Darren Coote BA(Hons) MACostE on LinkedIn: Well said Steven Caulker and here’s looking forward to the Semi-Final… (2024)

🏉 Reflecting on a Thrilling Six Nations Finale: Lessons in Resilience and Teamwork 🏉As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of competitive rugby firsthand, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the recent electrifying Six Nations clash between France and England, and the challenges we face in the professional world.In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, France's fly-half Thomas Ramos showcased incredible composure by kicking a dramatic late penalty to secure a 33-31 victory over England. This win not only clinched second place for France but also highlighted the importance of resilience, precision, and teamwork in achieving success.The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and vulnerability. France's ability to regroup and refocus, especially after a sluggish tournament start and last year's World Cup disappointment, speaks volumes about their mental strength and collective resolve. Similarly, in our fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, the ability to stay composed under pressure, adapt to changing circ*mstances, and leverage the collective strength of our team is crucial.Moreover, the introduction of fresh faces from the bench, who injected new energy and momentum into the French side, underscores the value of diversity and fresh perspectives in overcoming challenges. At Expleo Group, we continually strive to foster an environment where diverse talents and ideas can flourish, driving innovation and excellence.This match also served as a reminder that success is never a solo effort. Just as Ramos' winning kick was the culmination of a team's collective effort, every milestone we achieve at Expleo is the result of our collaborative spirit, shared goals, and unwavering support for one another.As we move forward, let's take inspiration from the grit and determination shown on the rugby field and apply these lessons to our professional lives. Together, we can tackle any challenge, adapt to any change, and achieve our goals with confidence and teamwork.https://lnkd.in/gWHy6K4M

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Quick book recommendation and plug for Matt Roller- who has recently released his excellent first book White Hot: The Inside Story of England Cricket's Double World Champions.Charting England Cricket's rise from also-rans to pioneers of the white-ball game, it is a brilliant behind-the-scenes account of arguably the most dominant national team in the history of English sport. It also acts as a real-life case study in how sporting organisations can create, articulate and implement a successful long-term strategy; it highlights how embracing a culture of innovation and inclusivity can help to build a dynamic and adaptable team that is greater than the sum of its parts; and it neatly illustrates just how much luck is ultimately required in elite sport - therefore serving as a reminder that, despite the external fixation on short-term results and outcomes, sustainable success is most often founded on long-term, principle-based processes. Would thoroughly, thoroughly recommend.

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How is this British America's Cup challenge different?https://lnkd.in/eAQ8kMKq'We feel on the back foot, but that's good for us....''A few things didn't go our way in the last Cup...it was a painful pill to swallow....''We're all concerned about the conditions in Barcelona....'INEOS Britannia skipper Sir Ben Ainslie and Operations Director Dave Endean talk candidly and exclusively to Matt Sheahan about how this challenge differs from the last Cup attempt down in Auckland.There is little doubt that on the technical front, the 37th America's Cup is the most challenging anyone can remember. Design teams are having to get their heads around having just one shot at the AC75 that will be used once the points start to count while taking their cues from the 12m development boat. Meanwhile, the crews hare having to get to grips with the AC40 as well as the SailGP F50. As a result it's a pretty complex Cup when it comes to team management too.For those, including the British who have chosen to take part in SailGP as well as the racing in the AC40 one designs there is nowhere to hide when things go wrong. The bottom line is that you need to be thick skinned as well as talented in this Cup, traits that clearly haven't escaped the attention of Ainslie and Endean.Filmed during the Preliminary regatta in Vilanova it's a fascinating insight into just how complex this Cup cycle is along with how the British team is taking it on.#americascup #AC37 #AC40 #ineos #ineosbritannia #BenAinslie

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Rugby: the Goldilocks zone?Following the France Uruguay game the same question comes to mind: why does the ball seem to fly so far from dead ball kicks in this Rugby World Cup?The speed strength skill of the kickers may be little changed, perhaps for decades. So why ?The Times offers three suggestions: the fact that the balls may be kicked in, the abrasive surface designed to facilitate grip reduced. The fact that the huge stadia do much to diminish the adverse impact of wind. And last the relative high temperature (apparently neither too hot nor too cold?) which it is suggested diminishes air resistance. None of which of course is to reduce the role played by those to whom the responsibility to kick falls, sometimes from the most awkward of angles where penalties are awarded or where tries are scored just inside the touch line. Distance and accuracy in flight are two things, from dead balls. But, whilst the ball is in play, the possession of mind in placing drop kicks in the heat of the battle, or crossfield kicks to score tries on the wings still seems most remarkable.

