Footballer

Faith, Leadership, and Inclusion: Lessons from Jamie-Jones Buchanan

Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE is a former professional rugby league player and the current Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusivity at Leeds Rhinos, where he spent his entire career. A key member of the club’s “Golden Generation,” Jamie won seven Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges, three League Leaders’ Shields, and one Challenge Cup Final. He also represented England and Great Britain internationally.

In 2022, Jamie was awarded an MBE for his contributions to rugby league and his local community. Passionate about fostering inclusion, he chairs the Rugby Football League (RFL) Inclusivity Board and champions diversity both on and off the field.

A devoted husband to Emma and father to four sons, Jamie’s Christian faith guides his life and work. He also serves as ambassador for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Leeds Learning Alliance, and Inspire North, extending his impact through education, mentorship, and community initiatives.

Keep up to date with Jamie and his team at  @LeedsRhinosOfficial 

'Konversations with Kenji Gorre'

Son of Dutch football legend, Dean Gorré, Kenji was tipped to stardom from a young-age, when he played for both Manchester City’s and Manchester United’s academies at just 6 years old.

This was the perfect footballing education, as he learned from the likes of Giggs, Scholes and Ferdinand on a daily basis on the training ground. Unfortunately, at 18 years old, Kenji received a brutal setback when he was informed by Sir Alex Ferguson that he was being released by United.

However, Kenji didn’t give up on his professional football dream and ended up playing for Swansea City in the Premier League – proving that setbacks can become opportunities with the right attitude. Although, while in Wales, another difficult period ensued, with Kenji battling a gambling addiction.

Fortunately, Kenji overcame the addiction and he’s now happier than ever, enjoying his football for Nacional in Portugal and playing for the their national team. He is more than just a footballer He is using his experiences of dealing with setbacks to help other footballers fine tune their own mentality.

He’s recently founded On The Ball - a service where elite footballers can learn more about developing the correct mind-set for elite sport and also hosts Konversations with Kenji, a podcast discussing the mental side of football. Make sure to tune in as Founder Glenn Marsden and Kenji discuss a journey of an elite level athlete who endured setbacks, addictions and a come back to empower and inspire countless others.

You can find more about Kenji via his socials at: IG: kenjigorre

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/konversations-with-kenji/id1507169121

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is creating awareness and not a substitute for professional advice. Should you need help, please refer to your nearest crisis numbers. For the United States of America; 911 for all emergencies, alternatively the national suicide hotline on 1.800.273.8255 (TALK) For Australia; 000 for all emergencies, alternatively call Life Line Australia on 13 11 14

A big thank you to our Voice-Over Artist: Mike Christensen (thevoicemonkey.com)

Keeping Up With The Campaign On Instagram

@paths_to_purpose_archive_ “When you share your story, you give others permission to find strength in theirs.”
….. “Everybody Is Human” (by Glenn Marsden) From Australia’s lights to Hollywood’s fame, I’ve seen the faces behind the name. They shine on screens, adored, pursued, Yet fight their battles, misunderstood. The w
Out today on the @imperfectlyperfect_podcast Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE - a former professional rugby league player and the current Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusivity at Leeds Rhinos, where he spent his entire career. A key member of the
Your chance to share your story with millions of people worldwide alongside some of the world’s biggest names from Australia to Hollywood and beyond. Let alone, endorsed by more leading public figures and featured in publications across the glo

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is a philanthropic initiative, self-funded by its founder, Glenn Marsden. While Glenn works professionally as a speaker, author, and event creator, the campaign exists to provide free, accessible mental wellbeing resources and drive global awareness. It is not a nonprofit, nor is it supported by donations, it exists solely through purpose-driven action.

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is creating awareness and not a substitute for professional advice. Should you need help, please refer to your nearest crisis numbers. For the United States of America; 911 for all emergencies, alternatively the national suicide hotline on 1.800.273.8255 (TALK) For Australia; 000 for all emergencies, alternatively call Life Line Australia on 13 11 14