Gower College Swansea was delighted to welcome former international rugby player and broadcaster Jonathan Davies OBE, to Sketty Hall Business School as part of its management masterclass series.
The event, which was hosted by the College’s Business Development Consultant and former Wales rugby international, Stuart Davies, brought together staff and leading figures from the local business community for a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight from one of Wales’ most respected sporting figures.
Jonathan drew from his distinguished career in elite sport to deliver a powerful and engaging session which explored core themes critical to success in today’s business environment, including resilience, goal setting, crisis management, and the ability to navigate both success and failure.
Blending compelling personal anecdotes with deep professional insights, Jonathan clearly showed the strong parallel between elite sport and high performing businesses.
His reflections offered invaluable takeaways for those in leadership roles, highlighting how the disciplines of sport can directly inform and enhance strategic decision making, team dynamics, and organisational culture.
Business leaders from across South Wales were in attendance from companies such as Kier Construction, Castell Howell Foods, Admiral and Pobl as well as the Ospreys and Swansea City AFC.
Speaking after the event Jonathan said:
“It was a real pleasure to speak at the College and share some of the personal experiences and lessons I’ve learnt throughout my career in sport and broadcasting. I believe the parallels between sport and success in business are clear — from building resilient teams to leading through challenges.
Events like this are a great way to open new perspectives and encourage a culture of collaboration between business. I hope those who attended came away with ideas and inspiration they can apply in their own professional journeys’’
Mark Jones MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the College, was delighted to welcome Jonathan:
“Our vision for Sketty Hall Business School is to give all of our students an introduction to leadership and management in a very real and practical setting. Jonathan’s masterclass was not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of the transferable skills that elite sport offers to the world of business. We’re proud to offer our students and local business leaders’ opportunities to engage with such influential names.’’
Ben Davies, Managing Director of LBS Builders Merchants, who attended the event said: “It was a fantastic event and a valuable opportunity to hear how the principles of effective people management in sport — leading teams, building trust, and bringing out the best in individuals — can directly translate to the business.’’
Simon Pritchard, Chair of Manufacturing Wales, also added: “Jonathan Davies’ talk, Beyond the Try Line, was a masterclass in leadership lessons from sport. His insights on building a supportive culture, embracing calculated risks, and leading with resilience resonate deeply with the challenges we face in Welsh manufacturing. As Chair of Manufacturing Wales, I’m inspired to apply these principles to foster innovation and unity across our industry.”
This latest masterclass further enforces Gower College Swansea’s commitment to bridging education with real-world experience. By inviting voices from the world of elite sport and beyond, the College continues to foster meaningful dialogue that inspires, growth, innovation, and excellence across all sectors.
