UltraGrowth

What happens when you mix a poet, political thinker and a special forces soldier all in one?

You get Robin Horsfall.

Most of us know the man from his remarkably insightful commentary on complex political situations and global injustices. His writing is insightful, thoughtful and incredibly poetic.

A lifelong soldier, literally before he was old enough to drink, Robin takes us into his early days of soldering into the life as British SAS and ultimately to his love of the pen.

Robin is a man of principles, service to family and country, with the view to always seek truth and justice no matter what the sacrifice.

Born in Farnham, Surrey, UK. Following a divorce from his birth father, his mother Hazel married his step-father, who adopted him and gave him the name Horsfall. A broken family life adversely affected his education, so he left school in 1972 at the age of fifteen and joined the army as a boy soldier.

Despite a long period of isolation and bullying by his peers, he became a full member of the Parachute Regiment in 1974 and served three tours of Northern Ireland. In 1978 he volunteered for SAS selection and passed on his second attempt in March 1979. He went on to qualify as a Paramedic and Sniper.

He was a member of the SAS counter terrorist team that assaulted the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, helping to rescue the nineteen hostages who had been held for six days.

Robin has had an extraordinary life and has been speaking about it at events both small and large for over 10 years.

Make sure to tune into the show to hear this man’s incredible journey.

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Notable moments in this episode:

(04:55) - Words are the most powerful thing we have
(08:06) - What is ‘Fighting Scared’?
(20:42) - Most difficult process of becoming an SAS
(35:22) - Life lessons Robin learned from martial arts


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Follow Robin Horsfall:

Books - https://robinhorsfall.co.uk/books/
Website - https://robinhorsfall.co.uk/


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Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website - ultrahabits.co/
Rate the podcast - https://ratethispodcast.com/ultrahabits

Are traditional universities preparing people for today's world?

The debate is on regarding traditional institutions and their ability to deliver the skills, resources and mindset for all Australians striving to enhance their lives.

Hence the meteoric rise of organisations like The Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE Group) and the sweeping success of its CEO Jahin Tanvir.

We dive into his incredible journey into Entrepreneurial land and TikTok after losing his job and how he continued to connect the dots, pivot and ultimately arrive at a place which is now changing the game of the educational landscape in Australia.

The ASE Group is a community-led and purpose driven business for good that delivers life skills education, entrepreneurship and employment programs to Australians of all ages. Our mission is to equip every Australian with the skills, resources and mindset they need to start a business or enter the workforce, regardless of their postcode.


Founded by a group of young Australians and reinforced by the expertise of seasoned educators, professionals and governance experts, The ASE Group is committed to driving innovation and positive transformation in education, entrepreneurship and employment. With a unique combination of diverse lived experience and worldly wisdom, we bring a fresh and insightful perspective to industry challenges, rooted in a deep understanding of the issues affecting our community.

Our Guest Jahin Tanvir is the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship. Jahin is a 3-time TEDx speaker, board director, and was named on the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians for 2022, at the age of 21-years-old.

As an award-winning advocate for young people, and diversity and inclusion, Jahin was named the 2022 Young Australian of the Year finalist whilst also receiving the 2021 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in Individual Community Service. Jahin is a Board Director at the Adolescent Health Association of Australia, a UNICEF Young Ambassador and Movember Ambassador.


Notable moments in this episode:
(00:59) - How do you know if something is ‘good busy’?
(04:05) - Jahin’s journey from miserable to being an educator
(10:39) - Putting yourself out there using Tiktok
(19:42) - Jahin as the CEO of ASE (Australian School of Entrepreneurship)

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Follow Jahin Tanvir:
Website - http://www.jahintanvir.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahintanvir
Website (company) - https://www.ase.edu.au/


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Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
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Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava -...

To be updated

Do you find calm people fascinating?

I’m not talking about people that get paralyzed by indecision or people that come across indifferent.

I’m talking about those rare individuals that can intentionally take in incredibly volatile input and still hold it together in a way that leads to clear thinking and mobilisation of people towards a solution or acceptable outcome.

This phenomenon is “Deliberate Calm.” The good news is that it is a skill, and it's the topic of conversation today.

