Franco Smith: Filling The Casks

It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for another issue of The Great Coaches: Leadership and Life newsletter. 

The Paris Paralympics opened on Wednesday after weeks of anticipation, featuring more than 4,000 athletes performing across over 540 events. Until September 8th we’ll be witnessing some truly amazing feats and - behind the scenes - some truly fantastic coaching.

Speaking of fantastic coaching, we’ve released two new podcast episodes this week featuring Eoin Jordan and Franco Smith. Make sure to give them both a listen!

Selflessness, Faith, and Unlocking Potential

This morning we released our latest podcast episode featuring an interview with rugby’s Franco Smith.

Like many Great Coaches, Franco’s story begins on the pitch, representing South Africa as well as playing for clubs in Italy, France, and Wales. By 2006 he had transitioned into a professional coaching career, coaching the South African Cheetahs team.

In 2008 Franco became the head coach of Benneton in Italy, guiding the team to 2 National Championships, a Coppa Italia, and a Super Cup. His success continued when he returned to the Cheetahs and led them to Currie Cup titles in both 2016 and 2019.

After a stint as the head coach of Italy’s national team, Franco made his way to Scotland in 2022, having been appointed coach of the Glasgow Warriors. In his first year with the Warriors he led them to a top-four URC finish, as well as their first ever European final.

Franco’s approach to coaching and life is heavily guided by his deep sense of faith, combined with terrific energy. That same energy seems to radiate from him as he speaks about rugby as a vehicle for changing people’s lives for the better, and how he views his role as challenging players to unlock their true potential.

Selflessness is another important part of Franco’s coaching philosophy, as is building strong connections. As listeners will discover, Franco is a firm believer in using psychological profiling as a tool for getting to know his players on a deeper level. This understanding also allows him to uncover the limitations that his players have placed upon themselves; Franco very much views it as his mission to help others realise that they are better than they think.

There’s a lot of fantastic content to be heard in this interview, and I’m looking forward to hearing what most resonates with you.

Listen Now: Apple | Spotify

What Are You Chasing?

If you asked one hundred people why they went into leadership or coaching, you would probably receive one hundred different answers. In fact, you just have to listen to our podcast to realise that no two Great Coaches are exactly alike when it comes to why they chose the career they did.

As you watch this clip form our interview with Dr Troy Urdhal, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about your own motivations as a coach, leader, or even parent. What legacy would you like to leave?

If you enjoyed this clip, then you should take a trip over to our website where you’ll find a wealth of insights taken from interviews with over 200 of the sporting world’s greatest coaches.

In Case You Missed It…

With A Bit Of "Will"Power

The Paris Paralympics are a testament to not only the strength and resilience of the human body, but also of the mind. For a number of Paralympians, reaching success has meant years of hard work overcoming serious incidents or health issues; their training has been both physical and mental.

Equally as inspiring is the story of Willie Burton, a young man from Kentucky who refused to let cerebral palsy - and the inability to walk - from stopping him from becoming a varsity wrestler.

Head on over to the link below to watch a fantastic short video from ESPN detailing Willie’s story.

Elevate Your Leadership

CEOs, parents, and partners; there are very few challenges Grant, Paul and Zuzana haven’t experienced first-hand.

They can help coach you move towards the leader you aspire to be.

Get in touch at [email protected] to find out more.

Challenge Yourself with the Macquarie MBA

This newsletter is brought to you by Macquarie University Business School’s MBA program. Designed to empower, challenge and transform, the Macquarie MBA gives you the business skills and knowledge you need to succeed in an evolving global economy.

The program bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, bringing together world-leading professors, executives and industry partners to teach you how business can be used for good.

I have started working with the team at Macquarie on some projects and can attest to the quality of the people and material. To find out more, search for Macquarie University Business School’s MBA.

Find out more: https://www.mq.edu.au/macquarie-business-school/