Episode 134

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Published on:

8th May 2025

#134 – Inside the Mind of a Coach: Building Trust, Facing Conflict & Leading with Vision with Will Webster

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Episode Summary: 


In this insightful episode of Sporty Is Life, Ian Hawkins is joined by elite coach and coaching mentor Will Webster. Will shares his personal journey from a sport-filled childhood and semi-professional rugby to coaching at the highest levels, including leading the Kenya National Rugby Sevens team and now mentoring head coaches across multiple sports.


They explore the power of humility, the importance of emotional regulation, building trust, and the critical role of vision and values in high performance. Will also reveals lessons from visiting over 120 elite sports teams worldwide and how the best coaches manage conflict, culture, and self-awareness. This conversation is a goldmine for coaches, leaders, and anyone striving to grow—both on and off the field.


About the Guest: 


Will Webster – High-Performance Coach Mentor & Former Elite Rugby Head Coach 


Will Webster is a former rugby head coach and educator who now works behind the scenes with head coaches across six elite sports, helping them unlock new levels of performance—for themselves and their teams. 


With a deep understanding of the pressure and complexity that comes with stepping into the top job, Will supports coaches as they transition from assistant to leader, navigating the shift from following direction to shaping vision, making high-stakes decisions, and influencing lives daily. 


He knows that in the world of high-performance sport, growth and self-care often fall by the wayside—but the best coaches never stop learning. Will’s mission is to help them stay sharp, sustain their edge, and lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience. 


Website: wwperformanceleadership.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-webster-665675a1 


Ready to create your Vision, Live your Values and Find more Purpose, join the Game Plan Membership here https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership 


About the Host:  


Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

Profile picture for Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.