Sir Clive Woodward is undoubtedly one of the most significant influences on my life. From sharing his wisdom at the FA Managers and Coaches Conference to generously giving his time to my MSc students at Brunel University—for free, I might add—he’s always prioritized the education of others. His willingness to give so much of his precious time speaks volumes about the kind of leader he is.
One of my funniest memories was the day I took Clive to West Ham United, where I was the Performance Consultant, to meet Alan Pardew and discuss how we were building the ‘football culture’ that would go on to fuel our success that year. Before heading off, I introduced him to my two daughters on their way to school. It was only when they returned home later that day, after chatting with their friends, that they said, “Dad… was that Sir Clive Woodward who won the Rugby World Cup? All our friends are amazed—we didn’t even realize!”
Clive’s humility and generosity in moments like that always stand out, but what’s equally remarkable is his lasting influence on sports leadership. His book Winning is a must-read for inspiration, and his podcast episode on Inspiring Minds with Me is packed with insights. We even touched on his “100 things better by 1%” mantra, which eventually became Sir Dave Brailsford’s famed and now-famous ‘Marginal Gains’ philosophy—a term that Clive, with a reflective smile, said would never catch on. 😊
Sir Clive Woodward Clive has been a phenomenal source of inspiration, influence, and guidance throughout my career, and I’m deeply thankful for his wisdom and support.
Who has been an energizer in your career? Share the mentors or moments that have sparked your growth—I’d love to hear!
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