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  • Published: 29 November 2022
  • ISBN: 9780753558782
  • Imprint: Virgin Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $30.00

World Class

How to Lead, Learn and Grow like a Champion




What elite sport can teach us about high performance leadership, from World Cup winner Will Greenwood, and leading executive Ben Fennell


What gives the world's best leaders the edge?

Will Greenwood is best known for being an integral part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team. Ben Fennell has spent over 16 years helping the world's biggest businesses and brands grow. Together, they have established that world-class performance - in both business and sport - requires a fresh approach, and a new set of behaviours.

Having spoken to inspirational leaders across all areas of business and sport, including Michael Johnson, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Rio Ferdinand, Dame Carolyn McCall, Dave Lewis and Sir Clive Woodward, the authors have identified the key characteristics of world-class performance. These guiding principles of celebrating difference, forging togetherness and accelerating growth constitute a new framework for modern leadership.

Packed with insightful personal stories, and often painfully learnt lessons, Will and Ben offer a new playbook for world-class leadership, learning and growth.

  • Published: 29 November 2022
  • ISBN: 9780753558782
  • Imprint: Virgin Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $30.00

About the authors

Will Greenwood

Will Greenwood is an international rugby star who has 52 caps, and has scored 30 test tries. He is a graduate of Economics from Durham University and currently plays for NEC Harlequins. He lives in South West London with his wife and their son Archie.

Praise for World Class

It's incredible to see how modern leadership mantras - high ambition, fused diversity, constant learning - have been at the centre of the highest performing sports teams for decades. Beautifully synthesised by Will and Ben, these lessons from the very best are gold for anyone who shares their belief that 'nothing beats winning together'.

Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever

This is not just a great sports book, or a great business book, it's a great book about sport and business. I've known Will and Ben for a long time and they are two of the sharpest minds around. This is an essential read for anyone who wants to lead and win.

Sir Clive Woodward

Completely fascinating

Chris Evans