Tough Men Need Empathy | Filo Tiatia

What does it really take to build culture in professional rugby?

This week on the Coaching Culture Podcast, Ben Herring sits down with Dragons RFC head coach Filo Tiatia for one of the most honest conversations yet around leadership, coaching, identity, pressure, empathy and high performance environments.

From growing up in a strong Samoan household in New Zealand, to playing for the Hurricanes, the All Blacks, Japan and Ospreys, before coaching across Super Rugby, Japan Rugby and now Welsh rugby with Dragons RFC, Filo shares the lessons that shaped him as both a man and a coach.

This episode dives deep into:
• Rugby culture and leadership
• Coaching with edge and empathy
• The pressure of professional rugby coaching
• Welsh rugby and Dragons RFC
• Building high performance environments
• Why player-led teams matter
• The importance of identity and belonging
• Feedback, ego and learning
• Mental toughness in rugby
• The realities of coaching in Wales

Filo also opens up on:
“I don’t want you to think… I want you to run through a brick wall.”

And:
“My ego didn’t allow me to learn.”

If you’re a rugby coach, player, leader, teacher, parent or someone interested in culture and human performance, this one is packed with insight.

Please visit my website to get more information: coachingculture.com.au

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✅ About Coaching Culture with Ben Herring.

Welcome to Coaching Culture, where I host candid conversations with top rugby coaches and leaders from across industries to explore what it truly takes to build lasting, high-performing cultures. In each episode, we go beyond strategy to discuss trust, leadership, emotional intelligence, and the values that drive long-term success. From international rugby to grassroots sport, I aim to offer insights that will inspire and educate coaches and leaders everywhere.

My focus is on the cultural side of coaching – how to connect with people, deliver impactful messages, and create environments that foster growth. Whether you’re a rugby coach or a business leader, you’ll find valuable lessons. Join me to learn how we coach, lead, and create high-performance environments.

🔔 If you're looking for coaching & leadership skills, hit ! Stay tuned for candid conversations, expert insights, strategies, & inspiring stories.
youtube.com/@CoachingCulture
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