Leadership under pressure looks very different behind the scenes.
In this first episode of BEST in Class, former Premiership captain and head coach Geordan Murphy shares what leadership really feels like inside elite sport - from captaincy and difficult conversations to handling scrutiny, authority, and responsibility under pressure.
This is not a conversation about trophies.
It’s about communication, trust, accountability, and what happens when outcomes matter.
Geordan discusses:
• The reality of leadership under scrutiny
• Transitioning from teammate to head coach
• Why restraint often carries more power than motivation
• How trust is built through difficult conversations
• The difference between presence and volume
• The moment leadership stopped being about being liked
For leaders, executives, coaches, and high performers - this episode explores what communication looks like when the stakes are real.
📚 Book recommendation:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni
Connect with Geordan Murphy:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/geordanmurphy
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/geordan-murphy-11859b49
Connect with BEST:
Website: http://www.bespokeelitespeakertraining.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bespokeelitespeakertraining
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokeelitespeakertraining
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bespoke.elite.speaker.training
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
02:15 From Player to Leader
08:40 Captaincy & Responsibility
15:30 Taking Over as Head Coach
24:10 Authority & Communication Under Pressure
34:00 Trust, Selection & Difficult Conversations
Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, communication, executive presence, high performance, and elite sport.
45:00 Leadership Lessons Beyond Rugby
Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, communication, executive presence, high performance, and elite sport.
