Resilience, mental strength and world-class leadership was front of mind when 80 guests were given exclusive access to a world champion at the Strategic Insight Seminar hosted by Travis Schultz Law at Pier 33 in Mooloolaba last night.
Returning to his hometown on the Sunshine Coast, special guest and Ultra-Endurance athlete Richard Thompson explored the grit and determination it had taken him to claim the world title and how everyone can learn from his experience.
Principal of Travis Schultz Law and leading compensation lawyer, Travis Schultz, said it was motivating hearing how someone can take an almost impossible task and create change, and that’s exactly what Richard did.
“Richard knows what it takes to rise to the top in your field and that it takes a team to get you there,” Mr Schultz said.
“Richard has a great story to tell and there are takeaways in it for all of us who work with teams in a professional services environment.”
Richard Thompson started his career as a lawyer, but couldn’t resist the lure of the Ultimate Triathlon, which is a three-day event comprising of 10km swim, 420km bike and 84km run.
The endurance athlete became the world record holder on his debut in 2017 and went on to become the first Australian World Champion in Hawaii last year.
Sharing his secrets to success, Mr Thompson said history suggests that for any significant achievement to occur, a team is necessary, but it is how the team is lead that is a critical factor.
“Whether you run your own business, are climbing the corporate ladder or even an ultra-endurance athlete, the common trait for achieving greatness is world-class leadership,” said Mr Thompson.
“My success didn’t come overnight. I started competing in Triathlons when I was 17 years old but I was determined to succeed.”
Regarded as one of the greatest ultra-endurance athletes of all time, Richard has become an in-demand speaker and coach and has travelled the globe working with teams in large Corporations such as Aurecon, ASICS, Cisco, Training Peaks & InFocus Financial.
His story of hardship, sacrifice and the ultimate success inspired guests at the Travis Schultz Law Strategic Insights Seminar during a professionally themed evening of fine food, wine and leadership.