Feb 04 2025 63 mins
What do you do when life throws 25 shots your way? If you’re Rachel Howard, you save them, earn MVP, and rewrite the playbook for success on and off the pitch. From New Zealand’s national goalkeeper to General Manager of the Pacific Region at Adidas, Rachel has mastered the art of rising to the challenge and leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Balancing dual careers: Discover how Rachel managed a professional football career while working full-time at Adidas, flying between Germany and New Zealand for training camps.
- The climb to VP: Hear Rachel’s journey from unpaid intern to Vice President at Adidas, driven by adaptability, curiosity, and a relentless hunger to learn.
- Turning setbacks into comebacks: Learn how Rachel transformed the toughest moment in her career—losing her job contract—into a defining comeback.
- Leading with purpose: Explore Rachel’s leadership philosophy of fostering safety, respect, and belonging in diverse teams across the globe.
- Championing women in sports: Get the inside story of the Northern Kahu women’s basketball team, where Rachel is making history as part of an all-women ownership team, setting a bold new standard for sports leadership.
- The goalkeeper mindset: See how Rachel’s calm under pressure, sharp anticipation, and clarity drive her success in the corporate world.
🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
Rachel’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers. From navigating the challenges of women’s sports to paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in business and athletics, Rachel’s journey is proof that bold risks and a commitment to growth can create lasting impact.
🎧 Key Takeaways:
- How saying yes, taking risks, and embracing opportunities can transform your career.
- The importance of balancing ambition with adaptability and a growth mindset.
- Insights into fostering belonging and empowerment in teams.
- Why the future of sports leadership is bold, inclusive, and transformative.
🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode is packed with powerful lessons and inspiration for anyone navigating their career journey. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or someone looking for clarity in your next step, Rachel’s story will motivate you to seize opportunities and create meaningful change.
Let’s Connect:
Are you looking for career clarity for your next step? For more information or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io.
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelahoward
- Instagram: @theordinaryolympian
- Instagram: @kahubasketball
- Website: https://www.kahu.basketball/