What does it take to perform under pressure - live, unscripted, for decades?

In this episode of Beyond The Game, we sit down with legendary Irish sports broadcaster Ger Canning - a voice synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in Irish sport.

Across four decades behind the microphone, Ger has commentated on All-Ireland finals, Olympic Games, World Cups and historic sporting milestones. But beyond the big calls and famous phrases lies a masterclass in preparation, resilience, focus, and high-performance communication.

From managing pressure in live broadcasting to sustaining excellence over a lifetime in sport, Ger shares the mindset, habits and leadership lessons that have allowed him to stay sharp, relevant and energised in an ever-evolving media landscape.

This is a conversation about composure in chaos, longevity in performance, and the power of storytelling to connect, inspire and lead.

Topics Covered:

• Performing under pressure in live, high-stakes environments

• The preparation habits behind confident communication

• Lessons in resilience from decades in elite sport

• Leadership, observation & reading momentum

• Adapting to change in a rapidly evolving media world

• Purpose, legacy & what truly matters beyond the big moments

Whether you’re a leader, communicator, coach, entrepreneur, or sports fan, this episode is packed with practical insights on resilience, high performance and the mindset required to sustain excellence over time.

For powerful conversations with athletes, coaches and leaders from the world of high-performance sport and the lessons that apply far beyond the game - listen and subscribe to Beyond The Game on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

Sound and post production by Elaine Smith -Elaine Smith on Linked In

Does talent really drive success - or is culture the real differentiator?

In this episode of Beyond The Game, we’re joined by Bernard Jackman, former professional rugby player, Heineken Cup winner, elite coach, and now a highly respected leadership and high-performance consultant working across Irish and international organisations.

Bernard draws on his experience operating at the highest levels of sport and business to unpack what truly underpins sustainable success. From elite dressing rooms to boardrooms, his message is clear: talent alone is never enough - high performance is built on culture, accountability, and standards.

We explore how resilient teams are created, why adaptability and learning matter more than raw ability, and how leaders can build environments where people consistently perform under pressure. Bernard also shares insights from his own career transitions - from player to coach to leadership advisor — and the mindset required to reinvent yourself while maintaining clarity and purpose.

This episode is packed with practical leadership lessons, making it essential listening for business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone interested in resilience, high performance, and organisational culture.

Topics covered include:

• Why talent doesn’t guarantee success - and what does

• Building resilient, high-performance cultures in sport and business

• Accountability, standards, and leadership under pressure

• Lessons from elite teams that transfer directly into Irish business

• Adapting, learning, and reinventing across multiple careers

🎧 Listen and subscribe to Beyond The Game for evidence-informed conversations on resilience, leadership, mindset, and high-performance habits - distilled from the worlds of elite sport and business.

Sound and post production by Elaine Smith - Elaine Smith on Linked In

What does it take to stay at the top of professional rugby for over a decade?

In this episode of Beyond The Game, we sit down with James Cronin - former Munster, Biarritz, and Leicester Tigers prop - whose career is defined by consistency, resilience, and an unbreakable determination to succeed.

Having made over 150 appearances for his boyhood club Munster, James went on to test himself in France with Biarritz before finishing his professional career in the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers. Now stepping into his next chapter as Head Coach of Highfield Rugby, he reflects on the lessons learned from the highs, lows, and everyday grind of elite sport.

James shares powerful insights into maintaining elite performance over time, managing setbacks, and transferring the mindset of a professional athlete into leadership and coaching.

Topics Covered:

• Building resilience and consistency in elite performance

• Overcoming injury setbacks & psychological recovery

• Leadership lessons from the pitch to the coaching box

• Transitioning identity from player to leader

• The importance of preparation, perspective & purpose

Listen, follow, and subscribe to the Beyond The Game Podcast for real-world lessons on resilience, mindset, and leadership from athletes, coaches, and business leaders who’ve performed at the highest level.

Sound and post production by Elaine Smith - Elaine Smith on Linked In

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