Explore every episode of the podcast Winning The Away Game

Gary Boddington represented South Africa at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, then built a business intelligence company out of a Durban garage that was eventually acquired by Sage — a journey that landed him in a ski resort in British Columbia. Wayne Fyvie played three tests for South Africa, captained the Sharks, and walked out of a change room in Cardiff knowing his body was finished and his income was about to disappear. This episode is for anyone facing the end of one identity and the blank page of the next: athletes in transition, founders in the grind, and operators trying to work out what they are actually building for. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:41 Welcome: Gary Boddington and Wayne Fyvie 02:56 Favourite Springbok Memories 05:30 The Ticky Box That Changed Wayne’s Life 08:07 First Cap, Injuries and the Press 11:56 Gary’s Road From Ice Hockey to Atlanta 15:37 Walking Into the Stadium at Atlanta 1996 19:10 Retirement and the Salary That Stops 22:32 The Haircut That Cost 200 Rand 27:28 Job First or Play First: Which Is Better? 33:52 Mentors, Relationships and Working the Room 37:54 Eating Glass for 30 Years 41:31 The Two-Year Plan and the Sage Acquisition 47:41 Sales, Cartridges and Solving Problems 50:35 Finding Purpose at 38 54:49 Building a South Africa That Works Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa's top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

This episode is for founders, operators, and anyone rebuilding an identity after a chapter of life ends. Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo in London, and Alistair Hargreaves, former Springbok and Saracens captain turned Wolf Pack co-founder, sit down with Justinus and Flip to talk about judgement under pressure and reinvention without a script. The core tension: rugby careers and investment careers both come with hard-won instincts, but neither guarantees you'll succeed the moment you step outside the environment that built them. From a stadium beer ban to the 2008 financial crisis to a concussion that ended a professional career, this is a conversation about building good judgement when certainty isn't available. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Favourite Springbok Memories 08:29 Family, Fathers and the Game 09:54 Alistair's Springbok Memories 14:04 Growing Up Together in SA Rugby 17:34 The Concussion Decision 20:42 Building a Culture That Puts People First 23:56 From Cambridge to Credo 30:20 How Deon and Alistair Became Friends 34:53 The Myth of Transferable Skills 38:01 Building Wolf Pack From Scratch 47:04 Lessons From 2008 and Covid 51:00 Building a South Africa That Works for Everyone 55:00 World Cup 2027 and Sign Off Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa's top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

