Execs Who Run brings life, leadership, and the miles in between together through unscripted conversations with high-achieving leaders. Hosted by Jason Hunt—elite marathon runner and executive search professional—this podcast dives into the personal stories, insights, and habits that shape today’s leaders.
Whether it’s finding balance, building resilience, or gaining clarity, discover how running connects to their journeys both on and off the pavement. Perfect for leaders, runners, and anyone looking for inspiration one step at a time.
Execs Who Run brings life, leadership, and the miles in between together through unscripted conversations with high-achieving leaders. Hosted by Jason Hunt—elite marathon runner and executive search professional—this podcast dives into the personal stories, insights, and habits that shape today’s leaders.
Whether it’s finding balance, building resilience, or gaining clarity, discover how running connects to their journeys both on and off the pavement. Perfect for leaders, runners, and anyone looking for inspiration one step at a time.
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.
Highlights
Hear 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.
Connect with Luke Carlson:
→ Instagram – @lukecarlson3070
→ Discover Strength
Connect with Execs Who Run:
→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run
→ Instagram – @execswhorun
Connect 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.
Highlights
Hear 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 Foundation
Connect with Execs Who Run:
→ Website – execswhorun.com
→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run
→ Instagram – @execswhorun
Connect 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 momentum
Jason’s behind-the-scenes of running 2:38 in a full tailored Institchu suit
The strange overlap between art, leadership, and endurance
Why discomfort tolerance beats raw talent — in sport and in life
What’s next: Tim’s London Marathon dream and Jason’s next record attempt
Connect with Tim Minchin:
→ timminchin.com
→ Instagram – @timminchin
Connect with Execs Who Run:
→ Website – execswhorun.com
→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run
→ Instagram – @execswhorun
Connect 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.
Highlights
Hear 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.com
Connect with Execs Who Run:
→ Website – execswhorun.com
→ LinkedIn – Execs Who Run
→ Instagram – @execswhorun
Connect 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:
Follow Tim Minchin:
Website: timminchin.com
Instagram: @timminchin
Spotify: Tim Minchin
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt: LinkedIn | Instagram
Execs Who Run: LinkedIn | Instagram
Website: execswhorun.com
Join 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 ocean
The leap from Startmate Women Fellowship to COO
The founding story of Cheeky Run Club and the rise of running culture
Discipline, systems, and the myth of willpower
How running builds resilience and self-confidence in work and life
The lessons she’s learned from burnout, overtraining, and recovery
Her advice on balance, leadership, and doing hard things with joy
Quote from Phoebe:
“Discipline isn’t forcing yourself to do hard things — it’s building systems so the good things feel easy.” — Phoebe Pincus
Follow Phoebe Pincus:
Instagram: @cheekyrunclub
LinkedIn: Phoebe Pincus
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt: LinkedIn | Instagram
Execs Who Run: LinkedIn | Instagram
Website: execswhorun.com
Join 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 hypergrowth
How leadership became a natural extension of systems-thinking
CEO role at Up and how the fintech was integrated post-acquisition
The benefits of running clubs and community in San Francisco and Melbourne
His most meaningful race: a 3-day 200km ultramarathon with his father
The power of consistency, simplicity, and knowing your personal operating system
Why more companies should have gyms—and how wellness builds workplace culture
Follow Xavier Shay:
Xavier Shay’s Blog: https://xaviershay.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xaviershay/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/xshay
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/execs-who-run
Instagram: 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 law
How scuba diving in Fiji and the Galápagos shaped her spirit of adventure
Moving to Sydney and building a leadership career at Domain
Motherhood, identity, and discovering running as personal sanctuary
From a first 10K to half-marathons, trail races, and the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km
Lessons on perfectionism, fear of failure, and resilience
The parallels between long-distance running and executive leadership
Preparing for her next big challenge: the UTMB OCC race in Chamonix
Follow 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/execswhorun
Instagram (Execs Who Run): https://www.instagram.com/execswhorun
Jason’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonzane_/
Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/execswhorun
Website: 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 tag
Rui’s hilarious and harrowing suit marathon in sweltering London heat
Why the “wall hits harder” when you’re in three soaked layers
Tactical breakdown: pacing, layering, gels, hydration, psychology
Jason’s Sydney Marathon prep and what Rui would do differently next time
