[EP 11] Raelene Castle - CEO of Rugby Australia on Leadership, Diversity, and Resilience
In this episode Ryan interviews Raelene Castle, CEO of Rugby Australia. Raelene shares her journey, where it began, and what she’s achieved along the way including becoming the first female CEO of a NRL club. Working in an industry heavily dominated by men, Raelene shares the many challenges and adversity she’s faced.
Her story begins at early childhood, to eventually working with the likes of Xerox, Bank of New Zealand, and Telecom. She then transitioned from big corporates to sporting organisations, becoming CEO of Netball NZ, followed by a move to Australia with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and now CEO of Rugby Australia.
Raelene shares insights on:
Her earlier career. How it began with a strong corporate career before moving into commercial sporting roles
Childhood experiences and how they shaped her into the person she is today
How she has developed resilience
The importance of culture and how she ensures a strong culture as CEO
First experiences in Australia and being the CEO at Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Proudest achievement commercialising of Netball NZ and taking it to a place where female athletes could make a living
Her experience of being a woman in a heavily male dominated industry and gender issues in leadership roles
Dealing with social media and bullying
The challenge of Alopecia and what it has taught her
What matters most in her life
Areas for growth related to a personal goal and a business leadership goal
The one thing that really makes a difference as a leader
