EXECS WHO RUN

Simon Feldman’s story is not a typical Execs Who Run conversation. A founding partner in one of Australia’s largest retail groups, his life imploded after he embezzled $16.7 million and was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. What followed was a brutal reckoning with consequences, identity, and the long, messy process of rebuilding.In this conversation, Simon opens up about how the collapse unfolded, what prison is really like beyond the clichés, and why the years after release were arguably harder than the sentence itself.We also explore how running — introduced through his partner KJ — became a pathway to stability, connection, and a new life anchored in purpose rather than pressure.This episode is raw, honest, and a reminder that reinvention rarely comes from comfort.Episode Highlights• Step inside the boardroom moment where Simon’s life collapsed in seconds• How a random accounting anomaly unravelled a $16.7 million fraud• What prison is actually like when you are not built for violence• The mental fight to survive four years inside and four harder years on the outside• Why the right partner, the right habits, and the right boundaries can change everything• How running became his anchor — physically, emotionally, and relationally• The leadership lesson he lives by now: empower people, and let them go with their heart• His best advice for life, leadership, and running after everything he’s lived throughConnect with SimonBook: When a Good Man Makes Bad Decisions→ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/When-Good-Man-Makes-Decisions/dp/1922810709→ Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/when-a-good-man-makes-bad-decisions-simon-feldman/book/9781922810703.htmlConnect with Execs Who RunWebsite → https://execswhorun.comInstagram → https://instagram.com/execswhorunLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/execs-who-runConnect with JasonInstagram → https://instagram.com/jasonzane_LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhuntIf this episode resonates, share it with a friend who runs. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find the miles that matter.

Scott Pugh has spent the past 15 years building teams and markets across Asia, most recently as the GM of APAC for Figma. Outside the office, he’s obsessed with some of the toughest endurance challenges in the region — including Hong Kong’s infamous 298-kilometre Four Trails Ultra Challenge.In this conversation, Scott opens up about the moment he told himself he “couldn’t run”, how he rewired that script, and what ultra-endurance has taught him about resilience, failure, leadership, and never giving up. We unpack the endurance mindset, how to debrief failure without ego, and why the biggest breakthroughs happen when you choose goals you have no right to complete.HighlightsHow a disastrous 800-metre school race convinced Scott he wasn't a runner for 15 yearsThe brutal reality of Hong Kong Four Trails and the humbling lessons from two DNFsWhy failure is a better teacher than success, if you debrief like an operatorHow Scott uses endurance mindset principles to lead high-performing teams across AsiaThe power of big, uncomfortable goals to drive growth in life and leadershipWhy his best thinking happens while run-commuting through SingaporeThe surprising overlap between ultra runners and elite sales performersConnect with Scott:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpughExecs Who Run:→ Website – https://execswhorun.com→ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/execs-who-run→ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/execswhorunJason:→ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhunt→ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasonzane_If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who runs.Follow Execs Who Run on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find the miles that matter.

Luke Carlson has spent two decades mastering performance — in business and in running. As the founder and CEO of Discover Strength, a 30-plus-location fitness company built around evidence-based strength training, Luke’s leadership philosophy is as structured as his marathon build-ups. A former NFL strength coach turned entrepreneur, he’s now chasing a sub-three-hour marathon at age 45, while running one of the most disciplined fitness franchises in the world.In this episode, Luke shares what the process really looks like — from building a company “built to last,” to running 31 marathons with precision, and balancing science, ambition, and joy along the way.HighlightsHear how Luke turned a single 2,000-sq-ft gym into a global franchise guided by purpose, not ego.Learn why he believes most runners (and leaders) get the 80/20 rule completely wrong.Discover how to train smarter: the science-based strength plan every runner should follow.Explore the connection between structure, leadership, and freedom — in business and in running.Understand why progress, not perfection, drives both performance and fulfilment.Take away Luke’s timeless framework for vision, purpose, and growth that any leader can apply.Connect with Luke Carlson:→ Instagram – @lukecarlson3070→ Discover StrengthConnect with Execs Who Run:→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run→ Instagram – @execswhorunConnect with Jason Hunt:→ LinkedIn – Jason Hunt→ Instagram – @jasonzane_If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who runs. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find the miles that matter.