The global community of runners competing for this niche record
What it means to chase purpose when conventional goals no longer excite
Rui’s transition from national athlete to coach, entrepreneur, and speaker
Sponsors & Links:
Institu: – Custom-tailored suits built for performance and elegance
2nu Vision: – High-performance sunglasses engineered for runners and adventurers
Movember Fundraising Page: Donate here – Support Jason’s mission to raise funds for men’s health
About 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.com
Instagram: @sohruiyong
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sohruiyong
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: 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:
Movember – Jason’s World Record Attempt Fundraising Page
Join the Execs Who Run Strava Group
Follow Rick Baker:
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehunt
Execs Who Run LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/execswhorun
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: execswhorun.com
Support 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 training
How Greece sparked her love of triathlon and event creation
Leaving corporate leadership to build grassroots sports communities
Planning a global run like a CFO: logistics, injury prevention, and mindset
Running through COVID, crossing the Andes, and pushing through the Nullarbor
How she stayed injury-free across 28,000+ kilometers
The moment she reached the Sydney Opera House and what came next
Resources & Links:
Lootie’s Website: lootie-run.com
Lootie’s Book: Lootie’s World Run on Amazon
World Runners Association: worldrunnersassociation.org
Follow Marie “Lootie” Leautey:
Instagram: @lootierun
Website: https://lootie-run.com
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt Instagram: @jasonzane_
Execs Who Run Instagram: @execswhorun
Jason Hunt LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonzanehunt
Execs Who Run LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/execswhorun
Website: execswhorun.com
Support 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 games
The mental and emotional collapse after the 2013 Lions series
The pain of identity loss—and why it haunted him for years
The unexpected power of Parkrun and a weekly rhythm
Founding Running for Resilience and its growing national impact
Why he now defines mental health as an energy problem, not a character flaw
The leadership lessons sport gave him—and the ones it didn’t
Resources & Links:
Running for Resilience: https://runningforresilience.org
The Dock, Canberra: https://thedockkingston.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benalexander21
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/execswhorun
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: execswhorun.com
Support 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 life
How retail and Nike shaped his leadership and love for movement
Leading Les Mills through global disruption and the COVID crisis
The link between endurance sport and leadership resilience
Returning to New Zealand and redefining success through simplicity
Why every leader should commit to doing something hard
Lessons 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 | Instagram
Execs Who Run: LinkedIn | Instagram
Website: execswhorun.com
Strava: 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 wrong
The moment a drunken bet ignited a marathon obsession
Why Tim left elite sport for everyday health impact
Building Kieser from two employees to 26 clinics nationwide
How to lift twice a week and save lives—literally
Volunteering with TriMob and Ocean Heroes
Running 2:43 at Berlin and aiming sub-2:40 in Chicago
The powerful life lesson behind pacing a mate through a 100-mile race
Resilience, leadership, and tofu brains (!)
Resources & Links:
Follow Tim Dettmann:
Instagram: @timdettmann (adventure and running updates)
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt LinkedIn
Execs Who Run LinkedIn
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: execswhorun.com
Support 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 tracks
Running as both refuge and rebellion during adolescence
From immigrant to investment banker: breaking into Wall Street
Winning the Everest Marathon and finding home in high altitudes
Juggling motherhood and marathon dreams in a new country
Her solo speed ascent of Aconcagua after just 10 days at altitude
Reclaiming identity through running after an 8-year break
Follow 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/execswhorun
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: 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 pressure
Resources & Links:
Peter’s Book: Running Deep
Follow Peter Scott:
LinkedIn: Peter Scott on LinkedIn
Join the Community:
👟 Strava Group: Execs Who Run on Strava
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Jason Hunt: LinkedIn
Execs Who Run: LinkedIn
Instagram: @execswhorun
Website: execswhorun.com
Support 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 Spirit
Ovarian Cancer Australia (ovariancancer.net.au)
Can Too Foundation (cantoo.org.au)
Calix Immunotherapy (calixar.com)
Follow Heather’s Journey:
Stay Connected with Jason & Execs Who Run:
Support 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 go
Part 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 it
And don’t miss Part Two, where we take on the deserts, the suffering, and the mindset behind it all.
