Career transitions can often be challenging, requiring a shift in mindset, skillset, and sometimes even lifestyle. Tony Underwood is no stranger to navigating these challenges.
As a former professional Rugby Union player with international caps for England and the British Lions, Tony has made a name for himself not just in sports but also in aviation and beyond. His journey from the rugby field to the cockpit of an Airbus A380, and now to coaching and consulting, provides invaluable lessons on adapting to change, finding purpose, and becoming the best version of oneself.
Tony’s career journey began in the financial sector as a trainee broker before he made a bold shift to professional sport.
“When you’re doing something as a hobby, it’s a completely different mindset than when you’re doing it as a profession,” Tony reflects.
After a successful rugby career, Tony made another significant pivot—into aviation. He became a commercial pilot, flying with EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic before eventually captaining the A380 aircraft for Emirates Airlines in Dubai.
However, like many others, Tony’s career faced an unexpected turn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Made redundant from his role at Emirates, Tony chose not to return, citing a desire for excellence and fulfilment that he felt was lacking in his previous roles.
“I wasn’t having it fulfilled in that career or at least at that airline,” Tony explains.
This decision marked another career transition for Tony, this time towards entrepreneurship and social value consultancy.
Throughout his diverse career, Tony identifies a common thread: the importance of relationships and the ability to bring out the best in oneself and others.
“What has helped me in each of these transitions is the awareness of the importance of relationships and how you get the best out of yourself and others,” Tony says.
He argues that technical skills often take precedence in the professional world, but it is interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence that truly drive success.
Tony’s mentor Steve Black once introduced him to an acronym that has stuck with him throughout his career: HOPE – Help Other People Excel. This simple yet profound philosophy has guided Tony in his various roles, from the rugby pitch to the cockpit and now in his work as a social value consultant and mentor.
He believes that creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered is crucial, whether in sports, aviation, or any other field.
“In sport, it’s about winning or losing; in aviation, it’s about life and death,” Tony notes. “In both fields, the ability to work well as a team under pressure is crucial.”
He emphasises that this same teamwork and camaraderie can be fostered in any workplace to achieve high performance and resilience, especially when things go wrong.
Transitioning into civilian life or a different career sector can be particularly challenging for those accustomed to high-performance environments. Tony points out that in the military and sports, there is a clear sense of purpose and a culture that demands the best from everyone involved.
“In the military, you are fighting for the person next to you, just as in sports you are playing for your teammates,” Tony explains.
However, this sense of purpose and teamwork is not always present in the civilian world.
“In many corporate environments, the focus tends to be more on individual technical skills rather than on building strong, cohesive teams,” Tony observes.
This shift can be jarring for those used to operating in a collective, high-stakes environment where collaboration is crucial.
Tony advises those making such transitions to remain true to themselves and the unique skills they bring from their previous experiences.
“Your ability to create an environment of trust and safety, to talk openly about failures, and to constantly seek improvement, is your superpower,” Tony asserts.
He encourages people to find or create environments that value these skills and allow them to flourish.
Tony’s journey also underscores the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in finding one’s purpose.
“Understanding your motivations and how they align with the environment you are in is key to thriving in any career,” Tony says.
He acknowledges that this process is ongoing and that one’s purpose can evolve over time based on new experiences and insights.
Tony’s varied career path has required him to be agile and adaptable, skills that he believes are crucial for anyone facing a career transition. Whether in a corporate job, a freelance role, or an entrepreneurial venture, Tony stresses the importance of being flexible and willing to learn.
“Every environment is different, and you need to be able to adjust your approach accordingly,” he advises.
This adaptability also involves being able to operate differently depending on the context.
“I don’t behave the same way in a changing room as I do at home,” Tony points out.
He emphasises the need for agility in communication and interaction styles depending on the situation and the people involved.
Tony Underwood’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth and learning. His insights on career transitions and self-optimisation are valuable for anyone looking to maximise their potential, regardless of their career stage or industry.
To hear more insights from Tony and learn practical strategies for navigating career changes, join our two-day Career Compass course at the iconic London Stock Exchange boardroom. This programme is designed to help you make informed career decisions and understand the interplay between the government, private, public, and third sectors, as well as volunteering.