Originally aired: June 2021

Episode Number: 90

Some setbacks hit harder than failure—they hit your identity.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, former professional Rugby Player and Business Consultant Jackson Wray opens up about one of the most difficult moments of his career: the cancelled Barbarians vs. England match, a prestigious opportunity that disappeared overnight after one unexpected decision. What followed was disappointment, public scrutiny, and the heavy weight of feeling he had let people down.

He shares how he worked through the swirl of embarrassment, pressure, and regret, not by shutting down but by having the hard conversations—speaking openly with teammates, coaches, friends, and people he respected. Through honesty, accountability, and time, he slowly rebuilt his confidence and reframed the experience into something he could grow from instead of carry as a burden.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/jacksonwray