Tackling High-Profile People: How I Do It

When I first started playing rugby, I was in my early thirties—quite late to be picking up the sport, but determined, nonetheless. I remember one coach who gave me advice that, at the time, seemed rather peculiar. She said, "Hannah, when you're out on that field, don’t think about who’s in front of you. Imagine they’re just blobs—faceless shapes. Run at them, run past them, and don’t even think twice."

It was an odd metaphor, but it’s one that’s stuck with me throughout my life, especially in my career. You see, working with high-profile individuals can sometimes feel like facing a line of formidable opponents on the rugby field. It’s easy to be intimidated, but my experiences—both on the field and in life—have taught me that these people, no matter how accomplished, are just like us. They’re regular individuals who value authenticity, intelligence, and genuine connections.

These people, no matter how accomplished, are just like us. They’re regular individuals who value authenticity, intelligence, and genuine connections.

Stripping Away the Pedestal

In rugby, the moment you hesitate because you’re overthinking who’s in front of you, you’re likely to be tackled. The same is true when dealing with high-profile people. If you put them on a pedestal, viewing them as larger than life, you lose your ability to truly connect with them. You stop being yourself, and in doing so, you diminish the potential for a meaningful relationship.

Just as I learned to see my rugby opponents as "blobs," I’ve come to approach high-profile individuals as people—people with their own fears, insecurities, and needs, just like anyone else. Yes, they may have impressive achievements, but at the core, they are human. They appreciate working with those who are authentic and clever, rather than those who are overly reverent or intimidated.

Authenticity Is the Key

Throughout my career as a sports publicist and PR specialist, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most well-known figures in the industry. What I’ve discovered is that authenticity is the key to building strong, lasting relationships with them. High-profile individuals aren’t looking for people who will simply agree with them or who are awestruck by their status. They want to work with those who are genuine, insightful, and capable of adding value to their lives and careers.

By being myself—bringing all of my experiences, insights, and personality to the table—I’ve been able to forge connections that go beyond the superficial. These relationships are grounded in mutual respect and understanding, allowing both parties to collaborate and succeed together.

The Power of Not Being Intimidated

Looking back, I realize that my childhood experiences, where I had to navigate emotional challenges, have played a significant role in shaping my approach to working with high-profile individuals. When you’ve faced and overcome difficult situations, you develop a resilience that makes you less likely to be intimidated by others. You learn that no one, regardless of their power or influence, is infallible.

This perspective has allowed me to approach every interaction with confidence, knowing that the person across the table is just another human being. This mindset has been invaluable in helping me engage with high-profile individuals on an equal footing, allowing for honest and effective collaboration.

Building Genuine Relationships

If more of us adopted this approach—seeing people for who they truly are rather than placing them on a pedestal—I believe we would all build stronger, more genuine relationships. High-profile individuals are often surrounded by people who are either intimidated by them or seeking to gain something from them. When you approach them with authenticity, free from intimidation, you stand out as someone they can trust and want to work with.

So, the next time you find yourself working with a high-profile individual, remember my coach’s advice: treat them like blobs on the rugby field. Not in a dehumanizing way, but as a way to strip away the unnecessary layers of awe and intimidation. Engage with them sincerely, treat them as equals, and you’ll find that these relationships can flourish in ways you never imagined.

In the end, it’s not about who you’re working with, but how you approach the relationship. Authenticity, confidence, and the ability to see people for who they truly are—that’s what makes all the difference, both on the rugby field and in life.