In this episode, Dave Evans and Debbie Halls Evans sit down with Jamie Jones-Buchanan, former Leeds Rhinos Rugby League star and now the Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion at the club.

Jamie shares his remarkable journey from a working-class upbringing to winning seven Grand Finals and now shaping the next generation through leadership, diversity, and inclusion.

From discussing faith, identity, resilience, and leadership to breaking down why courage and self-belief can turn your weaknesses into superpowers, this episode is packed with insights, vulnerability, and game-changing wisdom for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact.

Why Listen to This Episode?

• You want to learn how elite athletes transition into leadership
• You’re curious about the mindset of champions and how it applies to life
• You’re looking for deep insights on personal growth, resilience, and identity
• You want practical takeaways on leadership, inclusion, and culture change

Summary: The Power of Becoming

Jamie Jones-Buchanan is a Rugby League legend who played 421 times for Leeds Rhinos, winning multiple championships and cementing his place as a sporting icon.

But his greatest story isn’t about trophies, it’s about transformation. In this episode, Jamie shares how he went from a fierce competitor to a leader in diversity, inclusion, and cultural change.

With raw honesty, Jamie reflects on the challenges of reinventing himself after retirement, the power of faith, and why altruism, benevolence, and courage (the ABCs of leadership) are the keys to success. From his humble beginnings in Leeds to finding his true calling beyond the field, Jamie unpacks what it really means to "become."

This is more than just a conversation—it’s a blueprint for growth, resilience, and living with purpose.

🎧 Mic Drop Moments

💡 “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – (00:08:10)
How selflessness and service define true leadership.

🔥 "We spend our whole lives trying to find who we are, but the answer is simple: be the best version of YOU." – (00:22:10)
Why identity is not about fitting in, but about standing out.

🚀 "The comfort zone is a myth. The only way to grow is to live outside of it." – (00:27:50)
The truth about fear, failure, and why embracing discomfort is the key to success.

🔄 “Retirement doesn’t exist in the Bible—because we all have something to give until our last breath.” – (00:41:50)
Why purpose isn’t tied to a job, but to contribution.

🏆 "Being a winner isn't about trophies, it's about consistency, discipline, and who you bring with you." – (00:18:45)
The mindset that separates elite athletes from everyone else.

❤️ “Diversity and inclusion isn’t about numbers—it’s about unlocking human potential.” – (00:38:20)
How embracing differences leads to stronger teams and better decisions.

📖 "Faith is my foundation. It’s what gives me an infinite perspective on a finite world." – (00:44:30)

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