Human 36: Laurie Fisher

Professional Rugby Coach

Laurie Fisher was born, raised and keeps returning to Canberra. Before starting his coaching career, he completed a Bachelor of Arts (double major in modern history), a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Education. He worked as a Physical Education Teacher for a decade, in Residential Athlete Welfare at the AIS for 6 years, and has spent the past 22 years becoming one of the most respected professional rugby coaches on the planet. Lord has led Munster in Ireland, Gloucester in England, and has been part of the fabric of the ACT Brumbies since beginning his coaching career at the club in 2000.

I have been coached by Laurie and have coached along side him, so I am in a good position to tell you that he is the most passionate, dedicated and thorough coach I know. More importantly, he is a genuinely good human being with the capacity to truly connect with people… “I am dedicated to being a positive influence in my corner of the world. I love a beer, a fish, a hit of golf, a game of footy and, most importantly, time with my family.”

Laurie is a human mammal. Here are his thoughts:

What brings you the most joy in life?

Seeing the goodness in my children.

What does success mean to you?

Having a positive influence every day in all my interactions with my fellow human beings.

What do you see as your greatest achievement?

Being respected for who I am, how I conduct myself, and what I have achieved this far in my life.

What are you most grateful for?

For being afforded opportunities in life by the people closest to me (parents, wife, children).

What is something most people don’t know about you?

My life is driven by introspection.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your life?

The environment and culture I’ve been raised in.

What do you regret?

I regret over thinking things. To be impulsive and take others along for the ride is something I would like to have come naturally.

Has there been a defining moment in your life? Can you tell us about it?

No, my life has been more of a slow burn. Steady progress with few hiccups as a result of application and work ethic.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From early secondary school I held an ambition to be a teacher. I taught at high school for a decade and have been teaching in rugby for the past 20 or so years.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Embrace others more readily.

What is the most important thing we can teach kids in school?

To be inquisitive, to enjoy reading, to be kind.

If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Steve Jobs. Would love to shoot the breeze about life, family, decisions, happiness, fulfilment, regrets, mortality, values, motivation.

What do you doubt most?

I constantly doubt the ability for good to triumph over evil.

When did you last have a significant change of mind?

I’m in a constant state of evolution and adaptation rather than changing my mind.

What is the role of luck in our lives?

If by luck we mean timing, as in being in the ‘right place at the right time’, then it’s crucial.

Do you have a favourite quote? What is it? Why do you like it?

“There’s always free cheese in a mousetrap”, attributed to the great Rugby League Coach, Jack Gibson. It says to me if you want it you have to work for it. No free ride in life.

What would you do with your life if you had unlimited financial resources?

I’d buy a house for each of my children and see the world with the remainder.

If you could have the definitive answer to a single question, what would you ask?

Do you continue to exist in any form after you die?

What concept/fact/idea should every human on the planet understand?

Kindness.

Do human beings have free will?

Yes, but too often choose not to exercise it.

Do you believe in God?

I believe in, and find direction in, a lot of the messaging in my religion, but my belief in God is variable.

Could we be living in a simulated universe?

I believe our thoughts and reactions are increasingly driven and controlled by social media such that reflection and growth become less personal and more controlled by other influences. Perhaps not a simulation, but I believe we exert less personal control over our circumstances.

Will the continual development of technology have a net positive or negative influence on humanity?

We will be forced into using technology for good to save the world from self destruction. Selflessness will eventually triumph over selfishness.

What is the single greatest achievement of humanity?

Survival.

What do you see as the biggest existential threat to humanity?

Climate Change.

What does it mean to live a good life?

To add value to the lives of all those who’s paths you cross on the journey through life.

What is a good death?

Surrounded by family at a ripe old age, still mentally sound and physically capable to my last days, with no enemies, and not having been a burden.

What question should I have asked you?

Can I buy you a beer?

Thanks for your time, Laurie!

Twitter: LordLaurie58

Instagram: lauriefisher2504

Click HERE for Laurie’s Wandering Bear Sports Interview

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