Jess Baird Walsh has turned a simple 30-day challenge into an extraordinary streak of over 1,150 consecutive days of running — and she’s not stopping until she raises $1 million for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. A leader in AI and innovation, startup founder, and mother of three, Jess brings the same consistency, grit, and self-accountability to her career that she does to the road. In this episode, she and Jason unpack what running every day has taught her about resilience, identity, and finding purpose beyond personal achievement.HighlightsHear how a doctor’s advice to “try running” changed Jess’s life at 18.Learn how a 30-day challenge became a three-year streak (and counting).Discover what running every day taught her about resilience, self-leadership, and accountability.Explore how she found her new purpose supporting the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.Understand why running is her anchor for navigating challenge, grief, and growth.Find out how Jess balances running, parenting, and leading innovation at a major firm.Connect with Jess:→ LinkedIn – Jess Baird Walsh→ Support the Indigenous Marathon FoundationConnect with Execs Who Run:→ Website – execswhorun.com→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run→ Instagram – @execswhorunConnect with Jason Hunt:→ LinkedIn – Jason Hunt→ Instagram – @jasonzane_If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who runs. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find the miles that matter.

When a rockstar turns 50 and runs his first marathon, and his coach breaks a world record in a suit — this is what happens next.What happens when two very different runners cross the same finish line — one in a three-piece suit, the other five days after his 50th birthday?In this Execs Who Run bonus episode, Jason Hunt and Tim Minchin sit down to relive the Melbourne Marathon. Jason shares what it took to break the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon in a suit, while Tim unpacks how his first 42km run reshaped his idea of aging, endurance, and joy.It’s an unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about pain, pacing, pride, and why running can be both ridiculous and profoundly human.In This Episode:How Tim’s first marathon turned into a lesson in midlife momentumJason’s behind-the-scenes of running 2:38 in a full tailored Institchu suitThe strange overlap between art, leadership, and enduranceWhy discomfort tolerance beats raw talent — in sport and in lifeWhat’s next: Tim’s London Marathon dream and Jason’s next record attemptConnect with Tim Minchin:→ timminchin.com→ Instagram – @timminchinConnect with Execs Who Run:→ Website – execswhorun.com→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run→ Instagram – @execswhorunConnect with Jason Hunt:→ LinkedIn – Jason Hunt→ Instagram – @jasonzane_If this conversation made you want to go for a run (or buy a better suit), share it with a friend who runs. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — and leave a quick review to help more leaders find the miles that matter.

Ned Phillips has sold horse manure door-to-door, run companies across Asia, and now runs Backyard Ultras for fun — the kind where you loop 6.7 kilometres every hour until everyone else quits. The British-born entrepreneur and former CEO turned solopreneur has built and lost multimillion-dollar startups, led with empathy through failure, and found joy in suffering. In this conversation, Jason and Ned explore how endurance sports and business share the same brutal truths: pain is inevitable, ego is fragile, and resilience is a choice.HighlightsHear how Ned went from selling fertilizer to running a listed financial company in Asia.Learn how building and losing a $20M startup reshaped his definition of leadership.Discover how he found running through a 100km race — as his first ever run.Explore the philosophy of Backyard Ultra and the fine line between grit and madness.Understand what “the art of suffering” really means, in running, leadership, and life.Find out why empathy and curiosity are the most underrated sales and leadership skills.Connect with Ned:→ LinkedIn – Ned Phillips→ Ned’s Website – teachpeoplesales.comConnect with Execs Who Run:→ Website – execswhorun.com→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run→ Instagram – @execswhorunConnect with Jason Hunt:→ LinkedIn – Jason Hunt→ Instagram – @jasonzane_If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who runs. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find the miles that matter.