Pierre Spies and Daniel Ornellas come from completely different worlds — elite rugby and global music — but this conversation reveals how similar the pressure of identity, purpose, loss, and reinvention really is. Pierre opens up about losing his father before his Springbok breakthrough, the emotional reality of retiring from rugby, and why fame can never become your identity. Daniel shares the story behind Tree63, moving to America, touring with Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello, and why living abroad made him feel even more South African. This episode is for founders, athletes, creatives, and anyone wrestling with reinvention after success. Key Takeaways Why success often exposes identity problems instead of solving them The hidden emotional cost of elite performance How grief shaped both Pierre and Daniel’s leadership journeys Why moving overseas can deepen your connection to home The danger of tying your identity to your profession How purpose becomes clearer after public success fades Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Living in Nashville and George 03:10 Favorite Springbok memories 06:55 Pierre’s nightmare Springbok debut 07:30 Losing fathers before career breakthroughs 10:00 The decision that changed Pierre’s life 11:35 Daniel’s father, rock music and radical faith 14:45 Growing up with no money and total faith 15:40 Why Daniel never wanted to be on stage 17:25 Becoming more like your parents 18:40 What death teaches you about life 20:00 Leaving South Africa for America 21:20 The problem with fear-driven emigration 23:00 Why South Africa still feels like home 26:45 Life after rugby and identity loss 28:15 From rugby career to calling 30:30 The hidden challenge of retirement 31:20 Why identity cannot come from achievement Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What do catamarans, tequila, and elite rugby have in common? On the surface—nothing. But underneath, this episode reveals the mindset of people who refuse to live ordinary lives. Ricky Maia and Percy Montgomery unpack what drives obsession-level commitment—from building a boat from scratch and sailing across the Atlantic, to kicking in World Cup finals and launching a tequila brand after rugby. This is a conversation about chaos, risk, reinvention, and the kind of thinking that makes unconventional lives work. If you’ve ever felt like your path doesn’t make sense—this episode will. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  00:02 The 2007 World Cup and elite pressure  00:05 Leaving systems that no longer work  00:08 Building a catamaran from scratch  00:12 The reality behind chasing freedom  00:15 Adapting across countries and cultures  00:18 Losing money and entering the US market  00:21 Rock bottom and rebuilding through obsession  00:24 Life after rugby and launching tequila  00:28 Finding purpose in unconventional paths  00:31 Resourcefulness vs resources  00:34 Advice for young South Africans  00:37 Why doing what you love matters  00:40 AI vs community  00:42 Legacy and long-term impact Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels:  Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What separates the leaders who sustain success from those who flame out at the top? In this episode, Springbok coach Nick Mallett and global fund manager Sean Peche strip back decades of high-performance experience to reveal the decisions, assumptions, and identity shifts that defined — and sometimes derailed — their careers. This is essential listening for founders, executives, and anyone operating in high-stakes environments where clarity disappears and the pressure to act is constant. From losing a team's confidence with one selection call, to spending 14 years marketing to the wrong market, both guests bring rare candour to questions most leaders avoid. If you've ever made a call you regretted under pressure, or held a belief that turned out to be quietly costing you, this episode will hit hard. Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction — Decisions Without Certainty 00:02:30 Springbok Memories — 1995 and 2019 00:08:00 Nick Mallett: From Player to Coach in France 00:14:00 Sean Peche: Moving to London and Starting Ranmore 00:20:00 The False Assumption That Cost Sean 14 Years 00:25:00 From $50M to $2.5 Billion — The LinkedIn Turning Point 00:30:00 Nick's Biggest Coaching Mistake: The Gary Teichmann Decision 00:37:00 How One Selection Broke Team Trust Instantly 00:42:00 The South African Advantage — Confronting Poverty and Building Resilience 00:49:00 Nick Mallett's Advice for Aspiring Coaches 00:54:00 Two Roads to a Springbok Jersey — Privilege vs. Pure Resilience 00:58:00 Sean on Giving Back: The Run More Shoe Initiative 01:02:00 Should You Wait Before Taking the Big Job? 01:05:00 Getting the Odds on Your Side — Final Lessons Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What does it take to succeed in systems that were never designed to recognise you? In this episode, Nomsebenzi "Noms" Tsotsobe, the first captain of the Springbok Women's Team, and Francisca Lombard, engineer and creator of MineGPT, share what it really looks like to build credibility, authority, and resilience in male-dominated environments. This episode is for anyone navigating career transitions, entering spaces where they feel like outsiders, or trying to build something meaningful without recognition. The core tension: doing the work long before the system is ready to acknowledge you. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or out of place—this conversation will shift how you approach your career. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:01 Proving Yourself in Unfair Systems 00:03 Nomsebenzi’s First Springbok Moment 00:07 Francisca’s Start in Mining 00:10 Loss, Cancer, and Perspective 00:14 Building Women’s Rugby From Nothing 00:18 Working Without Recognition 00:22 Moving to Canada Alone 00:26 Cultural Shock and Isolation 00:30 Fighting for Authority 00:34 Role Models and Early Influence 00:38 Building Confidence From Scratch 00:42 Finding Your Footing 00:46 Why the Struggle Continues 00:50 The Future of Women’s Rugby 00:53 AI and the Future of Work 00:57 Final Reflections Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Pat Lambie and Bruce Whitfield unpack what it means to rebuild after loss - whether it's concussion ending a rugby career or walking away from a powerful media platform. This conversation is for founders, operators, and high performers navigating uncertainty, identity shifts, and global transitions. From elite sport to global banking, this episode explores pressure, resilience, and how South Africans consistently win on foreign soil. Key Takeaways • Why identity loss can be your greatest growth catalyst • The difference between sporting pressure and financial pressure • How rugby prepares leaders for business environments • Why chaos is not destruction - it's diversification The mindset required to rebuild relevance from zero • Why South Africans thrive globally Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Bruce on Rugby as a Unifier 06:06 Pat's First Springbok Anthem Moment 11:40 Concussion and Forced Retirement 14:09 Bruce's Move to London 18:03 Rebuilding Identity in a New Market 22:37 Transitioning from Rugby to Business 25:30 The Discipline Gap After Sport 29:19 Fatherhood as a New Purpose 33:10 Confidence Under Pressure 37:25 Ego, Leadership and Tough Conversations 44:12 The TymeBank Away Game Story 50:53 Why South Africans Win Globally 54:38 What the Next 10 Years Look Like Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9lh6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/ id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Schalk Brits and Andrew Farrant unpack the real cost of ambition — from elite rugby and expat life to rebuilding identity in corporate environments abroad. This conversation is for founders, operators, athletes, and expats who’ve had to reinvent themselves in unfamiliar territory. It’s about sacrifice, culture, ego, family, and the brutal honesty required to build something meaningful in a foreign system. If you're navigating transition — country, career, or identity — this episode will challenge how you define winning. 