E35 - Siya Kolisi: A simple guide to achieving greatness
The High Performance
Episode Details
Published Date
Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:30:00 GMT
Duration
50:42
Explicit
False
Guests
No guests specified
Siya Kolisi is the captain of the South Africa national team and the Stormers in Super Rugby. He is the first black man to serve as captain, leading the team to a historic victory in the 2019 World Cup Final.
Siya lifting the trophy is the enduring image of the whole tournament. Having grown up in poverty, Siya has become an inspiration off the field as well as on it. Named this year as the most influential person in rugby, he was also named a global advocate by the United Nations for its Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women.
Following the success of The Springboks Rugby World Cup triumph, Siya and his wife took the initiative to create The Kolisi Foundation to assist vulnerable South African households and individuals who combat the struggle of poverty daily - https://kolisifoundation.org/
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## Introduction
* Siya Kolisi is the captain of the South Africa national team and the Stormers in Super Rugby.
* He is the first black man to serve as captain, leading the team to a historic victory in the 2019 World Cup Final.
* Kolisi is an inspiration on and off the field, and has been named the most influential person in rugby and a global advocate for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women.
## The Interview
### On High Performance
* Kolisi defines high performance as performing at the highest level of consistency and continuity, both physically and mentally.
* He believes that the mental aspect is the most important part, and that if your mind is not in it, you will never get anywhere.
### On Qualities He Looks for in People
* Kolisi looks for people who treat others with respect, regardless of their position or status.
* He believes that manners are important, and that treating people the way you want to be treated is essential.
* He also values people who are vulnerable and willing to share their emotions.
### On Talking About Emotions and Mental Struggles in Rugby
* Kolisi believes that it is important to talk about emotions and mental struggles in rugby, as these issues were previously not on the agenda in professional sport.
* He has started speaking out about gender-based violence, as he believes that men need to stand up and call each other out for their actions.
* He also talks to his teammates about their struggles, and believes that this makes them closer and more willing to fight for each other on the field.
### On the Benefits of Creating Relationships with Teammates
* Kolisi believes that creating relationships with teammates that go beyond rugby makes the team stronger.
* When you know what your teammates are playing for and what motivates them, you are more likely to go out there and fight for them.
* He also believes that these relationships can help players through tough times, both on and off the field.
### On Channeling Aggression on the Field
* Kolisi grew up around violence, and he does not like it anymore.
* He does not play to hurt other players, but he does play with controlled aggression.
* He wants to hit his opponents as hard as he can, but he always does it within the rules of the game.
### On Protecting What He Has Created
* Kolisi has created a strong foundation of people around him who share his values and goals.
* He believes that this is the best way to protect what he has created, as he knows that he can always rely on these people to support him.
### On Dealing with Criticism
* Kolisi has faced criticism from the media and others, but he does not let it bother him.
* He knows that he has the respect of his teammates and coaches, and that is all that matters to him.
* He also believes that the critics will eventually get tired and fall away.
### On Not Caring About External Opinions
* Kolisi has learned to not care about what other people think of him.
* He focuses on the opinions of his teammates and coaches, and he knows that he is respected by them.
* He also believes that social media can be a negative influence, and he has chosen to stay off of it.
## Conclusion
Siya Kolisi is a true high-performer, both on and off the field. He is an inspiration to young people around the world, and he is using his platform to make a difference in the world.
# Podcast Episode Summary: Sia Kolisi, Rugby Legend and Social Justice Advocate
## Overview
In this episode of the High-Performance Podcast, host Damien Smith engages in a compelling conversation with Siya Kolisi, the captain of the South Africa national team, the Springboks, and the Stormers in Super Rugby. Kolisi, the first black man to serve as captain, led the team to a historic victory in the 2019 World Cup Final, becoming an inspiration on and off the field.
## Foundation Work and Social Issues
Kolisi and his wife established The Kolisi Foundation to assist vulnerable South African households and individuals struggling with poverty. Kolisi emphasizes the importance of addressing social issues beyond sports, such as poverty, hunger, and violence against women. He believes that his platform as a sportsman enables him to use his voice for good and to challenge societal injustices.
## Handling Criticism and Social Media
Kolisi acknowledges that he receives criticism on social media, particularly when he speaks out about social issues. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that all people deserve basic necessities like water, food, and freedom from violence. He stresses that his role as a sportsman does not limit his ability to address broader societal concerns.
## Inspiration from Marcus Rashford
Kolisi expresses admiration for English soccer player Marcus Rashford, who has used his platform to advocate for social causes, particularly free school meals for children. Kolisi believes that Rashford's actions are more impactful than his achievements on the field and that he will be remembered for his social contributions.
## Unity and Division
Kolisi emphasizes the importance of promoting unity and fighting against division in South Africa. He believes that people should unite to tackle social issues rather than allowing differences to divide them. He encourages people to speak messages of unity and to work towards a common goal of creating a better society for all.
## Lifting the Rugby World Cup
Kolisi reflects on the significance of lifting the Rugby World Cup in 2019, not only as a sporting achievement but also as a symbol of progress and hope for South Africa. He reveals that the night before the final, he and his wife wrote down their goals and aspirations, including starting their foundation and addressing social challenges in their country.
## Teaching the Power of Dreams
Kolisi believes in the power of dreams and encourages people to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. He shares his own experience of growing up in poverty and how he overcame challenges to become a successful rugby player and a respected social justice advocate. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and resilience in pursuing one's dreams.
## Advice to Young People
Kolisi offers advice to young people, urging them to dream big, work hard, and not let anyone tell them they cannot achieve their goals. He stresses the importance of having a strong support system and surrounding oneself with positive influences. He also emphasizes the value of kindness, respect, and loyalty in building meaningful relationships.
## Resilience and Self-Belief
Kolisi recognizes the challenge of instilling resilience and self-belief in his children, given their privileged upbringing compared to his own. He takes them to see the work done by their foundation and exposes them to the realities of poverty and social injustice. He believes that these experiences will help them develop empathy and an understanding of the struggles faced by others.
## Ubuntu: I am Because You Are
Kolisi embodies the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of humanity. He believes that true success lies in uplifting others and making a positive impact on society. He strives to lead by example, both on and off the field, and to inspire others to use their platforms for good.
## Key Takeaways
- The importance of addressing social issues beyond sports and using one's platform for good.
- The power of dreams, hard work, and self-belief in achieving success.
- The value of kindness, respect, and loyalty in building meaningful relationships.
- The importance of unity and fighting against division in society.
- The interconnectedness of humanity and the responsibility to uplift others and make a positive impact on the world.
In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, Joe Batten and Damien discuss the importance of understanding an individual's journey and experiences to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions. They emphasize the need to look beyond surface-level observations and delve into the complexities of a person's life to truly comprehend their perspective.
The conversation centers around Siya Kolisi, the captain of the South African national rugby team and the Stormers in Super Rugby. Kolisi made history as the first black captain to lead the team to victory in the 2019 World Cup Final. His remarkable journey from poverty to becoming an inspiration both on and off the field serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of sport.
The podcast delves into Kolisi's upbringing, the challenges he faced growing up, and the resilience he displayed in overcoming adversity. Batten and Damien highlight the significance of Kolisi's role as a global advocate for the United Nations' Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women. They also discuss the Kolisi Foundation, which Siya and his wife established to assist vulnerable South African households and individuals struggling with poverty.
The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals and the need to approach leadership with empathy and understanding. Batten and Damien underscore the value of embracing diversity and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
Overall, the podcast offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience and the power of sport to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. It highlights the importance of looking beyond stereotypes and preconceived notions to truly connect with others and create a more just and equitable society.