40 Minute Mentor

Episode 254

September 11, 2024

Replay: Will Greenwood MBE on building a World Cup winning team culture

Over the years, we’ve had some absolute legends of the sporting world on 40 Minute Mentor. 

One of them is England Rugby legend, Broadcaster and Journalist, Will Greenwood MBE

Will is one of the greatest English Rugby players of all time, playing 55 times for his country, representing the British and Irish Lions on multiple tours and including playing a fundamental role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning team. 

Not only do we unpack Will’s impressive Rugby career in this episode, but you’ll also hear about…

40 Minute Mentor: Will Greenwood MBE
“The great differentiator of that England team was our ability to never allow ourselves to be consigned to fate. We always believed it was in our hands.”

Will Greenwood MBE

Tune in to discover

Will’s upbringing and his parents influence [02:00]
The route to professional Rugby [04:30]
Making big sacrifices [13:40]
Winning the World Cup [16:30]
Removing luck to succeed [18:50]
What made this team so special [19:55]
From Rugby to Broadcasting [26:50]
Facing failure and taking risks [32:00]
Why we should all be paying it forward [35:30]
Making Rugby more diverse and inclusive [37:50]

Listen on

Helpful links

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.

Explore more episodes

40 Minute Mentor: James Mitra
19 Dec, 2025

James Mitra on Season 14: Reflecting on 300+ episodes & what’s next for 40 Minute Mentor

40 Minute Mentor: Alex Depledge MBE
17 Dec, 2025

Alex Depledge MBE on taking a Founder’s Mind into the Government & why the UK is a great place to scale

40 Minute Mentor: Talent Predictions
12 Dec, 2025

Talent Predictions for 2026: How to attract and hire the best talent in the year ahead with Amplified People Group’s Sophie Graci, Zach Rose, James Adams and Lisa Crane