00:00 Introduction 02:41 Best Springbok Moments 06:16 The Danger of Forgetting the Journey 07:55 Make Work Fun Again 09:03 Leaving South Africa 11:45 Moving to Saracens 16:16 Culture Over Trophies 20:31 The Reality of UK Life 21:07 Retiring From Rugby 27:26 The 15-Year Experience Gap 35:11 Nearly Losing Family 38:09 Starting From Zero Abroad 44:22 Integrating Into British Culture 50:37 What Does the Future Look Like? 53:39 Compounding Yourself Daily Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, hosts Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe speak with former Springbok Cabous van der Westhuizen and global entertainment executive Brannon Phillips about reinvention, starting over in new countries, and what elite sport teaches you about succeeding when no one is clapping anymore.From building a beach bar business in Mauritius to navigating the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, this episode explores resilience, identity, culture shifts, and the mindset needed to win the Away Game. Chapters 00:00 Highlights 01:04 Welcome 02:43 Favourite Springbok moment 07:12 Why leave South Africa? 15:59 Adjusting abroad 25:53 Rebuilding credibility 33:24 Culture shifts 39:19 Identity and leadership 43:00 Final reflections Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What happens when elite sport ends, the cheering stops, and life asks you to start again? In this episode of Winning The Away Game, we sit down with Springbok and Bulls legend Wynand Olivier and veteran journalist Robyn Curnow for a powerful, honest conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it really means to begin again. We talk about the emotional reality of leaving professional rugby, moving countries, and returning home to a version of life that has moved on without you. Wynand opens up about the shock of retirement, building a business from scratch, and why coming back to South Africa was harder than moving to Japan, France, or England. Robyn shares her journey through global journalism, covering defining moments in South Africa’s history, and what it’s like to rebuild a sense of belonging after more than a decade abroad. This is a conversation about grief, growth, masculinity, motherhood, legacy, and the quiet courage it takes to adapt when your old identity no longer fits. If you’ve ever felt displaced, underestimated, or unsure of who you are after a big chapter ends, this episode is for you. 00:00 – Welcome to Winning The Away Game 02:10 – Introducing Wynand Olivier and Robyn 03:05 – Favourite Springbok Memories & National Pride 05:00 – The 2007 Super Rugby Final That Changed Everything 07:10 – Growing Up With Rugby and Knowing This Was the Path 10:30 – What Springbok Success Meant to South Africans 14:20 – Playing Under Pressure in Front of 80,000 People 18:40 – The Golden Era of the Bulls Explained 20:15 – The Decision to Leave South Africa and Go Overseas 24:30 – Landing in Japan Alone and Learning to Adapt 28:40 – From France to England: Life Abroad as a Pro Player 33:40 – Journalism, Nation Building, and Telling South Africa’s Story 37:00 – Covering History: Mandela, Global Leaders, and Hard Truths 41:30 – When Careers End and Identity Shifts 46:10 – Coming Home vs Staying Away 51:00 – Raising Children Across Countries and Cultures 56:40 – Why South Africans Adapt So Well Globally 1:01:10 – Stepping Away From Careers That No Longer Serve You 1:05:50 – Detoxing From Noise, Media, and Modern Life 1:08:30 – Where Will We Watch the 2027 World Cup? 1:11:30 – Defining Legacy Beyond Titles and Careers 1:15:40 – Advice to Our Children and Future Selves 1:20:00 – Final Reflections on Winning the Away Game Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Check out Robyn's podcast, Searching For America, at: https://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow Or subscribe to her Substack at: https://robyncurnow.substack.com/ Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, we sit down with two true South African sporting icons — Springbok legend Rob Louw and world champion surfer Shaun Tomson. This is a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about breaking barriers, choosing adventure over comfort, leadership through change, and rebuilding life after elite sport. From apartheid-era tours and the evolution of South African rugby, to conquering Hawaii’s waves, building global businesses, and finding purpose after profound personal loss — this episode is about resilience in its truest form. We explore what it really means to win the away game when the rules keep changing. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & welcome 02:33 – What is your favourite Springbok memory? 07:54 – What was the 1981 tour really like behind the scenes? 10:42 – Shaun, how did rugby shape your upbringing in Durban? 15:02 – Rob, when did you know rugby would define your life? 18:38 – What creates respect across different sports? 24:43 – How did Doc Craven influence your career and values? 29:49 – Shaun, who were your biggest mentors growing up? 38:29 – What did it take to leave South Africa and play overseas? 46:50 – Why were you banned after switching to rugby league? 48:10 – Shaun, what drove you to move to Hawaii and go global? 55:26 – Rob, how did you rebuild life after rugby ended? 1:02:05 – Shaun, how did you navigate life after retiring from sport? 1:10:30 – What role does purpose play in business and leadership? 1:13:30 – Why resilience and hope matter more than ever today Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, we sit down with Springbok legend Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) and entrepreneur (and Shark Tank Shark) Tim Vieira for a deep, honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and starting again when life forces change. We unpack what happens when identity is stripped away — through injury, rejection, business failure, or relocation — and how purpose is rebuilt through discomfort, discipline, and perspective. From iconic Springbok memories to brutal lessons in France, Angola, and Portugal, this episode goes far beyond sport or business. This is a conversation about who you become when the comfort zone disappears. Chapters 00:00 – Opening montage & episode themes 01:12 – Welcome to Winning The Away Game 01:33 – Introducing Coach G 02:09 – Introducing Tim Vieira 02:59 – What is your favourite Springbok memory? 04:12 – How old were you in 1995 and why did it matter? 05:49 – Where did your rugby journey begin, Coach G? 07:12 – When did rugby shift from a dream to a vision? 08:50 – What did the Cheetahs years teach you about toughness? 10:38 – How did early setbacks shape your mindset? 13:09 – Tim, what is your origin story growing up in Johannesburg? 16:40 – How did rugby influence your early life? 16:49 – Why start a microbrewery at 18? 18:44 – What did your first business failure teach you? 19:38 – Why did you decide to move to Angola? 21:29 – How did failure prepare you for later success? 23:27 – Why did you leave South Africa for France? 24:26 – How did rejection reshape your discipline and drive? 26:04 – What does it take to earn respect at the Bulls? 28:16 – Why deliberately step out of your comfort zone? 30:59 – What was it like landing in Angola and Portugal? 32:57 – How do values and reputation carry you through reinvention? 35:08 – What does “profit for purpose” really mean? 39:55 – What was the hardest part of adapting to French culture? 42:24 – How did loneliness and family pressure test you? 45:16 – What did France teach you about balance and resilience? 47:14 – How did you respond when your career was suddenly threatened? 49:20 – When did purpose shift from ego to family? 51:18 – How did Shark Tank Portugal change your trajectory? 53:24 – Why is Europe such a challenging place to build businesses? 55:42 – What does success look like later in life? 56:55 – Why do we need less than we think we do? 58:20 – What ultimately matters most? 01:01:10 – Why faith and values anchor you through uncertainty 01:03:05 – How family reframes success later in life 01:05:02 – What we get wrong about money, ambition, and fulfillment 01:07:12 – Why contentment is a competitive advantage 01:09:18 – Letting go of ego, status, and comparison 01:11:30 – What legacy really means when the game ends 01:13:40 – Advice for the next generation chasing success abroad 01:15:55 – Why health is the ultimate currency 01:17:20 – What truly matters at the end of it all 01:18:45 – Closing thoughts & gratitude Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

