We sit down with Conor Gilsenan, former professional rugby player whose promising career was cut short by concussion.

What followed was a bold leap into the unknown, competing on The Apprentice, diving into tech sales, and redefining what success looks like beyond the game.

Key Takeaways from Conor’s Journey:

• You have to become an expert in something else – talent and reputation open doors, but learning a new craft is key to long-term success.
• The best is yet to come – use the platform of professional sport to create new opportunities and build your next chapter.
• Let go of perfection – mistakes and pivots are part of the process, embrace the uncertainty, it’s where the growth happens.
• Nothing fully prepares you for retirement – even when you think you’re ready, the moment the lights go out, it’s still tough.

Conor shares openly about the emotional toll of early retirement, the pressure to succeed quickly, and the mindset shift needed to thrive after elite sport. His story is honest, relatable, and full of wisdom for any athlete facing the unknown.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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