She Started As An Intern. Now She Has One Of The Biggest Jobs At This Global Sports Brand

Rachel Howard is a footballer who debuted for New Zealand at 20, against Team USA, in front of a stadium that spent the second half chanting her name — but not in a good way.

She went on to play a World Cup and an Olympic Games where she never took the field at either.

She's now the General Manager of Adidas Pacific, responsible for around a thousand people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands; and co-owner of BNZ Northern Kāhu — the first all-women-owned sports team in New Zealand.

In this conversation she talks about the night her father died and the decision she had to make five hours later; why she wanted her replacement to be better than her; and the morning she handed in her resignation rather than miss the Olympics.

Hunger & Heart is a podcast about the intersection of wild ambition and fierce compassion, hosted by Kaila Colbin. Find out more at Hunger & Heart with Kaila Colbin | Raw Conversations with sports legends.

This episode includes a discussion of suicide. If it's close to home, support is available in New Zealand any time: · Free call or text 1737 — 24/7 · Lifeline 0800 543 354, or text 4357 · Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 Outside NZ, find a local line at http://findahelpline.com