Drawing from a unique blend of psychology, neuroscience, and consciousness practices, as well as more than fifty years of combined international boardroom experience, three experts offer a unique approach to learning and leading with awareness and intentional choice amid even the most challenging circumstances.

As change accelerates daily in our increasingly complex world, leaders tasked with performing outside their comfort zones in both their personal and professional lives must adapt. Yet the same conditions that make it so important to adapt may also trigger fear, causing resistance to change and a default to reactive behavior. The authors call this the “adaptability paradox”: at a time when we most need to learn and grow, we stick with what we know, often in ways that stifle change and innovation. To avoid this trap and be ahead of the curve, leaders must become proactive.

Enter Deliberate Calm, which combines cutting-edge neuroscience, psychology, and consciousness practices, along with the authors’ decades of experience with leaders around the globe. By practicing Dual Awareness, which integrates internal and external experiences, leaders can become resilient and respond to challenges with intentional choice instead of being limited to old models of success. With Deliberate Calm, anyone can lead and learn with awareness and choice to realize their full potential, even in times of uncertainty, complexity, and change.

Months ago, I came across the article in The Harvard Business Review written by Jacqueline Brassey of the McKinsey Health Institute and her colleague Michiel Kruyt, an independent consultant and thought leader. We are thrilled to have them on the show today.


Notable moments in this episode:

(07:03) - What is emotional adaptability
(11:04) - Deliberate Calm
(15:56) - Team management: The concept of learning versus protection
(21:03) - Meditation, Mindfulness, and Deliberate Calm


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Follow Jacqueline Brassey and Michiel Kruyt:

Books - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/deliberate-calm

Jacqueline Brassey:
Blog - https://advancingauthenticconfidence.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquibrassey
Website (Personal) - http://www.reachingyourpotential.org/

Michiel Kruyt:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiel-kruyt
Website - https://imagine.one/


***


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Apple -

How do you end a 72 year championship drought? When Paul Roos entered the Sydney Swans he knew that the club would have to transform in order to meet its objectives.

Paul embarked on a rigorous transformation program within the management and playing team that would ultimately see the end of a drought of the coveted premiership.

On the show today we uncover the steps he took to do this, the philosophy that guided his thought process and the decisions that he made. In the highly competitive game of the AFL, where dynasties aren't mainstays, any given year a club can win. Club and fan demands are extraordinary in this sport, the expectation is that winning matters.

If this is the environment that you are leading in, you are going to want to check this show out.

When Paul Roos made his senior VFL debut for Fitzroy against the Sydney Swans at the SCG in 1982, it would have been impossible to predict that he would ultimately become one of the most important figures in the Club’s history. Having established himself as one of the superstars of the competition in 13 seasons with the Lions, Paul Roos joined the Swans in 1995 and at centre half-back was instrumental in the Club’s rise to Grand Finalists in 1996. His playing days ended in 1998, after 87 games and 19 goals for the red and white. His association with the Club, however, had only just begun.

Appointed Senior Coach midway through 2002, his coaching record was extraordinary as the Club played finals football in all but one of his eight full seasons at the helm. Paul Roos led the Club to the 2005 Premiership – its first in 72 years. He stepped down from the Senior Coaching role after 202 games, at the conclusion of the 2010 season.


Notable moments in this episode:

(13:18) - AFL Legend: Being a player and coach
(16:53) - Paul’s vision for Sydney Swans
(39:27) - Performance by Design

Follow Paul Roos:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/paul-roos-pbd
Website - https://performancebydesign.co/

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Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website - ultrahabits.co/
Rate the podcast - https://ratethispodcast.com/ultrahabit

What if I told you that you were not breathing properly?

I mean think about it, our breath is one of the most natural phenomena within our body, so for most of us, we simply assume that the way we breath must be optimal.

This simply is not the case, for most our breathing is shallow, fast and many are breathing through the mouth. The cost of breathing improperly is huge, you just have to check out the work of James Nestor.

Today we are talking to James Mcwhinney and Elísabet Ýr Sigurðardóttir about their startup called Anda, which means “breathe” in Icelandic. Anda was founded with a singular focus: to help you take control of your life and improve your overall health and wellbeing, all through your breath.

