Growing up as an athlete, one of the most formative lessons I ever learned didn’t come from a locker room speech or a personal record, it came from the rugby pitch. Rugby is one of those sports where every player must be locked in, not just for themselves but for the guy next to them. There’s no hiding, no taking plays off, and no superstar carrying the team alone. That kind of interdependence is rare and powerful.

Today, as the founder of a health-focused company, I’ve carried those same principles into business leadership. If you’ve never thought about running your business like a rugby team, let me tell you why you should.

Everyone Has a Role—And It’s Critical

In rugby, the forwards don’t score the flashy tries, but they’re the workhorses that win scrums, set up platforms, and take hits. The backs may be faster, but they rely on the forwards to create opportunities. Each position has a clear role, and the success of the team depends on everyone executing theirs with excellence.

Business is no different. In a growing company, especially one rooted in health or service, every person—from the receptionist to the sales leader to the clinician—plays a crucial part in the company’s impact. When roles are unclear or people try to do everything themselves, things break down fast.

As leaders, we need to communicate those roles clearly and build respect for every function on the team. No one should feel above the dirty work—and no one should feel invisible for doing it.

Communication Is Constant, Clear, and Actionable

If you’ve ever watched a rugby match, you know the field is loud. Players are constantly shouting to one another—calling plays, warning of incoming defenders, directing position changes. That communication doesn’t stop when things get chaotic; it ramps up.

In business, communication often breaks down during busy or high-pressure times. Ironically, that’s when you need it the most. I’ve learned that strong companies don’t just talk—they communicate with clarity, frequency, and purpose. We hold stand-ups to keep everyone aligned. We use feedback loops to evaluate what’s working. And we empower even the quietest team member to speak up when they see a gap or opportunity.

Rugby taught me to listen with intensity and speak with direction. Those same habits have served me well in boardrooms and strategy sessions.

Trust Builds Speed

You can’t execute a fast-paced game plan in rugby without trust. You need to know that the guy on your left is going to be there when you offload the ball, and that he’ll be ready to take the hit if necessary. That kind of trust doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through consistent effort, vulnerability, and shared goals.

In business, especially in a fast-scaling company, trust is the key to speed. If people feel they’re being micromanaged or second-guessed, they hesitate. If they worry about taking blame for mistakes, they play it safe. But when trust is present, your team can move fast and take smart risks, because they know you’ve got their back.

One of the best things we’ve done at Pinnacle is create spaces for honest conversations—check-ins where people can voice frustrations, own mistakes, and grow forward without fear. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s worth it.

Toughness Is Mental, Not Just Physical

Rugby is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. But what separates great players from average ones is their mindset. The ability to dig deep, stay focused, and push through fatigue is just as important as strength or speed.

In business, the same holds true. Entrepreneurship isn’t a sprint. It’s a grind that requires resilience, clear thinking under stress, and the humility to adjust when things don’t go as planned. I’ve had to remind myself—especially during tough seasons—that just like in rugby, the way I lead under pressure will set the tone for the entire team.

Building mental toughness isn’t about pretending things don’t hurt. It’s about developing the mindset and habits to keep moving through adversity—and helping your team do the same.

Celebrate the Small Wins—Together

Rugby teams celebrate everything. A hard-earned turnover. A solid scrum. A teammate getting up after a tough tackle. That constant affirmation creates momentum and morale.

In leadership, I’ve learned that waiting to celebrate only the big milestones is a mistake. Teams that feel appreciated are more engaged. Leaders who notice effort—even when the scoreboard doesn’t show it—build loyalty. We’ve made it part of our culture to shout out small wins, to pause and acknowledge people, and to remind each other that we’re building something worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts

Business is often compared to battle, but I think it’s more like sport—especially a sport like rugby that relies on interdependence, grit, and communication. Leadership isn’t about being the strongest or smartest person in the room. It’s about knowing your role, trusting your team, and helping everyone perform at their best.

If you want to build a business that lasts, build it like a great team. Define the roles. Talk constantly. Trust deeply. Celebrate often. And when things get tough, dig deep and keep moving forward—just like you would on the pitch.

The field may be different, but the game is the same.