Cam talks with gold medallist blade runner, comedian, inspirational speaker Liam Malone.

"Being the best in the world in not as enjoyable as the path to get there".

I first came across the awesomeness of Liam Malone along with the rest of New Zealand and humans across the globe during the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Here was this young fella with "Sideshow Bob" type hair smashing records, records that had in themselves brought something awesomely new to the world of sport. Through his "Just Do It" approach to life Liams story to becoming the nations golden boy was and continues to be one that entertains, inspires and delights generations of people, from all warps of life, from all over the globe.

Through the connection I had to athletics I was fortunate to meet Liam in person and was quick to discover that this guys level of ambition was totally awesome and he had the work ethic to match. After becoming a gold medallist blade-running Paralympian Liam put aside his successful athletic career to follow his passion for technology and innovation which led him to work with internationally renowned artificial intelligence (AI) firm Soul Machines, known for their cutting edge, world leading AI technology.

I later met up with Liam in London where he was pursuing his love for media, comedy, presenting inspirational keynotes, and MC'ing events around the globe, things that just like everything else he does he's taking too new heights.

Life for an athlete, an entrepreneur, a comedian, a speaker is not easy and what happens behind the scenes is so unknown, underestimated and unshared but in this talk we get insights into what's involved for all four and those insights can challenge perspectives, enhance perspectives and change perspectives on what we all see today. Enjoy the awesomeness.

*available as podcast through 'awesomeness with Cam Calkoen' on iTunes and Spotify

Raw and Real video footage available at https://www.nbr.co.nz/category/raw-and-real

Cam talks with powerhouse entrepreneur, data and technology expert Carmen Vicelich.

"Better Never Stops".

I first came across the awesomeness of Carmen Vicelich while speaking at the Icehouse, a group o highly successful people seeking constant improvement. In Carmens words "better never stops" and as our connection has grown over the years I've been blown away by what she has achieved through dreaming big!

Carmen is not your typical anything - a powerhouse entrepreneur who has built two multi-million-dollar, international data and technology businesses in just five years at the same time as balancing life as a wife and mother of four young children. 

Carmens energy, drive and ability to make the complex simple has already seen her receive numerous awards - both personally and for both her businesses. She was named a finalist in the 2016 Women of Influence awards and won the Auckland University Business Schools 'Entrepreneurs Challenge' award in 2015. She has also been a finalist in the 'EY Entrepreneur of the Year' awards. Through following Carmen on Social Media one get's a real sense of how busy it is to attain such excellence but it's a real inspiration to see the awards and recognition continue to roll in.

It was a challenge in this discussion to choose whether to focus on the person or the business as both achieve a high level of awesomeness and are jam packed of gems for any one wanting to achieve more!

Enjoy the awesomeness!

Raw and Real video footage available at https://www.nbr.co.nz/category/raw-and-real

Cam talks with entrepreneurial business executive and the 'Tasman Trespasser' Shaun Quincey.

"Put one foot in front of the other, have courage and go for it".

Raw and Real video footage available at https://www.nbr.co.nz/category/raw-and-real

Cam talks with professional Ironman Terenzo Bozzone.

"I had the perfect excuse to stop, but I love it".

I first came across the awesomeness of Terenzo Bozzone as fellow students at High School, in fact Terenzo is one of the people that I thank for what I now do today. It was Terenzo who inspired me into athletics, that led me to a university scholarship, my first job, speaking and now this podcast...thank you Terenzo.

While at school Terenzo shared his dream with me to become a professional athlete. For over 15 years now he's not only lived that dream but performed at the very highest level holding many titles that include being a 5 x world champion, 4 x Ironman champion and 33 x international half Ironman titles.

On the journey of awesomeness Terenzo has navigated his way through sponsorships, politics of sport, transitioning through the stages of life (marriage, buying a home, becoming a father), thriving again after injury and moments that significantly challenged perception of should he keep going? Constantly he listens to the voice that says YES!

Terenzo is an AWESOME New Zealander who is not only living his big dream as a professional athlete but achieving more as a role model, family man, and considered as one of the most approachable athletes in his sport.

Our biggest competitor is the one looking back at us in the mirror. What do you see? What do you hear?

Enjoy the awesomeness!

Raw and Real video footage available at https://www.nbr.co.nz/category/raw-and-real