Biography
I operate in the health and performance optimisation space, specialising in the nexus between health and performance with specific focus on longevity, healthspan and the use of technology in these.
I often describe myself as a ‘specialist generalist’ and take pride in a macro approach while remaining firmly rooted in science. This mindset is driven by a relentless curiosity for understanding the way complex systems work.
First principles thinking and understanding these elements are fundamental to my approach.
Qualifications
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Deakin University
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Queensland University of Technology with honours
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Queensland University of Technology with honours
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Dutch Rugby Level 3
Weightlifting Level 2
Track & Field Level 2
Born and raised in South Africa, my family immigrated to Australia when I was ten. I have traveled extensively, lived and worked in Australia, Europe and now in the UK. This diversity of culture, experience, and language has informed my adaptability, communication style and world view.
The through lines in my journey to this point are teaching, experimentation and relentless curiosity. Much of my work has ultimately boiled down to storytelling, be it in my content roles, academic settings, coaching or behavioural change work. Similarly, testing and self experimentation have formed a strong basis for much of my work with companies in areas of product. My curiosity has driven a continued pursuit of education, both formal and informal, as well as change of industry.
Coaching
My coaching journey started in 2005 and I have coached across team and individual sports, including elite level.
Highlights:
Technical Director of an elite rugby academy
Assistant Coach for international rugby league and junior rugby teams
Strength & Conditioning coach to top Australasian finisher in Tor des Geants
Aided professional players across multiple team sports in preparing for their seasons
Teaching
Over the course of my career, I have taught across several Universities in programs ranging from Medicine, Podiatry to Exercise Physiology. I continue to speak at conferences regularly with a range of focus.
I have held academic positions at Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University in Australia.
Highlights:
Authored a new course for a University Masters of Podiatry program
Contributing author and co-editor to exercise as medicine resources with the Exercise Works team, recognised by the World Health Organisation as an exemplar of a community of practice
Lectured medical students in Exercise as Medicine
Storytelling
Early in my coaching experiences and working in healthcare it became clear ‘buy-in’ was essential to making a lasting impact.
Likewise, teaching reinforced the importance of storytelling to aid in retention.
The power of storytelling is universal and undeniable, and has driven me to further pursue work in this realm.