Siya Kolisi joins sports psychologist Cédric Dumont and co-host York-Peter Klöppel in the second season of the Mind Set Win podcast to explore the mental techniques
Global (10 October 2023) – Siya Kolisi has joined the team on ‘Mind Set Win’ podcast to discuss how his mindset has helped propel him through his rugby career and onto the Rugby World Cup stage. The podcast is back for its second season and Siya gets to share his story in the second episode.
Mind Set Win is a podcast from Red Bull that unlocks the mental tactics used by leading athletes, coaches and managers at the highest level of sport. Each week the team interviews a sports professional, talking through a key moment in their career, and breaking down the psychological approach that can make all the difference. Together, they show us how we can learn from these masters and take practical learnings into our own lives.
The hosts are both experts in their fields with Cédric Dumont being a pioneering BASE jumper and wingsuit flyer from Belgium – as well as a high-performance psychologist and York-Peter Klöppel being a sports psychologist and the Head of Mental Performance at the Athlete Performance Center.
They sit down with South Africa’s rugby captain Siya Kolisi to discuss his career-defining moments.
Appointed the first black captain of the Springboks in 2018, Kolisi is a colossal figure who provides hope to people all around the world with his rugby-playing ability and leadership.
“I was the first black captain of the rugby national team; it was a huge thing on my shoulders.” – Siya Kolisi
Currently spearheading South Africa’s title defence in France, Kolisi is aiming to become only the second-ever captain to lift two Rugby World Cups.
This episode was all about the “why” and for Siya, his ‘why’ and purpose is more than just about him. It’s playing for his family, his life, his teammates, and his country. He says that there is no pressure to play, that it is a privilege.
“We’re playing for our families, we’re playing for our lives, we’re playing for the country – if you need to be motivated to play on that level then you’re in the wrong place.”
“You have to know why you’re doing something, and the ‘why’ has to be bigger than the doubt you have over yourself.”
For Siya Kolisi, it is all about inspiring others and changing the world so it will be a better place. It is clear that these are more than just buzzwords and inspiring sayings. Siya Kolisi wholeheartedly believes that the way forward is by inspiring the country as a whole.
“We want people to feel special. We know, if we win, the country wins.”
“Every day I have to carry myself in a way that reminds me that I must push every single time because others are also looking – and hopefully I can be that little bit of hope for them.”
“When I stop playing, I want to make the world a better place with my foundation.” – Siya Kolisi
You can listen to the podcast here.