Robert van der Horst – Leadership beyond sport

Mindset shifts and new purpose.

Episode 2 of the Athlete Transition Accelerator podcast, hosted by Karl Birch and James Rule, titled "Robert van der Horst – Leadership beyond sport" was published on March 5, 2025 and runs 51 minutes.

March 5, 2025 ·51m · Athlete Transition Accelerator

Summary

We sit down with Robert Van Der Horst, former Dutch Olympic hockey player and World Player of the Year, to explore his journey beyond elite sport.Robert opens up about the challenges of leaving professional hockey, the mindset shifts required to navigate life after sport, and how he found his new purpose in the world of business and coaching. From the highs of being the best in the world to the uncertainty of what comes next, he shares invaluable lessons for athletes at any stage of their careers.Key Takeaways:Success in sport doesn’t guarantee success afterward.Be willing to explore.Rebuild your competitive edge.Embrace the unknown.About the hostsJames Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapterIf Robert’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:Gareth SteensonGareth shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, highlighting the importance of adaptability, exploring new passions, and seizing opportunities while still playing.Alex TaitExplore how Alex navigated his transition from professional rugby, the key mindset shifts that shaped his journey, and the valuable lessons he's carried into his next chapter.Connect and ContactWebsite:www.athletetransitionaccelerator.comLinkedIn:Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10Instagram:@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/atacceleratorEmail:[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description