In this special episode, the tables are turned as Craig is the one being interviewed, by his co-pilot and guest from Episode 3, Martin Bone. Craig talks about his early influences and experiences in professional rugby, right through to his profound awakening through yoga and meditation. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and the ongoing process of personal growth.

Show notes

Early Influences and Background

• Childhood and Family: The significant influence of Craig's parents on his early understanding of leadership.
• School and Sports: Early leadership experiences in sports, including rugby and the influence of various PE teachers and coaches.

Professional Rugby Career

• Transition to Coaching: Craig's journey from aspiring professional rugby player to successful rugby coach.
• Significant Achievements: Coaching experiences with Wasps, Leicester Tigers, the Welsh rugby team, and the British Lions.

Turning Point and Self-Discovery

• Yoga Retreat in Thailand: Craig's life-changing experience at a month-long yoga retreat, leading to a profound personal awakening.
• Shift in Perspective: The realization that he needed to explore beyond professional success and delve into self-awareness and personal growth.

Evolution of Leadership Style

• Early Leadership Style: Craig's initial approach as an alpha male leader, focusing on command and control.
• Transformation: Embracing a more compassionate, emotionally intelligent leadership style through various personal development practices.

Key Components of Modern Leadership

• Emotional Intelligence: The importance of understanding and managing one's emotions to lead effectively.
• Authenticity and Vulnerability: Leading by being true to oneself and showing vulnerability as a strength.
• Win-Win Philosophy: Creating mutually beneficial relationships and ensuring both parties thrive.

Personal and Professional Growth

• Ongoing Learning: Craig's commitment to continuous personal development through various practices and courses.

Reflections and Advice

• Communication and Connection: The role of effective communication in building trust and connection within teams.
• Balance and Boundaries: The importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Mentorship and Influence: The value of mentorship and the impact of being both a teacher and a student.

Key Quotes from Craig White

• "You cannot become what you can't see. Role modelling is crucial in leadership."
• "The most important component of leadership is being attuned, truly present with your team or client."
• "To lead others, you must first lead yourself. Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership."

Resources and Links

• Craig White's Website: Craig White Mentoring
• Follow Craig White on Instagram: @CraigWhiteMentoring
• Follow Craig White on LinkedIn: Craig White

Craig interviews Stevie Ward, former professional rugby league player and youngest captain of Leeds Rhinos. Stevie shares his transformative journey from the heights of a successful rugby career to the challenges of early retirement due to a brain injury. He opens up about the struggles of coping with physical and mental health issues, finding new purpose through his men's health organisation, Mantality, and the ongoing process of self-discovery and healing. Join us as Stevie discusses the importance of vulnerability, acceptance, and authenticity in navigating life's toughest transitions.

Show notes

Introduction

• Craig White welcomes listeners and introduces Stevie Ward, former professional rugby player, youngest captain of Leeds Rhinos, founder of Mantality.

Stevie's Rugby Career

• Early Passion for Rugby: Discovering rugby at age six and quickly excelling.
• Career Highlights: Winning the Grand Final at 18, becoming the youngest captain of Leeds Rhinos.
• Injuries and Challenges: Coping with multiple injuries, including shoulder and knee surgeries.

The Turning Point

• Severe Brain Injury: The brain injury that led to his early retirement at age 26.
• Mental Health Struggles: Dealing with depression, anxiety, and the loss of his rugby career.

Founding Mantality

• Purpose and Mission: Establishing Mantality to support men's mental health and well-being.
• Impact: How Mantality has helped Stevie and others in their mental health journeys.

Life After Rugby

• Public Speaking: Transitioning to a career in public speaking and sharing his story.
• Acceptance and Healing: Embracing uncertainty and practicing gratitude and self-compassion.
• Reparenting and Inner Child Work: Using meditation and other techniques to heal and grow.

Key Insights and Advice

• Authenticity: The importance of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability.
• Fear and Resilience: Facing fear head-on and using it as a source of strength.
• Community and Connection: Building a supportive network and fostering meaningful relationships.

Future Plans

• Upcoming Projects: Stevie's interest in combining sport and art, and potential opportunities in TV and film.
• Ongoing Mission: Continuing to advocate for mental health and inspire others through his work.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Stevie's closing remarks on self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of authenticity.
• Contact Information: How listeners can connect with Stevie Ward and learn more about Mantality.

Key Quotes from Stevie Ward

• "What you are is more than enough. Just be yourself."
• "It's tough to feel, but real toughness is creating enough safety in yourself to allow yourself to feel."
• "I've learned to be okay with not knowing and to find gratitude in the present moment."

Resources and Links

• Mantality Website: Mantality
• Follow Stevie Ward on LinkedIn: Stevie Ward
• Instagram: @ste_ward
• Twitter: @ste_ward

Craig White interviews Rhys Thomas, a former elite professional rugby player turned breathwork facilitator and coach. Rhys shares his remarkable story of transformation after a life-altering heart attack at the age of 29. He discusses his journey through the darkest times of his life, battling physical and mental health challenges, and his ultimate path to healing and purpose. Rhys opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the power of breathwork, and his mission to help others through his coaching and mental health initiatives. Join us to hear Rhys' inspiring story of resilience, recovery, and redemption.


Introduction

• Host Introduction: Craig White welcomes listeners and introduces the guest, Rhys Thomas.
• Guest Introduction: Rhys Thomas, former professional rugby player, now a breathwork facilitator and coach.

Rhys' Early Life and Rugby Career

• Background: Rhys’ upbringing and passion for rugby.
• Career Highlights: Playing for the Scarlets and involvement with the Welsh national team.

The Life-Altering Heart Attack

• The Incident: Rhys recounts his severe heart attack at age 29 while training in the gym.
• Medical Journey: The physical and mental challenges following his heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery.
• Impact on Career: Coming to terms with the end of his rugby career and the associated emotional struggles.

The Descent and Struggles

• Coping Mechanisms: Turning to alcohol and destructive behaviors to numb the pain.
• Rock Bottom: Rhys shares the darkest moments of his post-heart attack life, including near-death experiences and emotional turmoil.

The Turning Point

• Intervention and Rehabilitation: Friends and family stage an intervention, leading Rhys to a rehab facility in Cape Town.
• Initial Recovery: The transformative impact of rehab and the beginning of Rhys' journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Embracing Change and Finding Purpose

• Mental Health Advocacy: Founding the "Tidy Butt" mental health and well-being charity.
• Breathwork: Discovering the power of breathwork and its role in his recovery.
• Coaching and Speaking: Transitioning to a role as a coach and motivational speaker, sharing his story to inspire others.

Reflections on Transformation

• Lessons Learned: Rhys discusses the importance of vulnerability, community, and self-acceptance in his journey.
• Ongoing Challenges: Preparing for a potential heart transplant and the continuous process of personal growth.

Future Plans

• Upcoming Projects: Details about Rhys' charity work, breathwork sessions, and future retreats.
• Moving Forward: Rhys' aspirations and plans to continue making a positive impact in the world.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Rhys' closing remarks on resilience, hope, and the possibility of change.
• Contact Information: How listeners can connect with Rhys and learn more about his work.

Key Quotes from Rhys Thomas

• "The heart attack was a pivotal moment that forced me to re-evaluate my life and ultimately led me to a path of healing and purpose."
• "It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to ask for help. That's where true strength lies."
• "Breathwork has been a game-changer for me, helping me reconnect with myself and find peace amidst the chaos."

Resources and Links

• Rhys Thomas' Website
• Follow Rhys on Instagram: @RealRhysThomas
• Mental Health Charity: Tidy Butt