This episode is for anyone who has had to lead people without the authority, language, or home-field advantage they used to rely on. Andre Pretorius went from Springbok flyhalf to head coach in Japan, coaching players through a translator and rebuilding his entire leadership style from the ground up. Hank van der Merwe emigrated to Australia, lost most of his wealth in the process, and had to learn to lead people who didn't respond to the direct South African style that had always worked for him. Together they unpack the night Andre nearly lost his players' trust for good, why servant leadership isn't a buzzword, and what Hank believes AI can never replace: judgement. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:44 Welcome and Episode Setup 01:53 Favourite Springbok Memories 09:29 The Culture Shock of Emigrating to Australia 17:20 From the Leopards to Coaching in Japan 20:52 The Loneliest Month of Andre's Career 28:33 The Night Andre Broke His Players 34:35 Servant Leadership and Letting Go of Ego 42:06 Why Hank Wrote Yes I Can 55:10 Trust, AI and the Future of Judgement 59:04 Connecting With the Next Generation 01:00:10 Hank's Advice for Parenting Teenagers 01:02:32 What Andre Has Learned About People in Japan 01:06:00 World Cup Predictions and Sign-Off Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa's top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

We sat down with BJ Botha (a Sharks man through and through and a Springbok World Cup winner) and Linda Reddy (a South African leader flying the Nando’s flag globally) to talk about what it really takes to build a life and career across borders. This conversation is about identity, purpose, and the grit it takes to start again: from moving cities, to moving countries, to rebuilding after rugby, to leading teams from the other side of the world. Key moments: 00:00:00 Intro: What the away game really means 00:01:10 Springbok memories and the moments that shaped us 00:05:48 Identity, national pride, and carrying the flag abroad 00:09:42 Leaving home: expectations when you land overseas 00:13:30 Life after rugby and losing a playing identity 00:16:43 The Nando’s story that changes every immigration conversation 00:19:55 Comfort vs growth when making big moves 00:24:07 The shock of London winter and self-doubt 00:28:36 Why South Africans always have a plan (A, B, C) 00:32:41 Leading teams remotely across continents 00:36:58 Building connection when you’re not in the room 00:42:31 Running toward purpose, not away from pain 00:47:12 Family stability as the foundation for performance 00:53:41 Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, Mount Fuji — using challenge for impact 00:57:58 Giving back, leadership, and legacy 00:59:06 Guests ask each other a question Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

