated by the human elements of sports culture, this episode delivers remarkable insights from someone who truly understands the transformative power of authentic connection. Listen now to discover how digging holes prepared Ryan for coaching excellence – and what that might mean for your own leadership journey. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Sep 3

What makes championship teams truly exceptional? The answer might surprise you. It's not extraordinary talent, cutting-edge tactics, or even flawless execution during competition—it's what happens when nobody's keeping score. Drawing from Sam Vestey's remarkable success with Northampton Saints, this episode reveals how elite teams deliberately build three critical foundations off the field: communication, organization, and connection. These aren't soft skills or nice-to-haves—they're the bedrock upon which championship performances are built. When Google researched what made their highest-performing teams successful, psychological safety emerged as the dominant factor, far outweighing individual brilliance or experience. We explore practical, immediately applicable strategies for developing these foundations in your team environment. From two-minute check-ins and "name-action" protocols that sharpen communication, to creating task boards and mini-teams that build organizational muscle, to vulnerability circles and non-sport gatherings that deepen authentic connection—these tools transform team dynamics in profound ways. The most powerful insight? When players feel safe to communicate, take ownership, and connect authentically off the field, they perform with remarkable clarity and resilience when the pressure mounts. Championship moments don't create exceptional teams; they simply reveal what's already been built through deliberate culture work when no one was watching. If you're frustrated by your team's performance under pressure, ask yourself: have we built the foundation when it's calm? Remember, what shows up on the field is always a reflection of what's been rehearsed off it. Subscribe now and join the conversation about building team cultures where excellence becomes inevitable. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 31

What does it truly mean to build an authentic culture in high-performance sports? Greg Peters, whose remarkable 25-year career spans leadership roles at Bay of Plenty Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Union, the Hurricanes, Argentina Rugby, SANZAR, and now as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, reveals the profound insights he's gathered from both sides of the rugby divide. Peters challenges conventional wisdom about leadership, arguing that culture isn't about "words on a wall" but something tangible you can feel the moment you walk into a room. "I see my job as a leader in sport as being able to develop talent on and off the field," he explains, emphasizing that genuine leadership means creating space for people to be themselves while understanding their role in achieving collective goals. The conversation takes fascinating turns through cultural identity in New Zealand sports, with Peters identifying Māori culture as a unique selling point that provides unmatched foundation when properly embraced. He shares a remarkable story of how taking an Australian coach through a cultural journey transformed the Kiwis' performance, culminating in a record 34-0 victory against Australia. Through personal anecdotes—including his experience coaching a winless under-14 team—Peters illustrates how leadership philosophies must evolve from controlling everything to empowering others. Perhaps most compelling is Peters' exploration of the differences between rugby and rugby league cultures. While rugby leans on tradition and moves slowly, rugby league responds quickly to fan preferences—yet when it comes to coaching approaches, the dynamic flips entirely. This duality offers valuable lessons about balancing cultural foundations with adaptability in any organization. For anyone interested in leadership, cultural development, or sports management, this episode provides rare insights from someone who has shaped winning environments at the highest levels. Listen now to discover why Peters believes the future of effective leadership lies not in strategic planning exercises but in authentic human connections. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 27

If you want to book Wal for your team you can reach her here: wal@walherring.com or check out her womans wellness programs here: Walherring.com What if everything you see on your body was made from what you ate at some point? This profound insight from sports nutritionist Wal Herring serves as the foundation for a revolutionary approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing from her extensive experience with elite teams like Leicester Tigers and the English Rugby League, Wal shares how nutrition isn't just about physical performance but affects our mental clarity and emotional stability too. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when discussing concussion recovery, as Wal explains how she helped her husband Ben overcome debilitating symptoms through targeted nutritional interventions. Rather than simply resting, she reveals how certain foods either feed inflammation ("adding oxygen to the flame") or help reduce it, offering hope to athletes dealing with brain injuries. Her practical advice on avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and sugar while increasing omega-3s and creatine provides actionable strategies for healing. Female athletes receive special attention as Wal explains how women's hormonal cycles significantly impact performance, recovery, and injury risk. For coaches working with women, understanding these physiological differences proves crucial for preventing ACL injuries and optimizing training schedules. The outdated approach of training women "like little men" fails to account for these important biological variations that affect everything from strength gains to emotional processing. Throughout the episode, Wal emphasizes individualization over rigid protocols. She challenges common practices like calorie counting, suggesting we focus instead on energy levels and overall wellbeing as better indicators of nutritional success. This perspective shifts nutrition from a numbers game to a personalized journey of discovering what works for your unique body. Ready to take control of what you can actually change in your health journey? Listen now to discover how small nutritional adjustments might unlock your full potential, whether you're a competitive athlete or simply seeking to improve your everyday wellbeing. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 24

What does it really mean to build a winning culture in sports? Few coaches can answer this question with the depth and global perspective of Mike Friday, international rugby sevens coach whose 25-year journey has taken him from England to Kenya to a decade with USA Rugby. "Culture is a group of individuals that have alignment in the way they go about their business," Friday explains with refreshing simplicity. But beneath this straightforward definition lies a profound coaching philosophy centered on human connection. Friday draws a crucial distinction between kindness and niceness – you can deliver hard truths without sugar-coating, provided there's genuine care behind your words. Friday's transformation of underdog teams reveals his talent for adaptation. When he took over Kenya's program, he arrived to find "a bag of balls and cones and 20 Kenyans that were late to training" in long grass. With USA Rugby, he inherited a team given just a 10% chance of Olympic qualification. In both cases, Friday's approach wasn't to impose his system but to understand the cultural contexts and individual needs of his players. "You mold yourself around the team, you don't mold the team around you," he shares, challenging conventional coaching wisdom. Perhaps most powerful is Friday's perspective on success beyond trophies. "Rugby is what you do, not who you are," he emphasizes, a mantra that kept both him and his players grounded through victories and defeats. This philosophy proved especially valuable when coaching players from diverse backgrounds – from Kenyan athletes who had never experienced unconditional support to American players from wildly different cultural contexts. Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply someone interested in human potential, Friday's insights offer a masterclass in communication, resilience, and perspective that transcends sport. His parting reflection captures it perfectly: "I'm proud of what we did, but I'm more proud of what the players became." Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 20

The quest for high performance in team sports often leads coaches down the wrong path. What if the secret to winning isn't about collecting the most talented individuals, but something far more fundamental? Ben Darwin's groundbreaking research through Gainline Analytics has produced a data goldmine that challenges conventional wisdom about building successful teams. As I unpack five crucial insights from his work, you'll discover why cohesion—not star power—consistently predicts championship-level performance. The numbers don't lie: teams with extensive shared experience outperform those assembled with supposedly superior individual talent. This phenomenon explains why certain combinations (like the 12-13 partnership in rugby) prove so critical to team success. When players develop that intuitive understanding that comes only through time together, they create synergies that raw talent simply cannot replicate. Darwin's research reveals other counterintuitive truths: how system simplicity trumps tactical complexity, why roster turnover consistently undermines performance (especially when changing 30% or more annually), and how selection criteria should prioritize shared playing histories over individual brilliance. Perhaps most sobering is the data showing meaningful team turnarounds typically require three-plus years—no matter how talented the coach or incoming players. Whether you're a coach, team leader, or passionate sports fan, these insights will transform how you view team building. They offer a evidence-based blueprint for creating lasting success rather than chasing quick fixes. Subscribe now to explore more game-changing perspectives on leadership, culture building, and performance optimization. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 17

