Bespoke Communications

13/11/2025

After decades managing elite teams across Rugby Union and Olympic sports, Chris Webb says what stands out most isn’t the titles or trophies — it’s the personal connections.

From seeing players grow up, get married, and welcome kids, to sharing the highs and lows of their careers, Chris reflects on the deep relationships that define true high performance — on and off the field.

🎧 Full episode link in bio.

13/11/2025

With November marking the final (hectic) runway until the annual festive season break and the end of another year, my latest Substack is a mix of party reflections, future planning and my reduced use of AI in my workday.

Plus what I have read, listened to and watched that rates!

📍Link in bio or copy/paste: https://open.substack.com/pub/amberdaines/p/removing-ick-from-major-milestone?r=28ww3u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

11/11/2025

🎙 Life After the Whistle Episode 20

Hailing from the Barrington Coast of NSW, Chris was born into a Stock and Station Agency family where his passion for livestock, the agricultural community, and sport began. He attended boarding school in Sydney and later studied Property Valuation at the University of Queensland Gatton College to pursue his interest in real estate and the rural industry.

Chris practised as a Valuer in the Central West of NSW while pursuing Rugby Union coaching and management, volunteering with regional, state, and national underage teams.

In 1995, when Rugby Union went professional, Chris was offered his first full-time contract as the NSW Waratahs Academy Manager. Leaving a “real job” in property began his journey into full-time sports administration.

His career in Rugby Union covered roles as Team Manager and General Manager for The Waratahs, The Western Force, The Wallabies, The Sunwolves, and Japan’s national team “The Brave Blossoms.”

With growing expertise in High Performance sport, Chris was also appointed High Performance Director of the Australian Equestrian Team within the Olympic Games movement.

Chris’ journey in high-performance sports management explores personal growth, team dynamics, and the importance of culture in achieving excellence. He shares insights from rugby union and Olympic sports, emphasising relationships, mindset, and accountability in high-performance environments.

Over 25 years, he’s led elite programs across three Rugby World Cups, numerous World Championships, and three Olympic Games — Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.

Wanting more family time, Chris founded a boutique High Performance advisory practice. With his experience, network, and drive to help people “get better every day,” he now works with , Rugby Union, Olympic, and Equestrian teams, plus agribusiness and corporate sectors striving for excellence.

🎧 Listen to Episode 20 now — link in bio!

08/11/2025

07/11/2025

I was recently part of an Interfaith Business Panel, and it turned out to be such a meaningful experience.

Instead of the usual surface-level discussions, we had real conversations about how people from different faiths and backgrounds can work together, even when opinions differ.

These days, it can feel hard to have respectful conversations about complex issues, so it was really encouraging to be in a room where people listened and learned from each other.

We’ve agreed to meet quarterly to keep the dialogue going, because real progress happens when the talking leads to action.

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can interfaith or cross-community business spaces become more collaborative and productive, rather than performative?

👇 Let’s keep building bridges through dialogue, not division.

04/11/2025

🎙 Season 3 is here!
We’re kicking things off with Episode 19 of Life After the Whistle — Grit, Resilience and Balance the Keys to Success with NRL Star Billy Peden

Billy Peden is a former professional rugby league player best known for his time with the Newcastle Knights during the foundation years of the NRL club. A tough competitor on the field, Billy built his career around hard work, resilience, and loyalty to his team and community.

Since hanging up his boots, Billy has taken those same values into life after football. He’s carved out a new path away from the stadium lights, navigating the transition from professional sport into everyday life — a journey that comes with its own challenges and lessons.

Billy now shares stories not only from his playing days, memorable games, teammates, and the culture of rugby league in its early years but also from his experiences beyond football. He’s passionate about community, personal growth, and inspiring others to make the most of life after professional sport.

Whether he’s reflecting on the grit it takes to play at the highest level or the resilience needed to redefine yourself afterwards, Billy brings honesty, humour, and heart to every conversation. He also emphasises the importance of mentors and camaraderie in achieving success, reflects on the cutthroat nature of professional sports, the lack of support networks, and shares his journey of resilience and adaptability in both sports and his post-sport career.

🎧 Listen to Episode 19 now — link in bio!

30/10/2025

When you step into an interview, remember this: the journalist is chasing one story — but you have one too. 🎤

The key to strong media performance isn’t choosing between them, it’s knowing how to deliver your message within theirs. That’s where control, clarity, and preparation matter most.

If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.

29/10/2025

When you step into an interview, remember this: the journalist is chasing one story — but you have one too. 🎤

The key to strong media performance isn’t choosing between them, it’s knowing how to deliver your message within theirs. That’s where control, clarity, and preparation matter most.

Because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will.

27/10/2025

Too many brands wait for the “perfect announcement” before putting themselves out there. ⏳

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a press release to build authority. What journalists and audiences value most is expertise. When you show up with insights, data, and clear perspectives, you become the go-to voice in your space.

Think quick quotes, podcast guest spots, LinkedIn thought leadership — these moments add up. Every time you contribute, you’re building visibility and trust.

Stop waiting for the big launch. Start being the expert now.

👉 Save this post for your next PR strategy session.

26/10/2025

Authority isn’t built in one moment — it’s built over time.

Every interview, podcast, panel, or post adds a layer of trust and visibility. The more consistently you show up with value, the more your authority compounds. 📈

It’s not about one big stage. It’s about showing up again and again, until your voice becomes the one people rely on.