Episode 28: Exploring Community and the Business of Rugby

Guest Bio

Martin Anayi drops by The Future of Teamwork to talk about his journey to becoming the CEO of United Rugby Championship, as well as his history as a lawyer and the importance of internships in his career path. Martin takes the host Dane Groeneveld through the ins and outs of sports in professional environments, and where he has seen examples of great teamwork throughout his career. Along the way, the two discuss everything from Ringo Starr and tension, to framing challenges in positive ways, and capping off the conversation with a look at technology’s role in teamwork and leadership.

Recap & Takeaways

• [00:11 – 01:05] Episode Introduction
• [01:02 – 03:48] Team sports and developing a professional relationship that led to the United Rugby Championship
• [04:12 – 09:32] What is the IMG business?
• [11:10 – 14:48] Internships as a career path and how Gen Z is bringing insights to a business with an older audience
• [14:49 – 18:45] Themes in the evolution of IMG’s business, and where does Web3 fit in?
• [20:57 – 22:32] The intersection of youth rugby and the professional environment Martin’s team is evolving
• [25:47 – 28:14] Rugby as an inclusive game and an ethic of hard work
• [28:20 – 30:39] Teachers and pondering the question of how we helped each other out
• [30:39 – 34:21] Where Martin sees great teamwork throughout his professional career
• [34:22 – 36:00] Leadership and positive tension
• [36:05 – 39:17] Ringo Starr made The Beatles
• [40:00 – 42:43] Learning in the modern age, hiring for behaviors and views
• [41:50 – 42:43] Framing challenges positively, and discovering a series of values
• [43:10 – 45:45] Leadership and aiming for an objective
• [45:46 – 52:06] Technology has lessened the gap so people and brands can reach each other simply