In this episode of Execs Who Run, Phoebe Pincus brings both momentum and honesty to the mic. As COO of leading startup accelerator Startmate and co-founder of Cheeky Run Club, she’s someone who knows how to build systems — whether in companies, communities, or her own running life. Our conversation begins with her simple but powerful mantra: Always Swim. On the surface, it’s about diving into the ocean after a run in Bronte. But for Phoebe, it’s a metaphor for living with intention — recognising what matters most and making sure you actually do it. Discipline, in her eyes, isn’t about willpower or punishment. It’s about designing habits and systems that make the important things easy, and that perspective has shaped how she approaches running, leadership, and life. From there we dive into her journey: the casual college loops that gave her space and freedom, the early marathons run on limited knowledge and pure grit, and the transformation that came when she joined a structured run club and trained with a coach. The result was a breakthrough that reframed her sense of possibility — taking more than an hour off her marathon time and proving that the limits we set are often the ones we imagine. We also explore the rise of running as culture. As co-founder of Cheeky Run Club, Phoebe has tapped into the social and identity-building side of the sport. What started as a frustration with the “serious” image of running has become a rebrand: running as joyful, welcoming, and deeply communal. And yes, we tackle the question head-on — is running a cult? Phoebe laughs, but doesn’t deny it. Underneath the stories of marathons, podcasts, and startups, this episode is really about confidence. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things, and learning to balance that drive with the honesty to know when you’ve gone too far. For Phoebe, that balance has come from hard lessons — burnout, overtraining, and the need to “earn the right” to do more. This is an episode for anyone who’s curious about how the discipline of running translates into resilience at work, how self-confidence is built mile by mile, and how a community can change the way we see ourselves. It’s a conversation about identity, systems, and the joy of finding momentum in movement.

In this insightful and grounded episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Xavier Shay—the software engineer-turned-CEO whose professional life has mirrored his running journey: consistent, self-aware, and focused on long-term impact. Xavier began his career as a coder in Melbourne, quickly finding himself on a rocketship to San Francisco with Square. There, amid the chaos of hypergrowth, he transitioned into leadership—not because he chased it, but because he naturally filled the gaps. As Square scaled from 150 to thousands, Xavier discovered a passion not for flashy innovation, but for quiet systems thinking: clearing obstacles, reducing dysfunction, and enabling great people to do their best work. That same clarity and systems-focus now powers his dual executive roles as CEO of Up and Chief Digital Officer at Bendigo Bank. Parallel to his rise in tech, Xavier found his stride in running. What began as sporadic jogs evolved into a decade-long journey marked by consistency over flash. From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Running Club to solo ultramarathons in Australia, he’s found that showing up—not showing off—is the true path to growth. His most memorable run? A 200km+ stage race through Western Australia with his father—an emotional, grueling, and unforgettable experience. Xavier offers more than just a professional roadmap or race recap. He shares life-tested wisdom on avoiding burnout, prioritizing well-being, and designing your life around what truly fits. Whether leading a digital transformation or planning his next long run, Xavier’s approach remains the same: know yourself, build simple systems, and stay consistent over time.

In this episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Catriona McGregor, a lawyer, executive, mother, and ultramarathon runner who has learned that true growth happens beyond the comfort zone. Born in Scotland, Catriona grew up moving between England and Scotland before pursuing law and building her career in corporate M&A. Along the way, she discovered scuba diving, spending years diving remote waters from Fiji to the Galápagos Islands. That same spirit of adventure and community later drew her into running. Motherhood reshaped everything. With twins at home and a demanding career, Catriona turned to running as her personal sanctuary—a way to carve out space for herself amidst life’s demands. What began as beach runs evolved into marathons, trail races, and eventually the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km event. Along the way, she learned to let go of perfectionism, embrace fear, and see failure as part of growth. Her leadership career at Domain paralleled her running journey. From helping list the company on the ASX to taking on broader executive responsibilities, she’s grown into a leader who values resilience, balance, and authenticity. Today, she models for her team the importance of “leaving loudly”—making space for both personal and professional goals. This episode is a testament to courage and balance: whether facing sharks under the ocean, deadlines in the boardroom, or steep climbs on the trail, Catriona proves that resilience is built step by step, choice by choice, race by race.

