Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?
At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.
Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.
Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.
This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?
At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.
Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.
Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.
This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Three-time Olympian and one of Britain’s most decorated divers, Tonia Couch knows what it means to live life on the edge, literally and figuratively. After nearly two decades competing at the highest level, Tonia opens up about what happens when the roar fades, the funding stops, and you have to rebuild life outside the pool.
In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Tonia shares:
This episode is raw, emotional, and packed with insight for any athlete preparing for their next chapter, a reminder that there’s a whole world waiting beyond the game.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 15 years in professional rugby, former England international Tommy Taylor knows what it means to prepare for what’s next. With over 200 Premiership appearances for Sale Sharks and Wasps, and a reputation built on hard work and humility, Tommy’s story is one of curiosity, reflection, and quiet preparation for life beyond the game.
In this episode, Tommy opens up about how injury gave him time to think, to step back, explore, and get ready for his next chapter before the final whistle blew. From testing out accounting exams and surveying to dog training and leadership coaching, his journey is a powerful reminder that exploration is progress, even when it leads you away from what you thought you’d do next.
He shares the importance of utilising your platform while you’re still playing, giving yourself space to decompress when the boots come off, and surrounding yourself with a support network that keeps you grounded.
Key takeaways:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charlie Sharples lit up Kingsholm with his speed and finishing ability, racking up 266 appearances and 455 points for Gloucester, plus four caps for England. But what really sets Charlie apart is how he approached life after rugby.
In this episode, Charlie opens up about:
For athletes, Charlie’s story is proof that putting in the work before you need it creates clarity, confidence, and opportunity when the final whistle blows.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Brown is one of the most decorated players in Premiership Rugby history, 382 appearances for Harlequins, 72 England caps, three Six Nations titles, and two Premiership titles. But while fans saw the fierce competitor under the high ball, few see the challenges that come when the lights fade and a new identity must be built.
In this powerful episode, Mike opens up about:
For athletes, Mike’s story is a reminder that your second chapter doesn’t start when your career ends, it starts with preparation, self-awareness, and courage while you’re still in the game.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rhys Williams, European Champion, Olympian, and one of Britain’s finest 400m hurdlers, joins us for this week’s episode of Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game.
Rhys lifts the curtain on the realities of transitioning from the Olympic stage to the working world. From growing up as the son of Welsh rugby legend J.J. Williams, to competing against the best in the world, his journey is packed with lessons every athlete can take forward.
In this candid conversation, Rhys shares:
Rhys’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and the courage to redefine what success looks like after the cheers fade.
This episode is a must-listen for athletes preparing for their next step, and for anyone who wants to understand the transferable power of sporting skills in life and work.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to compete at the Winter Olympics, lead Great Britain’s no.1 bobsleigh sled, serve in the British Army, and then redefine success as a mother and professional?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paula Jackson, Olympian, retired bobsledder, Junior World Champion, and Corporal in the Royal Corps of Signals, to uncover the lessons that sport can’t help but teach, lessons that fuel life and career after competition.
Paula takes us inside her journey from a 19-year-old Army recruit discovering bobsleigh, to racing at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, to building a life of purpose and resilience beyond sport. Her story is raw, inspiring, and packed with takeaways for athletes at every stage of their journey.
Key takeaways you’ll learn in this episode:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What athletes wish they knew sooner.
What do elite athletes wish they’d done before hanging up the boots, taking of their pads for the last time or laying down their ore? What conversations do they look back on and wish they’d had? What preparation really counts? This week, we take a different approach.
Instead of a guest, Karl and James dive into the biggest lessons, recurring themes, and behind-the-scenes insights that have emerged from hundreds of conversations with elite athletes who’ve made the leap from sport to life beyond the game.
From Olympians to international rugby players, cricketers and footballers, these are the truths we’ve heard time and time again, and the practical takeaways we want every current athlete to hear before the lights go out.
Key Takeaways:
If you’re an athlete thinking about what’s next, or someone who supports them, this episode is packed with the insight, honesty, and actionable advice you’ve come to expect from Athlete to Athlete.
About the Hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Cheetahs, Kings, Bath, and Zebre Parma hooker, Jacques du Toit, has lived the highs of professional rugby, winning Currie Cups, playing in Super Rugby and the Premiership, and representing South Africa at the U’20’s World Cup, but also the deep challenges that come when the game ends. In this episode, Jacques shares a raw and honest reflection on his transition journey, from struggling to let go of his rugby identity to rediscovering his purpose beyond the pitch.
