Michael Wells played Super Rugby for nearly every major Australian franchise, the Brumbies, Waratahs, Rebels, and Western Force, and represented his country in Sevens. But the story he shares in this episode isn’t about tackles or caps, it’s about the mindset that allowed him to step into retirement with confidence instead of fear.

While many athletes reach the end of their careers unsure of what comes next, Wells took a different approach. He started planning early, building networks, seeking guidance, testing industries, and understanding the reality of working life long before he needed to.

In this conversation, Michael breaks down the exact steps he took to avoid the transition cliff so many athletes talk about:

Key Themes & Athlete Takeaways

• Certainty reduces fear - knowing what you want to do next makes the transition exponentially easier
• Your network is bigger than you think - people are far more willing to help athletes than you realise
• Leverage your platform while you have it - curiosity now opens doors later
• Experience matters - part-time work gave him exposure, structure, and clarity early
• Time is a choice - most athletes underestimate how much time they actually have
• Having a plan enhances performance - when you know what comes after, you can commit fully to the present
• Feedback is a superpower - especially when entering a new industry where you’re the novice, not the expert
• Don’t wait until the end - exploring options early gives you a runway, not a cliff edge
• Enjoy the now - the future matters, but not at the cost of losing joy in the sport you love

Michael’s journey is a powerful example of ownership. It shows athletes that transition doesn’t have to be chaotic, it can be structured, intentional, and empowering, if you start early and stay curious.

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email: support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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