Tim Minchin — comedian, composer, lyricist, actor, and accidental marathon trainee — shares the story of how running has been a thread through every stage of his life. From childhood asthma in Perth, to Melbourne’s struggling artist years, through the highs of Matilda, the heartbreak of Larrikins, and his current build-up to the Melbourne Marathon, Tim reflects on how running has given him resilience, self-worth, and perspective at every stage. It’s a conversation about creativity, leadership, and why running continues to shape the way he approaches life and work.In this conversation, we cover:Growing up with asthma and discovering endurance through hockeyWhy running became a coping mechanism in his toughest Melbourne yearsThe role running played during creative success and setbacks — from Matilda to LarrikinsStories from his 91-minute half marathon in London and a City2Surf PB at 49Training routines, favourite Sydney routes, and rediscovering the joy of runningHow running connects to resilience, creativity, and leadership in his life todayPreparing for the Melbourne Marathon at 50, and what it means at this stage of his lifeReflections on identity, ambition, and proving things to yourself when no one else is watchingFollow Tim Minchin:Website: timminchin.comInstagram: @timminchinSpotify: Tim MinchinStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt: LinkedIn | InstagramExecs Who Run: LinkedIn | InstagramWebsite: execswhorun.comJoin the community: Execs Who Run Strava Group

Phoebe Pincus — COO of Startmate, co-founder of Cheeky Run Club, and marathon runner — joins Execs Who Run to share how running has transformed her approach to life and leadership. From ocean swims in Bronte to the cultural boom of run clubs post-COVID, Phoebe shows how running can be more than exercise — it can reshape identity, community, and confidence.In this episode, we explore:Why her Always Swim mantra is about more than just the oceanThe leap from Startmate Women Fellowship to COOThe founding story of Cheeky Run Club and the rise of running cultureDiscipline, systems, and the myth of willpowerHow running builds resilience and self-confidence in work and lifeThe lessons she’s learned from burnout, overtraining, and recoveryHer advice on balance, leadership, and doing hard things with joyQuote from Phoebe:“Discipline isn’t forcing yourself to do hard things — it’s building systems so the good things feel easy.” — Phoebe PincusFollow Phoebe Pincus: Instagram: @cheekyrunclubLinkedIn: Phoebe Pincus Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run: Jason Hunt: LinkedIn | InstagramExecs Who Run: LinkedIn | InstagramWebsite: execswhorun.comJoin the community: Execs Who Run Strava Group

Xavier Shay joins Execs Who Run to explore how software engineering, executive leadership, and distance running all thrive on structure, systems, and sustained effort.From his time scaling Square in the U.S. to leading innovation at Bendigo Bank, Xavier brings deep insight into building cultures that work—and staying grounded through running.🔑 Key Moments in This Episode:Accidentally signing up for a half marathon on a Wednesday (and running it solo)The shift from software engineer to manager at Square during hypergrowthHow leadership became a natural extension of systems-thinkingCEO role at Up and how the fintech was integrated post-acquisitionThe benefits of running clubs and community in San Francisco and MelbourneHis most meaningful race: a 3-day 200km ultramarathon with his fatherThe power of consistency, simplicity, and knowing your personal operating systemWhy more companies should have gyms—and how wellness builds workplace cultureFollow Xavier Shay:Xavier Shay’s Blog: https://xaviershay.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xaviershay/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/xshayStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehunt/Execs Who Run (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/execs-who-runInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/execswhorun/Website: https://execswhorun.com🎧 Support the Show:Enjoyed this episode? Please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform—and share it with someone who runs toward big goals.

In this inspiring conversation, Catriona McGregor—General Counsel and executive leader at Domain—shares her remarkable journey through law, leadership, motherhood, scuba diving, and ultramarathon running.Key Moments in This Episode:Growing up in Scotland and England, and her winding path into lawHow scuba diving in Fiji and the Galápagos shaped her spirit of adventureMoving to Sydney and building a leadership career at DomainMotherhood, identity, and discovering running as personal sanctuaryFrom a first 10K to half-marathons, trail races, and the Ultra-Trail Australia 100kmLessons on perfectionism, fear of failure, and resilienceThe parallels between long-distance running and executive leadershipPreparing for her next big challenge: the UTMB OCC race in ChamonixFollow Catriona McGregor:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-mcgregor-b1520338/Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehunt/Execs Who Run LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/execswhorunInstagram (Execs Who Run): https://www.instagram.com/execswhorunJason’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonzane_/Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/execswhorunWebsite: https://execswhorun.com👉 If Catriona’s story inspired you, please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform—and share this episode with someone who could use some motivation.

