Welcome back to the Inside Edge Podcast, this is the show that turns the journeys of some of leading coaches, athletes and leaders into actionable lessons you can implement into your own lives. I'm so excited for this episode - with one the best people I've ever met, Mignon Du Preez.
Minnie is one of the most loved people in the Elite cricket world, and it's not just for her cricket. I have no doubt that one of the main reasons she is one of the most sought-after players in domestic tournaments like the WBBL and the Hundred, is what she brings off field as well.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with her at the Melbourne Stars and it was incredible to watch her batting and fielding, especially as I was someone who thought I was too small to be successful in t20 cricket. However, What I loved the most was seeing her beaming smile every day, no matter what was going on for her personally, she lit up a room with her presence and positive energy.
It was easy to sit back and assume that life was easy for her, she was one of the best players in the world, incredibly skillful, a full-time pro, and loved by those around her. However when you hear her story, and the many demons she has had to deal with, it begs the question, how does she continue to bring this positivity despite all that she has been through?
She has been through long dips in form, been dropped when she was meant to be a senior player having played over 100 games for South Africa, she stepped down from captaincy, suffered from over-training, and ultimately lost herself completely in worrying about her results or trying to please others.
After reflecting on our conversation, I understood that Mignon's ability to bring positive energy had nothing to do with her accomplishments on the field, but more to do with the perspective and humility she has gained by going through these experiences. She is the very example of post-traumatic growth, constantly reinventing herself after tough times to be better on the other side. This is combined with a wonderful attachment to a higher power, something that is so, so important in the ability to let go and trust that things will be ok. It is something that is very common in those that are the best in their field.
In Mignon's case, she is a devout Christian, however, we discuss how it does not need to be a specific religion that helps this ability to let go and flow. It is more to do with accepting your place in the world, and that there is so much more out there. It is a sense of deep humility, combined with the determination to continue to grow.