What if everything you thought about building team culture was wrong? Chris Boyd, the celebrated coach who transformed teams from the Hurricanes to Northampton Saints, challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that "culture grows organically and internally" rather than being imposed from above. Drawing from decades of experience across multiple continents, Boyd reveals the leadership principles that have made him one of rugby's most respected coaches. His refreshing approach emphasizes giving players the confidence to express themselves while creating environments where skills flourish under pressure. "The biggest difference I felt I made at Northampton was ultimately giving them confidence – the confidence to have a go," Boyd explains, highlighting how this philosophy transformed a traditionally conservative team. Boyd's methods are both innovative and practical. He revolutionized information flow by replacing formal meetings with meaningful conversations, implemented a distinction between "training for task" versus "training for time," and prioritized skill development when players were fresh rather than as afterthoughts. His commitment to looking forward rather than backward distinguishes true leadership from mere management. "Too much of the stuff that coaches do is management, not leadership," he observes, advocating for "less structure, more intuition, more technical, less tactical." Perhaps most valuable is Boyd's guidance on making difficult decisions. Whether telling veteran players their time is up or identifying the "critical few" factors that will drive success for a particular team, he emphasizes the importance of honesty, clarity, and emotional intelligence. His mantra "do whatever makes the boat go faster" serves as both compass and challenge for coaches seeking sustainable success. Ready to transform your approach to leadership and team building? This episode offers invaluable insights for coaches, managers and leaders across any field looking to build cultures where excellence thrives naturally. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 13

The difference between good coaches and great ones isn't found in tactical knowledge or technical expertise—it's their ability to read people. This fascinating exploration of interpersonal sensitivity reveals why the world's elite coaches prioritize human connection before anything else. High-performance manager Chris Webb, who has worked with multiple World Cup rugby teams, shares his powerful observation: "The real difference comes down to interpersonal sensitivity—your ability to read a moment, read a room, read a person." This skill—noticing what matters even when it's not said aloud—creates the foundation for exceptional coaching relationships and team performance. At the heart of interpersonal sensitivity lie two critical components: emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability quotient (AQ). Your EQ functions as an emotional radar, helping you detect when a player is struggling before they verbalize it. It's about listening before speaking, reading the room accurately, and knowing exactly when to push versus when to pull back. Meanwhile, your AQ determines how effectively you and your team handle pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and adapt to changing circumstances—essentially transforming challenges into teaching moments rather than defeats. The most successful coaches implement practical strategies to develop both qualities. They begin sessions with genuine personal check-ins, create psychologically safe environments where players feel comfortable speaking up, expose their teams to varied pressures in training, and deliberately celebrate resilience as much as outcomes. These approaches create teams that not only perform better but also demonstrate remarkable emotional maturity and adaptability under pressure. Remember—what your players carry in their heads and hearts, they carry onto the field. If you want to coach them well during competition, you must start by caring about their lives beyond it. That's not being soft; it's being switched on to the human factors that ultimately determine performance. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 10

What makes a great coach? Joey Mongalo, defense coach at the Sharks in Durban, doesn't hesitate when answering this question: it's the ability to understand context, connect authentically, and treat leadership as a core skill rather than a "soft" one. Joey brings extraordinary perspective to coaching culture as someone with both elite rugby coaching experience and multiple academic degrees, including industrial psychology. His approach bridges technical expertise with profound human understanding. "Culture is simply the way we do things here," he explains, stripping away complexity to reveal what truly matters in building effective teams. The conversation explores Joey's journey from losing his father at age seven to becoming an influential coach who prioritizes human development alongside athletic achievement. His triangle approach—understand the process, develop conviction, then package and sell it appropriately—offers a blueprint for effective leadership in any context. What sets Joey apart is his ability to see beyond the game. "We will win a few significant things and have some players that might develop into Springboks, but most will become husbands and fathers. Influence that," he shares, revealing his ultimate coaching purpose. This passion extends to his consultancy business where he applies sports leadership principles to transform corporate environments. Perhaps most compelling is Joey's perspective on navigating South Africa's complex cultural landscape. Through heartfelt examples of connecting across language barriers, he demonstrates how small gestures of cultural understanding build stronger teams than any tactical system could. This episode isn't just about coaching rugby—it's about coaching life, with lessons that resonate far beyond the field. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 6

The silent opponent every coach must face isn't on the field—it's within. This episode dives deep into the complex relationship coaches have with their egos and how mastering (not eliminating) this powerful force can transform your leadership. Drawing from wisdom shared by elite coaches like Steve Hansen and John Wooden, we explore the crucial distinction between healthy competitive drive and an under-controlled ego. Your ego supplies the fire that fuels excellence, but when left unchecked, it creates blind spots that limit growth and damage team culture. Players mirror what they see—making your relationship with your own ego perhaps the most important modeling you'll ever do as a coach. Through practical strategies like switching from statements to questions in team huddles, scheduling regular ego check-ins, appointing trusted "truth tellers," and normalizing mistake ownership, you'll discover how to harness your ego as fuel rather than allowing it to become your handbrake. The episode examines specific coaching pressure points where ego typically flares—selection decisions, player feedback, and both winning and losing streaks—offering tactical approaches to maintain perspective when it matters most. The journey toward ego mastery isn't about perfection but progress. Every time you choose reflection over reaction or listening over lecturing, you take another step toward leadership that genuinely elevates others. Because ultimately, coaching greatness isn't measured by personal acclaim but by the collective success your leadership enables. Subscribe now and transform how you lead by mastering the opponent within. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Aug 3

Seilala Mapusua takes us on a profound journey through the cultural landscapes of rugby, drawing from his remarkable career spanning from Samoa to New Zealand's Otago, London Irish in England, and Japan's Kubota Spears. At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful coaching philosophy: "Connect with the person, then you can coach the player." Mapusua reveals how this approach becomes especially crucial when working with Pacific Island players, whose cultural foundations rest firmly on family and faith. For coaches seeking to truly engage with these athletes, understanding their family context often means reaching out directly to parents – a gesture that acknowledges the player's broader identity and community connections. The cultural transitions Mapusua experienced throughout his career offer invaluable lessons about adaptation and understanding. His move from a predominantly Polynesian boarding school to southern New Zealand taught him that "it's not right, it's not wrong, it's just different" – a perspective that allowed him to thrive across dramatically different rugby environments. This acceptance of cultural differences becomes a blueprint for coaches working with diverse teams. Particularly illuminating are Mapusua's insights into cultural misunderstandings that can derail player-coach relationships. He explains how in Pacific Island culture, looking down during conversation demonstrates respect rather than disrespect – a subtle yet significant distinction that Western coaches might misinterpret. Similarly, he highlights how testing protocols might not accurately reflect the on-field capabilities of Pacific Island players, echoing Ben Ryan's discovery that Fijian players performed dramatically better when speed-tested with a ball in hand. Now coaching with Moana Pacifica, Mapusua demonstrates how creating environments that feel like "home" unlocks player potential. Starting each day with prayer and song isn't about manufacturing culture – it's about authentically expressing shared values and creating meaningful connection points where players can be their true selves. Ready to transform your coaching approach? This episode will challenge you to expand your cultural awareness and develop deeper connections with your players, regardless of their background. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 30

When James Dolman steps onto a rugby field to referee a test match, he carries years of mental preparation, relationship-building, and self-reflection with him. In this revealing conversation with Ben Herring, Dolman takes us behind the scenes of elite officiating, exploring the psychological challenges that come with making split-second decisions under immense pressure. "The struggle is trying to be a perfectionist," Dolman admits, describing the mental battle that follows high-stakes matches. Unlike players who can move forward quickly after games, referees often spend days analyzing decisions and processing feedback. This perpetual pursuit of improvement drives top officials, who Dolman describes as "one of the most competitive groups of people" he's encountered. The conversation ventures into fascinating territory when Dolman explains how coaches impact referee performance. "A coach has a massive role to play in how their players behave, but also how their supporters behave," he observes. When coaches publicly criticize referees, they effectively authorize everyone—from players to fans—to do the same, creating what Dolman calls a "mob mentality" that undermines rugby's values. By contrast, coaches who communicate respectfully build currency that serves them well long-term. Perhaps most compelling is Dolman's insight into emotional regulation during matches. "When players become emotional, referees need to become calmer," he shares, describing a philosophy that extends beyond officiating into leadership broadly. The most effective captains understand this dynamic, choosing their moments to communicate strategically rather than contesting every call. Dolman's journey from injured player to World Cup referee offers valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership position. His emphasis on building mutual respect, focusing on process over outcomes, and modeling the behavior we wish to see provides a masterclass in handling high-pressure situations with grace and integrity. Listen now to gain a fresh perspective on leadership from someone who manages conflict, communicates effectively, and maintains composure when surrounded by intensity and emotion. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 27

