The difficult task of encapsulating Velan’s work in words. His foundation of the ceremony and traditions of our ancestors coupled with a dance with the modern world is fundamental in his teachings. The Roosters has benefited through his support of our breathwork, mindfulness and individual teachings to develop our players. Through many experiences of Temazcal, breathwork and meditation, Velan has been able to develop performance as well as the Warrior within.
The place at which Velan teaches and mentors from is his gift. Clear principles of work with a nature of kindness and listening which opens a doorway to growth. I am forever grateful to Velan for his guidance and friendship.

Trent Robinson

Head Coach, Sydney Roosters

Background

The Sydney Roosters, a premier NRL club, faced challenges in team cohesion and individual player performance in 2021. Key issues included:

Key issues included:

 

The club sought to achieve:

Approach

Velan adopted a holistic, multi-faceted approach to address these challenges, combining energetic intelligence, psychological insight, and experiential practices. The process began with a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of team and individual dynamics to identify areas for growth.

Key Focus Areas:

Strategies Employed:

Case Study - Approach

Implementation

Over four years (2021–2024), Velan worked closely with Head Coach Trent Robinson and the Roosters’ players, leadership team, and broader organisation.

roosters velan and team 3 upscale

This approach included:

These initiatives created a safe, exploratory space for players and staff to develop deeper self-awareness, reflect on their impact, and self-correct for optimal performance.

roosters velan and team 3 upscale

This approach included:

These initiatives created a safe, exploratory space for players and staff to develop deeper self-awareness, reflect on their impact, and self-correct for optimal performance.

Results

Velan’s work yielded measurable improvements in team performance and dynamics:

Enhanced Group Cohesion

Improved on-field synchronisation and trust among players.

Mental Resilience

Players demonstrated greater ability to recover from setbacks, losses, and high-pressure situations.

Performance Trajectory

After losing key players in 2021, the Roosters progressively rebuilt, achieving.

Cultural Shift

A values-driven environment emerged, characterized by accountability, openness, and relational intelligence.

5th place in 2021
6th place in 2022
7th place in 2023
3rd place in 2024

Lessons Learned

Working with the Sydney Roosters was a transformative experience for Velan, deepening his understanding of adaptive leadership and cultural integration.

Collaborating with Trent Robinson, a visionary leader, highlighted the power of listening, adapting, and innovating to meet a team’s unique needs.

By blending ancestral practices with modern performance strategies, Velan demonstrated the universal applicability of his approach to fostering growth, resilience, and connection.

By building rapport, observing deeply, and delivering tailored education and transformative processes, Velan empowered the Sydney Roosters to achieve greater performance, cultural alignment, and individual growth.

His work reveals the universal human threads that connect all organisations—and the profound impact of fostering awareness, resilience, and shared values.

For organisations seeking to elevate performance and cultivate a thriving culture, Velan’s proven approach offers a pathway to sustainable success.

Bridging timeless wisdom with cutting-edge leadership.