Gus Byleveld knows what it's like to start all over again, from the bottom floor, with no elevator. Watch the full episode now or listen to it on Spotify or Apple.

AJ Venter told us how his experiences growing up and playing rugby informed his strategy in the business. Watch the whole episode now.

We sit down with Springbok legend AJ Venter and technologist-turned-founder Gus Byleveld to talk about what really happens when the first big chapter of your life ends – and you have to start again from scratch. From barefoot schoolboy rugby on frozen Free State and Paarl fields to Test matches against the All Blacks, Silicon Valley term sheets and a fresh start in Colorado, this conversation is about identity, resilience and doing hard things on and off the field. In this episode, we talk about: 00:00 Welcome and introductions 00:01:21 Favourite Springbok moments 00:03:33 AJ’s debut, mentorship and learning the hard way 00:08:12 Gus on 1995, identity and South Africa on the world stage 00:13:58 Moving abroad and rebuilding from scratch 00:20:47 When confidence, ego and reality collide 00:29:38 Flip’s long-distance running journey and mental resilience 00:38:12 Vulnerability, networks and support systems in the US 00:44:24 Hein’s daughter’s illness and what Sweden showed him 00:46:10 How to build a country that works for everyone 00:47:19 Life after rugby and chasing extreme challenges 00:50:24 Leadership lessons from sport to business 00:52:49 Training blind cybersecurity analysts in South Africa 01:04:51 A different way to do business 01:06:26 Putting humans first in a tech-driven world 01:07:11 Guest questions: pressure, idols and expectations 01:15:44 Looking ahead to future Rugby World Cups 01:17:19 Closing reflections and farewell Got a guest you’d love to see on the show? - Drop some suggestions in the comments and we’ll invite them for a chat. And if you have a question you think we should ask our guests? Let us know. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In episode 3 of Winning The Away Game, Hein Wagner blew us away with the statement that if he could undergo a surgery that would give him sight, he wouldn’t take it. Watch the whole incredible interview with Hein and Corne Krige now.

Kobus Wiese lives life like one of the tight five. Charge ahead, deal with things as they get in your way. Be the unstoppable force. He even made the huge decision to quit rugby while at the top of his game…overnight. Catch the full interview now, or listen to it on Apple and Spotify.

We were so inspired by Hein’s incredible story that we had to make a highlights reel. If you haven’t watched the full interview with Hein and Corne Krige, go check it out now.

Corne Krige has never shied away from a challenge. Here are some highlights from one of our favourite episodes.

Kobus Wiese’s formula for success? Work hard, be a team player, and believe in yourself. Catch the full episode now.

Andre Shearer was a fascinating guest to have on Winning The Away Game, so we put together some highlights. Check out the full episode now.

What happens when the biggest decision of your life looks completely irrational to everyone around you? Former professional rugby players Jonathan Mokuena and Ernie Kruger share how faith, identity and purpose shaped the defining moments of their lives. From walking away from rugby dreams to rebuilding life in America, this conversation explores what it really means to succeed when success is no longer measured by status, titles or recognition. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, immigrant or anyone facing a difficult life decision, this episode offers practical wisdom on navigating uncertainty with conviction. Chapters 00:00 The Decision That Changed Everything 01:12 Meet Jonathan & Ernie 04:18 Favourite Rugby Memories 08:05 Walking Away From Rugby 14:36 Hearing "Turn Around" 19:42 Starting Again in America 27:18 The Four Stages of Immigration 35:10 Identity Beyond Sport 43:52 Confronting Racism 52:15 Faith During Uncertainty 01:01:40 Leadership Through Obedience 01:09:12 Final Reflections Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa’s top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

Orrin Klopper had a rowdy childhood until he ended up at King Edward VII School, where he got set on a trajectory that would lead to international business success.

How Bryan Habana’s stellar rugby career came to an end, how it broke him down, and how he built himself back up.

