S1:E31 | Kicking On: Gareth “Steeno” Steenson on Resilience, Rugby, and Reinvention

What happens when a kid from Armagh, told he wasn’t good enough, ends up kicking Exeter Chiefs to Premiership glory, and then has to start all over again after retirement?Gareth Steenson, better known as Steeno, spent 18 years in professional rugby, from his early days in Ulster to becoming the Chiefs’ reliable No.10 during their rise to the very top of English rugby. In this episode I sit down with him as he opens up about the setbacks, sacrifices, and pivotal moments that shaped his career, and what life looks like now he’s swapped the pitch for coaching and business.We talk about leaving home young and chasing opportunities in Rotherham and Cornwall, coping with the loss of his father during a critical season, and finding his place at Exeter just as the club was building towards promotion. Steeno reflects on the highs of lifting trophies, the brutal lows of self-doubt, and the reality of leadership when the game plan falls apart.Off the field, we dig into what resilience really means, how coaching the Irish Women’s Squad is reshaping his view of the game, and why running The Stand Off bar in Exeter taught him as much about teamwork as rugby ever did.If you’ve ever faced rejection, had to reinvent yourself, or wondered what’s next after the career you thought would last forever, Steeno’s story will make you think twice about what resilience, risk, and real success look like.If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favour: hit like, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation. The more people we reach, the more stories like Steeno’s can inspire someone else to make their next move and be happier in their career. Follow Steeno here:InstagramLinkedInFollow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Personal Exit Plan / Work With MeFrustrated at Work? Want to know if you are ready for a career change? Answer these 10 questions and find out!#GetAShiftOn #InspiringStories #LikeShareSubscribe #CareerTransitions #Rugby #EliteSportChapters00:00 Introduction to Steeno's Rugby Journey01:32 From Soccer to Rugby: Early Beginnings03:10 Schoolboy Rugby and Early Recognition04:21 Transition to Professional Rugby05:31 Career Growth at Exeter Chiefs07:21 The Evolution of Rugby and Player Development10:44 Women's Rugby: Growth and Professionalism14:03 The Role of Technology in Modern Rugby17:11 Adapting to Change: Lessons from Rugby to Life19:43 The Importance of Team Culture and Community24:29 Community and Team Spirit in Rugby25:54 The Journey to Premiership Glory28:19 Leadership and Team Dynamics32:39 Transitioning to Coaching and New Opportunities35:31 Defining Resilience and Leadership39:11 Advice for Life After Sports43:27 Close