Through my journey of 19 years as a professional rugby player it has allowed me to develop a vast array of skills. Through speaking and sharing my personal experiences I feel that, I can have a positive impact on the community in a number of different areas.
After making my professional rugby debut for Waikato Rugby as a 17-year-old schoolboy in 2002, I’ve since gone on to become the 22nd Waikato Rugby centurion in 2019. Along the way I have captained the squad to Ranfurly Shield and Mitre 10 Cup Championship victory, represented the Chiefs at Super Rugby level, New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, New Zealand Sevens, New Zealand Maori and played professionally in Japan for six seasons.
I have constantly had to deal with internal and external pressures that come with the responsibility of performing at the highest level. I am often asked how I've managed to stay in the professional game for so long. My answer to this is simply my ability to maintain a healthy life balance and a clear focus of what is important.
Leadership has always been a big part of my career, having learnt some great life lessons and life skills off some exceptional leaders. This has helped me immensely in life and I feel it is important to share these learnings where I can.
I have a passion to share the knowledge that I have gained, and enjoy helping people develop and grow. Through contextualising my experiences both difficult and successful, I have confidence that I can help develop a number of different areas within the community. From helping a sports team develop a successful culture, to creating a high-performance team within a business. Constantly focusing on a positive team/work environment.
I pride myself on being connected to the community and really enjoy having a positive impact in whatever form I can.
Where I can add Value
Public and Motivational Speaking
My ability to story tell and share my personal experiences in a number of different environments is a real strength. Whether it be addressing school assemblies, fundraisers, or helping a business connect with their customers.
Through connecting with the audience and relating my journey I can show the importance of focus, commitment, trust and having the courage to fail.
“There is no such thing as luck, you make your own luck”.
Team Culture Workshops
Being involved in professional rugby teams for 19 seasons has helped me develop a strong knowledge of the term ‘Team Culture’, with a clear understanding of what successful ‘Team Culture’ looks and feels like. My true strength is being able to contextualise my personal experiences, both good and bad. Making it relatable and helping you develop success into your environment, team or work place.
My passion for sharing this knowledge makes it easy for me to be invested in the successful ‘Team Culture’ we will work together to achieve.
Leadership Workshops and Leadership Mentoring
I have had the pleasure of working with some exceptional leaders throughout my professional rugby career. The examples they set helped me become a Captain/Leader that is very aware of my personal standards and responsibilities. I also learnt to understand the importance of empowering and upskilling my peers, through doing this well I feel you can develop a sustainable environment of strong leadership.
Supporting you in your process and sharing my knowledge, I see myself adding real value to your awareness as a leader and/or leadership team.
“Leadership is often given to us by a title, true leaders understand the responsibilities of leading”.