In episode 2 , we sit down with two South African giants of the Away Game: 1995 Rugby World Cup winner and Wiesenhof Coffee founder Kobus Wiese, and Cape Classics and Indaba Foundation founder André Shearer. From lifting the Webb Ellis Cup to lifting espresso machines and wine cases in far-flung markets, we unpack how teams, attitude and sheer graft turn rugby lessons into global businesses. In this episode, we talk about: ● How the Springboks became South Africa’s best brand builder when everything else was failing ● Kobus’s blind date that turned into a marriage and a coffee empire ● André’s unlikely journey from teetotal medical student and model to New York wine merchant ● What it really takes to start a business in a country where no one knows your story ● Why attitude often matters more than CVs in building winning teams ● The brutal honesty of Players’ Player of the Year and what it teaches us about feedback in business ● The power of early childhood education and the vision behind the Indaba Foundation ● Why less than 1% of an education budget can break an entire economy over 20 years ● Coffee, wine and why the best leaders are willing to mop the floor and host the boardroom If you love Springbok rugby, entrepreneurship, South African wine and coffee, this one is for you. 00:00 – Welcome to Winning the Away Game 01:06 – Introducing Kobus Wiese & André Shearer 02:32 – Springboks as South Africa’s greatest brand builders 03:12 – Flip’s dad, Jan Boland Coetzee and scrum lessons for life 07:16 – When did Kobus realise he could make it as a Bok? 10:12 – Herklaas Engelbrecht and falling in love with rugby 11:49 – André’s journey: medicine, modelling and stumbling into wine 14:11 – The first cellar tasting that changed everything 17:46 – Landing in New York with South African wine no one knew 23:22 – Two-sided marketplace: convincing farmers and US buyers 25:53 – South Africa’s missing national brand story 28:12 – Kobus’s second date that led to Wiesenhof Coffee 31:33 – Chaos on day one and learning the trade from scratch 35:30 – The real lows of entrepreneurship and finding trustworthy people 38:12 – Building a business in New York with no network 43:59 – The ethics of relationships and why partners matter more than terms 49:37 – Rugby lessons for business: sacrifice, attitude and honesty 53:46 – Rowing, leadership and leading from the front 60:51 – The Indaba Foundation and early childhood education 65:05 – From 46% to 92%: what early learning can unlock 71:23 – Entrepreneurs, honest government and proper parenting 81:57 – Kobus’s next chapter dream: classical music and the violin 83:40 – Backs play the piano, forwards move the piano 84:08 – Wrap-up and how to support the work About Winning the Away Game: We are Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe. Connect with us on LinkedIn. Got a guest you’d love to see on the show? - Drop some suggestions in the comments and we’ll try to get them on the show. And if you have a question you think we should ask our guests? Let us know. Winning The Away Game is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and on the Winning The Away Game website at www.wtagpodcast.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for latest releases and behind the scenes content. Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke

We kick off Winning the Away Game with two South African powerhouses who know what it means to leave home, hit rock bottom and start again. World Cup–winning Springbok legend Bryan Habana joins us alongside Orrin Klopper, CEO of NetSurIT, a global MSP that started as a student side hustle and now operates across South Africa and the US. Together we explore what it really takes to reinvent yourself when the game changes – whether that game is international rugby or high-stakes business. Bryan went from watching the 1995 Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park and dreaming of the Springbok jersey, to playing for Toulon’s “Galacticos” and then facing forced retirement… But what came after? Orrin got his start by getting expelled from some schools selling hot dogs and porn, to losing major clients and rebuilding the business model in the middle of a pandemic… this episode is a masterclass in resilience, unlearning and purpose-driven leadership. In this episode we talk about: How King Edward VII School shaped both Bryan and Orrin What really happened when Bryan moved to Toulon – and why it wasn’t all sunshine and trophies Orrin’s brutally honest story of personal crisis, business mistakes and deep self-work The 5 traits Bryan believes every successful person needs beyond sport or business How Orrin’s “dream book” system spurs his team to new heights How Paymenow and NetSurIT are trying to build businesses that genuinely change lives If you love Springbok rugby, big business pivots, and honest conversations about identity, transition and family, this first episode sets the tone for the whole series. About Winning the Away Game: We are Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe. Connect with us on LinkedIn. Got a guest you’d love to see on the show? - Drop some suggestions in the comments and we’ll try to get them on the show. And if you have a question you think we should ask our guests? Let us know. Winning The Away Game is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and on the Winning The Away Game website at www.wtagpodcast.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for latest releases and behind the scenes content. Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke

In this episode we sit down with two South Africans who know all about pressure, change, and starting again: former Springbok captain Corne Krige and blind adventurer and speaker Hein Wagner. They take us from leaving home for boarding school as young kids, to captaining the Springboks and crossing oceans, to starting businesses and building institutions that create opportunity for others. Along the way we talk discipline, identity, independence, and what it really means to build a country that works for everyone. In this episode we cover: - Growing up far from home: boarding school at 4 and 5, and learning independence early - Corne’s journey from Zambia to Paarl Boys’ and captaining the Springboks on debut - Hein’s story of blindness, adventure, and crossing the Atlantic with a deaf skipper - Land-speed records, Cape Epic on a tandem, Ironman, and chasing challenge after challenge - The brutal England test, retiring from rugby, and starting over in business - Building discipline, resilience, and identity beyond a Springbok jersey - Moving to Sweden and how a different system changed Hein’s view of South Africa - Hein’s daughter’s leukemia, the Swedish healthcare system, and what “a country that works for everyone” can look like About Winning the Away Game: We are Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe. Connect with us on LinkedIn. Got a guest you’d love to see on the show? - Drop some suggestions in the comments and we’ll try to get them on the show. And if you have a question you think we should ask our guests? Let us know. Winning The Away Game is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and on the Winning The Away Game website at www.wtagpodcast.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for latest releases and behind the scenes content. Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke What both guests wish their 16-year-old selves knew about gratitude, mistakes, and giving back

Winning the Away Game launches on 20 November, just before the Ireland Test. Your hosts are serial entrepreneur, Justinus Adriaanse, and Springbok #818, Phillip “Flip” van der Merwe. This groundbreaking podcast brings together two powerful forces: Springbok rugby legends and South African business leaders who've made their mark internationally. Each episode pairs these extraordinary individuals to share their stories of resilience, legacy, and what it truly takes to succeed on foreign soil. Whether you love Springbok rugby, business strategy or stories of South African grit going global, this is your new home for insight and inspiration. Listen to the trailer and get ready for fun, insightful conversations with leaders who have built remarkable careers abroad and stayed rooted in South Africa’s future. Catch Winning the Away Game on all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts starting November 20th. Follow Justinus, Flip, and the show on LinkedIn to stay updated with new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

This episode is for athletes, founders, operators, South Africans abroad, and anyone trying to turn credibility into something useful after the spotlight moves on. Keegan Daniel shares the hard reality of life after professional rugby: identity, purpose, financial planning, and the uncomfortable question of what value you can offer once the title no longer opens doors. Sven Boermeester brings the global builder’s view, showing how South African networks around the world can become more than nostalgia — they can become engines for opportunity, jobs, capital, and impact. Together, Keegan and Sven unpack the real away game: starting over, building pathways, using networks properly, and creating systems that help other people win. 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Favourite Springbok memories 05:40 Eastern Cape rugby and hidden talent 09:23 Keegan Daniel’s unusual pathway to Durban 10:30 Sven Boermeester’s global publishing journey 14:26 Captaining the Sharks and proving people wrong 16:34 Self-belief, arrogance, and controlling the controllables 19:14 The South African network advantage 21:20 The Dubai story that changed everything 26:22 How Winning The Away Game became a book 29:24 Japan, the Sharks, and knowing when to leave 34:01 The identity crisis after professional sport 47:27 What Keegan would tell his 20-year-old self 49:35 Building a South Africa that works for everyone 58:04 Diaspora, jobs, and bringing value home 01:01:23 Alumni networks and stories beyond the gates 01:06:47 Final question and World Cup hopes Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa’s top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

