**Heaslip: Survival Motivation Pushes Retired Athletes into Business**

Former Ireland and Leinster rugby player Jamie Heaslip has highlighted the necessity for athletes to plan for life after sport, with “survival” as the key motivator. “Rugby can pay very well, but it’s not forever,” Heaslip said. “So, most players need to figure out what comes next.”

**Planning Ahead and Broadening Horizons**

Heaslip, now growth lead at Stripe, spoke at the Trinity Business Summit 25, raising funds for Trinity Access Programme. He emphasized the importance of acquiring new skills and knowledge during one’s sports career to boost chances in business.

**Dabbling in Business: From Angel Investing to Pubs**

Always keen on business, Heaslip started with angel investing before opening pubs with retired teammates under the banner of Grand Slam Bars. “I always wanted to work in a high-growth global company,” he said, admiring the resilience and drive of entrepreneurs.

**The Challenges of Venture Capital**

Heaslip stressed the high stakes and long odds in the venture capital sector. “You need talent, attitude, discipline, and luck to succeed,” he noted.

**Diversity: A Driving Force for Performance and Success**

Prof. Laurent Muzellec, dean of Trinity Business School, weighed in on the importance of diversity, noting its political undertones. “Diversity drives performance and performance drives diversity,” he said, using sports as an apt example.

**Perform, Not Compliment**

Prof. Muzellec dismissed claims that diversity opposes meritocracy. “It’s simply not true and counterproductive,” he countered, highlighting the need for social diversity and inclusion in business.

**The Role of Universities**

Prof. Muzellec believes universities can drive opportunities for underprivileged people in business, as they have made significant progress in diversity and inclusion.

**Event Showcases Athlete-Businessmen**

The Trinity Business Summit 25 featured elite athletes-turned-businessmen. The summit aimed to boost beneficiaries of the Trinity Access Programme, currently standing at 125, for a broader third-level participation.

FAQs

• Q: How can athletes prepare for life after sports?

  A: Heaslip recommends furthering education or acquiring new skills during one’s sports career to build a solid foundation for the future.

• Q: What are the challenges in the venture capital space?

  A: Heaslip highlights the high failure rate and the need for talent, right attitude, discipline, and luck to succeed.

• Q: Why is diversity important in business?

  A: Prof. Muzellec explains that diversity drives performance and that welcoming people from diverse backgrounds boosts business performance.

Did you know?

Jamie Heaslip played rugby at the highest level for Ireland and Leinster, earning 95 caps for his country and winning two Six Nations titles and four Heineken Cups.

**The call for diversity and inclusion in business refuses to fade away. As more athletes like Jamie Heaslip make the leap to the corporate world, their unique perspectives and experiences will undoubtedly enrich the business landscape. To stay updated on how athletes are reshaping business, follow our coverage on 247Sports.News.**