The world record for fastest marathon in a suit is 2:39.Soh Rui Yong owns it. Jason Hunt wants it.In this unforgettable episode, record-holder meets record-chaser in a conversation full of tactics, heatstroke, fashion, and mindset. If you've ever chased something ambitious—and maybe a little absurd—this is for you.Key Moments in This Episode:How Jason’s Guinness goal was sparked by a chance conversation and LinkedIn tagRui’s hilarious and harrowing suit marathon in sweltering London heatWhy the “wall hits harder” when you’re in three soaked layersTactical breakdown: pacing, layering, gels, hydration, psychologyJason’s Sydney Marathon prep and what Rui would do differently next timeThe global community of runners competing for this niche recordWhat it means to chase purpose when conventional goals no longer exciteRui’s transition from national athlete to coach, entrepreneur, and speakerSponsors & Links:Institu: – Custom-tailored suits built for performance and elegance2nu Vision: – High-performance sunglasses engineered for runners and adventurersMovember Fundraising Page: Donate here – Support Jason’s mission to raise funds for men’s healthAbout Soh Rui Yong:Soh Rui Yong is Singapore’s national record holder across every distance from 5K to marathon—and a Guinness World Record holder for fastest marathon in a suit.Off the track, he runs the Run So Fast Academy, helping athletes reach their peak through elite-level coaching.Coaching: runsohfast.comInstagram: @sohruiyongLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sohruiyongStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt LinkedInExecs Who Run LinkedInInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.com🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run, and share this episode with someone chasing a crazy dream in formalwear.

Rick Baker, co-founder of Blackbird Ventures, joins Jason to share his remarkable journey from startup founder to visionary investor, including early investments in Canva. Rick also reveals how he's harnessing AI as his personal running coach, bringing discipline and joy into his daily routine.Jason also shares an exciting update about his upcoming world record attempt—running the Sydney Marathon in a full three-piece suit to support Movember.Key Moments in This Episode:Rick’s career evolution: from uncertain graduate to successful entrepreneur and influential venture capitalist.The story behind Blackbird Ventures and their journey raising the first fund.Identifying visionary founders early: How Rick knew Canva would succeed.Rick’s reflections on missed opportunities (Airwallex, Employment Hero) and the lessons learned.Embracing running as a daily ritual and discovering ChatGPT as a running coach.Jason announces his upcoming Guinness World Record attempt at the Sydney Marathon to support Movember.Resources & Links:Blackbird VenturesMovember – Jason’s World Record Attempt Fundraising PageJoin the Execs Who Run Strava GroupFollow Rick Baker:LinkedInStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehuntExecs Who Run LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/execswhorunInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.comSupport the Show:Enjoyed the episode? Please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run, and share it with someone who might be inspired to run toward their own goals.

Marie “Lootie” Leautey ran around the world. Over 28,000 kilometers. Four continents. One stroller. Zero injuries.In this episode of Execs Who Run, Lootie shares how she went from a pack-a-day smoker to the fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe on foot—solo and self-supported. Her story is one of radical reinvention, powered by spreadsheets, strategy, and a deep curiosity about what’s possible.Key Moments in This Episode:The run that changed everything: from a 1km struggle to marathon trainingHow Greece sparked her love of triathlon and event creationLeaving corporate leadership to build grassroots sports communitiesPlanning a global run like a CFO: logistics, injury prevention, and mindsetRunning through COVID, crossing the Andes, and pushing through the NullarborHow she stayed injury-free across 28,000+ kilometersThe moment she reached the Sydney Opera House and what came nextResources & Links:Lootie’s Website: lootie-run.comLootie’s Book: Lootie’s World Run on AmazonWorld Runners Association: worldrunnersassociation.orgFollow Marie “Lootie” Leautey:Instagram: @lootierunWebsite: https://lootie-run.comStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt Instagram: @jasonzane_Execs Who Run Instagram: @execswhorunJason Hunt LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehuntExecs Who Run LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.comSupport the Show:If Lootie’s story inspired you, please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform—and share it with someone who needs a little motivation to start their own run.