What separates championship team cultures from the rest? For legendary All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith, it comes down to something invisible yet incredibly powerful: "that feeling that binds you all together." Drawing from his extraordinary career spanning 185 games for the Highlanders and 124 tests for the All Blacks, Smith reveals the stark contrasts between navigating life as both an underdog and a world-beater simultaneously. The Highlanders' 2015 championship season emerged from what Smith calls "pain" - struggling teams that transformed adversity into brotherhood through their "1-39" philosophy where every squad member had equal voice and value. Smith's most pointed insights target coaching authenticity. "I like when coaches admit they make mistakes," he reflects, explaining how this human quality builds trust that mechanical perfection never can. The greatest coaches, according to Smith, understand timing - knowing when preparation ends and player ownership begins: "Past Thursday night, coaches need to just wait till the game." His candid frustration with coaches who pull out laptops in hotel lobbies draws laughter but carries profound truth about respecting boundaries. The balance between fun and intensity emerges as a recurring theme. "I always found it helped us switch on more, knowing during the week we'd filled up our fun meter," Smith explains. This counterintuitive approach - that focused enjoyment actually enhances performance when it matters most - challenges conventional thinking about high-performance environments. Through stories of championship seasons and relationships with coaches like Steve Hansen and Tony Brown, Smith constructs a blueprint for cultural excellence that extends far beyond rugby. Whether you're coaching, leading, or building any team, these lessons in psychological safety, authentic leadership, and the delicate balance between joy and intensity will transform how you think about cultivating championship cultures. What's your team's invisible thread? How do you fill your fun meter while maintaining intensity when it matters most? Join the conversation beneath this episode – we'd love to hear how these principles translate to your world. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 23

What makes a truly meaningful team culture? It's not just putting values on a wall or running team-building exercises. According to Ben Herring, it requires a deliberate framework with three essential components working together to form what he calls your "culture circle." The first component challenges conventional thinking about success. While public definitions of success—winning championships, hitting targets, earning promotions—certainly matter, they create an emotional rollercoaster when they become your only measure. That's why Herring advocates developing private definitions of success focused on growth and development. He shares a powerful story about a shy player he transformed into a confident public speaker, explaining how this "private win" provided deep fulfillment regardless of game outcomes. By maintaining these parallel success definitions, leaders can find meaning and purpose even during challenging seasons. The second component involves articulating a clear philosophical foundation for your culture. Herring's personal philosophy—"I'm here to grow great people"—serves as his North Star for difficult decisions and conversations. When faced with challenges, he can simply ask: "Is this growing great people?" This philosophical clarity prevents reactive leadership and ensures consistency in your approach. The third component focuses on core values, but with a crucial distinction from typical approaches. Rather than brainstorming generic values like "honesty" or "respect," Herring recommends identifying just 1-3 values that truly matter—values you're willing to act as "gatekeeper" for. These should align with both your personal convictions and your organization's identity. The key is choosing values you genuinely feel strongly about and can authentically uphold, not just buzzwords that sound good in a team meeting. When integrated into your "culture circle," these components create an environment where both public and private success can flourish. And the ultimate measure? What people take with them when they inevitably leave your circle. Are they better humans for having spent time in your environment? That's the true definition of cultural success. Looking to strengthen your team's culture? Subscribe and share this episode with a coach or teammate who's on the same journey. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 20

When a coach with 42 years of experience and three World Cup titles speaks, the rugby world listens. Mike Cron, forwards coach for the Wallabies and veteran of 217 All Blacks matches, opens up about the coaching philosophy that's made him a legend in the sport. What makes a great rugby culture? According to Cron, it starts with having "an aim or goal that's higher than an individual" and creating a safe learning environment where players can take risks without fear. The traditional dynamic of coach-as-dictator is outdated – today's effective coaching involves a "very thin line" between coach and player, sometimes even flipping to player-led sessions. Cron's approach to feedback is revolutionary yet simple: ask questions rather than make statements. "If 10 is your best game and 1 is your worst, where would you rate yesterday's performance?" When players self-assess, they become invested in their improvement. This honest conversation style creates psychological safety where athletes willingly acknowledge mistakes rather than hide them. The master coach shares practical wisdom about using visual aids, storytelling, and technology to enhance learning. From showing players sculptures that represent proper mall formation to filming technique in real-time, these approaches make abstract concepts concrete. His time management philosophy is equally insightful – prioritize key learning objectives over rigid schedules, because "you can coach it, not just train it." Perhaps Cron's most powerful insight comes from his favorite Benjamin Franklin quote: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." By involving players in their development journey rather than dictating it, coaches create deeper learning and lasting improvement. Ready to transform your coaching approach? Listen now to hear wisdom from rugby's professor of coaching that will change how you think about player development, team culture, and the beautiful game itself. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 16

Ever wondered why certain coaches' words stick with you for decades? That's not coincidence – it's the powerful alchemy of language and leadership. Words shape our reality as coaches and leaders. When we speak, we're not merely giving instructions or feedback – we're literally creating the internal dialogue that plays in our athletes' minds long after practice ends. This episode explores the profound neurochemical impact of coaching language: positive reinforcement triggers dopamine, enhancing motivation and learning, while negative criticism spikes cortisol, shutting down the very cognitive functions athletes need most. Through personal stories from my rugby career and coaching journey, I unpack why technical expertise sometimes matters less than emotional intelligence in coaching relationships. Remember those C-team teachers who coached because they had to? Their encouraging words created safety and confidence that technical coaches often miss. I contrast this with the traditional pre-game hatred-fueled diatribes that leave many players disengaged, sharing instead how All Blacks legend Jerry Collins approached rivalry through love of competition rather than animosity. As leaders, we're the headwaters from which team culture flows. One precisely delivered phrase can shape a player's entire career trajectory. The question isn't whether your words matter – it's how intentionally you're wielding their power. Are you creating dopamine or cortisol in your players? Building resilience or reinforcing doubt? Ready to transform your coaching impact through the language of leadership? Listen now, then watch how your words reshape your team's reality. What coaching phrase has stuck with you longest, either lifting you up or holding you back? Share your story and let's explore the lasting impact of words in leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 13

Dan Bowden's rugby journey spans three continents and multiple elite environments, from the Crusaders' player-led culture to Leicester Tigers' strict framework. Now, as attack coach for Japan's national team, he's blending these experiences into something uniquely effective. Standing in the coach's box after Japan's stunning 24-19 victory over Wales, Bowden wasn't simply celebrating. He was already analyzing what they could improve. "Don't get me wrong. It was wonderful, but we played poorly," he explains. "We're one of the best attacking teams in the world, top three for most metrics. However, on the weekend we conceded the ball like eight times from first or second phase, which is extremely poor." This unflinching commitment to excellence led to an unprecedented decision: training the morning after their victory. In Bowden's entire playing and coaching career, he'd never seen a team return to work so quickly after a test win. But preventing complacency was paramount. Bowden's approach to coaching challenges conventional wisdom at every turn. He's revolutionized team meetings – replacing seated, lecture-style sessions with stand-up gatherings featuring games, mental primers, and focused video analysis. "I hate meetings, I hate sitting down and every kid hates sitting in the classroom. So I don't want a rugby environment to be reminded of sitting in a classroom." Perhaps most fascinating is his method for building player ownership while maintaining clear direction. "I gave them three options and they chose the one that they wanted. So they feel the one they chose was the best one. But we've co-designed it. They just don't realize it." In navigating Japanese rugby's traditionally compliance-based culture, Bowden builds relationships away from the field. Taking players to lunch with a "no rugby talk" rule creates deeper connections that allow for meaningful challenge later. This balanced approach – combining structure with autonomy, challenge with support, and tradition with innovation – reflects his central philosophy: there are many ways to succeed in rugby. Ready to transform your coaching approach? Discover the practical strategies that are reshaping international rugby and could revolutionize your team's performance. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 9

