I’ve known Alex Payne for well over a decade. We worked together covering rugby at Sky Sports and have both presented Sky Sports News. But this a man who wears many hats and seems to do very well whichever one he’s sporting that moment.
Alex still does ad hoc rugby presenting on TV - most recently The Lions tour of Australia for Sky - but is arguably better known for hosting the hugely successful podcast - The Good, The Bad and The Rugby: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LJJ9KUF4aAjcSPimyKfp3?si=29cc3e61ecff432d
Alex and his pod buddies, England legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell, have created a gin - the proceeds of which help grassroots rugby and research into injury prevention and care: https://blackeyegin.co.uk
Even that’s not enough to sate his appetite for work though! Alex has also helped build a tech business that pairs social media influencers with brands: https://www.theinfluenceroom.com.
But Alex in his very candid way admits he doesn't really use social media because it distracts him from his many jobs. He doesn't have the apps on his phone.
I loved this conversation, in large part due to Alex’s openness and willingness to chat about the complexities and contradictions of the world that's in front of us. I do find it very interesting that most of the successful people I know don’t spend time scrolling on social media. I think kicking that vice will be big for me. How about you?
One thing’s for sure - as I too navigate the early steps of a similar path away from full-time broadcasting - Alex’s example is an inspiring one. I’m just not sure how he keeps all the balls in the air.
Let me know what you think of this conversation.
Go well and keep moving, Teddy
