Athlete Transition Accelerator

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 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

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:You don’t need to solve it all in one day.Build your team. Seek out people doing what you want to do and start the conversation.This next chapter isn’t a loss; it’s growth.Don’t let athlete be your only identity.Take time to explore, reflect, and understand yourself. 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 CassonInstagram – jenny_joan_cassonDaylilie - Everyday Bras for Athletic Silhouettes | DaylilieInstagram – daylilie_brasAbout 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

We sit down with Joe Jacobi, Olympic gold medallist and former USA Canoe/Kayak CEO, to explore his journey beyond elite sport.After reaching the pinnacle of performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona with his teammate, Scott Strausbaugh, Joe faced the same questions that confront every retiring athlete: What now? What does the world want from me? Who am I without the sport?Joe shares how he navigated uncertainty, embraced reflection, and rebuilt a life of purpose and impact. From leading a national sports body to creating Thinking in Waves, a weekly performance and mindset newsletter, Joe has made it his mission to help others move through transition with clarity and intention.Key Takeaways:You'll finish your career and ask a lot of questions, that’s normal.Reflect often, what would you tell your younger self?Find the people doing what you want to do and learn from them.Get clear on what brings you joy.Diversify your interests, each experience teaches you something.Reframe your journey, your story has power beyond the podium. Learn more about Joe, explore his book - Slalom and subscribe to his newsletter – Thinking in Waves at www.joejacobi.comAbout 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

We sit down with Conor Gilsenan, former professional rugby player whose promising career was cut short by concussion.What followed was a bold leap into the unknown, competing on The Apprentice, diving into tech sales, and redefining what success looks like beyond the game.Key Takeaways from Conor’s Journey:You have to become an expert in something else – talent and reputation open doors, but learning a new craft is key to long-term success.The best is yet to come – use the platform of professional sport to create new opportunities and build your next chapter.Let go of perfection – mistakes and pivots are part of the process, embrace the uncertainty, it’s where the growth happens.Nothing fully prepares you for retirement – even when you think you’re ready, the moment the lights go out, it’s still tough.Conor shares openly about the emotional toll of early retirement, the pressure to succeed quickly, and the mindset shift needed to thrive after elite sport. His story is honest, relatable, and full of wisdom for any athlete facing the unknown.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

We’re joined by rugby legend Conrad Smith, former All Black, two-time Rugby World Cup winner, and now a global advocate for athlete wellbeing and development.Conrad shares his transition journey with the calm insight and self-awareness that defined his playing career. He reflects on life after rugby, the importance of self-knowledge, and why stepping away from sport doesn’t mean leaving your value behind.Whether you’re a current athlete, a retired pro, or someone supporting high performers through change, this episode delivers rare and actionable wisdom.Key Takeaways:• Performance improves when you disconnect.• You don't have to stay in sport.• Feedback is your secret weapon.• Take your time.• Know your personality.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 

We sit down with JP Cooney, former professional rugby player for Connacht, to explore the realities of retirement, identity loss, and the hard truths that come with trying to build a second career after elite sport.JP shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what it felt like to leave behind the only thing he ever knew, rugby, and step into an unfamiliar world of job applications, interviews, and rejection. Despite believing he was prepared, he was hit hard by the harsh reality: employers wanted experience, not just potential.Now carving out a new path, JP reflects on how the traits that made him a successful athlete, discipline, accountability, and resilience, have become even more valuable in the business world.Key Takeaways:Sporting traits matter but they’re not everything Discipline, resilience, and accountability, while powerful, aren’t always enough to land a job. Industry experience is often prioritised, but your athlete traits are amplified once you're in.An identity crisis is real “The only thing I was, was a rugby player.” JP speaks openly about the psychological challenges of leaving sport and the process of rediscovering who he is beyond the game.Being prepared doesn’t mean it will be easy Even with a plan, the emotional and professional adjustment to life after sport was harder than JP expected. That doesn’t mean the prep was wasted, it made the difference.Lean on your circleAbout 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

We sit down with Rachel Lewis, former professional volleyball player for England and Great Britain, and Olympian, to explore her thoughtful and proactive approach to transition. Rachel shares her journey from elite sport to life beyond, revealing the pivotal mindset shifts and planning strategies that helped her navigate one of the most challenging and identity-shifting times in her life.Rachel reflects on the lessons learned through sport, not just in competition, but in character development, personal growth, and preparation. She talks about the importance of early conversations, building a network, and creating space to explore: Who am I beyond the game? What do I need to move forward? How can I show up at my best in this next chapter?Whether you’re still playing or already in transition, Rachel’s insights are practical, grounded, and deeply empowering.Key Takeaways:Start before the endBuild your network earlySport is a chapter, not the whole bookSense check your directionEmbrace the growthAsk the right questionsAbout 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 organizations, 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

We sit down with Oliver Soames, former first-class cricketer, to explore how life on the field shaped his approach to planning, networking, and building a purposeful career beyond sport.Oliver reflects on the reality that not every career ends with a fairytale finish, and why that makes preparation and honest conversations so important. He shares how opening up to other athletes and leaning into your network can provide unexpected opportunities, valuable perspective, and even peace of mind.From handling the emotional side of transition to understanding the power of using your platform while you still have it, Oliver’s story is a grounded and inspiring reminder that you’re not alone, and you’re more prepared than you think.Key Takeaways:Use your time and network wiselyPreparation brings peaceYou’re not aloneFind your bubbleThere’s life beyond the scoreboardAbout 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 organizations, 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.Check out these powerful conversations:Jonny Kennedy Jess RoperConnect and Contactwww.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/ataccelerator