Captains with Sam Warburton

In this engaging discussion, Sir Ben Ainslie, one of Britain’s greatest Olympians with four gold medals, shares insights from his remarkable journey in sailing and leadership. He reveals the challenges of transitioning from athlete to CEO, emphasizing how emotions can impact team dynamics. Ben recounts his path from a landlocked childhood to Olympic glory, detailing the determination that fueled his success. With anecdotes about high-stakes competitions like the America’s Cup, he highlights the importance of empathy and collaboration in leadership.

This week, Sam is joined by Wes Morgan as the pair look back on Leicester City’s 5000/1 Premier League title win in 2016.They discuss how to bring a group together to overachieve and highlight the importance of creating a sense of togetherness that all great teams have.Wes’s journey to the top took time and is a great study in that old cliché of never giving up.Share your thoughts with Sam on captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk or by searching for #captainspod on social media. Subscribe to Crowd Sports+ on Apple to join The Huddle and receive bonus content and ad-free episodes. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, former Ireland and Lions captain Paul O'Connell shares his journey from player to coach. He emphasizes that true leadership is about creating an uplifting atmosphere and fostering team spirit, drawing inspiration from his experiences and role models like Roy Keane. Paul discusses the emotional power of authentic communication and the essential qualities that bind teams together, particularly during high-pressure moments like the Lions tours. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges and triumphs of leadership in rugby, making for an insightful listen.

Join Paul McGinley, the 2014 Ryder Cup captain and now a business leader, as he shares his insights on leadership and teamwork in high-pressure environments. He discusses the importance of keeping strategies simple and fostering a positive mindset to unite top talents. McGinley reflects on the joys and difficulties of transitioning from player to captain and highlights how teamwork and emotional intelligence are vital for success. His anecdotes and experiences reveal how leadership is more about connection than complexity.

Heather Knight, the resilient captain of England's Cricket World Cup winning team, discusses her journey through adversity and pioneering women's cricket. She reveals the complexities of leadership, balancing authority with camaraderie in high-pressure environments. Sharing her experiences with sports psychology, Heather highlights the strength in seeking help. The talk also touches on finding balance outside cricket, the importance of support systems, and the ongoing challenges in promoting women's sports, all while embracing her introverted leadership style.

Chris Robshaw, former England rugby union captain, discusses the heartbreaking exit from the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the resilience needed to bounce back. He shares insights on the emotional toll of leadership and how empathy transformed his approach as captain. They reflect on intense matches against Wales, the pressure of facing the media after setbacks, and the importance of support from teammates. Robshaw's journey emphasizes finding closure and personal growth from defeat, highlighting resilience as a cornerstone of leadership in sports.