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The High Performance Podcast

The World-Class Coach Leading with Humility, Trust and Belief | Johann van Graan

The High Performance Podcast

High Performance

Sports, Self-improvement, Mindset, Growth Mindset, Health & Fitness, Non-negotiables, Education, Life Lessons, High Performance

4.84.7K Ratings

🗓️ 22 October 2025

⏱️ 48 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q


Step inside the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures, Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan. In this special deep dive into his Essential Habits, Johann reveals the unique system he uses to stay grounded, lead with clarity, and achieve world-class results, from the Springboks and Munster to transforming Bath Rugby.


This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, where Johann shares:


  • The Notebook Habit: Why he carries a notebook everywhere and must 'Think in Ink' writing his thoughts down hourly for reflection, clarity, and decision-making.
  • Stillness in the Storm: His foundational habit of beginning every morning with a moment of stillness to manage stress and stay calm in chaos.
  • Unshakeable Trust: How he surrounds himself with a small circle of six mentors who are mandated to "always tell me the truth" even when he doesn't want to hear it.
  • The Blueprint for Unmissable: The simple principle that "Rugby is what we do, it's not who we are," and his relentless drive to "become unmissable" by doing the things others aren't prepared to do.


Before every game, Johann takes time to replay his week, not tactics or strategy, but interactions. He asks himself: Did I listen enough? Did I lift someone today? Did I stay true to my values? It’s a simple practice, but one that shapes everything about how he leads.


This is a rare and special look inside the mind of a top-level head coach.




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Transcript

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0:00.0

unlock your next dose of inspiration early on the high performance app.

0:03.8

Available now is our latest episode with Motorsport Trailblazer

0:07.5

and managing director of F1 Academy, Susie Wolfe.

0:13.5

Welcome to the essential habits of high performance.

0:17.5

Today's episode is something really special

0:19.6

because this time we're not just focusing on one habit.

0:22.9

What we're going to do instead is take a deep dive into a series of essential habits

0:26.7

as practiced by Johann Van Graham.

0:29.8

Now if you know Johann, you'll know that he's one of the world's most respected coaches in rugby.

0:34.9

He's been part of the setup at the springbox, the bulls in South Africa,

0:39.5

through to Munster, and he's now setting about transforming Bath Rugby. So he's the head coach

0:44.6

that ended a 29-year trophy drought. But what stood out to me in this fascinating,

0:51.4

engaging and beguiling conversation was the clarity and consistency of how

0:55.9

Johann lives his life. If you've ever seen Johann, you'll have noticed that he carries with him

1:01.1

a notebook everywhere he goes. What he explains to us is what he writes in it and more importantly

1:07.5

how it helps him. You'll hear him talk about the habit of how he begins

1:11.9

every morning with a moment of stillness. And then finally, how he strives to do the things

1:17.5

others aren't willing to do. He'll discuss how he stays calm in chaos, surrounds himself with

1:23.3

truth tellers, not time tellers, and how he puts other people first at home and at work.

1:30.8

Above all, though, you're going to hear someone who doesn't just talk about values.

1:34.8

You're going to hear somebody that actually lives them, daily, quietly, and with a huge

1:41.0

amount of impact.

...

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