Their mission is to empower individuals to take control of their physical and mental health by providing them with the tools and guidance they need to optimize their wellbeing. They strive to help their users achieve their highestpotential and become the best version of themselves.

James Mcwhinney says his passion lies in human optimisation and empowering people to improve their wellbeing. That's why he wrote 'The Wellbeing Revolution', a book that aims to help individuals take control of their physical and mental health.

Elísabet Ýr Sigurðardóttir is an Icelander who now resides in Sydney, Australia. As someone who is passionate about health and wellness, she has always been interested in the transformative power of breath. This passion led her to create Anda.

Anda have heavy support from the VC fund Antler and are looking to do some amazing things.

Find out what you can do to breathe better and how supporting the process with wearables can create a positive impact for you.

Notable moments in this episode:

(01:40) - The start of 'Anda'
(08:05) - How do breathing exercises reduce stress?
(21:38) - Breathwork and Mindfulness: Are they similar?

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Follow James and Elisabet:

Website - https://andahealth.co/
LinkedIn (company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/breathewithanda/
LinkedIn (James) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmcwhinney/
LinkedIn (Elisabet) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabet-yr


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Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website -...

“Imagine being able to stand in front of an audience and command their attention effortlessly, or crafting messages that resonate deeply with your audience.”

These are the words of today’s guest, Jon Yeo, Founder of Brightstar which is a professional speaking and communications firm.

Public speaking remains to be one of the most terrifying acts for people when asked what scares the hell out of them.

For most it's that underlying fear of making a fool of themselves, so just the very idea of having to do it sends them into cold sweats and hypertension.

This maybe you, or maybe you are someone that is ok with it but feels that with a better system they could be much more effective at it.

The good news is there is a process behind a great system, and with all processes there exists strong habits in support.

How much better would your influence be if you were to master this skill?

Jon is a highly sought after speaker coach and trainer. For over 10 years he's worked with global brands and enthusiastic startups alike to achieve their speaking and communication aspirations.

He helps corporate leaders and professionals to better craft their messages for both internal and external audiences.

He is also a certified virtual presenter and trainer working with remote teams all over the world.

Jon is the Licensee and Curator of TEDxMelbourne and past Chapter President of Professional Speakers Australia.Clients include SAP, Princess Cruises, Auspost, Mercer, Toyota, MYOB, NAB, University of Melbourne, Dept of Human Services, Korowa Anglican Girls School, Girls in Tech.

Notable moments in this episode:

(To be updated)

Follow Jon Yeo:

(To be updated)

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Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website - ultrahabits.co/
Rate the podcast - https://ratethispodcast.com/ultrahabits

Why do some people have turning points in their lives?

More importantly, are these moments in time something that can be created, or do they just happen?

Some people describe rock bottoms, moments of clarity or simply sheer desperation that sparks a survival instinct.

Whilst this phenomenon need not be so profound in your life, the question remains as to how we can better harness our struggles and bad circumstances as a catalyst for change.

If someone had told Bernard Toney Jr. at the tender age of 17 that the tragic loss of his dear friend, Ivan Gray, to a senseless drive-by shooting in Atlanta, would set him on a transformative path towards healing, mentorship, and leadership, he would have met their gaze with disbelief and despair.

Bernard chose to go into medicine, to ensure that he would never again feel so powerless when faced with the life and death of another human being.

From the grit and grind of Atlanta’s streets to the war-ravaged terrains of Afghanistan, his journey was far from conventional. Enlisting as a US Army medic and mental health specialist, he learned the critical importance of both physical and psychological healing. Bernard served with US Army Special Forces medics in Afghanistan, honing his skills in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. These experiences deepened his resolve and helped him grow both personally and professionally, leading him to pursue further education as a physician assistant.

Little did Bernard know that his unique blend of experience and dedication would open doors to one of the most prestigious medical roles in the country.

From 2019 to 2022, Bernard had the immense honour of serving as a White House Medical Unit Officer, offering medical services and guidance in the nerve centre of American governance.

Bernard will be joining the show today, make sure to tune in!