Former Wallabies star Ben Alexander shares the unfiltered truth of life after elite sport—and how running helped him rediscover his energy, identity, and purpose.Key Moments in This Episode:How Ben got selected for the Wallabies after just 6 Brumbies gamesThe mental and emotional collapse after the 2013 Lions seriesThe pain of identity loss—and why it haunted him for yearsThe unexpected power of Parkrun and a weekly rhythmFounding Running for Resilience and its growing national impactWhy he now defines mental health as an energy problem, not a character flawThe leadership lessons sport gave him—and the ones it didn’tResources & Links:Running for Resilience: https://runningforresilience.orgThe Dock, Canberra: https://thedockkingston.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benalexander21Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehuntExecs Who Run LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/execswhorunInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.comSupport the Show:If Ben’s story struck a chord, follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run. And share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Clive Ormerod has led some of the most exciting brands in Australasia—but at his core, he’s a man who finds his best thinking on the run.In this episode, Clive joins Jason to talk about his unique journey from aspiring pilot to retail entrepreneur, Nike marketing leader, Les Mills CEO, and now global CEO of AS Colour. With stories from New Zealand, the UK, South Africa, and beyond, Clive shares the mindset shifts that have shaped his leadership and the role running plays in keeping him grounded, clear-headed, and driven. Key Moments in This Episode: Growing up in South Africa and discovering sport later in lifeHow retail and Nike shaped his leadership and love for movementLeading Les Mills through global disruption and the COVID crisisThe link between endurance sport and leadership resilienceReturning to New Zealand and redefining success through simplicityWhy every leader should commit to doing something hardLessons on storytelling, team culture, and customer obsession Follow Clive Ormerod:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliveormerod/Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run: Jason Hunt: LinkedIn | InstagramExecs Who Run: LinkedIn | InstagramWebsite: execswhorun.comStrava: Join our Strava Group Support the Show: If Clive’s story inspired you, follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform. Share this episode with a friend or leader who’s ready to run toward growth.

Tim Dettmann is on a mission to make Australia healthier—one lift, one run, and one conversation at a time. In this insightful and inspiring episode, Tim shares how he evolved from rural physio to health business builder, global marathon runner, and thoughtful advocate for equitable exercise access. Whether it’s leadership, fitness, or finding your limits, this episode is full of energy and wisdom.Key Moments in This Episode:Sunday trail runs, pacing ultras, and recovery gone wrongThe moment a drunken bet ignited a marathon obsessionWhy Tim left elite sport for everyday health impactBuilding Kieser from two employees to 26 clinics nationwideHow to lift twice a week and save lives—literallyVolunteering with TriMob and Ocean HeroesRunning 2:43 at Berlin and aiming sub-2:40 in ChicagoThe powerful life lesson behind pacing a mate through a 100-mile raceResilience, leadership, and tofu brains (!)Resources & Links:Kieser AustraliaTriMobOcean Heroes Follow Tim Dettmann: LinkedInInstagram: @timdettmann (adventure and running updates) Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt LinkedInExecs Who Run LinkedInInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.comSupport the Show:If Tim’s journey inspired you, follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform—and share this episode with someone aiming to run toward their full potential.

Mia Farrow’s life is the ultimate endurance story—civil war survivor, immigrant, banker, mother, and mountain runner. From sprinting in her brother’s shoes through war-torn Serbia to conquering Aconcagua’s icy heights, Mia shares how running shaped her resilience and how motherhood deepened her purpose.Key Moments in This Episode:Growing up during the Yugoslav Wars and training on rubble tracksRunning as both refuge and rebellion during adolescenceFrom immigrant to investment banker: breaking into Wall StreetWinning the Everest Marathon and finding home in high altitudesJuggling motherhood and marathon dreams in a new countryHer solo speed ascent of Aconcagua after just 10 days at altitudeReclaiming identity through running after an 8-year breakFollow Mia Farrow:https://www.instagram.com/mia_highaltitude/https://www.instagram.com/mia_farrow23/Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run: Jason Hunt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehunt/Execs Who Run LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/execswhorunInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: https://execswhorun.com Support the Show:If Mia’s journey inspired you, please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favorite podcast platform—and share this episode with someone chasing their next summit.

