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Episode Summary:

What really separates good from elite? In this episode, Ian Hawkins sits down with former NRL star Chris Lawrence to unpack the reality behind high performance. From debuting as a teenager to representing Australia, Lawrence shares raw insights into playing through serious injuries, setting bold goals under pressure, and the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level. His story of returning from a devastating hip dislocation; setting a 90-day comeback target and backing it with relentless action; highlights the power of belief, discipline, and clarity

The conversation goes beyond sport into leadership, identity, and life after football. As founder of One Training, Lawrence now helps athletes and individuals build confidence beyond performance, showing how purpose away from sport actually enhances it. From goal setting and subconscious patterns to clarity of role and standards, this episode breaks down the real gap between good and elite. It’s not talent; it’s consistency, discipline, and who you become when no one’s watching.

About the Guest:

Chris Lawrence

Former NRL Player | Managing Director (One Training)

Still in high school at just 17 years and 283 days old, Chris Lawrence became the youngest first-grade debutant for the Wests Tigers in round 21, 2006.

A fleet-footed centre for the first part of his storied career, Lawrence represented Australia at the end of 2010 and added his final five Test caps the following year.

Renowned as a great clubman and a reliable performer, Lawrence transitioned into a second-rower in the latter half of 2015 and stayed there for the remainder of his playing days.

After overcoming serious hip and facial injuries, Lawrence finally hung up the boots at the end of 2020 with the distinction of being one of just three men, along with great mates Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall, to play 250 NRL matches for the Wests Tigers.

Founder & Managing Director applying elite sport principles to business. I explore what separates good from elite, and apply the relentless standards of professional sport to business and leadership.

In elite sport, performance is visible, standards are unforgiving, pressure is constant, and there is nowhere to hide. The same is true in business.

Most leaders are good. Few operate at elite standards. The difference isn’t talent, it’s clarity under pressure, disciplined execution, accountability, and alignment when it matters most.

This page is for ambitious business leaders who care about performance, love sport, and want to elevate from strong performance to elite execution.

I’m building conversations & curated rooms , where ambitious leaders connect and raise their standards.

Links:/

Company Website: http://www.onetraining.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrislawrence04/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislawrence04/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lawrence-leadership/

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

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#275 – Chris Lawrence | The Gap Between Good and Elite