The Warrior and the Strategist:
What Judo, Rugby, and Greek Mythology Teach Us About Modern Leadership
Every leader faces moments where the pressure rises, the stakes increase, and the room looks to them for clarity. In those moments, instinct and preparation collide, and the difference between reaction and response becomes everything.
This keynote explores that space.
Drawing on my experience as a GB Judo competitor, I share how the principles of balance, timing, and controlled aggression translate directly into leadership. On the mat, you learn quickly that strength alone doesn’t win; it’s the ability to stay composed, read the situation, and use leverage rather than force. Leaders face the same challenge: stay centred, stay aware, and act with purpose.
From the rugby pitch, I bring lessons from playing, coaching forwards, and refereeing high‑pressure matches. Rugby teaches you how to unite people with different personalities, motivations, and temperaments into a single, cohesive unit. It teaches you how to communicate under pressure, how to reset after setbacks, and how to lead when emotions are running high. These are the same skills leaders need when guiding teams through conflict, change, or uncertainty. And then there is Greek mythology, the original leadership textbook.
I use the stories of Achilles, Odysseus, and Athena to show how the challenges leaders face today are not new. They are simply modern versions of ancient human struggles: pride, resilience, strategy, courage, and the ability to adapt. The myths give us language, metaphor, and perspective, helping leaders see their own journey more clearly.
This keynote blends all three worlds, sport, leadership, and mythology, into a practical, energising session that leaves audiences with:
• A new understanding of how to stay calm and decisive under pressure
• Tools for balancing strength with strategy
• Insights into building trust and unity across diverse teams
• A deeper appreciation of resilience and adaptability
• A renewed sense of purpose and personal leadership identity
Leadership through a different lens.
This is the warrior and the strategist.
