The Pivot Poddy

When Ben Franks was a young man, his father instilled a simple mantra that stayed with him throughout his career: "You never know who's watching." From that moment on, every training session, trialgame or match was approached with the same commitment! To give his best, every single time.After 15 years at the pinnacle of professional rugby, Ben brought his playing career to a close during a season disrupted by COVID-19. Fittingly, his final match saw him packing down alongside his younger brother, Owen.Given Ben's relentless work ethic, discipline, and professionalism, it's no surprise that new opportunities have followed since retirement. Today, he continues to make an impact through coaching and business mentorship, applying the same values that defined his playing career to help others reach their potential.

Dillon Boucher spent 25 years playing professional basketball, beginning at just 17 years old and retiring at 42. But what happens when the game you've dedicated your life to comes to an end?.A true New Zealand basketball legend, Dillon admits that the word “retirement” was daunting for him. Now the General Manager of his beloved New Zealand Breakers, Dillon shares on his journey from leading on the court to leading from the front office and all the pit stops in between!

When Matt Cornwell was 20 years old he watched his best mate become paralysed at rugby training... a day that altered his life forever.He went on to carve out a serious pro rugby career, representing Leicester Tigers, Exeter Chiefs, and Northampton Saints. But his impact stretched well beyond the field. With the backing of the rugby community, he helped build the Matt Hampson Foundation, supporting his injured friend and others facing life-changing injuries.After stepping away from playing, Matt stayed close to the game. First as Team Manager at Leicester, then as Head of Rugby Operations at Edinburgh Rugby.And then… another pivot.Matt has since taken on a completely new challenge, moving into the world of global software sales! Proving once again he’s not afraid to evolve.A wild journey, and an even better conversation. Loved sitting down and picking the brain of someone who’s transitioned out of the game and never left attack mode. 🚀

A story about... well... just having a crack really! Massive respect for Troy and the way he's been able to transition almost seamlessly from an 18 year rugby career into entrepreneurship! From forging Troy Prehab, launching Haka Rugby Global, and now Footy Nippers. It was awesome to chat with Troy and reflect on 11 years of business building!

When Alex Opacic’s knee stopped cooperating, his pro basketball career was over the very next day…A brutal reminder that sport is a business first. 💔Like many athletes, it took Alex years to find PEACE with that part of his story.But from the ashes he rose into the world of sales and now leads his own venture Athlete2Business… a recruitment agency helping ex-athletes transition into high-performing sales roles. 🚀Alex firmly believes athletes and the transferable skills they bring, are often undervalued in the business realm. Tell me you don’t wanna hear more ! ☺️🍿

Ever wondered what it would be like supporting your partner through retirement? This week we dive into the real side of life after sport, not just for the athlete, but for the partner standing beside them through it all. Dan (ex-professional rugby player for North Harbour) and Storm (former pro netballer for the Northern Mystics, U21 New Zealand Netball Team, the Southern Steel, the Northern Stars and New Zealand's Silver Ferns) met when playing their respective sports, retired side by side, and have since stepped into marriage, new careers and starting their family. Massive thanks to them both for booking the babysitter and taking the time to share their story with us. Buckle up!