The Magic of Murrayfield

Yesterday I was fortunate to join the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce business breakfast and tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

I have been to the stadium many times in my life for many different events but yesterday felt extra special.

Earlier this year, my masters studies led me to research what can be learned about leadership from high performance Rugby managers including both Gregor Townsend 's impressive record with Scotland and various lessons from the New Zealand All Blacks.

The key message I found was in developing a real deep seated sense of belonging and purpose. Learning from your heritage and leaving a legacy. At Murrayfield it feels like that spirit is built into the walls.

Even in an empty stadium there is an energy and an air of power, ambition and success. A claymore handing on the wall of the national team changing room reminds players of their warrior ancestry and I learned that they have tiny claymores stitched into the shoulder pads of their shirts as a reminder of their own strength.

As the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off today in France I am reminded of why my heart lies in the principles of sport. Competitions such as this are displays of peak human performance, but also of integrity, dedication and passion. On pitch rivalries are followed by post match handshakes and drinks.

All of those qualities are vital in remaining strong in business. I for one am constantly learning from those who went before me and hope I can inspire those still to come and leave a legacy of better whole person health, in business, in medical advances and in life.

Here’s to our boys in blue, good luck over the weekend!

#rugbyworldcup #scottishgasmurrayfield #murrayfieldstadium Scottish Rugby The Murrayfield Experience SCOTTISH GAS LIMITED Centrica