This week on The Sporting Transition Podcast I’m joined by Ross Neal, former centre and wing for Wasps, London Irish and the Seattle Seawolves, and now the Founder of The Culture Chain.
Ross brings real honesty to the conversation, speaking openly about the highs of professional rugby and the difficult moments that led him to step away from the game. 🙌
Here is what we dive into 👇👇
💥 The injuries that sped up his decision to retire from professional rugby
🔮 The challenge of preparing for what comes next while still playing at the top level
🏉 Why culture is the biggest driver of performance in both sport and business
💼 How he is now helping organisations build strong and sustainable cultures
🌱 The lessons from rugby that continue to shape his work and leadership today
Ross is a brilliant example of how the end of a sporting chapter can spark a powerful new beginning. His journey shows how the values learned on the pitch can inspire meaningful work far beyond it.
A huge thank you to Ross for sharing his story with such openness and clarity.
Former Ospreys lock Lloyd Ashley shares how early setbacks shaped his mindset around life after rugby, and how curiosity, education and vulnerability helped him build a purposeful career supporting player wellbeing.
Jackson Wray shares how he planned his transition years in advance, building education, networks and practical experience alongside 300 plus Saracens appearances to create a new career with clarity and purpose.
Former Saracens prop Ralph Adams Hale reflects on his first year in the Lloyd’s market, sharing how education, networking and mindset shifts helped him transition from elite sport to underwriting at Apollo.