What Rugby Taught Me About Business - Tim Bateman

Tim Bateman is a former professional rugby player who has transitioned from pro sport into the world of business and for me personally is the smartest man I've met in the game. Every conversation I have ever had with him I have learnt something and this is certainly no different. From the structure and discipline of professional rugby to the chaos and pressure of running a fast-growing wellness franchise, Tim opens up about what it really takes to build something that lasts. He speaks honestly about fear of failure, responsibility, timing, sales, leadership, and why business can feel even harder than playing the game. In this episode of What a Lad, Tim breaks down the framework he uses to think about business — PRIME — This is a real look at what works, what fails, and what most people get wrong before they even start. In this episode, we cover… - The fear of failure that drives him - Why business is “sport on steroids” - The first question you need to ask before starting a business - Why opportunity comes before passion - Why product is the most important part of any business - The biggest factor in success (and it’s not talent or resources) - Why great businesses can still fail - Sales being the lifeblood of a business - Building systems so your business doesn’t rely on you - The importance of energy, language, and culture - Risk, timing, and why waiting until you feel ready might be too late Tim is articulate, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest about what life after rugby can look like. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone thinking about building something of their own.