Athlete Transition Accelerator

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:Why every athlete must understand their funding and future early, because when it ends, it ends fast.How stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things builds the confidence you’ll need after sport.The importance of being brave enough to fail forward, and why curiosity always wins.Her real experience of falling into the deep end of life beyond the sport, and how she found her way back to purpose and joy.A reminder that the same courage that took you to the Olympics will take you through transition, if you’re willing to trust it. 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 hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Start early - Explore and educate yourself before your career ends, opportunity fades quickly once the lights go out.Experiment and eliminate - Every “no” gets you closer to what fits.Take a breath - Give yourself grace and time to process before diving into the next chapter.Lean on others - Connection and conversation are powerful antidotes to isolation. About the hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Why witnessing teammates struggle in retirement sparked him to prepare early.How studying for a degree and financial planning qualifications gave him focus beyond the pitch.The power of networking, work experience, and upskilling in making his transition feel organic rather than daunting.Why approaching retirement with curiosity and intent turned an intimidating change into an exciting new chapter. 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 hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and why growth doesn’t come from staying safe.How focussed discipline, not just discipline for its own sake, separates good from great.Why starting small in his transition (balancing part-time work with rugby) gave him a softer landing into retirement.The difficult truth of not knowing exactly what comes next, and how to lean into networking, conversations, and curiosity.The one transferable advantage every athlete has: mindset - the ability to commit, push through, and outwork others. 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 hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Why attention to detail, the trait that separated him as an elite athlete, is just as valuable in business.The hidden power of working in multidisciplinary teams, a skill athletes already master without realising.The importance of communication, clarity, and storytelling as tools for success.Why learning to “switch off” is as critical as pushing yourself to the limit.The reality of identity, ego, and self-worth when you step away from sport.Why building and leaning on your network matters more than ever.How leaving no stone unturned applies just as much to your next chapter as it did to the track. 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 hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Why saying yes for the experience can accelerate growth in sport, career, and life.How the learning curve never really ends, and why that’s a good thing.The underrated superpower every athlete has: coachability.Why structure and autonomy together create true performance freedom.The role of emotional intelligence and communication in elite sport and business.Why a thirst for education is an athlete’s hidden edge.The importance of boundaries and protecting time for yourself.How to trust your instincts and ask the hard questions.  About the hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Curiosity leads to clarity.Conversations change careers.Your network is your edge.Reframe rejection and injury as opportunity.Your mindset is a superpower. 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 HostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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 hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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:Your skills are transferable: even if you don’t realise it while playing, leadership, management, and adaptability are built into your career.Start exploring early: don’t wait until after retirement to figure out who you are and what excites you outside of sport.Identity is fragile: losing the jersey can leave a void, but talking, reflecting, and taking ownership of your choices helps you move forward.Be kind to yourself: the perfectionist athlete mindset doesn’t always serve you after sport. Growth takes patience, self-compassion, and perspective.Stay present: life is unpredictable, embracing gratitude and living day by day is a powerful way to create fulfilment beyond the game.  About the hostsJames 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 ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn: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/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com