Dare to be Different with Craig White S1E14: Kruise Leeming - The Cost of Winning, Regret & Becoming a Better Man
Jul 15, 2025
Kruise Leeming, a professional rugby league player and former captain of the Leeds Rhinos, engages in a heartfelt discussion about leadership shaped by personal loss. He shares how the early death of his father forged his sense of responsibility. The conversation dives into the challenges of performance-driven leadership and the costs of neglecting personal relationships. Kruise emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, reconnecting with faith, and the transformative journey from anger to empathy, ultimately striving to be a better man both on and off the pitch.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Loss Shaped Lifelong Responsibility
- Kruise Leeming lost his father at eight and was told he was "the man of the house," which set a lifelong responsibility standard.
- His mum reinforced discipline and he later cared for his sisters, shaping his drive and duty.
Success Came With Emotional Cost
- Intense early responsibility produced high performance but suppressed playfulness and relational warmth.
- Kruise now questions whether the single-minded drive cost him key relationships and moments.
Rugby Turned Difference Into Belonging
- Kruise discovered rugby at 10–11 after training on a groundsman's field and fell in love with physicality and team belonging.
- Rugby turned his difference into an advantage and gave him lifelong friendships and identity.