In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, Dan and Dan sit down with Ben Ryan, the Performance Director at Brentford FC and former coach of Fiji's Olympic-winning Rugby Sevens team. Ben shares his remarkable journey from the world of English rugby to leading Fiji to gold at the Rio Olympics, and now shaping performance at Brentford. He talks about the importance of leadership, discipline, and cultural sensitivity in creating high-performing teams, as well as the balance between structure and freedom that allows athletes to thrive. Tune in for insights on coaching, team dynamics, and what it truly takes to build a winning culture across sports.

Show Notes:

• Ben discusses his journey from rugby coach to Performance Director at Brentford FC
• Reflections on leading Fiji to Olympic gold and the lessons learned in team culture
• Ben shares how discipline and structure helped transform the Fijian team’s performance
• The importance of balancing freedom with high standards in elite sport
• Insights into the challenges of transitioning from rugby to football leadership
• Ben talks about the power of alignment and communication in building successful teams
• The role of player care and cultural sensitivity in managing a diverse squad
• Ben critiques the obsession with marginal gains and emphasises the importance of solid foundations

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

Join us as we dive into the mind of Sir Andrew Strauss, one of England's greatest cricket captains. From leading his team to Ashes glory twice to navigating the highs and lows of elite sport, Strauss shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and life beyond the game. This is a conversation about more than runs and wickets—it's about legacy, culture, and what it truly means to thrive under pressure.

Show Notes:
"Cricket requires players to accept the randomness of fate - a hard pill for perfectionists."

Three key takeaways:

• Resilience and adaptability in elite sport: even the top batsmen in cricket go through periods of poor form and this can take a mental toll on players: "Batsmen must be philosophical. You fail more often than you succeed, and you have to price that in." Developing coping mechanisms and a mindset to manage these ebbs and flows is key
• Importance of team culture: "Athletes thrive when they feel cared for and supported. If they feel cared for, they’ll forgive many of your weaknesses as a leader." A strong culture and the importance of balancing family life with cricket are critical – particularly when some players are away 300 days a year
• Leadership: the role of leadership is to balance the needs of individual with collective goals. "You can’t afford to let everyone do exactly what they want, but successful teams allow for individuality within a shared framework"

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

• Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
• Find out more on our website
• Follow the podcast on LinkedIn
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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we’re joined by rugby legend Bryan Habana. From his unforgettable debut with South Africa to winning the 2007 World Cup, Bryan opens up about the highs and lows of his storied career. We dive into the pressures of being a superstar, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what life looks like after rugby. This is an inspiring and candid conversation with one of the game’s greats!

Show Notes:

• Debut Magic: Bryan scores on his first touch against England, launching his iconic career
• World Cup Glory: The emotional highs of winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup with South Africa
• Pressure of Being a Superstar: Bryan shares the mental struggle of living up to expectations after early success
• Low Points: From a crushing 49-0 loss in 2006 to being booed in 2010, Bryan opens up about facing adversity
• Leadership Evolution: From wing to team leader, how Bryan embraced responsibility as his career progressed
• Life After Rugby: Navigating the tough transition from sport to business, and finding new purpose
• Positive Mindset: The power of choosing positivity and focusing on growth, both on and off the field

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

• Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
• Find out more on our website
• Follow the podcast on LinkedIn
• Follow Dan R on LinkedIn
• Follow Dan R on Twitter
• Follow Dan B on LinkedIn
• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto