In this episode, Simon and Rusty explore how leaders can leverage environment, mindfulness, and resilience to fuel both personal and organisational growth.

Drawing from stories over the past month, they demonstrate how thoughtfully designed spaces—whether in the workplace or on the sports field—ignite connection, sharpen focus, and inspire meaningful progress. They also discuss why being fully present and intentionally planning time for recovery are not just wellness habits but essential leadership skills. Through practical mindfulness strategies and real-world examples from sport and business, they highlight the power of honest feedback, gratitude, and simple rituals in cultivating a culture where people and teams can adapt and thrive.

If you’re ready to build stronger resilience for yourself and your organisation, this episode delivers actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Moments:

00:01:04 — Rusty shares the emotional reflections parents and coaches share when asked about teachers and mentors who shaped their growth.

00:06:58 — Insights from a former Google X executive explore how AI and wealth redistribution may redefine the future of work.

00:10:39 — Strategies for sustaining resilience when addressing the realities of career changes and job market uncertainty.

00:11:53 — The importance of momentum as a core element of resilience—emphasising continual forward movement.

00:18:02 — Exploring mindfulness as a driver for enhanced organisational performance and profitability.

00:22:19 — The role of simple rituals and engaging camp environments in fostering deeper connection and presence in children.

00:26:11 — Navigating the emotional complexities of stepping back from leadership while empowering others to lead.

00:40:31 — Embracing personal challenges through exposure to inspiring environments and honest, constructive feedback to stimulate growth.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode Simon and Rusty bring a refreshing, experience-led perspective on how to lead and live with greater intention. Through stories from a mindfulness golf retreat, a visit to the BRIT School, and a rugby camp in the U.S., Simon and Rusty uncover valuable lessons on the power of switching off to gain clarity, the role of storytelling and gratitude in growth, and what effective, purpose-driven leadership looks like in practice.

If you’re keen to get practical insights into building more resilient, connected, and human-centred cultures - whether in organisations or everyday life - this episode is for you.

In this episode:

[00:01:15] Simon reflects on attending a mindfulness golf retreat with strangers, showing how stepping away from routine brings clarity, connection, and a mental reset.

[00:04:38] The common challenge of quieting the mind, and how storytelling and guided mindfulness offer practical ways to find calm and focus.

[00:05:30] Discussing nature’s restorative power and how time outdoors builds resilience and boosts well-being.

[00:06:37] The value of informal, non-work activities in organisations to strengthen team bonds, boost performance, and create belonging.

[00:12:23] Simon shares a touching story of meeting his late father’s friend at the retreat—and how mindfulness brought him clearer emotional and personal direction.

[00:14:32] Journaling and gratitude as growth tools—Simon explains how illustrating his retreat journal and daily reflection helped him reconnect with creativity and appreciation.

[00:18:46] Simon and Rusty’s visit to the BRIT School highlights its vibrant learning culture, strong leadership, engaged students, and low phone use as an inspiring model.

[00:40:31] The ripple effect of gratitude—listeners are invited to reach out to someone who inspired them, showing how a simple message can spark lasting positive change.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty talk with former professional rugby player, cancer ‘thriver’, and human-first performance coach, Sam Leeming.

Sam’s rugby journey began with Newcastle Falcons and flourished at Hartpury University, where he earned a BSc in Sport Performance, multiple England Students caps, and a professional contract. But at just 23, his career was suddenly put on hold when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After undergoing intensive chemotherapy, Sam made an inspiring return to professional rugby, a testament to his resilience, discipline, and deep self-awareness.

Forced to retire at 25 due to concussion-related injuries, Sam has since dedicated himself to high-performance coaching, helping others unlock performance through a human-first lens.

The conversation explores pushing limits, reframing trauma, and the power of play, intention, and integrity. Most importantly, Sam’s story is a compelling reminder of how having the right mindset can foster resilience and self-awareness, and as in his case, turn adversity into strength and purpose.

Find out more about Sam’s journey and connect with him here:

Instagram: @samleeming10

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-leeming-b55550109/

Website: https://samleemingperformance.com

In this episode:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Sam Leeming: Simon and Rusty set the tone for a conversation on resilience, introducing Sam’s journey through major life challenges.

00:03:44 – Sam’s Early Setbacks: Sam shares how recurring injuries and internal pressure impacted his rugby career and self-worth.

00:05:54 – Cancer & Recovery Journey: At 23, Sam faces non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, undergoes chemo, and makes a powerful return to rugby, balancing mental and physical struggles.

00:08:25 – Family’s Role: Sam highlights the impact of his dad’s tough but supportive love in shaping his resilience.

00:14:03 – Pushing Past the Limit: His “never enough” mindset led to overexertion, including a seizure during cancer, teaching him the value of rest.

00:16:19 – Power of Vulnerability: Sharing his emotional journey created deeper connections and redefined vulnerability as strength.

00:21:49 – Choice & Mindset after Trauma: Sam reflects on using trauma as fuel for growth, not a limiting identity.

00:26:14 – Coaching & Helping Others: Now a performance coach, Sam draws on his story to help high performers shift mindset and improve mental skills.

00:32:08 – Tools for Performance: Talks practical tools like intention-setting, self-awareness, and integrity that guide both his past and current work.

00:41:04 – Recovery & Playfulness: Emphasizes world-class recovery and playful habits as keys to sustainable performance and well-being.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/