Few people have experienced pressure at the level of a professional athlete and then successfully reinvented themselves in the business world. Flip van der Merwe has done both.
In this episode, Daniel chats with the former Springbok and Bulls lock turned executive and consultant about leadership, trust, and how the lessons of rugby translate into corporate success.
Flip shares what it’s really like to transition from the roar of 80,000 fans to the quiet intensity of the boardroom, why humility and mentorship are crucial in any career shift, and how to rebuild identity after leaving elite sport.
He also reflects on his MBA journey at Cambridge, life in France, and his growing focus on strategy and data in business.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Flip
01:56 – Moving to France and finding home abroad
03:00 – Giving back through education and mentorship in South Africa
05:20 – Transitioning from elite sport to the corporate world
07:15 – The power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people
09:30 – Lessons in trust, accountability and execution from rugby
12:00 – The difference between sporting and corporate pressure
14:15 – Identity after sport and finding purpose beyond the field
17:40 – The reality of being “unemployable” after sport and finding new skills
19:00 – Unlearning habits from the changing room to fit into corporate life
21:30 – Staying humble and rebuilding from the bottom again
23:10 – Rookie mistakes and learning to ask for help
24:00 – Why Flip chose business over media or coaching
26:00 – Finding fulfilment and purpose in leadership and teamwork
29:00 – Why he believes South Africa is full of untapped potential
31:00 – Advice for people making career transitions
33:00 – The 1% mindset that drives Flip in business and life
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Connect with Daniel:
LinkedIn: Daniel Robus
Website: https://www.growthmattersintl.com
Connect with Flip:
LinkedIn: Flip van der Merwe