We sit down with Don Armand, former Exeter Chiefs and England international rugby player, to unpack his journey beyond professional rugby.

Don shares what it really takes to transition out of elite sport, the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the lessons learned along the way. He opens up about stepping into the unknown, building a new sense of purpose, and the things he wishes he had considered earlier in his career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start preparing early
2. Take ownership of your transition
3. Develop an identity beyond sport
4. Transition is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

If Don’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Chris Cook

Chris shares his unique journey from elite swimming to life beyond the pool, emphasising the importance of dialling up your agility, exploring new passions and opportunities while still competing.

Nick De Luca

Discover how Nick prepared for life beyond rugby, the mindset shifts that helped him transition, and the lessons he now applies in his career.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Robert Van Der Horst, former Dutch Olympic hockey player and World Player of the Year, to explore his journey beyond elite sport.

Robert opens up about the challenges of leaving professional hockey, the mindset shifts required to navigate life after sport, and how he found his new purpose in the world of business and coaching. From the highs of being the best in the world to the uncertainty of what comes next, he shares invaluable lessons for athletes at any stage of their careers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success in sport doesn’t guarantee success afterward.
2. Be willing to explore.
3. Rebuild your competitive edge.
4. Embrace the unknown.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

If Robert’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Gareth Steenson

Gareth shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, highlighting the importance of adaptability, exploring new passions, and seizing opportunities while still playing.

Alex Tait

Explore how Alex navigated his transition from professional rugby, the key mindset shifts that shaped his journey, and the valuable lessons he's carried into his next chapter.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Chris Cook, former Olympic and GB swimmer, to dive into his journey beyond the pool.

Chris shares his experience of stepping away from elite competition, the mindset shifts needed to embrace new opportunities, and how he applied lessons from swimming to life and business. From reaching the highest levels of sport to navigating the uncertainty of what comes next, Chris offers invaluable insights for athletes at any stage of their careers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success comes from consistency.
2. Adaptability is key.
3. Find your 'why'.
4. Keep learning and growing.

This episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice for any athlete preparing for life beyond the game.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Episodes you won’t want to miss:

Don Armand

Don shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, emphasising the importance of adaptability, embracing new challenges, and proactively preparing for the future while still playing.

Nick De Luca

Discover how Nick prepared for life beyond rugby, the mindset shifts that helped him transition, and the lessons he now applies in his career.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Gareth Steenson, former Exeter Chiefs fly-half and club legend, to discuss his transition beyond professional rugby.

Gareth reflects on his journey from leading Exeter to Premiership glory to stepping into coaching and business. He shares the challenges of leaving the game as a player, the mindset shifts required to succeed in new environments, and how he prepared for life after rugby while still competing at the highest level. His story is a masterclass in leadership, adaptability, and seizing opportunities beyond sport.

Key Takeaways:

1. Plan for the future while you’re still playing.
2. Leadership skills transfer beyond the pitch.
3. Stay open to new challenges.
4. Build relationships that last.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Episodes you won’t want to miss:

Robert Van Der Horst

Robert shares his journey from elite hockey to life beyond the game, reflecting on the challenges of transition and the importance of preparing for the future while still competing.

Alex Tait

Explore how Alex navigated his transition from professional rugby, the key mindset shifts that shaped his journey, and the valuable lessons he's carried into his next chapter.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Nick De Luca, former Scotland international rugby player, to explore his transition beyond elite sport.

Nick shares his journey from representing his country to building a career beyond rugby. He opens up about the identity shifts, the challenges of stepping into the unknown, and the lessons he’s learned in forging a new path. From the highs of international rugby to navigating a different professional landscape, Nick’s story highlights the importance of preparation, adaptability, and embracing change.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your sporting identity doesn’t define you.
2. Take control of your transition.
3. Skills from sport transfer into new careers.
4. Embrace the challenge of reinvention.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Episodes you won’t want to miss:

Don Armand

Don shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, emphasising the importance of adaptability, embracing new challenges, and proactively preparing for the future while still playing.

Chris Cook

Chris shares his unique journey from elite swimming to life beyond the pool, emphasising the importance of dialling up your agility, exploring new passions and opportunities while still competing.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Alex Tait, former Newcastle Falcons fullback, to discuss his transition beyond professional rugby.

After spending his entire career at one club, Alex opens up about the challenges of stepping away from the game, redefining his identity, and discovering new passions outside of rugby. He shares insights into the mindset shifts required to navigate life after sport and the lessons he’s learned in building a future beyond the pitch.

Key Takeaways:

1. Long-term planning is crucial.
2. Stepping away is a mental shift.
3. You have more to offer than just your sport.
4. Embrace change and keep learning.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Episodes you won’t want to miss:

Robert Van Der Horst

Robert shares his journey from elite hockey to life beyond the game, reflecting on the challenges of transition and the importance of preparing for the future while still competing.

Gareth Steenson

Gareth shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, highlighting the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities while still playing.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.