Three lessons learnt from Ambitious Leaders
On the eve of the Black Ferns playing in the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand, I reflect back to an event I attended last month. I heard stories from some amazing wahine who played rugby and took away some great lessons.
The event was titled “Ambitious Leaders” and each wahine was truly inspiring in their stories. Here are some of them.
Amanda Lowry whose life changed nine years ago when she broke her neck resulting in tetraplegia. Her passion for recognising that she could still be doing the things she did before her accident; a chef, play sports and most importantly still be a mum was motivating. Yes, her ambitions had changed and yes, she had to do things differently to before, but she could still do them.
Lesson: Sometimes the ambitions we have need adjusting along the way, but they should never stop us from achieving them.
Paula George (aka Georgie). When those around her said she couldn’t be a professional sports woman as it wasn’t a “real” job she stood strong and said I can. And she did! Georgie is one of the first ever professional female rugby players and captained the English Rugby Team for nearly 10 years.
Lesson: You can do anything that you put your mind to. Surround yourself with those who will support and encourage you but more importantly believe in yourself and your ambitions.
Geri Paul whose small community helped raise $8,000 to help her play in the inaugural women's Rugby World Cup in 1991. Upon Geri’s return, her way of giving back to the community for all their support was to go door knocking in the Bay of Plenty to start up a women’s rugby competition. In tomorrow’s final, there are several wahine playing from the Bay of Plenty. All thanks to the vision and power of Geri Paul and her door knocking.
Lesson: Your ambitions start somewhere. Plant the seed, water, nurture and they will grow!
We all have our own ambitions; sport, work, family, personal. I hope that when you watch the Black Ferns play in the tomorrow’s final, you think about the ambitions of those playing. Where their ambitions started, how they adjusted them along the way and how they believed in themselves to be where they are today, playing in the Women’s Rugby Cup final! Then take the time to think about your own ambitions and remember…We can all be ambitious leaders!
Go the Black Ferns!