World record holder Soh Rui Yong joins Execs Who Run to recount his marathon-in-a-suit triumph—offering strategy, stumbles, and surprising lessons to host Jason Hunt as he prepares to take that very record down.

In this insightful episode of Execs Who Run, we hear from Rick Baker, co-founder of Blackbird Ventures, who takes us through his inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and personal growth. From uncertain university graduate to startup founder in London, Rick’s path has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. Rick reflects on his experience launching multiple startups in both the UK and Australia, candidly sharing lessons from early successes and setbacks. These entrepreneurial adventures ultimately led him to join MLC’s private equity team, a pivotal experience that inspired his passion for investing in ambitious visionaries. In 2012, Rick co-founded Blackbird Ventures alongside Niki Scevak, driven by a belief that Australian founders could compete on the global stage. We learn how Blackbird’s challenging early days—raising its first fund through hundreds of meetings—set the stage for backing standout startups like Canva. Rick shares behind-the-scenes insights into the traits he looks for in visionary founders and what made Canva an extraordinary investment. Beyond his professional accomplishments, running has become Rick’s daily ritual, grounding him amidst the demands of venture capital. Most intriguingly, Rick has turned to ChatGPT as his running coach, explaining how the AI-powered system has boosted his consistency, prevented injuries, and even sparked deeper accountability—highlighting a unique intersection between technology and personal discipline. Rick’s story embodies the essence of Execs Who Run: blending strategic thinking, human intuition, and technological innovation to find success not only in business but also in life.

In this astonishing episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Marie “Lootie” Leautey, a former regional CFO turned world record–breaking ultrarunner. Marie didn’t grow up a runner. In fact, she was a 26-year-old smoker when a humiliating forest run changed everything. From that pivotal moment outside Athens, her life took an entirely new trajectory, setting her on a course that would eventually see her become the fastest woman to run around the world. Lootie’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard. After a successful corporate career with global giants like Coca-Cola and Heineken, she pivoted into sports entrepreneurship and introduced mass participation triathlons to Greece in the midst of economic turmoil. The lessons she learned fighting bureaucracies and building trust from scratch would later become the foundation for planning her solo, self-supported global run. Her journey wasn’t just physical. It was a living masterclass in strategic planning, resilience, and leadership. She pushed a 30-kilo stroller across the deserts of Australia, the Andes of South America, and the snow-laced highways of North America. COVID disrupted her plans just three months in, but instead of stopping, she rerouted and ran over 15,000 kilometers through Europe alone. Lootie dives deep into how she used business methodology to structure her run, categorizing every risk, optimizing every detail, and responding to physical signals like a CEO manages a team. She completed the circumnavigation injury-free, embodying a model of longevity and self-awareness that challenges how we think about athleticism and endurance. Whether you’re a runner, a leader, or someone seeking to embrace reinvention, Lootie’s story is a powerful reminder that the extraordinary is within reach if you’re willing to start.

In this raw and deeply human episode of Execs Who Run, former Wallabies prop Ben Alexander opens up about the part of his story we rarely hear: what happens after elite sport ends. Ben’s rugby career was extraordinary—72 tests for Australia, a record-setting 154 caps for the Brumbies, and years on the international stage. But when the 2013 British & Irish Lions series ended in defeat, so did something else: his sense of self. For years, Ben silently battled burnout, identity loss, and depression—pushing forward while feeling like he was falling apart. It wasn’t until a mate invited him to Parkrun that everything started to shift. That simple Saturday run became a turning point. What followed was the birth of Running for Resilience, a grassroots mental health movement that now sees over 1,200 people run each week across Canberra. It’s saving lives. And it’s all rooted in Ben’s willingness to be vulnerable, open, and real. This conversation is more than a comeback story. It’s a roadmap for anyone who's ever faced transition, burnout, or the daunting task of starting again.