Key takeaways:
· Why having people who stand by you through the dark days, are crucial during transition.
· How stepping away from rugby left a void of identity and structure, and why athletes must prepare early to avoid the same shock.
· The unique soft skills athletes don’t realise they already have.
· The mistake of trying to separate completely from rugby.
· Why curiosity, networking, and engaging with the people around your sport can open unexpected doors.
· How he’s now channelling his energy into Leap Digital, his growing marketing business, proving that building a fulfilling second chapter is possible.
Alongside his wife, Ilse they have founded Leap Digital, their mission being to empower businesses to stand out and thrive with innovative, tailored digital marketing solutions - Learn More About Leap Digital
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Croatian international and professional volleyball player, Bernarda Brčić, has lived the highs of life on the court, competing for her country, playing across Europe, and building a career defined by discipline and performance. But what happens when the final whistle blows?
In this powerful conversation, Bernarda opens up about the reality of transition, from losing her sense of identity after retirement to rediscovering herself as a coach and mentor. She speaks with raw honesty about the struggles athletes face when structure disappears, when hobbies don’t exist outside of sport, and when the people around you have moved on with their lives.
Key takeaways from Bernarda’s journey:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From scoring goals for Wrexham and Chester, leading Llandudno as vice-captain and Caernarfon and representing his country, Wales, Marc Williams’ football career was built on resilience, adaptability, and heart. But like many athletes, the toughest opponent he ever faced wasn’t on the pitch, it was the transition beyond it.
In this honest and impactful conversation, Marc opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of retirement, the challenge of losing structure and identity, and how goal-setting became his compass through the uncertainty. He shares the raw truths of elite sport, being outperformed and still overlooked, the sudden stop of the sporting carousel, and the mindset shift needed to thrive beyond the game.
In this episode, Marc shares:
Marc now plays a key role for Epic Global solutions, a global partner for gambling harm prevention - https://www.epicglobalsolutions.com/
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Olympic silver medallist, Four Continents medallist, and national champion, Dylan Moscovitch spent years chasing excellence in a sport defined by precision, pressure, and performance. But what happens when the music stops, the audience fades, and the identity you’ve built is no longer enough?
Dylan reflects on the emotional unravelling of life after elite sport and how he has intentionally rebuilt a deeper, more authentic sense of self beyond the rink.
Key Takeaways
Dylan is a guide, speaker, mindset and transition coach. He is the founder of The Liminal Way, the co-founder of Menkind Collective, as well as co-leading TIERRA Viviente and SamatiXobo with his wife, Mariana. They currently reside in Costa Rica, at Yacumama Ecovillage, where they offer a much of their in-person retreat work.
You can out more about him and his work at dylanmoscovitch.com and on instagram at @Dylan.moscovitch
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former professional scrum-half Dave Lewis shares a career journey built on proactive thinking, conscious decision-making, and taking full ownership of life beyond rugby. With around 200 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester, Harlequins, and representative honours with England Saxons, Dave knows the demands of elite sport, but more importantly, he understood it wouldn’t last forever.
Key Takeaways:
Today, Dave helps people plan for their future with clarity and confidence through his work at Biograph Wealth Advisors, a financial planning business built on insight, trust, and long-term relationships.
🔗 Find out more at biograph.co.uk
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Chelsea and QPR to youth international honours for Ireland, James Daly spent his career competing at the top of professional football, but behind the boots was a player always thinking ahead, about identity, preparation, and how to make the most of his second chapter.
Now forging a career at Morgan Stanley, James joins us on Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game to reflect on his journey. He opens up about the mindset that made him better on the pitch, the value of education off it, and why more athletes need to start thinking about life beyond the game before it hits them.
Key takeaways:
Whether you’re mid-career, retiring, or just starting to think about your next move, James’s story is a powerful reminder that athletes bring far more to the table than they often realise.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Justin Fitzpatrick, former Irish international, Heineken Cup winner with Ulster, and seasoned professional with London Irish and Castres, joined us on Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game to talk through the mindset shifts, missteps, and lessons learned from life after elite rugby.
Despite preparing for the inevitable, Justin still felt the shock of stepping away. The loss of purpose, the shift in identity, and the looming question: What now?
In this powerful episode, Justin offers a clear, experienced voice for any current athlete navigating that same question. Whether you're nearing the end or just getting started, his advice is essential listening.
Key Takeaways:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re joined by Freddie Woodward, Olympian, European and Commonwealth medallist, and former Team GB diver.
