Episode 11 - The Influence Scrum with Petrece Kesha

When community comes before trophies, culture becomes unstoppable—so what sustains unwavering loyalty when the wins don’t come?

What happens when elite athletes step out of the spotlight and into a new chapter of life? In this episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with Petrece Kesha, a trailblazer with 16 years of executive leadership at New Zealand’s beloved rugby league team, the Warriors. From her early days in sales to shaping the culture and community of one of NZ’s most iconic sports organizations, Petrece Kesha shares her insights on building high-performing teams, fostering connection, and leading with integrity.

Hear about her journey from cold calling to community leadership, the creation of the Warriors’ women’s team, and how she helped keep the spirit of the game—and its community—alive during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also explores the vital transition athletes face after their sporting careers, and the lessons all leaders can take from that reinvention.

Whether you’re a business leader, sports enthusiast, or just love stories about purpose, resilience, and connection, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways on leadership, identity, and influence beyond the scoreboard. Plus, hear family stories, legendary rugby tales, and why “revenue is a result of connection.”

Subscribe, listen, and get ready to close the gap between your intention and your impact!