This episode isn’t about what happens after success. It’s about what you do while you’re in it. Adriaan Strauss was building businesses while playing at the highest level. Stephan Weyers started as a mascot—and never stopped stacking opportunities until he built a high-performance coaching business. Two completely different journeys. One shared principle: they never waited. If you're a founder, operator, or athlete, this episode will challenge how you think about timing, effort, and long-term success. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe sit down with Jan Pieterse and Ollie le Roux to explore life beyond elite performance. From Springbok rugby and international athletics to business leadership and coaching, this conversation dives into the uncomfortable transition from being known for what you do to discovering who you are. If you're a founder, executive, athlete, or anyone navigating change, this episode offers practical lessons on resilience, reinvention, work ethic, and building a meaningful second act. Chapters Winning The Away Game is brought to you by The Lekker Network. The Lekker Network brings together South Africa’s top entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and everyday people from all over the world to connect, engage, support, do business with each other, and create lasting impact. Find out more at https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What happens when the identity you’ve spent decades building suddenly changes? In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Justinus and Flip are joined by former South African international cricketer, Pat Symcox, and filmmaker, Desmond Denton, for a powerful conversation about identity, community, immigration, purpose, and reinvention. From Pat’s extraordinary decision to risk his career to play for South Africa, to Desmond’s journey of building a new life in America, this episode explores what happens when success, location, profession, and even community are stripped away. If you’re a founder, leader, expatriate, athlete, or anyone navigating major life transitions, this conversation offers a practical and deeply human perspective on starting over without losing yourself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Favourite Springbok Memories 04:40 Pat’s Hospital Management Career 08:20 Retiring From Cricket… Again 12:15 The Path Back to Professional Cricket 15:20 The Decision That Changed Everything 18:40 Identity Beyond Your Career 21:20 Moving to America and Starting Over 23:00 The Importance of Community 26:10 South Africa, Adversity and Growth 30:30 How to Build a New Community 32:20 The Challenge of Reinventing Yourself 37:30 Success, Identity and Mental Health 53:00 Staying Present Under Pressure 01:05:00 Life Lessons and Final Reflections Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What does it really take to leave South Africa and build a new life abroad? In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Kirsten and Marc share the highs, lows and unexpected lessons from rebuilding their lives in North America. From Olympic-level mental toughness to navigating identity loss, family separation and starting from zero, this conversation goes far beyond immigration. It’s a masterclass in resilience, adaptability and embracing uncertainty. Whether you're considering a move abroad, already living overseas, or simply facing a major life transition, this episode offers practical wisdom and powerful perspective. Key Takeaways Why "burning the boats" can accelerate commitment and growth How Olympic mental models apply to business and life The emotional reality of leaving family behind Why mindset determines the quality of your immigration journey The hidden challenges nobody prepares expats for How South Africans develop resilience through uncertainty Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Favourite Springbok Memories 05:00 Marc's Olympic Race Walking Journey 08:05 Moving to America and Starting Over 09:40 Helping Kids Adapt to a New Country 11:15 Burning the Boats and Going All In 12:30 Marc's Olympic Qualification Story 20:00 Applying Elite Mindsets to Life and Business 22:20 The Power of Mindset During Immigration 25:20 Dealing with Homesickness and Challenges 27:20 Identity Loss and Starting From Scratch 33:15 The Biggest Immigration Mistakes 38:40 Grief, Loss and Living Abroad 43:40 The Emotional Cost of Leaving Family Behind 46:00 Unexpected Highlights of Immigration 51:20 Why South Africans Adapt So Well 54:10 Sport, Community and Finding Belonging Abroad 01:02:00 The Springboks, Identity and the Future 01:05:20 Closing Reflections Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/

What happens when the thing that defined you no longer defines you? In this episode of Winning The Away Game, Justinus Adriaanse and Flip van der Merwe sit down with rugby international and Behind The Ruck co-host Rudy Page, alongside former banking executive, helicopter pilot, and Relocated South African founder Jan Higu. From professional sport to entrepreneurship, from executive leadership to immigration, this conversation explores the uncomfortable reality of starting over. Both guests share deeply personal stories about identity, purpose, fear, reinvention, and what it takes to build something meaningful after success. If you've ever faced a major life transition, wondered what's next, or felt like you're starting from zero again, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Why losing your identity can be harder than losing your job How Rudy Page rebuilt purpose after retiring from professional rugby Lessons Jan learned from leaving corporate leadership and moving abroad Why vulnerability creates stronger communities than perfection The hidden emotional costs of immigration and reinvention How continuous learning becomes your greatest advantage in a second career Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Favourite Springbok Memories 06:58 Why Rudy Retired From Rugby 08:40 Starting Behind The Ruck 10:40 Losing Purpose After Sport 14:20 Reinventing Yourself Multiple Times 16:00 Immigration, Adversity and Resilience 21:10 Learning Podcasting From Scratch 24:40 Lessons From Rugby That Still Matter 28:30 Why Jan Left Corporate Life 31:20 The Reality Of Living Abroad 36:00 Helicopters, Celebrities and Risk 39:30 Fear, Faith and Uncertainty 43:00 When Things Go Wrong Overseas 47:30 Identity After Success 53:00 Final Reflections Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/26fB2unP9Ih6IA3QkjnGQF?si=4b4380f24a144716 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/winning-the-away-game/id1853818584 Connect with Justinus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse/ Connect with Flip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/ Check out our other channels: Website: https://wtagpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-the-away-game-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtag_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wtag_podcast Winning The Away Game is produced by Jonathan Warncke Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99-jonathan-warncke-45b2095/ Ping Productions: https://www.pingproductions.net/