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For those of us working in the complex work that is data centre or logistics provision this is a great piece by a great man and so well with a read.In our projects no one person can do everything so for a great project to succeed everyone needs to work together as a team.#datacentres#logistics#planning#economicdevelopment#projectmanagement#rtpi

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🔴 The Supercomputer has spoken. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England is the most likely #champion of Euro 2024, with Poland only having a 0.8% chance of winning.According to the #Opta Supercomputer, England (19.9%) is the current favorite to win Euro 2024. Despite never having won the Euros and suffering a heartbreaking loss to Italy in the previous final, the model predicts they have the best chance of winning this year. The most likely team to challenge #England is 🇫🇷 #France (19.1%), who previously defeated the Three Lions in Qatar and have competed in the last two World Cup finals. Host 🇩🇪 #Germany (12.4%), along with 🇪🇸 #Spain (9.6%) and 🇵🇹 #Portugal (9.2%), are also considered strong contenders for the championship. It might be a tougher road for the 🇳🇱 #Netherlands (5.1%), defending champions 🇮🇹 #Italy (5.0%) and 🇧🇪 #Belgium (4.7%)💵 I feel like I'm going to get rich after Euro 2024. The calculations don't give #Poland much of a chance, even to advance from the group (vs. 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇫🇷 France – 41.8% chance that Poland will finish last).Hey, supercomputer. You're so wrong. At least, I hope so.source: Opta

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Spain 29 - 39 CroatiaAmazing win💪💪🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷- Biggest defeat of Spain in a championship since the World Championship 2009. In Croatia. Versus Croatia. Spain 22-32 Croatia- Biggest defeat ever for Spain in the European Championship history(former record -8 vs France in 1996 + 2006)- Most goals ever conceded by Spain in the European Championship history (former record 36 vs. Russia in 2004)- Most goals ever scored by Croatia in the European Championship(former record 38 vs. Ukraine in 2022)

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A memory popped up on my phone this morning reminding me of the grind behind the glory. With the right mindset, and a little self confidence, anyone can get to where they want to go. At 18, I was a rugby player, albeit slightly overweight and with heavy dose of naivety, for Newcastle Uni fourth team. Fast forward 10 years and I'm captaining an England semi-pro side with an incredible 20 out of 21 test wins. That ain't just luck; it is the power of determination and self-belief.This is the highest achievement of any semi pro rugby player (aka having a day job!) and was a path forged through sheer will, hard work, and a refusal to be anything but fully committed.I didnt set out for this end goal, I just loved playing rugby and wanted to better my craft. I'm a stubborn arse, it may take me a while to be convinced on certain things, but when I am my focus becomes laser-sharp to completing the task. This snapshot in time, against France Federale, serves not just as a memory, but as an emblem of the grind behind the glory. The countless hours of training, the mental battles, the physical exhaustion, and the moments of self-doubt – all are invisible in the shadow of success, but they are the true architects of your triumph.It's clear that the right mindset isn't just a small part of the equation – it's the foundation upon which every victory is built. A little self-confidence can indeed go a long way, guiding you in the right direction, towards accolades that many dream of.My playing days are over but i'm still as stubborn as ever 😉

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Dogged Determination?Rugby World Cup France 2023 I posted about this recently after their wins against France, England and now New Zealand.Whilst carrying some mixed sense of relief, joy and frustration at the way the game went, the red card and some of the silly unforced errors, on both sides, we can take nothing away from the steely determination, abundant courage, team trust and self-belief displayed by South Africa, throughout this tournament. I wonder what specifically it takes to create this level of determination in organisations? I’d be curious to know what my learned colleague Friederike Fabritius might say about human behaviour, the human brain and human mindset in situations like these? When it seemingly feels like you’ve “lost your grip”, or you think you “can’t find a way out”, the truth is, there is always an option; we just need to stay calm, breathe, trust our instincts, skills and courage, open our eyes and ask ourselves;“What can we do in this moment to ‘change the game’, and create the outcome we deserve?”Perhaps this or something similar is what many of the Springbok SPRINGBOKS VS ALL BLACKS LIVE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 GRAND FINAL side asked of themselves at various intervals during yesterdays game?What question might you ask of yourself when faced with a similar challenge? Please share your reflections and self-questions for others to consider. Many congratulations to the “Bokke”. Be proud, no matter what the cynics, naysayers and “armchair-warriors” might be spouting…..4 times RWC champions in fewer World Cup attendance than the other top tier nations and now back to back winners. Gotta admire that no matter who you support. Commiserations @NewZealandRugby - in my opinion your team played well and a difficult red card made it harder, despite the try when one man down. Good effort and determination.Be proud…. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻#proud #determination #mindset #choice #belief #trust

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