Now: I work regularly on three commercial radio stations. I do about five to ten hours of live radio per week. One of the stations has an average listening audience of 80,000 (compared to 8 on community radio). I work regularly on national television (Network TEN). The TV show I work on (9AM) has an average viewing audience of about 400,000.
I am still learning and still asking questions. I regularly do media interviews to comment as an industry expert. I still make mistakes, I am still developing skills, and I still cringe when I see myself on TV.
Public Speaking
Then: I had my first public speaking gig in 1987 to twelve employees at a timber yard. I was 24 years old. I spoke for fifty minutes on health, fitness, and attitude. I sucked – a lot. I got paid fifty dollars. They got ripped off.
I prepared for the talk for two weeks (at least thirty hours of preparation). I was so nervous before the talk I had to take my shirt off in the bathroom and dry it under the hand dryer. Subsequently, I did many average talks (100's) for very little money.
Now: I have spoken in six countries. I do over 100 speaking engagements per year. I am managed by one of the largest speaking agencies in Australia - ICMI. I get paid more than fifty dollars. My audiences are larger than twelve. I don't suck as much.
My Business
Then: There was one employee: me. I was the janitor, bookkeeper, trainer, maintenance man, and boy Friday. There were lots of hurdles and constant learning.
My annual turnover: Not much.
Now: I’m constantly learning. I have 45 trainers, five administrative staff, a full-time PA (Kim), and a full-time tech guy (Johnnie). I have over 1,600 sessions of personal training per week. I have employed over 300 people since 1990. I just opened a new gym (Gecko Kids Fitness). I’m still making mistakes. Annual turnover: More.
Academia
Then: I majored in sandpit at school. I focused on sport and girls. I studied a total of two hours in 13 years. I was an academic dud.
Now: I went back to college as a mature-age student. I qualified as an Exercise Scientist and University Lecturer. I have taught in five Universities. I call myself a 'pracademic'.
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