Hello friends 👋

Reuben here.

Today marks a big moment for SportsGrad.

We’re back for our 6th year on the podcast… and I have a new host to introduce you to.

After nearly a decade of building SportsGrad from the ground up, it feels like the right time for the show, and the business, to evolve. That means a new voice in the chair for 2026. But before I reveal who it is and pass on the baton, it’s time to take stock and tell the tale of how we got here!

In this episode, I share the full, behind-the-scenes story of building SportsGrad since 2017, the highs, the lows, the chaotic moments, and the lessons that shaped where we are today.

This isn’t the end of my involvement, far from it. I’ll still be deeply involved in SportsGrad, but I’m stepping away from hosting to focus more of my energy on growing the Program and the advocacy work I feel called to pursue.

If you’ve ever been part of this journey, whether from day one or somewhere along the way, I’m incredibly grateful for you.

Scroll down for all the details and links.

Enjoy the episode. It’s a special one.

Reuben

🎙️ #340: The SportsGrad Story with Reuben Williams

Meet Reuben Williams, you know him pretty well as the Founder of SportsGrad, but you haven't heard the roller-coaster journey that it took him to get here.

For the first time, Reuben shares his entrepreneurship baptism by fire, that has been building the business of SportsGrad. From not releasing the first ever industry interview conducted in a hostel in San Diego in 2017, to being made redundant and launching at #1 on the 'Careers' podcast charts, to accepting external investment, to quitting the company, buying it back, and almost running out of money several times whilst navigating a 6 year case to seek justice for sexual assault... this era has been, a LOT.

Now, it's time to evolve again. We breakdown why he’s stepping back from the podcast and who will be replacing him, his advocacy work, lessons in life and entrepreneurship, and future plans for both himself and SportsGrad.

So if you're keen to know about the origins and ongoings of SportsGrad, this is the episode for you.

We cover:

(09:37): Interview begins

(10:31): Quickfire questions

(16:52): Why is Reuben stepping away from the Podcast?

(21:02): The moment he knew it was time to move on

(26:39): The origins of SportsGrad as a YouTube channel in 2017

(43:52): Why Reuben quit SportsGrad after taking on external investment

(50:30): The biggest challenge of quitting SportsGrad to regaining ownership

(55:29): How the SportsGrad Method Program was developed

(01:07:40): What does the next 5-10 years look like?

(01:14:57): What’s next for Reuben in the advocacy space?

(01:17:53): How Reuben has changed as a person along the journey

(01:26:50): Biggest pinch me moment

(01:30:03): Advice to younger self

(01:34:22): Top lessons from the journey building SportsGrad

(01:36:57): How Reuben wants to be remembered

If you like this ep, give these a go next:

#338: From the AFL, to Cricket NT CEO at 29, to Executive GM at Cricket Australia with Joel Morrison

#309: How I landed my dream job at Cricket Australia | Reuben Williams, Founder of SportsGrad

#181: Nathan Perrone (Western United FC) - The blueprint trajectory into sport

Thanks for listening, much love!