50 How Phil Waugh Became Rugby Australia CEO

From Wallabies star to Rugby Australia CEO - how did Phil Waugh make the leap from elite sport to the boardroom? Phil shares raw insights on resilience, leadership, and the mindset shifts that took him from facing the Haka to leading Australian rugby. Hear his biggest lessons from the field, how he navigated personal and professional change, and what success really looks like at the top. If you want to know what it takes to transition, lead, and thrive, this one’s for you.

In this episode Andrew and Phil discuss:

5:10 What Phil was like as a child, how he got into rugby and finding toughness.

8:30 Phil’s standout moment from his career and rugby’s place in Australia.

13:30 Playing with George Smith, Phil’s marriage breakdown and how he kept his mental health strong while dealing with multiple changes at the end of his playing career.

24:30 Moving into the corporate world and steps taken together to where he is now.

29:00 Conversation skills, differences between sport and the corporate world, and what it’s like to face the Haka.

33:20 Self-awareness and the ability to pause and think before answering questions,  and what makes a good coach.

37:00 Phil’s home life and how he stays connected with his family.

41:30 What success looks like as Rugby Australia CEO and working with the Rugby Australia board.

47:00 'Training to be a CEO' and his experience so far.

52:40 The importance of taking quiet reflective moments and Phil’s passion for rugby.

54:50 Performance Uncovered.

1:05:00 Andrew and the Wizard’s reflections.

You can find Phil at his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-waugh-22472960/