"Act as if it's impossible to fail." Those words from a 1932 book became a rallying cry for the Boston Free Jacks during their historic championship season. Head coach Ryan Martin reveals the remarkable human-centered strategies behind his team's unprecedented third consecutive MLR championship. Martin's approach defies conventional wisdom. When most coaches would double down on training, he reduced practice to just 47 minutes including warm-up during the championship run. Instead of elaborate plays, he focused on creating crystal-clear understanding: "What was it we were trying to do and did we do that or not? Get it that simple." This clarity allowed players to express themselves freely on the field, creating what appeared to be spontaneous brilliance but was actually the product of meticulous preparation. The most transformative element of Martin's strategy was connecting players with the community through an overnight billeting program. Professional rugby players were hosted by local families, creating lasting bonds that energized the entire season. "That kind of true human aspect of what we're doing was going to get us through, especially when things got really tight," Martin explains. This approach extended to his innovative "soul sessions" – team meetings held everywhere from windswept beaches to pickleball tournaments – that kept the long season fresh and players engaged. Martin's leadership philosophy is captured in his powerful directive: "We should leave this changing room and no one should know whether we've won or lost the game." By refusing to dwell on losses and maintaining composure regardless of results, he created a resilient culture where players could take risks without fear. His "rule of three" planning system provided structure throughout a grueling season, blocking everything from game plans to player rotation in three-week increments. Discover how authentic human connection, strategic simplicity, and unconventional thinking can create championship results in any organization. Martin's methods offer a blueprint for leadership that balances tactical excellence with the fundamental human elements that truly drive success when pressure intensifies. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 6

From the heat of championship matches to the quiet moments of career transition, James Marshall's coaching journey offers a masterclass in modern rugby leadership. The former Hurricane turned Crusaders backs and attack coach reveals how authentic connection has become his coaching superpower, allowing him to build relationships that transcend the traditional coach-player dynamic. At the heart of Marshall's approach lies a radical commitment to player empowerment. Rather than clinging to control, he embraces collaboration—gathering opinions from key players, challenging ideas constructively, and sometimes taking "a loss" on tactical decisions to build trust. This philosophy flips conventional coaching wisdom on its head, yet has proven instrumental in the Crusaders' continued success. His attack strategy meetings become think tanks where players aren't just executing game plans, but helping create them. Perhaps most striking is Marshall's innovative approach to non-selected players. Where most environments breed resentment and disengagement, the Crusaders have transformed their "non-23" into a position of honor. Complete with captain selections, dedicated trainings, and year-end awards, this mindset shift creates positive energy where teams typically struggle most. "Everyone is just fizzing to be the non-23 captain for the week," Marshall explains, "because what an honor to lead that group against the Crusaders on a Thursday afternoon." Marshall's dual life as podcast host (What A Lad) provides unique insights into player psychology that directly enhance his coaching. Through deep conversations with current and former athletes, he's gained profound appreciation for rugby careers' fragility and the human stories behind performance. This empathy translates to more meaningful interactions, especially during challenging moments like injuries or selection disappointments. Whether you're coaching professionals or weekend warriors, Marshall's blend of technical knowledge, emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to build high-performance cultures where people genuinely thrive. Tune in for a conversation that might just transform how you think about coaching, leadership, and the power of authentic connection. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jul 2

What's the difference between teams that thrive under pressure and those that crumble? It's not just talent or resources—it's culture. In this thought-provoking episode, I take you beyond buzzwords to explore why culture truly serves as the heartbeat of high-performing teams. Culture lives in that gray, hard-to-measure space that surrounds all the visible parts of performance. I share my galaxy analogy: your skills and techniques are like stars, but culture is the rich, dark matter that allows those stars to truly shine. The deeper and richer this background becomes, the more brilliantly your team's talents can emerge. One truth I've learned from my coaching journey: there is no universally "right" culture that works everywhere. I vulnerably share my own failure when I tried transplanting Leicester's successful rugby culture to a Japanese team, only to realize that authentic culture can't be copied and pasted between environments. What works brilliantly in one context may fail spectacularly in another. Drawing from my conversations with world-class coaches like Steve Hansen, Eddie Jones, and Johan Ackerman, I reveal their unique definitions of culture—from "what we do when no one's watching" to "the glue" that holds everything together. I also introduce my biological definition: culture as "an environment suitable for growth," where leaders function as culture starters in the team's petri dish. Whether you're leading a sports team, business unit, or family, this episode provides practical questions to define your unique cultural blueprint: What environment do you want to create? What behaviors deserve celebration? What standards are non-negotiable? Because culture isn't just something you talk about—it's something you intentionally build, nurture, and protect every single day. Ready to transform your team environment? Hit subscribe now and join our community of reflective leaders committed to creating cultures where people and performance thrive together. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 29

Simon Cron, head coach of the Western Force, opens up just days before his team's monumental clash with the British and Irish Lions—a once-in-a-generation opportunity that comes around only every 12 years. With remarkable candor, he reveals his approach to preparing players for high-pressure situations through mental clarity rather than tactical complexity. "You're not trying to think a whole lot, you're just trying to do, and that's the only way you can get it done," Cron explains, sharing how overthinking paralyzes performance. His philosophy of "mindset, skill set, structure" provides a framework not just for individual training sessions but for building sustainable team culture. This approach has transformed the Force from having zero Wallabies representatives to now contributing nine players to the national team. Cron's insights on leadership development are particularly valuable, describing how he had to rebuild leadership structures from scratch upon arriving at the Force. Rather than simply appointing captains, he created a cyclical system where experienced leaders mentor emerging ones, recognizing that leadership is something learned through observation and practice. His journey includes lessons from rugby legends like Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, particularly around maintaining coaching longevity despite the demanding nature of the profession. Perhaps most fascinating is Cron's description of the "conflict continuum"—his philosophy that high-performance environments must operate in the challenging middle ground between artificial harmony and destructive criticism. Like building muscle requires stress and recovery, building resilient players and teams requires the right amount of productive discomfort. The conversation provides a masterclass in creating accountability while maintaining respect and relationships. Ready to transform your approach to leadership and team culture? This episode delivers practical wisdom from the crucible of professional rugby that applies across all competitive environments. What difficult conversations should you be having to move your team forward? Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 25

What truly makes a winning team culture? According to Kenny Lynn, Argentina Rugby's attack coach, it's "the environment you create to maximize the potential of the group." Fresh off orchestrating Argentina's historic victory over the British and Irish Lions, Kenny dives deep into the cultural foundations that make winning possible. Kenny shares a refreshingly authentic approach to high-performance coaching, revealing how Argentina's unique situation—with players scattered across European clubs—becomes their greatest strength. "For these players, this is their chance to be truly Argentinian," he explains, highlighting how national identity fuels performance. Rather than fighting this reality, the coaching staff doubles down on celebrating their DNA and cultural heritage. Perhaps most striking is Argentina's family-first approach. Unlike environments where family is viewed as a distraction, the Pumas integrate families into team barbecues and prioritize family time for both players and coaches. This commitment extends to honoring the team's connection to amateur rugby, with Kenny cleverly organizing training drills around club rivalries to generate natural competitive energy. The conversation offers rare insights into cross-cultural coaching, with Kenny drawing from his experiences in France and New Zealand. His "connect before correct" philosophy emphasizes understanding people first, while his principles-based coaching style provides structure without stifling creativity. As he puts it, coaching Argentina is about "simplifying everything to allow them to play free and remove fear." What emerges is a masterclass in balancing tactical rigor with cultural authenticity. Kenny's approach demonstrates how meeting players where they are—understanding their unique backgrounds, strengths, and motivations—creates an environment where extraordinary performances become possible. For anyone leading teams across cultural boundaries or seeking to maximize collective potential, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom from rugby's highest level. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 22

Ben Darwin, former Wallaby prop turned analytics expert, reveals how his company Gainline Analytics is revolutionizing our understanding of team performance through the measurement of cohesion. This eye-opening conversation challenges conventional wisdom about team building, showing that cohesion (shared understanding between players) is more crucial to success than many traditional metrics. Darwin breaks down the difference between culture (normative behaviors within a team) and cohesion (the actual on-field connections). Through analysis of 80,000+ games, he demonstrates how cohesion directly correlates with winning percentages across different sports. The numbers are striking - teams making frequent lineup changes after losses actually win fewer subsequent games than teams maintaining consistency through struggles. Most fascinating is the revelation that different positions require different timelines for cohesion development. Inside backs and playmaking positions need extensive shared experience to excel, while wingers can adapt more quickly. This explains why championship teams often feature long-established combinations in key decision-making roles. The implications for coaching are profound. Darwin's research shows it takes approximately 2.8 seasons for transferred players to reach peak performance in new environments. His data also reveals how the most successful teams in world rugby built their championship-winning cohesion through consistent selection, shared domestic competition experience, or stable national team development. Whether you're coaching at elite or grassroots level, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the patience required for true team building. As Darwin eloquently puts it: "Don't panic, it's organic." The teams that understand this principle and resist short-term fixes are those that ultimately build sustainable success. After listening, you'll never view team selection or development the same way again. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 15