From standing on the board at Rio 2016 to stepping away from the sport that shaped him, Freddie shares what it really feels like to walk away from elite competition, and the work it takes to redefine yourself after it.
This conversation explores the mental shift from dreaming to doing, the lingering questions around identity, and the power of reflection in shaping what comes next. It's a raw, thoughtful, and energising chat packed with honest insight and practical takeaways.
Key Takeaways:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We sit down with Flip van der Merwe, former South African international and professional rugby player, to explore what true transition looks like when your playing career ends, and real life begins.
Known for his physicality on the pitch, Flip opens up about the internal strength it takes to move into the unknown and start over. From redefining identity to surrounding yourself with the right people, Flip’s journey is one of intentional action, humility, and clarity.
He reminds us that the drive, discipline, and adaptability that get you to the top of sport are exactly the tools you need to succeed after it, if you’re willing to get to work.
Key Takeaways:
· Transition isn’t about knowing it all, it’s about staying adaptable, just like you did in sport.
· The same work ethic that got you to the elite level is what will carry you forward.
· Get curious, ask questions, explore industries.
· Surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart.
· Don’t just chase opportunity, take the time to understand what fulfils you.
· Rugby was what Flip did, not who he was, his transition wasn’t an ending, but a continuation.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We sit down with James Hildreth, former first-class cricketer and Somerset legend, who spent over 20 years at one club, an increasingly rare feat in modern sport.
James’ transition wasn’t an afterthought, it was something he planned, built towards, and ultimately took control of. From financial literacy to self-awareness, James shares what he got right, what he’s still figuring out, and why no conversation or exploration is ever wasted.
Key Takeaways:
Now working in wealth management, James supports individuals and families in planning for their financial futures with the same discipline and long-term thinking that defined his cricket career. You can learn more about his work here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/jameshildreth
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We sit down with Kristine Sommer, former USA Rugby international and professional athlete, passionate advocate for athlete wellbeing and transition support now a co-founder of the Global Rugby Players Foundation and the XV foundation.
Kristine’s story is a powerful reflection of the emotional, practical, and identity-driven challenges athletes face when stepping away from sport, and how owning that journey, rather than avoiding it, can unlock a whole new chapter of growth.
From the internal identity struggles of retirement, to the external work of building a new network and purpose, Kristine shares honest, experience-rich lessons that every athlete needs to hear.
Key Takeaways
• The next chapter is coming, whether you’re ready or not. Initiate the conversation with yourself and others.
• Transition is inevitable. Embracing it with intention allows you to shape it.
• It’s easy to look backwards. But your attention belongs to the now and the path ahead.
• Leadership, resilience, pressure management… athletes bring serious value to industry.
• Get curious about who you know and how they can help shape your direction.
• Leaving the game means figuring out who you are without the jersey - it takes time and patience.
• You’ll ask if you made the right decision. You’re not alone.
• You’re not starting over, you’re evolving.
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What athletes wish they knew sooner.
What do elite athletes wish they’d done before hanging up the boots, taking of their pads for the last time or laying down their ore? What conversations do they look back on and wish they’d had? What preparation really counts? This week, we take a different approach.
Instead of a guest, Karl and James dive into the biggest lessons, recurring themes, and behind-the-scenes insights that have emerged from hundreds of conversations with elite athletes who’ve made the leap from sport to life beyond the game.
From Olympians to international rugby players, cricketers and footballers, these are the truths we’ve heard time and time again, and the practical takeaways we want every current athlete to hear before the lights go out.
Key Takeaways:
If you’re an athlete thinking about what’s next, or someone who supports them, this episode is packed with the insight, honesty, and actionable advice you’ve come to expect from Athlete to Athlete.
About the Hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We sit down with Jenny Casson, two-time Olympic rower for Team Canada and Co-Founder of Daylilie, to explore what it means to evolve beyond elite sport.
From competing on the world stage in Tokyo and Paris to launching a business built around purpose and impact, Jenny shares her own transition story, the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the importance of having the right people in your corner.
As one of ATA’s ambassadors, Jenny brings both lived experience and a refreshing honesty to what the process of preparing for life beyond sport really looks like.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you're still competing or just starting to plan for what comes next, this episode offers real, actionable insight from someone who’s walking the path ,and doing it on her terms.
Jenny Casson:
LinkedIn – Jennifer Joan Casson
Instagram – jenny_joan_casson
Daylilie - Everyday Bras for Athletic Silhouettes | Daylilie
Instagram – daylilie_bras
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
