Why Resilience and Leadership Matter More Than Talent
What Tommy Entwistle Taught Me About Grit and Growth
Some people just get it. They understand that success isn’t about talent alone, it’s about resilience, leadership and knowing how to build something that lasts.
Tommy Entwistle is one of those people.
From playing rugby league at a professional level to leading some of the world’s biggest adventure brands like Osprey Europe and ThruDark, Tommy’s journey is proof that the principles of high performance translate across any industry.
What struck me most in our conversation was how rugby shaped his mindset, not just for sport but for life. Rugby League is brutal. You get hit, you get knocked down and you either stay down or get back up and go again. Tommy took that lesson and applied it to everything he did after leaving the game.
Rugby League as a Blueprint for Success
For Tommy, rugby was never just a game, it was an education in resilience, teamwork and adaptability. You learn quickly that it doesn’t matter how hard you work if you’re surrounded by the wrong people or if you can’t get back up after a setback.
Takeaway: Success isn’t linear. It’s about how well you recover, adapt and push forward after every hit.
The Truth About Brand Building
Tommy didn’t just walk into leadership. He built his career by understanding one fundamental truth - brands that last aren’t built on products, they’re built on stories. Most companies try to slap a story onto their brand after they’ve created a product. But Tommy knows it doesn’t work that way. The best brands, the ones that stand the test of time, start with a story that connects deeply with people.
Takeaway: You can’t reverse-engineer authenticity. Build your story first and the rest follows.
The Power of the Right People
We talk a lot about hard work, but let’s be honest, who you surround yourself with matters just as much. Tommy spoke about how the right team can elevate you beyond what you ever thought possible and how the wrong people can drain your energy and pull you backwards.
Takeaway: Your environment shapes you. Choose your people wisely.
Why This Matters for You
Tommy’s journey isn’t just about sport or business, it’s about mindset. It’s a reminder that resilience, leadership and surrounding yourself with the right people are what truly set you apart, no matter what field you’re in.
If you’re navigating a transition, facing a challenge or trying to build something meaningful, Tommy’s story is proof that success isn’t about never failing. It’s about how you respond when you do.
The full conversation is now live in video for the first time. Watch it here: [Insert YouTube Link]
What part of Tommy’s journey resonated most with you? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts.