Episode 222

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Published on:

25th Nov 2025

#225 – How Graham Arnold United a Team and a Nation

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Ian breaks down the powerful scenes of Graham Arnold being embraced by his Iraqi players and staff after guiding Iraq into the next stage of World Cup qualifying. What looked like pure celebration was actually something deeper, a masterclass in leadership, unity, and human connection. Ian explores why moments like this don’t happen by chance; they’re built on trust, belonging, and a leader’s ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.


Drawing on stories from Australia’s own 2005 World Cup qualification, Ian uses the Arnold moment to highlight how teams, families, organisations, and communities can lift when everyone feels part of something bigger. He unpacks what genuine buy-in looks like, how culture shapes performance, and why great leadership starts at the top but grows through every layer of the group. The episode closes with a practical framework you can apply right now, whether you're leading a team, coaching athletes, running a business, or shaping the energy inside your own home, to create unity, remove friction, and build an environment where people thrive.


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.


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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

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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.