25 Stevie Ward: Men, Rugby and Life After Sport
Stevie is a former professional rugby player, and part of the golden
generation at the Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in super
league history. Stevie became the youngest grand final winner ever, winning
3 Grand Finals, 2 Challenge Cups and was named captain at just 26.
Amongst the highs, Stevie endured 10 operations, several mental health
struggles, and had to retire from a brain injury at the age of 27.
Stevie launched Mantality in 2016, inspiring conversation around mental
health for men. Mantality now offers counselling and life-coaching services,
and engages people through a stigma-breaking podcast. Throughout all of the winning and losing in life, Stevie believes that the truest form of resilience is to realise the potential of our true selves. Stevie put this to the test by leading culture meetings as a captain of the Rhinos team in rugby league; one of the toughest sports there is. Promoting authenticity formed championship winning teams and formidable relationships. Stevie believes that authenticity is the only thing that aligns success with fulfilment, and we all crave it...
Key points from this episode:
What stood out for Stevie as a kid on the pitch.
That there was no rugby "in the genes"
How emotional and mental well being was not a "thing" in the early days
How wearing your heart on your sleeve was acceptable on the pitch, but less so off.
How he realised it was no longer possible to stuff feelings down anymore....
.....and what he did about it.
His long term post concussion symptoms.
What he feels is his new purpose
His message for men and boys today.
Reach out on Insta: www.instagram.com/ste_ward/
http://www.stevieward.co.uk
Or on Linked In
Linktree: linktr.ee/stevierayward