In this invigorating episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Clive Ormerod—a dynamic New Zealand-based executive whose global career has been guided by a love for movement and a deep belief in human potential. Clive didn’t start out wanting to be a CEO. He wanted to be a pilot. That early dream taught him focus, clarity, and how to navigate complexity—all skills that would prove invaluable as he transitioned into retail, and later into leadership roles across Nike, Spark, Les Mills, and now as CEO of AS Colour. Throughout, running became his constant: a way to clear his head, ground his decisions, and reconnect with his values, no matter what boardroom or timezone he was in. From building Nike's brand presence in Europe to steering Les Mills through COVID, Clive shares candid insights into managing people, pushing past comfort zones, and fostering resilience—both in life and in business. He explains how endurance sports taught him to embrace discomfort, and how signing up for something hard (whether a 100km ultra or a high-stakes business challenge) can be a transformative act of leadership. Clive’s story is one of adaptability, ambition, and purpose. He doesn’t just run businesses—he builds momentum, culture, and connection wherever he goes. This episode will inspire leaders to move more, lead better, and trust in the power of consistent, purposeful steps.

In this energizing episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Tim Dettmann—a passionate health leader, driven entrepreneur, and committed endurance runner with a bold vision for a healthier Australia. Growing up on 20 acres in country Victoria, Tim’s life was rooted in motion—chasing siblings, running cross-country, and developing a discipline that would shape his career and athletic journey. Initially aspiring to be an AFL physio, his path shifted when he realized his purpose lay not with elite athletes, but with everyday Australians. As a founding partner of Kieser Australia, Tim helped scale the business to 26 clinics nationwide, pioneering a model that merged physiotherapy with strength training for middle-aged and older Australians—those most in need yet least served by traditional gyms. Tim's leadership journey is one of curiosity, humility, and growth. He pursued an MBA at 25, sought out countless mentors, and moved through roles from clinician to Chief Marketing Officer, always anchored by a desire to improve lives. But after nearly 15 years, Tim stepped away—not to slow down, but to expand his impact. His sabbatical included global adventures, meaningful work with Indigenous triathletes via TriMob, and surfing with autistic children through Ocean Heroes. As a runner, Tim has relentlessly pursued his personal potential. After clocking a 2:43 marathon in Berlin, he’s now eyeing a sub-2:40 in Chicago. But his real race is against inertia—the societal drift away from health. Tim champions strength training as foundational to lifelong wellness and sees running not just as sport, but as training for resilience in life and leadership. This episode is a blueprint for anyone seeking to align passion with purpose—and to do it all at pace.

In this breathtaking episode of Execs Who Run, Mia Farrow takes us on a journey that reads like a movie script—except every chapter is true. Born in a small Serbian town during the violent unraveling of Yugoslavia, Mia's adolescence was shaped by scarcity, survival, and ambition. With dreams far larger than her war-torn surroundings, she ran through rubble and hope, eventually earning a spot as an exchange student in the U.S., where she would build an entirely new life from scratch. Mia worked her way into investment banking in San Francisco—breaking barriers as the only woman in her analyst class of 300. Despite the 100-hour weeks and male-dominated boardrooms, she used running as her mental escape and eventually leveraged her savings to take a gap year—conquering marathons across continents and winning the Everest Marathon at 5,300m altitude. But her boldest transformation came with motherhood and a move to Australia. After an eight-year break from serious running, Mia rediscovered her athletic identity while raising three young daughters. Her latest feat? A solo speed attempt on Aconcagua—one of the Seven Summits—where she pushed herself to 6,570m without support, chasing not just altitude but her own untapped potential. This is a raw, honest conversation about rebuilding life—multiple times over—and embracing the process, not just the peak. Mia’s story is a profound reminder: strength isn't a moment; it's a mindset.

Peter Scott spent decades navigating the secretive world of submarine warfare. Now, he's traded steel hulls for steep trails—showing how deep leadership and ultra-distance running intersect in the most unexpected ways.

