He Broke His Neck, Lost His Rugby Career, then Built One of the UK's Fastest Growing Companies | James Laithwaite

<p>Today’s guest is entrepreneur and former rugby league player James Laithwaite.</p><p><br /></p><p>Describing himself as one of rugby league’s ‘unluckiest’ players, James Laithwaite broke the same leg four times, broke his neck - it was the first time his now-wife watched him play - and lost the only career he had ever imagined.</p><p><br /></p><p>At 27, he went from playing professional rugby league in front of tens of thousands to labouring on building sites, with a baby on the way and no fallback plan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Then he and his wife Michelle started meal prep business FuelHub.</p><p><br /></p><p>Their son was born on the day the company launched - James talks about leaving the hospital that morning to deliver its first meals. They later sold everything, emptied their savings and risked it all to keep it alive.</p><p><br /></p><p>Seven years on, FuelHub is one of the fastest growing companies in the UK. It produces around 25,000 meals a week, and works with Team GB, England Rugby, major football clubs, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a brilliant conversation about entrepreneurship, injury, identity, family, obsession and starting again.</p><p><br /></p><p>As ever, if you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe using the button below, or click subscribe wherever you watch or listen to this podcast.</p><p><br /></p><p>Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming giveaway with FuelHub - the best way to find out about it is to follow us on Instagram:</p><p><br /></p><p>Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod</p><p><br /></p><p>Follow James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaithwaite </p><p><br /></p><p>=====</p><p><br /></p><p>Interviews that might just change your life. </p><p><br /></p><p>And if not…? You’ll probably enjoy them anyway.</p><p><br /></p><p>After my younger brother Jordan took his own life, I sold the PR agency I’d spent over a decade building and decided to go all-in on creating something meaningful.</p><p><br /></p><p>This podcast is the result.</p><p><br /></p><p>Project Possible is a podcast about success through adversity. About what's truly possible.</p><p><br /></p><p>Expect famous faces and unsung heroes.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, each episode explores the lives, minds and experiences of extraordinary people from business, sport, entertainment, academia and beyond.</p><p><br /></p><p>Subscribe wherever you watch or listen.</p><p><br /></p><p>=====</p><p><br /></p><p>Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.</p><p><br /></p><p>=====</p><p><br /></p><p>Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rich@richleigh.co</p><p><br /></p><p>More about Project Possible here: https://www.richleigh.co/podcast</p>