Some stories deserve to be told more than once. My conversation with Tommy Entwistle, former Brand Director at ThruDark, is one of them.

"Rugby league is the ultimate metaphor for life - you get hit you get up and you go again." That was one of the standout insights during our conversation and it perfectly sums up his journey. From his early days in Rugby League, to his transition into business working with global brands like Osprey Europe and ThruDark, he has consistently applied the same principles of grit teamwork and vision to everything he touches. This episode was one of Extrology’s top five most downloaded and now for the first time you can watch the full conversation on YouTube.

1. Rugby League: The Ultimate Metaphor for Life and Business

For Tommy, Rugby League wasn’t just a sport, it was an education in resilience. The sport is demanding both physically and mentally and requires players to embrace a mindset of constant adaptation teamwork and perseverance.

Key takeaway: Life and business, like rugby league, will knock you down. The key is to get back up learn from every challenge and keep pushing forward.

2. The Transition from Sport to Business

Leaving behind a competitive sport can feel like losing a part of your identity, but Tommy’s transition from athlete to entrepreneur proves that the same skills apply in both arenas. The discipline, goal-setting and adaptability learned on the pitch translated seamlessly into business leadership.

Key takeaway: Success in any new field is about applying the principles you already know - discipline, resilience and a willingness to learn - while adapting to new environments.

3. Building a Brand Around a Story Not Forcing a Story onto a Brand

Most brands fail because they tell the wrong story. Tommy’s success came from doing the opposite, crafting brands with a strong authentic identity from the start. Many companies make the mistake of trying to attach a narrative to their product after the fact, but true brand longevity comes from having a compelling origin story from day one. ThruDark, for example, is built on a foundation of adventure, perseverance and elite performance, which resonates deeply with its audience.

Key takeaway: If you want to build a brand that stands the test of time, it needs to have an authentic story that connects emotionally with people from the start.

4. The Power of Community and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

Whether in sport, business or personal growth, the people around you shape your success. Tommy emphasised that the right community - mentors teammates and colleagues - can push you to greater heights. Surrounding yourself with high-calibre individuals creates a culture of excellence, shared vision and mutual growth.

Key takeaway: Your environment shapes you. Choose wisely,build a strong network and invest in relationships that challenge and inspire you.

Why This Episode Matters

Tommy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, clarity in leadership and the ability to build something extraordinary from a foundation of hard work and authenticity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an athlete transitioning to a new chapter or simply someone looking for inspiration, his insights offer a roadmap for success.

This was one of Extrology’s most downloaded episodes. Now for the first time it’s available in full video. Watch it here:[Insert YouTube Link]

What was your biggest takeaway from Tommy’s story? Let me know in the comments below!