He Broke His Neck, Lost His Rugby Career, then Built One of the UK's Fastest Growing Companies | James Laithwaite

Today’s guest is entrepreneur and former rugby league player James Laithwaite.Describing himself as one of rugby league’s ‘unluckiest’ players, James Laithwaite broke the same leg four times, broke his neck - it was the first time his now-wife watched him play - and lost the only career he had ever imagined.At 27, he went from playing professional rugby league in front of tens of thousands to labouring on building sites, with a baby on the way and no fallback plan.Then he and his wife Michelle started meal prep business FuelHub.Their son was born on the day the company launched - James talks about leaving the hospital that morning to deliver its first meals. They later sold everything, emptied their savings and risked it all to keep it alive.Seven years on, FuelHub is one of the fastest growing companies in the UK. It produces around 25,000 meals a week, and works with Team GB, England Rugby, major football clubs, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.This is a brilliant conversation about entrepreneurship, injury, identity, family, obsession and starting again.As ever, if you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe using the button below, or click subscribe wherever you watch or listen to this podcast.Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming giveaway with FuelHub - the best way to find out about it is to follow us on Instagram:Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpodFollow James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaithwaite =====Interviews that might just change your life. And if not…? You’ll probably enjoy them anyway.After my younger brother Jordan took his own life, I sold the PR agency I’d spent over a decade building and decided to go all-in on creating something meaningful.This podcast is the result.Project Possible is a podcast about success through adversity. About what's truly possible.Expect famous faces and unsung heroes.Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, each episode explores the lives, minds and experiences of extraordinary people from business, sport, entertainment, academia and beyond.Subscribe wherever you watch or listen.=====Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.=====Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] about Project Possible here: https://www.richleigh.co/podcast