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Episode Summary:

In this milestone 200th episode of The Purpose of Sport, host Ian Hawkins sits down with former NSW Blues assistant coach and former NRL player to explore leadership, connection, and the life lessons that sport continues to teach, both on and off the field. The conversation begins with an inside look at the NSW Blues’ transformation during the State of Origin series, focusing on the team’s rekindled pride and connection to the sky-blue jumper. Through stories of vision-setting, alignment, and collective buy-in, the guest reveals how a clear purpose and shared values can turn a group of individuals into a united force.

The discussion then expands into broader lessons about leadership, organizational culture, and human connection. Drawing from his experience as an executive coach, the guest explains how the same principles that drive elite sports teams vision, values, accountability, and alignment are equally vital in business and life. Together, they explore how trust, disagreement, and meaningful conversations build stronger teams, families, and communities.

Later in the episode, listeners are taken through deeply personal and powerful moments, including the guest’s harrowing experience at the Maccabiah Games bridge collapse, a career-defining rugby commentary moment, and the health challenges that reshaped his perspective on performance, nutrition, and wellbeing. From overcoming financial hardship to launching a human-performance business that’s transformed thousands of lives, this episode is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and connection lie at the heart of both sport and life.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

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