In this episode of the Dingo Mafia Podcast, Travis McKenzie sits down with Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports and a trailblazer in the global sports industry. From Sydney’s northern beaches to leading transformative investments worldwide, Danny shares his unique journey. The conversation delves into his passion for football, the evolving sports landscape, and the critical need for innovation to ensure sports remain relevant. Danny offers powerful insights into community, resilience, and the uniquely Australian approach to leadership.
03:00 - Growing Up in Sydney
Danny reflects on his childhood on Sydney’s northern beaches, where sport was a way of life and a foundation for his career.
07:54 - Football’s Unique Role in Australian Culture
Danny discusses football’s history in Australia and its multicultural roots, exploring how the sport has embraced its heritage to grow.
10:36 - The Impact of the A-League
Danny explains how the A-League has provided career opportunities for Australian players and elevated the sport’s reputation globally.
15:18 - Transitioning from Player to Business Leader
Danny recounts the shift from playing semi-professional football to building a global business, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
17:56 - Moving Abroad and Building a Global Career
Danny talks about the challenges and opportunities of scaling his business internationally and why Aussies thrive in competitive markets.
24:32 - Leading SURJ Sports
Danny outlines his work with SURJ Sports, focusing on creating sustainable growth in global sports and developing pathways in Saudi Arabia.
30:00 - Elevating Women’s Sports in Saudi Arabia
Danny shares the story of Saudi MMA athlete Hattan Alalawi and how SURJ is creating new opportunities for female athletes in the region.
33:45 - The Future of Sports Innovation
Danny predicts that sports failing to prioritize fans and participants may cease to exist within the next decade, emphasizing the need for transformation.
38:50 - The Role of Endurance Sports
Danny and Travis discuss the potential for endurance sports, like cycling and triathlon, to grow through better fan engagement and governance reform.
42:00 - Tall Poppy Syndrome and Leadership Resilience
Danny reflects on his experiences with tall poppy syndrome and how resilience has shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making.
47:00 - Quickfire Questions
Danny answers rapid-fire questions, sharing personal favorites and insights into his Australian heritage.
Vegemite: Yes or No?
No. Danny dislikes Vegemite, humorously comparing it to something unappetizing.
Best Australian Beach?
Palm Beach in Sydney.
Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney. Danny loves its picturesque lifestyle and iconic landmarks but acknowledges Melbourne’s cultural appeal.
Australian He Looks Up To
His father, for teaching him the value of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.
Favorite Place to Relax?
Ibiza, where he enjoys good food, swimming, and family time.
One Australian Habit Kept While Living Abroad
Wearing thongs (flip-flops) everywhere.
Dinner with Any Australian (Dead or Alive)
Shane Warne, for his warmth, humor, and legendary storytelling.
Go-To Coffee Order
Flat white, preferably at Jones the Grocer, a nostalgic Australian-founded café chain.
Danny’s insights into the changing sports landscape and his journey from footballer to global leader offer invaluable lessons for anyone passionate about sport, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to this inspiring episode!
In this episode of the Dingo Mafia Podcast, host Travis McKenzie chats with John Allert, a visionary Australian who has left a major impact on the world stage. From a career that spans iconic roles, including his work with McLaren and currently as CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, John discusses his journey from Adelaide to global leadership, insights on brand-building in high-stakes environments, and reflections on humility and resilience. This conversation is rich with perspective on culture, navigating challenges, and the unique Aussie spirit that drives innovation abroad.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction to John Allert
Travis introduces John, detailing his impressive career and influence across industries from Formula One to cycling.
00:01:00 A True Aussie Spirit
John and Travis discuss the origins of "Dingo Mafia" and how shared experiences as Australians abroad foster a unique bond and resilience.
00:03:39 Growing Up in Australia
John describes his idyllic childhood in Adelaide, where sports played a central role, despite no early ambitions of a sports career.
00:06:01 Moving to London
John shares the unexpected career twist that took him to London with Interbrand and led to a transformative professional journey abroad.
00:07:54 Embracing the Aussie Advantage
Discussing how his straightforward approach, influenced by his Australian roots, often gave him an advantage in his early U.K. roles.
00:08:50 Lessons in Cultural Adaptation
John reflects on learning the importance of slowing down, listening, and adjusting to the nuanced U.K. business culture.
00:15:37 Breaking into Formula One with McLaren
John recounts his unexpected career transition to McLaren and how persistence led to a defining role, eventually landing him on the board.
00:17:00 “Cut the Shit” Moment
John’s memorable first pitch to McLaren’s Ron Dennis didn’t go as planned, leading to an intense two-year negotiation that changed his career.
00:21:38 The Launch of McLaren’s Cycling Venture
John explains his role in bringing McLaren into professional cycling, drawing connections between Formula One and endurance sports.
00:26:50 Facing Setbacks with Bahrain McLaren
John opens up about the challenges of leading the cycling team through COVID and the emotional impact of McLaren’s funding withdrawal.
00:30:15 Lessons in Humility
John reflects on how losing the McLaren partnership reminded him of the importance of family, reputation, and resilience.
00:33:42 Joining Ineos Grenadiers
Transitioning to his role as CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, John shares how the experience with McLaren shaped his leadership approach.
00:36:20 The Business of Cycling
A fascinating look into the commercial realities of professional cycling and the challenges of building sustainable models in the sport.
00:40:28 Aussie Camaraderie in Global Sports
John and Travis discuss the unique camaraderie among Aussies in global sports, especially within the cycling world.
00:43:50 Quickfire Questions
John reveals personal preferences and philosophies, from favorite Aussie slang to thoughts on Tall Poppy Syndrome.
In this episode of the Dingo Mafia Podcast, host Travis McKenzie sits down with world-renowned chef, entrepreneur, and endurance athlete Dan Churchill. From the Northern Beaches of Sydney to the streets of New York City, Dan’s journey blends food, wellness, and fitness into a brand recognized across the globe. Dan opens up about breaking into the U.S., overcoming personal and professional challenges, and building a community driven by passion, resilience, and movement.
Key Moments
01:00 How Travis and Dan Met
Travis talks about meeting Dan at Hell on the Hill and their bond as fellow Aussies abroad.
02:34 The Aussie Connection
Dan reflects on the instant camaraderie Aussies share abroad, whether in business, fitness, or life.
04:00 Building a Name in America
Dan recalls his early struggles in the U.S., navigating visa issues, financial challenges, and standing out in the food industry.
06:01 Navigating Tall Poppy Syndrome
Dan and Travis discuss tall poppy syndrome, a cultural challenge for Aussies aiming to excel globally.
09:00 Running the Sydney Marathon
Dan recounts the pride of running the Sydney Marathon, representing his hometown, and showcasing the beauty of the city to his mates.
12:50 Moving to the U.S. - Struggles and Determination
Dan opens up about the difficulties of moving to New York, including financial setbacks and and how he persevered.
15:30 Starting Over in New York
Dan reflects on his early days in New York, struggling to get by, sleeping on couches, and hustling for his big break.
18:00 The Power of Resilience
Dan shares how being backed into a corner fueled his determination to succeed, transforming obstacles into opportunities.
19:00 Learning from Failure
Dan talks about the lessons learned from failure, including missed opportunities and financial instability, and how they shaped his later successes.
24:00 Protecting Your Energy
Dan emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and creating safe spaces—whether at home or with loved ones—to recharge and stay grounded.
27:00 Leadville 100: Redemption Story
Dan recounts his experience running the Leadville 100, recovering from an injury, and how smiling through the pain became his secret weapon.
33:00 Finding Joy in Movement
Dan shares his philosophy on movement, whether running, lifting, or training for High Rocks, and how fitness keeps him mentally sharp and connected to his community.
38:00 Building a Fitness Community
Dan talks about finding his tribe in New York and the power of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better.
40:00 From Rugby to Hyrox
Dan’s fitness journey, from his rugby roots to training for Hyrox, highlighting the importance of structure and intention in fitness.
46:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dan gives advice to those looking to take big leaps, stressing the value of patience, learning from failures, and making time intentional.
52:00 Dinner with Sir Donald Bradman
In a light-hearted moment, Dan reveals who he’d love to have dinner with: legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, to learn about his mindset and consistency.
55:00 Quickfire Questions
Vegemite: Yes or No?
Absolutely! Dan loves Vegemite as a staple in his Aussie diet.
Best Australian Beach?
Bigola Beach, Dan’s home beach
Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney, without a doubt.
Australian He Looks Up To
Danny Ricciardo and Margot Robbie, for their perseverance and global impact.
Favorite Place to Relax?
Italy, where he finds inspiration and calm.
One Australian Habit Kept While Living Abroad?
Drinking coffee. Dan’s a long black guy, proudly sharing this Aussie tradition in the U.S.
Dinner with Any Famous Australian (Dead or Alive)
Sir Donald Bradman, to understand the mentality that made him the greatest cricketer.
Follow Dan's Adventures
In the debut episode of the Dingo Mafia Podcast, host Travis McKenzie interviews high-performance coach Paddy Steinfort. From AFL hopeful to working with global sports icons and NASA, Paddy shares insights into the mindset of high achievers, the resilience needed to succeed, and the unique edge of being an Aussie on the world stage. The conversation covers key career moments, the psychology behind success, and camaraderie among Australians abroad.
Key Moments:
01:05 Introduction to Paddy Steinfort
Travis introduces Paddy, setting the stage for an insightful conversation.
02:44 Paddy’s Journey to the U.S. and First Role with the Philadelphia Eagles
Paddy recounts his unplanned move to the U.S. and how it led to a breakthrough role with the Philadelphia Eagles.
05:15 Bonkers Level Operators
Paddy describes the intense dedication of top-tier professionals, offering insights into what it takes to excel.
06:15 The Role of Psychology in High Performance
Paddy explains how his psychology background has been vital, emphasizing the mental and emotional aspects of elite performance.
07:54 You Buy Yourself an Extra 10 Minutes
Paddy notes that his Australian accent often gave him an edge, adding credibility and extra time in interviews.
08:50 People Die When Things Go Wrong
Drawing parallels between high-stakes sports and military environments, Paddy discusses the importance of mental toughness.
14:05 I Sent One More Email
Paddy highlights how persistence led to his breakthrough with the Eagles, underscoring the value of perseverance.
18:29 Handling Starstruck Moments
Paddy talks about managing nerves when working with high-profile athletes and how nerves can enhance performance.
21:26 With Brother in Stands of Madison Square Garden
Paddy shares a full-circle moment from being a fan to coaching at Madison Square Garden, showing the power of vision and persistence.
26:46 Raheem Mostert’s Journey
Paddy discusses his work with NFL running back Raheem Mostert, focusing on how mental conditioning contributed to Mostert’s success.
27:11 Patrick Mahomes & Raheem Mostert
Paddy reflects on coaching moments with Patrick Mahomes and Raheem Mostert, illustrating how small interventions can shape careers.
29:45 The Role of the "Closer" in High-Performance Coaching
Paddy likens his role to that of a “closer” in baseball, stepping in at critical moments to make a difference.
33:31 Tall Poppy Syndrome
Paddy contrasts Australia’s Tall Poppy Syndrome with the more supportive culture in the U.S., discussing its impact on professional dynamics.
37:51 Aussies Thriving Globally
Travis and Paddy explore why Australians excel internationally, focusing on resilience and risk-taking traits.
43:27 Quickfire Questions
Paddy shares personal preferences in a series of rapid-fire questions.
Quickfire Questions Summary:
Vegemite: Yes, but lightly spread with butter. Paddy enjoys it in moderation, unlike Americans who spread it too thick.
Best Australian Beach: Byron Bay, for its beauty and laid-back vibe.
Sydney or Melbourne: Melbourne, for its culture and atmosphere.
Australians He Looks Up To: Brad Blanks, Eddie Buckingham, Sam Kerr, and Cathy Freeman—admired for their achievements and character.
Favorite Place to Relax: Byron Bay, Paddy’s go-to spot for unwinding.
One Australian Habit Kept While Living Abroad: Saying "Gee Whiz" and wearing thongs (flip flops) to stay connected to his Aussie roots.
Go-To Coffee Order: Espresso. Paddy sticks with espresso in the U.S., avoiding the gamble of milk-based coffees.
Dinner with Any Famous Australian (Dead or Alive): Ned Kelly for his stories, or Cathy Freeman for her inspiring presence.
Sports Organization He’d Represent in a Hall of Fame: Boston Red Sox, partly for their iconic hat.
Final Advice for Those Held Back by Tall Poppy Syndrome: Paddy quotes Jim Stynes: "Consider the worst possible outcome. If you can live with it, then go for it."