What Elite Sport Can Teach Us About Business Success with Flip van der Merwe

Few people have experienced pressure at the level of a professional athlete and then successfully reinvented themselves in the business world. Flip van der Merwe has done both.In this episode, Daniel chats with the former Springbok and Bulls lock turned executive and consultant about leadership, trust, and how the lessons of rugby translate into corporate success.Flip shares what it’s really like to transition from the roar of 80,000 fans to the quiet intensity of the boardroom, why humility and mentorship are crucial in any career shift, and how to rebuild identity after leaving elite sport.He also reflects on his MBA journey at Cambridge, life in France, and his growing focus on strategy and data in business.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro to Flip01:56 – Moving to France and finding home abroad03:00 – Giving back through education and mentorship in South Africa05:20 – Transitioning from elite sport to the corporate world07:15 – The power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people09:30 – Lessons in trust, accountability and execution from rugby12:00 – The difference between sporting and corporate pressure14:15 – Identity after sport and finding purpose beyond the field17:40 – The reality of being “unemployable” after sport and finding new skills19:00 – Unlearning habits from the changing room to fit into corporate life21:30 – Staying humble and rebuilding from the bottom again23:10 – Rookie mistakes and learning to ask for help24:00 – Why Flip chose business over media or coaching26:00 – Finding fulfilment and purpose in leadership and teamwork29:00 – Why he believes South Africa is full of untapped potential31:00 – Advice for people making career transitions33:00 – The 1% mindset that drives Flip in business and lifeIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow Because Growth Matters on your favourite podcast platform, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating a career or leadership transition.Would you like to be a guest on Because Growth Matters or learn more about working with Growth Matters International? Fill out the application form HERE.Connect with Daniel:LinkedIn: Daniel RobusWebsite: https://www.growthmattersintl.comConnect with Flip:LinkedIn: Flip van der Merwe

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