Ep. 10 | Jamie Cartwright - From Pro Football to Life Lessons from a Grassroots Hero

In this episode of The Brilliant Humans Podcast, Jonathan Griffiths talks with Jamie Cartwright, a former professional footballer, Ironman competitor, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, dad, husband, and passionate mental-health advocate.

From gritty football pitches to gruelling endurance events and the intense challenge of appearing on Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins, Jamie has lived a life shaped by ambition, adversity, and transformation.

But the person he credits with changing everything? A humble grassroots-club chairman named Bob Bowers. As a 10-year-old Jamie joined Bob’s local football club, where he wasn’t just the boss - he filled the roles of coach, tea-server, maintenance man, and supporter, building community with grit, generosity, and authenticity.

Through Bob’s quiet leadership, teaching Jamie to own failure, show up for others, and flip the traditional hierarchy on its head, Jamie learned the fundamentals of resilience, humility, and real leadership. Years later, when football ended and life felt uncertain, it was Bob who helped him reorient, rebuild, and carve a new path.

This episode explores:

• What it really takes to turn raw talent into success and how the right mentor can make all the difference
• How failure, heartbreak and identity loss can lead to reinvention
• Why authentic, humble leadership and community-minded values matter more than fame or fortune
• How to build a “giving-first” mindset and why giving back can be your greatest strength
  

The Brilliant Humans Podcast honours the unsung heroes - the people who quietly shape lives, communities and values.