Notable moments in this episode:

(02:03) - Who is Bernard 1.0 (the original version of himself)?
(22:56) - His military experience and why he hated the army
(36:05) - His career and family: why he retired from the military

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Follow Bernard Toney Jr.:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/btoneyjr
Website - https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/faculty/bernard-toney/

***

Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website -

250 reasons

Cal Gates family had been significantly affected by Leukemia, his wife's (Tara) Mum had passed away from it when she was 3 years old. Cal had seen the impact of what this disease had done to his family and friends over the years, Cal says, “it hurts and to be honest I don't think that pain will ever leave.”

9+ Years ago his wife Tara raised over $9,000 by shaving her head to raise further money for the study into Leukemia, the disease that had hurt her family. To say he was inspired was an understatement. Cal stated “often hair can represent so much for a woman, so to see her do this was an amazing thing to witness.”

So he thought about what he could do in order to contribute... he decided that he couldn’t shave his head because he had no hair already, so he kept thinking about what he could do that would help to raise some funds.

Cal had always like ultra-trail running, he had done a few ultras before, saying that was not particularly good at them (being 100kgs) but he loved them none the less.

So, on June the 2nd 2022 he decided to run from Newcastle to Sydney along the GNW trail in a single push. It is 250km in length (maybe a little more) and climbs over 10,000+m in vertical gain. At the time it as estimated to likely take approximately 60+ hours to complete. His goal was to raise $100 per km of the GNW trail totalling $25,000.

Cal believed that this was to become his ultimate test, prepared for discomfort, tears and significant pain. However, he believed that none of it even came close to the pain that people with Leukemia have had to face daily.

Cal ultimately completed the run and raised over $50,000. Check out the full story of the Blood Run on the show today.


Notable moments in this episode:

(09:50) - Running passion turn into a good cause
(13:59) - Cal’s commitment to not quit the 250KM run
(22:12) - Difficulties during the 250 KM run


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Follow Cal Gates:

Watch “The Blood Run” - https://www.avocabeachtheatre.com.au/films-and-events/the-blood-run/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callan-gates-24a696a3/
Donate to Leukemia Foundation - https://fundraise.leukaemia.org.au/fundraisers/250reasons


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Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website -

Is stress impacting you daily?

Developing a real time awareness of our internal reactions and external responses to stressors is a critical component of state management.

It’s hard when fight or flight kicks in, and for most people, they simply get hijacked and carried by their emotions and thoughts.

What is this costing you in your business, personal relationships, and health?

Today we will be looking at the body and mind’s reaction to stress with Dave Wood. The aim of the conversation will be to leave you with training and tools that will give you the skills to better mitigate stress in your life.

Dave is a specialist in stress mitigation, recovery and mental preparedness for athletes, innovators, leaders and those in the pursuit of optimising their health and performance.

Dave has an in-depth understanding of the human body systems and how they are interconnected and the importance of balancing the body for sustainable peak physical and mental performance.

Dave combines theory-based knowledge and practical experiences gained from 12 years as an Intensive Care Paramedic and Professional Ocean Lifeguard. In these roles, he was required to respond with high acuity to high pressure situations and critically unwell patients. In these roles he acquired and honed his skills in stress mitigation and ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

Dave runs his own business in human performance, mentoring some of the world’s most elite level athletes in a diverse range of sports from the UFC, sailing and football, to name just a few. He has worked alongside organisations and companies, ranging in professions from lawyers, firefighters, navy personnel and web designers. The foundation of human performance is the same no matter the task.


Notable moments in this episode:

(11:25) - Are we responsible for our initial thoughts and feelings?
(23:10) - Narrative drives physical responses or physical responses drive narrative
(36:27) - The real impact of artificial noise


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Follow Dave:

Website - https://wmw.co.nz/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/integrated__training/?hl=en



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Follow & Subscribe to the Ultrahabits Journey:

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ultra-habits-podcast/id1551339373
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0eWBOT8L1ShaRy5aoPxOHp
Facebook - facebook.com/ultrahabits
Instagram - instagram.com/ultra.habits/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rj-singh-801a0436/
Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/32692468
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Ultrahabits
Website - ultrahabits.co/
Rate the podcast -...