Tony Brown's approach to coaching is refreshingly straightforward in a world that often overcomplicates the game. "I'm a rugby man first, then a coach second," he explains, revealing how his deep love for the sport drives everything he does. This authenticity forms the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy: create systems that are "easy to learn, simple to understand, but challenging to execute." Brown's journey spans the globe – from his native Otago and the Highlanders in New Zealand to successful stints in Japan and now as attack coach for South Africa's national team. Throughout these experiences, he's developed a counter-intuitive yet powerful approach to team building. While many coaches quickly replace players they deem inadequate, Brown takes the opposite view: "Give me the players and I'll coach them to be the best they can be, which then makes the team the best it can be." This philosophy was vindicated when he helped transform the Highlanders – considered the weakest New Zealand franchise – into Super Rugby champions in 2015. What separates Brown from many contemporary coaches is his skepticism of forced "high performance" environments. Drawing from his remarkable personal resilience – having overcome a severe childhood hand injury and later a life-threatening pancreas rupture during his playing career – he understands that genuine culture trumps rigid performance metrics. "You can train players hard and push them hard, but it's not through high performance standards, it's through your environment and culture that gets the best out of players," Brown explains. For coaches at any level, Brown's insights offer a masterclass in balancing technical expertise with human connection. His warning against what he calls "the coaching disease" – becoming obsessed with perfect presentations while losing touch with players – serves as a powerful reminder that coaching ultimately remains a people profession. Want to develop players who believe they can achieve the extraordinary? Start by being authentically yourself. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 8

What makes rugby's culture so distinct, and how does it translate across different countries and contexts? In this fascinating conversation, Phil Davies—Director of Rugby at World Rugby—shares wisdom gleaned from 35 years at every level of the game, from player to global administrator. Davies reveals the core elements that build winning team environments: "An environment of belonging where people feel trusted, respected, and safe." But as he explains, these aren't just platitudes—they must be embodied through consistent actions and behaviors. Drawing from his experiences coaching Namibia to two World Cups (including their historic first win against Uruguay), Davies offers remarkable insights about adapting leadership approaches to different cultural contexts while maintaining rugby's universal values. The conversation takes us behind the scenes of global rugby leadership, where Davies employs his "Three C's" approach—communicating, connecting, and collaborating—to balance tradition with evolution. He addresses the delicate balance between keeping rugby's gladiatorial essence while ensuring player safety, and shares why understanding a country's unique "DNA" is crucial for developing teams that local communities can recognize themselves in. Perhaps most compelling is Davies' perspective on coaching development and the patience required for meaningful change. "Sometimes people think it takes two weeks, but sometimes it'll take three months or three years," he reflects. His passion for technical coaching and developing what he calls a "tackle culture" throughout global rugby reveals where he sees the game's greatest growth opportunities. Whether you're a coach, player, or simply fascinated by leadership and culture, this episode offers powerful lessons about building environments where people thrive, adapting to different contexts, and remembering that in any endeavor, "The main thing is the main thing." Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jun 1

What separates good coaches from great ones? Geoff Parling reveals the answer goes beyond technical expertise to something deeper – creating environments where players thrive under pressure. Having transitioned from an illustrious playing career (Newcastle, Leicester, Exeter, England, British & Irish Lions) to coaching the Melbourne Rebels and Australian national team, Parling brings unique perspectives on leadership. He challenges conventional wisdom about what builds excellence, particularly in forward packs where the dark, challenging work happens. Parling's most powerful insight might be his approach to stress. Rather than removing it, he advocates for "growth stress" – like trees in a biodome that fall without wind to strengthen their roots. "High challenge with high support" creates the perfect balance for player development. Without challenge, players aren't equipped for pressure; without support, they can't rise to meet it. The distinction between consistency and persistency emerges as another key theme. While many coaches pursue consistency, Parling values persistency – the relentless pursuit of improvement. "The best people in the world probably feel like they're always chasing something," he explains. This persistent edge drives excellence more effectively than mere repetition. Perhaps most profound is Parling's belief that "a game of rugby should be an expression of how a player feels." This captures his coaching philosophy – creating environments where players not only understand tactics but feel empowered to express themselves authentically within the team structure. Whether you're a coach, player, or leader in any field, Parling's insights offer valuable wisdom on creating environments where people can perform at their best when it matters most. Listen now to transform how you think about challenge, support, and building high-performance cultures. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

May 25

What does championship preparation actually look like? Two days before the European Champions Cup final against Bordeaux, Northampton Saints head coach Sam Vesty pulls back the curtain on his approach to cultivating a winning team culture. The conversation reveals Sam's refreshingly counterintuitive leadership philosophy. Rather than adding pressure during finals week, he focuses on reconnecting players with their childhood joy for rugby, even announcing the team using photos of players as 10-year-olds. "What would your childhood self want?" becomes a powerful reminder to play with freedom rather than fear. Sam challenges numerous rugby traditions, including the sacred "captain's run" before matches: "You spend all week prepping to make decisions under pressure and then take all the pressure away the day before the game." Instead, his team plays tennis, spike ball, and other activities that maintain mental sharpness without draining energy. Most revealing is Sam's approach to mistakes. "I'd rather be decisive and wrong than right" emerges as his team's mantra, emphasizing how hesitation kills performance more than occasional errors. He distinguishes between skill errors (celebrated as learning opportunities) and effort errors (held firmly accountable), creating an environment where players genuinely feel free to express themselves. The conversation explores how Northampton deliberately builds off-field activities that develop the same skills needed on-field – communication, organization, and connection. From surprising teammates at 1AM to having players share "My Life in Five Photos" presentations, these experiences build the authentic relationships that transfer directly to on-field performance. Ready to transform your approach to leadership and team culture? Listen as Sam Vesty reveals the delicate art of balancing technical excellence with the mental freedom that championship performances require. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

May 18

What does it take to build the most successful rugby talent pipeline in the world? Paul Galland, Head Academy Manager for the Crusaders, pulls back the curtain on the organization that consistently produces more All Blacks than any other in New Zealand. The secret starts with a seemingly simple philosophy: actions over words. When you walk into the Crusaders facility, you experience a culture where genuine care and authentic relationships form the foundation for everything else. Staff don't just instruct—they participate. Leaders don't just direct—they serve. The entire organization rallies around community causes because they understand rugby's power as a platform for something bigger. Galland describes the academy experience as "a theme park" with various emotional rides that players must navigate. "Some go up, you feel crazy, sometimes you want to get off the bloody thing, but it's never linear," he explains. Rather than focusing solely on rugby skills, they begin by building deep personal connections through vulnerability exercises like sharing heroes, hardships, and highlights. This foundation allows for more meaningful coaching later: "If we get to know everyone on a deeper level, then we can have tougher conversations." Most fascinating is their approach to talent identification. Beyond athletic ability, they observe character traits like work ethic ("time on ground"), coachability ("never miss twice"), and genuine application of feedback. Galland emphasizes playing the "infinite game" of development rather than focusing exclusively on finite seasonal outcomes. This philosophy has led to an astounding 80% conversion rate from academy to professional Crusaders. Through personality testing, community engagement, and creating clear pathways while maintaining high standards, the Crusaders have mastered the art of developing not just exceptional rugby players, but exceptional people. Have you considered how these principles might transform your team or organization? Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

