After more than a decade working in many sales teams, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the right leader can have on a culture or company. It’s why I started Springboard IQ Network.
I wanted to find an analogy that captures the importance of leadership, and what better one could I use..
In 2017, the South African rugby team suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history: a 57-0 loss to the All Blacks.

The team included;
Siya Kolisi
Eben Etzebeth
Handré Pollard
Bongi Mbonambi
Steven Kitshoff
Damian de Allende
Jesse Kriel
Tendai Mtawarira
Malcolm Marx
Trevor Nyakane
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Franco Mostert
But then came Rassie Erasmus.
Under his leadership, the same group of players achieved the unimaginable: back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.

What changed?
It wasn’t just a new game plan. It was a shift in mindset, culture, and belief. Rassie didn’t just coach a team; he transformed a group of individuals into world champions. He proved that with the right leadership, even the most daunting setbacks can become historic comebacks.
The Lesson for Start-Ups: Leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about inspiring belief, fostering resilience, and creating a culture where greatness can thrive.
Whether you’re;
Recovering from a bad hire,
Struggling to scale,
Trying to win your first few customers
The right mentor can make all the difference.
At Springboard IQ, We connect start-ups with top Sales Leaders who can mentor, guide, and inspire your team during those critical early stages.
Whether you need a mentor for 1 month, 3 months, or indefinitely, we’re here to help you find the right fit.
Let’s turn your challenges into victories.