Changing job, they say, is one of the most stressful things you can do.
But after more than a decade being screamed at by 70,000 people – while being hunted down by some of the world’s most ferocious athletes – the big switch doesn’t seem too daunting for Jason White.
In fact, the Aberdonian is taking his career change in his giant stride.
At 6ft 5in, the 17-stone utility man led his country with distinction as he amassed 77 international caps.
Now, bosses at energy consultancy firm Xodus hope this mild-mannered giant can use his unrivalled leadership skills to boost their business.
Coping with the stress of carrying a nation’s hopes and expectations on your back is an ability many desire, but few master.
But White hopes he can use his experience in sport to help staff at Xodus be the best they can be.
“A strong work ethic, working towards goals, working in a team effectively – these things are all the same,” he said.
White, who was educated at Cults Academy in Aberdeen and George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, began his playing career with Aberdeen Wanderers and worked his way up the national age group teams.
He played for Glasgow until 2003 before switching to English Premiership side Sale Sharks for six years, and then to ASM Clermont Auvergne for three years before retiring from rugby and moving into business.
As well as representing Scotland, he was part of the 2005 British Lions squad in New Zealand. The following year, he was man of the match when leading Scotland to a famous victory over England in the Calcutta Cup and was named Scotland player of the year.
Xodus Group has appointed White as a business performance coach.
He met Xodus chief executive Colin Manson six years ago when the businessman was looking to work with a rugby player who could help raise the company’s profile. White signed up as sporting ambassador and hasn’t looked back.
He will be based in Edinburgh initially but will spend a lot of time in the other UK offices – including Aberdeen – and plans to visit Xodus’s global offices to meet as many staff as possible and develop a solid understanding of how every part of the company works.
White has been hired to demonstrate the importance of teamwork. He will also be learning about Xodus’s business development and driving a mentoring scheme.
Xodus chief operating officer Steve Swindell said: “Having Jason on board full time will be like welcoming back a long lost friend. During his ambassadorial stint, his intermittent leadership experience and anecdotes were hugely motivational to our staff.”
JASON WHITE: Q&A
Who helped you get where you are today?
I would have to say my wife, Beverley, my parents and a number of others who have believed in me along the way.
What do you hope to achieve in business?
I want to add value to Xodus. I hope to help the individuals within the company and the whole group perform to a higher level. Even if it is only a small increase, that would be great.
What is your greatest business challenge?
Improving my knowledge of the oil and gas industry as a whole. There is so much for me to learn and I want to have a good basic understanding of all the divisions within Xodus.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would work to improve the diets of our children, increase funding to make sport more readily available for all and build more indoor facilities to help keep participation numbers up during the winter months.
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
I would love to go back to the Amalfi Coast in Italy – great food, great weather and some great roads to drive a fast car on.
Do you have any spare time and, if so, what do you do?
Not much at the moment to be honest. If I have any it is spent with my kids or trying to sort out our garden where there are loads of thing to sort out.
What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
I don’t really have enough time to be glued to the TV. I get the Sunday Times every week and I work my way through that during the week.
If you were a character in a TV series or movie, who would you be?
James Bond for a week would be good craic.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Ford S max, perfect for a large family. If I could choose I would go for a Maserati Granturismo.
What would your children (or partner) say about you?
My three girls would probably say that I am the strongest dad in the world as I am often make a joke about needing to be strong to lift them up at the same time. Bev would say that I have a great work ethic but to make sure that I am well fed and rested or else I am a nightmare.
Which charity do you support and why?
Maggie’s Cancer Charity because Bev works for them so I hear first-hand the great work they do and how they can have a big impact on people going through such tough times. I also support the Murrayfield Centenary fund which helps rugby players who have been injured playing. There are unfortunately a large number of players who suffer very serious injuries and can often end up paralysed from playing the game they love.
What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?
I started snowboarding last winter and I would love to have the chance to do that more often. There is also a large list of countries that I would love to get the chance to visit, China, Japan, India…
Recommended for you