In this episode of Execs Who Run, Heather Hawkins shares her remarkable story of reinvention, resilience, and relentless pursuit of adventure after a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Heather was 41 when a routine medical scan revealed a 10-centimetre tumour. Facing uncertainty, she turned to running, initially completing a humble 4km Mother’s Day fun run. This small step sparked a passion for endurance sport, propelling her to extraordinary challenges worldwide. From winning the North Pole Marathon in brutal -41°C conditions to completing seven marathons across seven continents in seven consecutive days, Heather's running has taken her to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Her adventures continued through the Sahara Desert in the 250km Marathon des Sables, across the Australian Outback in a 520km event known as "The Track," and into the record books as she now chases an Australian 24-hour running record at age 60. Yet Heather’s mission extends beyond personal achievement. She's become a tireless advocate for ovarian cancer awareness, speaking openly and vulnerably about her journey. Her advocacy not only raises critical awareness but provides hope and inspiration to those navigating their own health battles. Heather’s story reminds us that resilience is not something we're born with; it’s something we build one courageous step at a time. Tune in for a powerful conversation on overcoming adversity, embracing challenge, and living life without limits.

Roger Hanney helped turn HOKA from a niche outsider into one of ANZ’s most trusted running brands—and became the first Type 1 diabetic to complete the legendary 4 Deserts Grand Slam. In Part One of this two-part chat, we unpack the rise of HOKA, the Nike copycat controversy, and what it means to lead with boldness, both on and off the trail.

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.

Ayesha Razzaq knows what it means to step outside her comfort zone. At 15, her diplomat parents left her in Australia to pursue a better education—a decision that forced her to grow up fast, build resilience, and take ownership of her future. That same drive has fueled her journey ever since, from leading large-scale transformation at Energy Queensland to crossing finish lines at all Six World Marathon Majors. But Ayesha’s story isn’t just about business or running—it’s about impact. She’s raised over $75,000 for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, using her passion for running to support Indigenous communities across Australia. And along the way, she’s shattered expectations—proving that a Pakistani female engineer and executive can also be a dedicated marathoner and changemaker. In this episode, we explore: ‍♀️ How being left in Australia at 15 shaped her drive and leadership style ‍♀️ Her journey from handing out medals to running the world’s biggest marathons ‍♀️ The parallels between leading transformation in business and training for endurance events ‍♀️ Why giving back through the Indigenous Marathon Foundation has become a core part of her mission ‍♀️ How she shaved 50 minutes off her marathon PB—and what’s next on her running journey Ayesha’s mantra—"If it’s to be, it’s up to me"—has shaped both her career and running success. This is a conversation about pushing limits, leading with resilience, and making a difference. Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode—message us on LinkedIn or Instagram

Robert Fowler doesn’t do things the ordinary way. At just 17, he co-founded a million-dollar computer business. Now, he’s the Director of Cybersecurity at Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food producers. But his story isn’t just about business—it’s about taking on challenges that most people wouldn’t even attempt. That same mindset led him to joggling—running while juggling. Not only did Robert master this unique skill, but he went on to complete the Chicago Marathon while joggling… with three oranges. In this episode, we explore Robert’s journey—from young entrepreneur to cybersecurity leader, from problem-solving in business to pushing limits in endurance sports. We talk about leadership, resilience, and the power of setting extraordinary goals. Get ready for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is unexpected.

Welcome to Execs Who Run, the podcast on life, leadership, and the miles in between. In this trailer episode, host Jason Hunt introduces the heart of the podcast—unscripted conversations with senior leaders who lace up and hit the road. Whether they run for fitness, mental clarity, or just to escape their inboxes for a while, these leaders share relatable stories of resilience, balance, and the impact of running on their lives and leadership.* Jason, a Kiwi based in Sydney, elite marathon runner, and executive search professional, brings his unique perspective to every episode. With a career helping exceptional leaders find their next challenge, he knows a thing or two about pushing limits and finding clarity—on the road and in life. In this trailer, discover how the podcast dives into not only leadership and running but also the little things—the routines, planning, and moments that make a big impact. So lace up, hit play, and let’s see where the miles take us.