Leaders Series #5 - Glenn Pocknall

“Don’t compare yourself to others and instead focus on being better every day, just 1% - in whatever field you are in.”

We’ve gone further afield for number 5 in our leaders Series and Glenn Pocknall has been kind enough to answer our questions.

Glenn is Head coach of the Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand. The Wellington Firebirds are one of six New Zealand first-class cricket teams that make up New Zealand Cricket. They are based in Wellington and play their games at The Basin Reserve. They compete in the Plunket Shield first class competition, the Ford Trophy domestic one day competition and the Super Smash Twenty20 competition.

Glenn has coached New Zealand previously as he was appointed Head Coach for the New Zealand XI to take on the Pakistan national team in a List A match and the Sri Lanka national team in three day match. Both were in preparation for their upcoming series against the BLACKCAPS. He was responsible for overall communication for the team and took on the role as Batting coach at the same time.

What do you do? / What is your role?
My current role is Head Coach of the Wellington Firebirds cricket team who play in New Zealand domestic cricket competitions.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and path to where you are now?
I left school wanting to play international sport and quickly realised I wasn’t good enough so decided to get into cricket coaching at the age of 22. Looking back now this has given me great experience in the art of coaching and dealing with Individuals and a team.

Tell me about your typical day/ week?
Revolves around planning for training, match, or reviewing a match.
There is so much variety as we have a busy season and have so many different variables that happen on a daily basis.

What have been your biggest challenges? What have been your highlights?
Keeping people all on the same page and moving in the same direction. Requires great communication and planning skills to achieve this. This is also very rewarding when you get a team humming as one. The biggest highlight has to see players progress and achieving there childhood dreams or representing a particular team or at a particular level.


What piece of advice would you give to our students?/ What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Don’t compare yourself to others and instead focus on being better every day just 1% in whatever field you are in.

What/ who inspires you? Maybe a person, phrase or picture?
Inspired by the story of Mike Hesson. Went from being a young coach to take the BLACKCAP cricket team to the World Cup final in 2015.