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From the Rugby Pitch to the Boardroom: The Transformative Power of Leadership

Writer: Richard LowryRichard Lowry

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;

  1. Recovering from a bad hire, 

  2. Struggling to scale,  

  3. 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.

 
 

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