BRYNMOR TAKING

Sitting on the bench 28 times while Gareth Edwards and then Terry Holmes did their stuff on the pitch, before another difference from the modern player in taking those skills and attitudes into the business world.

“Taking sport into business works very well. The lessons I learned in rugby and the team environment has certainly transferred well into business and my contribution to a company like Thomas Carroll,” said Williams, a group director with responsibility for business development.

“In terms of the relationship we work on, a lot of that comes from rugby for someone like myself who is in relationship management, business development and key account management so knowing how to get on with people is key.

“I think there are a lot of skills that I was not aware of at the time which are transferable. When playing in a big match

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and it is the same at Thomas Carroll where chairman John Moore is really into his rugby and cricket.

SPORT INTO BUSINESS

It is a sign of different eras in rugby that Brynmor Williams is famous for the number of games he did not play, while in the modern era lesser players are barely remembered while racking up the caps.

the preparation has got to be sound and thorough, just as in business, feedback and debriefi ng are important just as in a big rugby match.

“The best coaches I worked under were Roy Bish and Stan Addicott and they took an interest in every member of the team – the receptionist through to the chairman all have a major part of play just like props, half backs and wings.

“With Thomas Carroll in insurance, health and safety and independent fi nancial advice, there is a lot of interacting between the group services and it is always a group play.

“I am grateful for my rugby experience because I think it has helped me be more successful in business.

“I went into insurance with Ian Brice, who captained Abertillery for years and played for Cardiff and he ran the company in a rugby way

“Eighty per cent of current players will still have to go into business in some kind – that is the harsh reality of it and also there were more characters in my day because we all went to do different jobs in the day so there were lots of great stories around.”

The modern rugby player will fi nish with more money, obviously in the professional era, and possibly more caps but that may not be enough for get through the next thirty years when only a few can fi nd jobs in coaching.

Whereas in Williams' playing days there were several of the star internationals who went into building society work which was booming at that time, companies are on the look out for the business skills of the sportsman.

The new Swansea offi ce of Thomas Carroll is being run by Robert Jones, another of the strong links between the company and sport.

There must be something about the sporting principles working, for Thomas Carroll are the largest insurance brokers in Wales, 37 years old and employing more than 100 people, while gaining national UK awards for their work.

The Sunday Times rated them as the 10th best company to work for in the UK.

“We are heavily involved in cricket and have been for a long time. We also put a signifi cant amount of money to

the Welsh Charitables Trust and we are very happy to do that,” said Williams.

“Rob is a very nice guy and a team player and the other skills we have been talking about.

“In the offi ce there are sporting pictures everywhere – there are some of Gareth Edwards which reminds me of where I am in life!”

Of course Williams is still very heavily involved in rugby as a pundit on S4C, BBC Wales and Real Radio. One of his sons, Lloyd, is coming through the system with Cardiff Blues and Wales Sevens.

“I do envy the players of today for all the time they have to work on their games and the facilities to do it,” said Williams.

“When I was at Cardiff the only time and place that Gareth Davies and I could work on our kicking was under the fl oodlights after training, so we would stay out for an hour or so doing that because we had jobs in the day.

“These boys now are able to perfect their skills, but there is an argument they have too much time to prepare.

“I see the work going in on Lloyd's part and I would encourage him to work as hard as he can and never lose sight of his skills.”

Those are comments which can apply just as much in business as sport – as Williams has found out to his benefi t. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52