Matthew Lescault, CEO of Lescault and Walderman, was invited by Sage to attend the South Africa vs England match live at Twickenham. We asked him about the experience, the lessons learned, and the connections made. Here’s what he shared.
How did you come to attend the South Africa vs England Autumn International at Twickenham?
I wasn’t exactly planning to find myself at the South Africa vs England Autumn International. Jeff Ryan, our Managing Director, usually represents us at events like this, but he was on PTO. That meant I got to step in — and let’s just say, I don’t think he’ll be getting the invite back any time soon.
Sage, who partners with top organizations globally, hosted the event in their suite at Twickenham. It was my first time watching rugby in person, and I’ll admit it: I’m hooked. Over 80,000 fans, the energy, and the camaraderie were unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Who did you find yourself supporting? Did that add to the experience?
There was really no question who I’d support — I stood with the team in green and gold. The stadium buzzed with South African fans who were as confident as they were passionate. And when you’re surrounded by Sage partners who are all pumped up, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
What stood out about Sage’s leadership team and their approach to partnerships?
This event wasn’t just about rugby; it highlighted Sage’s approach to leadership and partnerships. Sage’s partner-first strategy sets them apart in the industry. Some organizations see partners as competition, but Sage invests in relationships and builds a community.
When partners come together — even those who compete — it drives mutual respect and healthy rivalry. The conversations, shared experiences, and moments like this strengthen those ties. In many ways, it mirrors sports: teams compete fiercely on the field, and also, share respect when the game ends.
What was it like spending time with Bryan Habana? Did his leadership journey resonate with you?
Meeting Bryan Habana was one of the highlights of the day. As someone who didn’t grow up watching rugby, I wasn’t starstruck — but it didn’t take long to see why he’s such a respected leader.
His seamless transition from life on the pitch to roles as a commentator, business owner, and advocate was inspiring. He applies the same discipline, adaptability, and mindset to his life after professional sports, which really stood out.
How do you see the lessons from rugby applying to leadership transitions in business?
In business, we face similar transitions. Leaders and business owners will eventually need to step back or redefine their roles, and that shift can be daunting. Our work becomes part of our identity, so stepping away is difficult.
What struck me about Bryan was his willingness to reinvent himself while staying grounded in what he learned on the field. It’s a lesson leaders can apply: trust the next generation, share experiences openly, and give others the space to grow.
What was the most memorable moment of the day?
There were plenty of memorable moments. The match itself was incredible. What stood out was the generosity of the people I was with. Two partners, Adrian from Red Ember and Jordan from Sage sat with me during the game.
I’m new to rugby, so they walked me through the strategy, the plays, and the nuances of the sport. They didn’t have to — but they did. It reminded me of leadership in business: taking the time to guide someone through unfamiliar territory, not because you have to, but because you care. That’s how trust and respect are built.
Reflecting on the event, how do you see these experiences influencing LWI’s direction in the future?
Experiences like this one push us to do better. At our organization, we want to keep earning these opportunities. Because that means collectively, we are continuing to grow, staying competitive, and showing up as a top partner.
This wasn’t just about watching rugby or meeting Bryan Habana. It was about community, leadership, and learning. And yes, South Africa won — which made the day even better. (For the record, Steve Hare, Sage’s CEO, wore his England jersey and took pictures with all of us South Africans. A gracious defeat.)
Any final thoughts?
I feel lucky to have experiences like this. Events like these go beyond competition or sport; they’re about relationships, growth, and shared lessons. Whether you’re on the pitch, in the boardroom, or somewhere in between, those lessons stay with you.
And for the record: I’m ready to go back next year.
