The Catlins, located on New Zealand's South Island, is one of the most remote and pristine destinations you can explore. Known as a "hidden gem," this region is a haven of natural beauty with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, lush forests, picturesque beaches, cascading waterfalls, and rolling farmlands. Nestled in this untouched wilderness, Slope Point, just 24 km from Waikawa, offers stunning vistas that showcase the rugged charm of the southern coast.
In 2002, the Highlanders Rugby team spent a grueling week training in the Catlins. Under the watchful eye of Laurie Mains, a former All Blacks player and coach, we experienced the true meaning of resilience. Laurie, a hard taskmaster, was known for pushing players to their limits, and this trip was no exception. Mental toughness was a key value for the Highlanders, and Laurie’s infamous fitness drills were the ultimate test. I vividly remember senior All Blacks on the brink of collapse—this was a no-holds-barred lesson in perseverance. I managed to last until the end, and our reward was a classic Kiwi BBQ with seafood (kaimoana) and Speight's beer, a well-earned celebration after a week of intensity.
Reflecting on that experience, it's clear that resilience isn't just a rugby trait but a cornerstone of high-performing teams in any field. A 2019 Harvard study that surveyed 2,000 NCAA coaches examined how teams build resilience, comparing their approach to that of leaders in business and industry. Four key aspects stand out, all of which I have seen reflected in winning teams and high-performing organizations:
Resilient teams know each other's strengths and weaknesses and prepare for adversity. In rugby, you have mere seconds to make critical decisions. The same applies to business—knowing how each team member thinks and acts, especially under pressure, is vital. When every player or employee understands their role, you share the mental load, which is crucial when the odds are stacked against you.
Great teams dig deep when the going gets tough. Vulnerability and trust are essential for building strong morale and collaboration. The All Blacks’ journey to the 2011 Rugby World Cup under Graham Henry is a perfect example, as is the legendary teamwork of the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls or the late Kobe Bryant's LA Lakers. Their success wasn't accidental but a product of collaboration, trial and error, and sustained effort.
As Charles Darwin famously said, "It's not the strongest species that survive, but those that are most adaptable." In today’s world, adaptability is more crucial than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic tested this principle on a global scale, as governments, businesses, and sports teams had to adapt to survive. From the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia to Super Rugby Aotearoa, the ability to pivot quickly in the face of unprecedented challenges has proven critical. The same is true in business—those who pivot and innovate, rather than play it safe, will come out stronger.
Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team, whether in sports or business. It’s built through shared experiences, including failure. In today's rapidly changing world, with the added pressures of the pandemic, trust has become even more essential. Teams that communicate openly, listen with empathy, and support each other without blame create a culture of resilience that leads to sustained success, both on and off the field.
At the core of every high-performing team is a culture that binds individuals together, built on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to weather any storm. The Catlins experience with the Highlanders taught me that true resilience is forged not just in moments of glory but in the trials and challenges that test your limits.
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