May 11

What happens when a coach who's traversed the globe leading elite teams for nearly three decades opens up about his most profound lessons? John Mitchell, whose remarkable career spans from All Blacks Head Coach to his current role with England's women's national team, reveals the transformative journey that reshaped his entire approach to leadership. Mitchell's philosophy is deceptively simple yet powerful: "Your leadership determines your culture, your culture determines your behavior, and behavior determines results." But arriving at this clarity required a harrowing personal experience. After being tied up with mobile phone wire, stabbed during an attack in South Africa, and witnessing how his outcome-obsessed approach had damaged his personal relationships, Mitchell underwent a complete reinvention of his coaching identity. The conversation explores the stark contrast between Mitchell's early "transactional" days—where players were evaluated solely on their contribution to winning—and his current approach centered on genuine connection. He now prioritizes understanding each player as a person first, recognizing that psychological safety forms the foundation for trust, communication, and ultimately, performance. His admission that "culture is never sitting still" reveals how he constantly realigns team values as players evolve through life experiences, sometimes transforming dramatically in just months. Most compelling is Mitchell's advice for aspiring coaches: study the game obsessively, but balance professional drive with meaningful personal relationships. Connect not just with established veterans but with younger coaches who see things differently. And perhaps most importantly, recognize that the most significant growth often comes through acknowledging mistakes—the forced culture at Western Force, the miscommunication at the Lions—and learning from them rather than repeating them. Ready to transform your approach to leadership, whether in sport or life? Listen as Mitchell shares how creating environments where people feel valued and understood ultimately creates the conditions for sustainable success. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

May 4

A masterclass in coaching philosophy with former Wallaby forward Matt Cockbain who unpacks the delicate art and science of building championship cultures across continents. Drawing from 15 years of professional coaching experience spanning Australia, Japan, and international rugby, Cobain shares profound insights about leadership that transcends technical skills. "The head coach coaches the head" emerges as a powerful central theme throughout our conversation. Matt reveals how mental preparation forms the cornerwork of elite performance, sharing personal techniques like writing down specific game tasks and action words that helped define his playing career – techniques he now passes on to his athletes. This approach to visualization and mental rehearsal creates resilient competitors prepared to perform under pressure. We explore the fascinating concept of "planting seeds" – a leadership approach where coaches strategically introduce ideas in ways that allow players to feel ownership. Rather than dictating changes, skilled coaches present concepts to key team leaders who then spread these ideas throughout the squad. As Matt explains, "When it's your idea, you're more likely to commit to it." The discussion challenges conventional thinking about team dynamics. While many coaching programs emphasize developing leadership across the entire squad, Matt takes a nuanced view, acknowledging that not every player needs to be a vocal leader. Some contribute best by consistently performing their role, creating the necessary balance between natural leaders and reliable role players. Whether you're coaching elite athletes or developing young talent, this episode offers practical strategies for navigating team dynamics, building mental resilience, and fostering genuine buy-in. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of coaching as both science and art – where preparation meets passion, and leadership meets empathy. Have you used any mental preparation techniques with your team? Share your experience in the comments or reach out on social media – we'd love to hear what works for you! Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Apr 27

What turns a group of talented individuals into champions? Mike Ruddock OBE—architect of Wales' historic 2005 Grand Slam—reveals it's about finding a cause worth fighting for. Ruddock takes us on a journey through the essence of team culture, from his early days coaching "super flops" Swansea to international glory. With refreshing honesty, he shares how posting negative press clippings created a siege mentality that transformed underperformers into winners. "If you've got an overarching cause to fight for," Ruddock explains, "that was our focus—and in beating our local rivals, we won the league." The conversation ventures into fascinating territory when Ruddock describes how he leveraged Welsh historical identity to inspire tactical innovation. By studying Owen Glyndwr's guerrilla warfare against larger English forces, he created a game plan based on speed, agility, and surprise—perfectly suited to Welsh players' strengths. These cultural connections went beyond motivation, extending to tactical approaches that helped Wales outmaneuver physically larger opponents. Perhaps most valuable is Ruddock's candid reflection on coaching burnout following his greatest triumph. "It's always haunted me a little bit and I've never quite been as confident in my coaching ever since," he admits. His advice for sustainability? "Find time for yourself so you don't burn out. Don't try to feed everybody. Don't be such a people pleaser." This vulnerability offers powerful lessons about maintaining balance amid the pressures of leadership. Whether you're coaching elite athletes or leading a business team, Ruddock's wisdom translates across domains. By creating shared purpose, honoring identity, selecting people who represent your values, and taking care of yourself, you build cultures capable of extraordinary achievement. Are you building a cause worth fighting for in your team? The lessons from rugby's tribal roots might just transform how you lead. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Apr 20

Scott Lawrence, a pivotal figure in USA Rugby, joins us for an enlightening conversation that straddles the line between sport and data science. Drawing from his humble beginnings in the Midwest to his role as head coach and general manager, Scott shares the unique influences that have shaped his leadership style. He underscores the importance of both strategic thinking and community values, using his experiences from Life University and his time in the UK as a backdrop. We explore how Scott has blended his background in computational mathematics with his passion for rugby to craft a successful program that thrives on both "meat heads" and "egg heads." Listeners will uncover the art of aligning performance objectives within both sports and business contexts. We delve into the necessity of setting high-level goals and fostering early successes to cultivate buy-in and momentum. As Scott juggles the dual roles of head coach and general manager, he shares strategies for transitioning from transactional tasks to transformational leadership. With anecdotes from both the sports and tech worlds, we highlight the significance of creating a cohesive team culture where everyone works towards common objectives. Finally, we turn our gaze towards the future of USA Rugby. Scott discusses the inspiring vision that guides the team, drawing parallels to NASA's iconic missions and the shared identity they foster. The conversation touches on initiatives like Eagle 365, which emphasize year-round commitment and the pairing of players with coaches to enhance team unity. By embodying the values they wish to promote, leaders like Scott set a positive tone for what's ahead. Join us as we explore how vision, culture, and leadership can propel USA Rugby towards ambitious milestones, including the aspiration of reaching a World Cup quarterfinal by 2031. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Apr 13

Wayne Smith, one of rugby's greatest strategic minds, takes us on an intimate journey through his extraordinary coaching career, revealing the cultural secrets behind multiple World Cup victories with the All Blacks and Black Ferns. Known as "The Professor" for his analytical brilliance, Smith shares how he transformed struggling teams into champions by focusing on meaning beyond winning. From his innovative cultural work with the Crusaders using Shakespeare's Henry V to his complete reimagining of the Black Ferns program in just 12 weeks before their World Cup triumph, Smith demonstrates how effective coaching transcends tactical knowledge. Most fascinating is Smith's revelation about the fundamental difference between coaching men and women: "The women have to feel good to play well. The men have to play well to feel good." This insight transformed his approach with the Black Ferns, embracing their pre-game music and dancing rather than imposing the silent, tense atmosphere typical of All Blacks match preparation. Smith's methods challenge conventional wisdom at every turn. He banned box kicks, introduced Tuesday "club nights" with beer after intense training, and created controlled chaos in practice to develop players who could maintain clarity when games became unpredictable. His focus on simplification—limiting coaching points to just three themes per week—produced a flowing, joyful style of rugby that captivated fans and overwhelmed opponents. Beyond technical innovation, Smith's philosophy that "people will rise to a challenge if it's their challenge" offers profound wisdom for leaders in any field. By asking questions rather than dictating answers, he empowered players to own their development and create teams that regenerate leadership from within. What makes this conversation truly special is hearing how a master coach evolved throughout his career, constantly learning and adapting while staying true to his belief that rugby should be both effective and joyous. Listen now to transform your understanding of leadership, culture, and what makes teams truly exceptional. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Apr 6

Check Ryan’s Outstanding drills here: https://x.com/CoachRyanMartin Discover the secrets of crafting a winning team culture with our guest, Ryan Martin, a professional rugby coach with a unique background in education. Transitioning from a 17-year career as a primary school teacher to the rugby field, Ryan offers a wealth of insights on resilience, trust-building, and the importance of valuing individuals. We'll explore how his experiences as a young father and educator have shaped his coaching philosophy and influenced his innovative methods for fostering engagement and unity within teams. Get ready to rethink traditional coaching approaches as Ryan shares stories of unconventional strategies that led to remarkable successes both on and off the field. From intimate coffee meetings to replacing standard training with off-field learning, Ryan's experiences underscore the psychological benefits of creating supportive environments. His tales highlight how a coach's personality and demeanor are reflected in team culture, with insights into the art of effective questioning and creating memorable interactions that inspire genuine connections among players. Listen as Ryan delves into leadership styles influenced by personal experiences, illustrating how challenges can be transformed into powerful leadership tools. With anecdotes that emphasize kindness, gratitude, and adaptability, Ryan offers lessons on treating everyone with respect and using creativity to engage top-tier athletes. Whether you're in sports, business, or personal development, the strategies discussed in this episode offer valuable takeaways for building personal connections, enhancing team dynamics, and leading with empathy and authenticity. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Mar 30

Richard Cockerill cuts through the buzzwords to deliver a masterclass in building winning cultures across two decades of elite coaching. The former Leicester, Toulon, Edinburgh, England and current Georgia coach shares his refreshingly straightforward philosophy: be on time, wear the right kit, and work hard – non-negotiable standards that have underpinned championship teams throughout his career. Cockerill reveals the evolution of his notoriously confrontational coaching style, explaining how his game-day intensity has remained while he's learned to separate field behavior from off-field relationships. "Off the field, treat the person as the person, not the player," he reflects, highlighting how this distinction creates healthier team environments while preserving high standards. His preference for direct, face-to-face conversations stems from a belief that clarity prevents issues from festering, even when conversations are uncomfortable. The conversation dives deep into coaching under pressure, from surviving a 1-7 start during a World Cup period at Leicester to adapting his leadership approach for an entirely different culture with the Georgian national team. Cockerill's journey exemplifies how authentic leadership evolves without abandoning core principles. As he puts it with characteristic bluntness: "Coaching is an opinion. You can't pretend to be a good version of someone else." This episode offers invaluable insights for coaches and leaders at all levels seeking to build consistent, high-performing cultures while remaining true to themselves. Join us for an unfiltered look at leadership from one of rugby's most distinctive voices, where you'll discover why sometimes being both "reasonable and unreasonable" might be exactly what your team needs. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Mar 23

Conrad Smith unpacks the anatomy of winning team culture with remarkable clarity and authenticity. Drawing from his 94 tests with the All Blacks and captaincy experience with the Hurricanes, Smith reveals how culture transcends motivational posters and becomes a living force within truly great teams. Smith's framework for culture starts with vision—that high-level aspiration everyone buys into—but he quickly moves beyond theory to practical application. "Values are difficult," he acknowledges, "because any team can put 'trust' and 'teamwork' on a wall." The difference lies in behaviors: concrete actions that demonstrate values in real time. The famous All Blacks tradition of "sweeping the sheds" wasn't just symbolic but a tangible behavior reinforcing their commitment to staying grounded regardless of success. Leadership emerges as the crucial final element, with Smith candidly reflecting on his own growth from a player who noticed problems but remained silent to one who respectfully held teammates accountable. His transformation accelerated when coach Mark Hammett controversially released several Hurricanes stars, forcing Smith to step up when nothing was left but "to make a difference." His goal wasn't championships but simply making players "want to be a Hurricane again"—prioritizing culture over silverware. Perhaps most revealing is Smith's assessment of his own success despite physical limitations. "I was pinned under the bench press in my first gym session," he laughs, attributing his rise to being coachable—listening, asking good questions, and working relentlessly. This approach prevented coaches from having any excuse to drop him, even when he wasn't the strongest or fastest. Ready to transform your team? Discover why culture isn't some "airy-fairy" concept but the bedrock of sustainable performance, and learn practical ways to build behaviors that reflect your values rather than just writing them on walls. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Mar 16

Frans Ludeke, legendary rugby coach with over 30 years of experience spanning South Africa to Japan, reveals the leadership principles that have defined his remarkable journey. Having transformed the Kubota Spears from a struggling second-division team to Japanese champions, Frans shares how authentic leadership and genuine care create the foundation for sustainable success. "Take your wins to your heart and your losses to your head," Frans advises, describing a mental approach that allows coaches to appreciate victories emotionally while processing defeats intellectually. This wisdom, passed down from his mentor, serves as a powerful framework for handling the inevitable ups and downs of coaching. Frans defines culture as "glue" that binds teams together, something that must be fed daily through consistent messaging, clear vision, and accountability. His philosophy centers on creating environments where players can grow, enjoy themselves, and succeed by striking the perfect balance between fun, fairness, and toughness. The transformative experience of raising triplets in Japan fundamentally shifted his leadership approach, teaching him the "soft skills of really caring and loving people." What distinguishes Frans's coaching is his commitment to creating "tables" where players contribute meaningfully to team direction. Even with world-class players like Victor Matfield at the Bulls, Frans prioritized player involvement in strategic decisions. His willingness to adapt his approach based on circumstances—simplifying communication in Japan and returning to teaching fundamentals—demonstrates his remarkable flexibility as a leader. For aspiring coaches, Frans emphasizes authenticity and emotional intelligence: "Be yourself, but have the ability to change gears in your leadership style." Different players require different approaches—veterans need ownership while rookies need clear direction. This adaptive leadership philosophy has proven successful across cultures and competitions. Join us for this unmissable conversation with one of rugby's most thoughtful and successful coaches, and discover leadership insights that extend far beyond the playing field. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Mar 9

Rugby has always been about far more than the scoreboard. At its heart, it's about belonging—being part of something bigger than ourselves. Few understand this better than Glenn Delaney, whose coaching journey has taken him from Nottingham to London Irish, Canterbury, the Highlanders, the Scarlets, and now Mitsubishi in Japan. "Culture is an observation that others make of you," Glenn explains, breaking down his triangular leadership philosophy of values, behaviors, and identity. Rather than prescribing rigid behaviors, he focuses on understanding what each player brings and how their natural tendencies can strengthen the collective. This approach acknowledges diversity while creating a cohesive identity that outsiders recognize through consistent interactions. What truly sets Glenn apart is his "80-20 rule": maintain consistency 80% of the time so your team knows exactly what to expect, but keep them on their toes with 20% unpredictability. This calculated unpredictability—like having Tom Youngs throw petanque balls as preparation for becoming a hooker—creates engagement and prevents complacency. It's the coaching equivalent of the mad scientist who occasionally blows up the lab, ensuring everyone pays attention because they never know what might happen next. Perhaps most touching is Glenn's commitment to connection. "The biggest job I do every day is to connect and say good morning to everybody in the building," he shares. These seemingly small interactions allow him to gauge emotional states, identify who needs additional support, and build the invisible threads that strengthen teams. His storytelling ability turns technical lessons into memorable narratives, helping players process challenges through historical context and shared references. Having weathered professional setbacks, including being let go from London Irish, Glenn embraces authenticity above all else. "You're driving the train, but remember it's not your train set," he advises coaches navigating the unpredictable landscape of professional sport. Want to thrive in coaching? Bring your whole self—coffee addiction, colorful language, and all. Your team will thank you for it. Subscribe now and join our conversation about what truly builds championship teams, on and off the field. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Mar 2

Trust and connection are the cornerstones of any winning sports culture. In this engaging episode, we're joined by rugby legend James O'Connor, who reflects on his incredible journey in professional sports. With nearly two decades under his belt, James shares his unique insights on how coaching significantly shapes team dynamics and individual performances. Coaches play an instrumental role in creating an environment where players feel safe, valued, and heard. James emphasizes that open and honest communication is essential for building trust. He discusses the importance of authentic relationships and how they not only enhance function on the field but also cater to the emotional well-being of players. Throughout our conversation, listeners will gain invaluable advice on navigating difficult conversations, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and understanding the impact of coaching styles. Furthermore, James underscores the need for a balanced approach to leadership that recognizes the individual talents of players while cultivating a cohesive team spirit. He sheds light on his experiences with various coaching techniques, urging coaches to embrace their vulnerabilities to lead more effectively and connect deeply with their teams. Our discussion serves as a reminder that sports are about more than just competition—it's about the human connections that drive success. James illustrates that when players come together, supported by a culture of respect and care, they are more likely to thrive. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in understanding the vital role of culture in achieving excellence. Tune in to discover powerful lessons that can transform your coaching journey, foster growth, and inspire greatness. If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review! Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Feb 23

