We sit down with Jonny Kennedy, a former professional rugby player whose promising career was cut short at just 21 due to repeated concussions. Reluctantly stepping away from the game, Jonny made the difficult but correct decision to prioritise his health, reminding us all that the brain is our most important organ.

Jonny’s journey since rugby has been anything but linear. He initially transitioned into the family business, leading a new renewables project, but something was missing. That unshakable drive, the itch for something meaningful, pushed him to co-found Neubria, a brain health company, alongside his wife.

Jonny opens up about the emotional and mental health challenges that followed his retirement. Despite having a support system and something to fall back on, the struggle was real. Jonny unpacks the shift from control in sport, where performance can be improved with extra reps, to the unpredictable nature of injury and forced transition.

Key Takeaways:

• "I begrudgingly stopped playing."
• Mental health matters.
• You can’t control everything.
• Have a growth mindset.
• Start planning now.
• Know yourself.
• Have humility.

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 organizations, 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

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

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