Michael Batko has never taken the traditional path. From working as a hotel entertainer in Greece to becoming a kickboxing runner-up in Austria, his early life was fuelled by curiosity, energy, and a desire to connect with people. That mindset carried through to a global career in consulting and finance—before he made the leap into Australia’s startup scene.
After helping scale MadPaws and Expert360, Michael now leads Startmate, one of Australasia’s most influential startup accelerators. He’s helped shape a founder-first ecosystem, backing over 270 startups and building a vibrant community across Australia and New Zealand.
But beyond business, Michael is also a runner, a new dad, and the founder of Startup Striders—a running group that brings startup operators together for parkruns and post-run chats. In this episode, we explore how he uses running as a tool for focus, clarity, and connection—and how becoming a father has transformed his leadership and priorities.
In this episode, we cover:
🏃♂️ What he learned from kickboxing, hospitality, and working across cultures
🏃♂️ How he broke into startups by playing five-a-side football
🏃♂️ Building Startmate from a Google Sheet into a high-impact accelerator
🏃♂️ The power of doing fewer things, better — and killing off distractions
🏃♂️ Why Startup Striders has been key to consistency and community
🏃♂️ How fatherhood has changed the way he thinks, works, and leads
This is a conversation about choosing what matters, showing up with intention, and carving space for clarity—on the run and in leadership.
Connect with Michael:
🔗 LinkedIn – Michael Batko
📝 Substack – batko.substack.com
Connect with Jason & Execs Who Run:
🔗 LinkedIn – Jason Hunt
🔗 Execs Who Run – LinkedIn Page
🌐 execswhorun.com
📸 Instagram – @execswhorun
Let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode — message us on LinkedIn or Instagram. And if you’re enjoying the show, follow and share Execs Who Run — we’ve got more unscripted conversations coming your way.
Left in Australia at 15 to pursue a better future, Ayesha Razzaq built a career leading major transformation at Energy Queensland—all while conquering the Six World Marathon Majors and raising over $75,000 for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
Ayesha knows what it means to step outside her comfort zone. Growing up as a diplomat’s daughter, she moved between countries, but nothing prepared her for being left alone in Australia as a teenager. That challenge shaped her independence, resilience, and self-belief—values that have driven both her leadership and running journey.
Now, as Executive GM of Retail at Energy Queensland, she’s leading an industry shift toward renewables while also pushing her own limits in endurance sports. She’s gone from handing out medals at a 5K fun run to finishing all Six World Marathon Majors, and along the way, she’s used running as a way to give back—supporting Indigenous communities through the IMF and mentoring others to push their own limits.
⏱ Episode Highlights & Timestamps
00:00 – Ayesha’s unforgettable New York Marathon finish
02:00 – Being left in Australia at 15 and how it shaped her independence
07:00 – Her first 5K fun run and the unexpected path to marathons
10:00 – Getting involved with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation
19:00 – Completing all Six World Marathon Majors and what she learned
26:00 – How running fuels her leadership at Energy Queensland
34:00 – The breakthrough that helped her shave 50 minutes off her PB
42:00 – Why mindset was the game-changer for Chicago 2023
49:00 – Ayesha’s advice for life, leadership, and running
📲 Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Message us on LinkedIn or Instagram (just search Execs Who Run)
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Follow Execs Who Run on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. If this episode inspired you, leave a review or share it with someone who’d love it!
🔗 Follow & Connect with Ayesha
🏃♀️ Resources Mentioned
🏅 Indigenous Marathon Foundation
🌎 World Marathon Majors
Ayesha’s mantra—"If it’s to be, it’s up to me"—has shaped her approach to running, leadership, and life. This episode is all about pushing limits, leading with resilience, and making an impact.
🎧 Tune in now and let us know what resonated most with you! 🚀