Chris Webb, a luminary in high-performance sports management, shares captivating stories from his tenure in rugby, spanning World Cups with top teams like Australia and Japan. Tune in as Chris recounts his journey from rural New South Wales with aspirations of becoming a stock and station agent, to a career in rugby management. His reflections on people management and the value of making each day meaningful provide valuable life lessons, offering listeners wisdom from both his professional and personal experiences. Explore the forward-thinking initiatives in rugby that focus on player welfare and career development, demonstrating how the sport has long prioritized preparing players for life beyond the field. Hear about the transformative transition from amateur to professional rugby and the dynamic roles that sports management entails. Sharing my own unique career journey, which blends experiences from rugby and equestrian sports, this episode delves into how versatility and adaptability, especially in the face of challenges like COVID-19, are crucial for maintaining a harmonious work-life balance. Discover the nuanced dynamics of leadership within Rugby Australia, highlighted by the challenging transition of replacing coach Dave Rennie with Eddie Jones. Chris Webb underscores the critical role of resilience, communication, and culture in high-stakes environments. Through insights gathered from working with renowned coaches, we emphasize the importance of fostering strong relationships and a positive organizational culture. This episode is a rich tapestry of experiences and insights, focusing on the power of interpersonal connections and the importance of fostering individual growth in achieving success on and off the field. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Feb 16

Rugby enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike, prepare for a fascinating conversation with Paul Tito, affectionately known in the rugby world as "Fish." A seasoned veteran whose career spans over 25 years, Paul shares his journey from New Plymouth Boys High School to captaining renowned teams like the New Zealand Maori and Cardiff. Discover how his transition from player to coach has been fueled by a commitment to fostering team culture and leadership. With his trademark honesty and humor, Paul offers insights into the challenges faced by structured rugby nations and the enduring importance of camaraderie and genuine connections, even in the age of professionalization. In a world where technical prowess often overshadows human connection, Paul reminds us of the powerful role mentors play in shaping a player's ethos. Through stories of pivotal influences like Andy Slater and Kevin Barrett, Paul sheds light on his decision to remain loyal to his province, becoming a centurion and championing the essence of team spirit. Through humorous anecdotes and candid reflections, Paul highlights how empowering players and encouraging open communication can lead to seamless team dynamics. Embrace the lessons learned from diverse coaching experiences, from France to the All Blacks, and the art of reading the room to bridge cultural divides. From navigating tough decisions in France to embodying authenticity in high-pressure environments, Paul offers a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. His journey, marked by personal sacrifices and a supportive family, underscores the courage required to thrive beyond the mainstream. Tune in for an episode that celebrates the power of unity, accountability, and the often underappreciated art of listening in sports leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Feb 9

Renowned rugby coach Johan Ackerman joins us to reveal the secret to building a successful team culture — one that emerges organically from the collective rather than being imposed from the top down. Through his experiences across the globe and his time in the police force, Johan explores how fostering a supportive environment where players contribute to the team's cultural fabric is key. Listen as he shares insights on balancing professional and personal relationships, especially when coaching his own son, and how these elements mold a cohesive and resilient team. Discover how team-building activities like barbecues and shared games can transform team dynamics, break down barriers, and promote mutual respect. Johan explains the process of establishing core values within a team and how these principles can become the backbone of performance and accountability. His stories emphasize the importance of resilience, gratitude, and respect, urging players to define their own identities and motivations, which ultimately drives both personal and team success. Johan's coaching philosophy also intertwines with his strong Christian faith, providing a deeper purpose and resilience in leadership. From navigating the challenges of uniting rival teams in Japan to harnessing the power of laughter and enjoyment during tense playoff weeks, Johan offers experiences that highlight the importance of positive coaching environments. This episode not only sheds light on the father-son dynamic in sports but also underscores Johan's dedication to investing in players' lives beyond the field, positioning him as a coach who truly prioritizes holistic development. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Feb 2

Kieran Crowley, a rugby legend and former All Black, joins us to unlock the secrets of building team culture across borders. Discover how Kieran's journey from New Zealand to Canada and Italy has shaped his understanding of cultural dynamics in international rugby coaching. His stories from the field provide a rich tapestry of insights into the delicate art of managing diverse teams, navigating logistical challenges, and embracing the existing cultures before making impactful changes. Trust and loyalty emerge as cornerstones of his coaching philosophy, offering a masterclass in effective team management. As we traverse through the complexities of international coaching, Kieran sheds light on the nuanced challenges of transitioning from local clubs to national teams. Explore the cultural diversity within New Zealand rugby and the unique hurdles faced in countries like Canada, with its vast geographical spread, and Italy, where internal politics often complicate coaching decisions. Kieran's experiences reveal the contrasting freedoms of coaching club teams in Italy and Japan, where deeper player connections lead to greater cohesion. The episode takes a raw look at the intricacies of maintaining a positive environment amidst the pressures of high-stakes rugby. Kieran also opens up about the emotional resilience required to navigate setbacks and criticism in his coaching career. He candidly shares his coping mechanisms, leaning on trusted colleagues and family when the stress of the job takes its toll. Reflection on his evolution from a successful player to a coach reveals how empathy and a player-focused approach have become integral to his coaching style. Through personal stories and professional insights, Kieran illustrates the balance between passion and demands, showcasing the broader life lessons sports have to offer. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jan 26

Rugby legend Steve Hansen joins us to unravel the secrets of building an unbreakable team culture. Discover how the invisible thread of shared values can bind not just sports teams but businesses and families too. Steve shares his philosophy that team priorities should always come first, offering practical insights on fostering open dialogue and making tough decisions when individual goals clash with the collective vision. Through his experiences, we learn the importance of living these values consistently from the top down. We take a closer look at the distinction between expectations and culture within organizations, shedding light on how culture nurtures communication, safety, and mutual respect. This episode also highlights measurable aspects of culture—like punctuality and pride in work—and how they signal the health of an environment. Steve's perspectives on cultural dynamics in Japan serve as a fascinating case study, illustrating the delicate balance between tradition and progress and emphasizing the significance of subtle, respectful change. Egos and leadership take center stage as we explore their complex relationship. Steve offers a candid look at how ego, when managed well, can fuel passion and focus but warns against it becoming a barrier to personal growth. We dive into the essence of authentic leadership, where emotional intelligence and adaptability are key. Steve's anecdotes underscore the importance of a leader's honesty and authenticity, framing success as helping others reach their goals and celebrating their achievements, creating a truly rewarding team atmosphere. Join us for an insightful conversation on mastering ego, adaptability, and leadership success. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jan 19

What if the key to a thriving sports team lies not just in strategy, but in deeply understanding its cultural fabric? Join us as we sit down with the legendary coach Eddie Jones, who unpacks the essence of culture and leadership in sports. Eddie shares captivating stories from his coaching journey at Leicester, with the Springboks, and the Japanese team, illustrating how recognizing and respecting a team's core cultural values can lead to remarkable growth. Discover how authenticity and player feedback reveal not only individual strengths but also the deeper values that drive team success. As societal norms evolve, so too must coaching strategies. Our conversation with Eddie delves into how shifts from team-oriented to individualistic approaches, especially in places like Japan and Australia, challenge traditional coaching methods. We explore how coaches can adapt to these new dynamics by "walking the floor" to understand team chemistry and identify emerging leaders. Eddie's insights into delegating responsibilities within larger squads underscore the importance of multiple voices in reinforcing team culture, while contrasting motivations of past national pride with today's focus on unity through the sport itself. Leadership and belief are at the heart of Eddie’s coaching philosophy. Drawing parallels to business strategies, he discusses the relentless drive required for success, illustrated by experiences with Suntory and the Japanese team. We examine the role of fear in leadership and its ability to command respect, much like parenting. The art of giving constructive feedback without breeding resentment is another key theme, emphasizing the need for understanding individual player needs and fostering a sense of belonging. Eddie’s candid anecdotes and strategies offer a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in coaching and leadership. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.

Jan 6

I’m Ben Herring, and I want to welcome you to Coaching Culture with Ben Herring . If you’re looking to sharpen your coaching craft by exploring more than just drills and tactics, you’ve come to the right place. Coaching Culture is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy, leadership, and motivation. Each episode features candid conversations with the world’s top international rugby coaches, who share the personal stories and intangible insights behind their winning cultures, and their biggest failures and what they learnt from them. This is where X’s and O’s meet heart and soul. If you believe that the real gold in rugby lies beyond the scoreboard, Coaching Culture is the podcast for you. Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.