Commodore Peter Scott’s journey from submarine commander to mountain ultrarunner is as bold as it is inspiring.In this episode, Peter reveals how a life of deep-sea leadership transformed into a pursuit of ultra-distance endurance—and what it taught him about service, sacrifice, and self-mastery.Key Moments in This Episode:- What it takes to earn submarine command in the Navy’s elite training program- The day his submarine ran aground and the leadership reckoning that followed- Why he left drinking behind to pursue his first marathon- The transformation from marathoner to ultrarunner to UTMB finisher- How the mountains replaced the majesty of the sea- The four Ps that guide Peter in races—and in life- What self-belief really means under pressureResources & Links:Peter’s Book: Running DeepFollow Peter Scott:LinkedIn: Peter Scott on LinkedInJoin the Community:👟 Strava Group: Execs Who Run on StravaStay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt: LinkedInExecs Who Run: LinkedInInstagram: @execswhorunWebsite: execswhorun.comSupport the Show:If Peter’s story moved you, please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform—and share this episode with someone who leads—or runs—with purpose.

Heather Hawkins faced ovarian cancer at 41 and transformed her toughest moment into a remarkable journey of resilience, adventure, and advocacy.In this deeply moving conversation, Heather shares the story of how running helped her reclaim life, conquer incredible global challenges, and raise powerful awareness for ovarian cancer.Key Moments in This Episode:Heather’s transformative cancer diagnosis and journey back to health.From a 4km fun run in gardening shoes to ultramarathon adventures.Winning the North Pole Marathon at -41°C.Completing the World Marathon Challenge: 7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 days.Running the Marathon des Sables, 250km across the Sahara Desert.A 520km epic ultramarathon across Australia's Outback.The deeper purpose behind Heather's running and advocacy work.Her next goal: setting a new Australian 24-hour running record at age 60.Resources & Links:Heather’s Book: Adventurous SpiritOvarian Cancer Australia (ovariancancer.net.au)Can Too Foundation (cantoo.org.au)Calix Immunotherapy (calixar.com)Follow Heather’s Journey:Heather’s Instagram Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:Jason Hunt (LinkedIn)Execs Who Run (LinkedIn)Instagram: @execswhorunexecswhorun.comSupport the Show: If Heather’s journey moved you, please follow, rate, and review Execs Who Run on your favourite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone who could use a dose of inspiration.

Roger Hanney isn’t just a runner—he’s a force of nature.As the man behind HOKA’s rise in Australia and New Zealand, Roger helped turn an obscure, oversized shoe into one of the most trusted names in running. From battling early industry scepticism to watching the big brands follow suit (looking at you, Nike), he’s lived the brand’s growth from the inside out.But Roger’s story doesn’t stop at retail strategy and product launches. He’s also an ultra-endurance athlete who became the first Type 1 diabetic in the world to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam—a series of four 250km footraces across the Atacama, Gobi, Sahara, and Antarctica.In this two-part conversation, we go wide and deep. In Part One, we cover: 👟 The early days of HOKA and why the brand was seen as “moon shoes” 👟 Whether Nike really did follow HOKA’s lead on shoe design 👟 Roger’s mindset shift after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 👟 What it took to build trust in a radically different running shoe 👟 Balancing brand leadership, family life, and long trail runs 👟 Why sometimes, you just need to give it a goPart Two goes deep into the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, what it takes to suffer well, and how adventure has shaped Roger’s view on leadership and life. Stay tuned.This one’s for the shoe nerds, the adventurers, and anyone who’s ever asked, “Can I really do this?” 🔗 Connect with Roger📸 Instagram – @roger.hanney 🌐 HOKA ANZ – hoka.com.au | hoka.co.nz 🔗 Connect with Jason & Execs Who Run🔗 Jason Hunt – LinkedIn 🔗 Execs Who Run – LinkedIn Page 🌐 execswhorun.com 📸 Instagram – @execswhorun 📣 Like this episode?If Roger’s story hit a nerve or got you thinking: ✅ Follow the podcast ⭐️ Leave a review 📤 Share it with someone who’d love itAnd don’t miss Part Two, where we take on the deserts, the suffering, and the mindset behind it all.