Episode 212

full
Published on:

13th Nov 2025

#216 – Why Great Teams Start with Identity, Not Strategy

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership


Episode Summary:


In this episode, Ian Hawkins explores one of the most overlooked foundations of performance identity. Fresh from a workshop with young footballers preparing for their 2026 season, Ian unpacks how clarity of who you are and what you stand for transforms how you play, lead, and connect. Through real examples from the session, he shows how individual strengths, team values, and shared intent create the culture that fuels results.


Listeners will learn why identity isn’t a buzzword but the heartbeat of high performance. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or leader, Ian explains how self-awareness builds consistency, confidence, and resilience, and how embracing what comes naturally makes you magnetic to those around you. It’s a practical roadmap for aligning who you are with how you perform in sport, work, and everyday life.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins 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.


Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Sport Is Life

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.