Earlier this year, I had the privilege of delivering a fully-tailored offsite for the Penrith Panthers—one of Australia’s most successful sporting teams. The camp was packed with challenges designed to stretch them physically, mentally, and collectively as a team.
But here’s the truth: I wasn’t just there to facilitate. I was also learning. Watching how the Panthers approached every challenge gave me a front-row seat to the mindset and culture that underpins their success.
Here are the final lessons I took away—powerful codes that apply just as much in business as they do in elite sport:
Lesson 11: No Shortcuts
At camp, every task had to be completed to the highest standard. No cutting corners, no “near enough is good enough.” Whether it was a physical challenge or a team exercise, the Panthers understood that how you do one thing is how you do everything.
In business, the same applies. Shortcuts might save you time in the moment, but they erode trust and culture over time. High-performing professionals commit to doing the small things well—because that’s what compounds into big wins.
Lesson 12: Presence Over Distraction
One of the things that struck me most was how present the players were. Phones down, full attention on the task or the teammate in front of them. In a world where distraction is the norm, their ability to give 100% of their focus was a competitive advantage.
In the workplace, being present communicates respect and intent. It signals to colleagues: “You matter. This matters.” Presence sharpens decision-making, improves collaboration, and allows you to perform at your true potential.
Lesson 13: Trusting the Process
For many, abseiling was a completely new experience. In unfamiliar situations, people often second-guess themselves or hesitate due to self-doubt. But when the time came, every player put their trust in the system and followed through.
That ability to trust the process, even in uncertain situations, is a valuable lesson that translates directly to the game—and to business. Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion; you fall back on the preparation, systems, and habits you’ve built.
Lesson 14: Staying Calm Under Pressure
One of my favourite activities at camp is the “Antarctic Tent Build Challenge.” It’s designed to simulate pressure and chaos—timed, confusing, and full of curveballs. During the tent setup activity, I deliberately tried to create a sense of urgency to see how the team would respond.
While most other groups I run this activity with tend to get flustered, the Panthers stayed composed. Nathan’s group was behind, and when I pointed it out, he calmly responded, “No worries. We’ll catch them up.”
That level of confidence and control reminded me of how the team approached the final moments of the 2023 Grand Final—focused only on what they could control. In business, that same calm under pressure allows leaders and teams to keep clarity when the stakes are high.
Lesson 15: In the Trenches Mentality
Finally, one of the most powerful lessons: the Panthers’ head coach, Ivan Cleary, wasn’t on the sidelines. He was with his men—on the cliffs, on the buses, in the dirt. Shoulder-to-shoulder. In the trenches.
That’s leadership. In the corporate world, it’s not enough to direct from an ivory tower. High-performing leaders show they’re willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work alongside their people. That shared experience builds respect, loyalty, and a culture of accountability.
Unlocking The Success Code
When Ivan Cleary called me, he wasn’t chasing just another premiership. He was chasing legacy. Dynasty.
And after days in the Blue Mountains with his squad, I saw why the Panthers are on track to achieve it. Because greatness isn’t luck—it’s culture. It’s trust and delegation. Accountability. Leading from the front. It’s humility. Vulnerability. Discipline under pressure. It’s presence. Clarity. Connection. It’s leaders in the trenches, never above.
The Lesson: Success Leaves Clues
Working alongside the Panthers reminded me of a timeless truth: success isn’t built on talent alone. It’s built on principles. The lessons I observed—no shortcuts, presence, process, composure, and shared struggle—are the same codes that drive elite performance in sport, business, and life.
Why It Matters in Business
You may never strap on boots for an NRL grand final. But you are leading your own team. And the principles are the same. Culture wins. Leadership inspires. Humility grounds. Discipline sustains.
When you embed these lessons into your daily practice, you don’t just build a high-performing team—you build resilience, culture, and legacy.
Your Next Step
Pick one lesson from this series. Just one. Apply it this week. Because dynasties aren’t built in a day. They’re built decision by decision, action by action.
This is the Success Code. And it’s yours to unlock.
