E89 - Andrew Trimble: Understanding the art and science behind high performance

Andrew Trimble is a former Irish international rugby player turned entrepreneur and businessman. He won 229 caps for Ulster, and 70 caps for Ireland, winning the Six Nations and beating the All Blacks. 

Now instead of leading on the pitch, Andrew is producing software with Kairos as founder and CEO, that will give sporting clubs and players the chance to fulfil their potential with a digital planning platform to manage the complexities of elite sport. 

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**Navigating the Complexities of Elite Sport with Andrew Trimble**

**Introduction:**

This special bonus episode of the High Performance Podcast features Andrew Trimble, a former Irish international rugby player turned entrepreneur. Andrew shares his insights on achieving high performance, balancing individuality and teamwork, and transitioning from a successful sports career to the business world.

**Key Points:**

1. **High Performance and Single-mindedness:**
- Andrew defines high performance as single-mindedness and focus.
- He emphasizes the need to prioritize what you're good at and be willing to sacrifice other aspects of life to achieve success.
- Andrew acknowledges that this approach can be selfish but argues that it's necessary to excel at the highest level.

2. **Balancing Individuality and Team Success:**
- Andrew discusses the challenge of balancing personal success with team goals.
- He highlights the importance of having a supportive family and understanding that sacrifices are necessary to achieve team success.
- Andrew emphasizes the need to be selfish in pursuing your goals but also acknowledges the importance of being a team player.

3. **Transitioning from Sports to Business:**
- Andrew shares his experience transitioning from a successful rugby career to entrepreneurship.
- He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and a strong work ethic.
- Andrew also highlights the value of surrounding yourself with a supportive team and being willing to learn and adapt.

4. **Importance of Confidence and Execution:**
- Andrew discusses the role of confidence in achieving high performance.
- He explains how he developed confidence by focusing on his strengths and executing the basics well.
- Andrew emphasizes the importance of breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focusing on continuous improvement.

5. **The Power of Rational Thinking:**
- Andrew highlights the importance of rational thinking in building confidence.
- He explains how he used evidence and analysis to convince himself that he could perform well.
- Andrew emphasizes the need to focus on what you can control and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

**Conclusion:**

Andrew Trimble's journey from rugby player to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a clear vision. His insights on high performance, balancing individuality and teamwork, and transitioning to a new career are valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve success in their chosen field.

**Summary of the Podcast Episode: High-Performance Culture, Communication, and Entrepreneurship with Andrew Trimble**

**Introduction:**

* Andrew Trimble, former Irish international rugby player, entrepreneur, and CEO of Kairos, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from the rugby pitch to the business world.
* Kairos is a software company that provides a digital planning platform for sports clubs and players to manage the complexities of elite sport.

**Key Points:**

1. **Creating a High-Performance Environment:**

* Joe Schmidt, former Irish rugby coach, emphasized the importance of small details in execution and creating an environment where players are accountable for their actions.
* Consistency and reliability in performance are essential for success.
* The focus on basic contributions to the game, such as footwork and leg drive, helped players raise their overall performance.
* Schmidt brought in creative plays that required every player to execute perfectly, fostering a sense of teamwork and confidence.
* Intense walkthroughs on Wednesday nights prepared players for Saturday matches, building confidence and eliminating excuses.

2. **The Significance of Joe Schmidt's Leadership:**

* Schmidt's workaholic nature and intimate knowledge of the game earned him respect and trust from players.
* His ability to identify individual player strengths and weaknesses allowed him to tailor his coaching approach to each athlete.
* Schmidt's confidence in his players' abilities instilled confidence in the players themselves.
* The game plan implemented by Schmidt was backed by the players, who believed in his strategies.
* Schmidt's rational and logical approach to dealing with setbacks and unexpected outcomes prevented emotional reactions.

3. **Communication and High Performance:**

* Clear and objective communication is crucial for high-performance environments.
* When a coach or leader communicates consistently and reliably, players are more likely to interpret and execute instructions accurately.
* Subjective communication can lead to misinterpretation and inconsistent execution.
* Establishing accountability for both the sender and receiver of communication is essential.

4. **The Transition from Professional Rugby to Entrepreneurship:**

* Trimble's successful transition from rugby to entrepreneurship was facilitated by his ability to focus on a new passion and develop new skills.
* He recognized the importance of building a strong network and support system outside of rugby.
* Trimble's experience as a rugby player helped him understand the needs of athletes and the challenges they face.
* He applied his dedication and single-mindedness from rugby to his entrepreneurial endeavors.

5. **Challenges of Starting a Business:**

* Convincing people to buy into a vision and maintain that vision despite customer demands that may compromise it.
* Balancing the operational aspects of running a business with the need for innovation and growth.
* Communicating clearly and effectively with business partners and employees to ensure alignment and accountability.

6. **Creating a No-Excuse Environment:**

* Kairos helps create a no-excuse environment in sports teams by providing clear and up-to-date information on schedules, appointments, and other operational details.
* Trust in the platform eliminates lazy questions from players and allows them to focus on their performance.

**Conclusion:**

* Trimble emphasizes the importance of clear communication, a strong work ethic, and a focus on continuous learning and improvement for both athletes and entrepreneurs striving for high performance.

**Navigating Challenges and Transitioning from Rugby to Business: Insights from Andrew Trimble**

Andrew Trimble, the former Irish rugby player turned entrepreneur, shared his journey from the rugby pitch to the business world, emphasizing the importance of accountability, perspective, and embracing new challenges.

**Key Themes:**

1. **Accountability and Personal Responsibility:**
- Trimble highlighted the significance of individual accountability and personal responsibility in both rugby and business.
- He emphasized the need for clear communication and setting expectations to eliminate excuses and foster a culture of ownership.
- According to Trimble, creating an environment where mistakes are not tolerated and individuals are held accountable enhances performance and team dynamics.

2. **Adaptability and Embracing New Challenges:**
- Trimble's transition from rugby to entrepreneurship exemplified his willingness to embrace new challenges and adapt to different environments.
- He recognized that his rugby career had an expiration date and proactively sought new opportunities in the business world.
- Trimble emphasized the importance of identifying one's strengths, seeking guidance from others, and being open to learning and growing in unfamiliar territories.

3. **Perspective and Legacy Building:**
- Trimble acknowledged the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective, valuing both personal and professional achievements.
- He prioritized spending time with family and friends, recognizing the significance of relationships beyond rugby or business.
- Trimble emphasized the importance of creating a legacy that extends beyond individual accomplishments, focusing on the impact on teammates and colleagues.

4. **Single-mindedness and Focus:**
- Trimble attributed his success in rugby and business to his single-minded focus and dedication.
- He emphasized the need to set clear goals, maintain unwavering determination, and persevere through challenges.
- Trimble acknowledged that this level of focus may require sacrifices in other areas of life, but it is essential for achieving success.

5. **Golden Rule for a High-Performance Life:**
- Trimble's golden rule for living a high-performance life is to maintain a positive perspective.
- He emphasized the importance of focusing on the things that matter, valuing relationships, and approaching life with enthusiasm and gratitude.
- According to Trimble, maintaining a positive outlook allows individuals to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and live fulfilling lives.

**Conclusion:**

Andrew Trimble's journey from rugby to business highlights the importance of accountability, adaptability, perspective, and single-minded focus. His experiences offer valuable lessons for individuals seeking success in their chosen fields, emphasizing the need to embrace challenges, maintain a balanced perspective, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.