Mindsets, Mistakes & Mavericks: A Focus on Leadership, Culture & Mental Health in Youth and Sport
The Culture 360 Blog & Podcast - Mindsets, Mistakes and Mavericks with Rob Watson - Episode 2
What does it take to create a culture that lasts—whether in sport, youth work, or business? In this episode of the Culture 360 Podcast, I sat down with my old university mate and lifelong rugby league fan Rob Watson to explore that very question. Rob has spent over 20 years working with young people across sport, youth work, and mental health, including suicide prevention and educational psychology. His career is a lesson in how passion, resilience, and human connection shape not only teams but entire communities. For the full podcast and to dive deeper into the discussion, please find the podcast link here: The Culture 360 Podcast (Episode 2) - Mindsets, Mistakes and Mavericks.
From Coaching to Youth Work: A Holistic Approach
Rob began his career as a sports coach, working with schools, universities, and community clubs, including the Warrington Wolves. But it wasn’t long before he saw that many young people needed more than drills, passes, and game plans. They needed support for life itself—mental health, resilience, and someone who would listen.
That shift led Rob into youth work and later into roles such as suicide prevention advisor and school-based CBT training. His holistic approach—treating people as whole human beings, not just athletes—became a central theme of his career.
Mental Health, Resilience, and the Power of Listening
Rob’s years on the frontline of suicide prevention gave him unique insights into the mental health struggles faced by young people and adults alike. Whether on the helpline or in schools, his philosophy was clear: mistakes are okay. In fact, encouraging risk-taking and creativity often builds stronger, more resilient individuals and teams.
This mindset—embracing mistakes, empowering decision-making, and backing people to learn—echoes through both sport and organisational culture.
One of Rob’s most powerful insights is the importance of always asking “why?” Whether in youth work, coaching, or culture, he believes behaviour is never random — there’s always a reason behind it. This mindset, rooted in curiosity and empathy, is as valuable in leadership and culture-building as it is in supporting young people. As he put it:
“There’s always a reason for the way everybody behaves. They might not know the reason — sometimes it’s subconscious — but if you ask ‘why’ often enough, you get to the real answer.”
Culture Beyond the Website: Walking the Talk
One of the most striking points Rob makes is about what he calls “website culture.” Many organisations publish values, beliefs, and mission statements online—but fail to live them in reality.
““It’s what you do day-to-day that matters, not what you say on your website.””
This mirrors the work we do at The Culture Room, drawing on models like Edgar Schein’s iceberg: artefacts and slogans may float above the surface, but the real culture lives in behaviours, beliefs, and shared stories below the waterline.
Lessons from Sport: Warrington Wolves, the All Blacks, and the Detroit Pistons
As lifelong rugby league fans, Rob and I couldn’t resist diving into Warrington’s long search for a Super League title. For Rob, it comes down to belief, psychology, and culture in big moments. Successful teams—from Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United to the New England Patriots or the Detroit Pistons—find ways to win under pressure, not just perform well.
The All Blacks’ mantra of “good people make good All Blacks” captures this perfectly. Recruitment, culture fit, and developing the whole person—not just the athlete—create dynasties.
Individual Growth: The Hidden Angle in Culture
Towards the end of our conversation, Rob highlighted something often overlooked: focusing on individual development within culture. While team workshops are vital, supporting individuals to understand their own values, beliefs, and triggers allows them to contribute more authentically to any team they join.
At The Culture Room, we call this the individual–peer–team–customer model, ensuring culture is built from the inside out.
Key Takeaways
Culture must be lived, not just written. Values on the wall mean nothing without daily action.
Psychology underpins performance. Self-awareness and resilience are as vital as technical skill.
Mistakes are part of growth. Fear kills creativity; trust builds confidence.
Recruit for values, not just skills. Culture fit and character are as important as talent.
The importance of asking “why?” to understand human thinking and behaviour.
Empower individuals. Strong individuals make strong teams.
The Final Word
Rob’s career—from sports coaching to suicide prevention, from psychology to writing—shows that whether in rugby league, youth work, or organisational leadership, culture is about people and relationships. The challenge for leaders isn’t just to set values but to live them, model them, and empower others to carry them forward.
As Warrington Wolves fans, we ended with hope: one day it will be their year. But for now, the lesson is clear—whether on the field, in the workplace, or in life, culture is the difference between finding a way to lose and finding a way to win.
For the full podcast and to dive deeper into the discussion, please find the podcast link here: The Culture 360 Podcast (Episode 2) - Mindsets, Mistakes and Mavericks.
Rob Watson Contacts
If anyone would like any training on any of the following:
How to talk about suicide safely?
How to work with young people?
How to be a good team player?
E-mail Rob at: rob_ificandream@zoho.eu
If they would like any advice or workshops on either sport psychology or mental health in relation to sport, then they can email Rob on: rob_sportmindcoach@outlook.com
Rob is based in Warrington, England, but can do sessions online too.