Amplify: The Long Form Podcast

In this episode, Bashir sits down with David Pryles, former CEO of Hockey Australia and Softball Australia, and Interim CEO of Gymnastics Australia. David’s career has taken him from investment banking into cricket, football and golf, before leading national sporting organisations. We trace that journey through the moments that tested his judgement, changed his thinking and expanded his understanding of what leadership demands. From creating Fully Loaded Softball to the Hockey Australia chapter, we explore the work behind commercial growth, broadcast partnerships and major infrastructure projects. We also ask what those achievements mean for the people inside a sport, and how a leader earns trust when an organisation is under scrutiny.

The conversation explores:
• The early influences behind David’s ambition and relationship with sport
• Leaving finance and earning credibility in a new industry
• Becoming a CEO and learning to lead beyond your own expertise
• Building sporting products, partnerships and financial sustainability
• Accountability, athlete welfare and the responsibility to act
• Hockey Australia, the Seven broadcast partnership and Perth Centre of Excellence
• Gymnastics Australia and the opportunity ahead of Brisbane 2032
• Difficult feedback, personal growth and what comes next
And one question brings us back to the person behind the career:
“You have spent years proving what you can build for organisations. What are you still trying to prove to yourself?”

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Connect with David Pryles: LinkedIn
Hosted by Bashir Riachi
Created and produced by Amplify Story House