Share

cover art for Ep 21 - Business Lessons from Olympic Sport | Ji Wallace

Your #1 Business Podcast

Ep 21 - Business Lessons from Olympic Sport | Ji Wallace

Season 2, Ep. 1
•

Today’s episode is a special crossover between The Nest Effect and Your #1 Business Podcast, bringing together the worlds of sport and business.


I recently sat down with Olympic silver medallist Ji Wallace — whose journey took him from a backyard trampoline to the podium at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where he secured Australia’s first Olympic gymnastics medal.


But this conversation goes beyond sport.


It’s about the high-performance principles that apply just as much in business as they do in elite competition.

Because whether you’re stepping onto the Olympic floor or into a boardroom moment that matters, the fundamentals are the same:

  • Preparation.
  • Mindset.
  • Resilience.
  • And the ability to perform under pressure.


From Olympic silver to performing with Cirque du Soleil and now mentoring the next generation of athletes, Ji’s journey offers powerful lessons on reinvention, leadership, and sustained performance.


This crossover episode connects sport and business and shows how the mindset of champions can shape the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.


If you’re interested in learning more about how The WattleNest supports athletes and is helping build legacy ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, listen to Episode 6 where we speak with the founder, and visit the website to discover how the movement is supporting the next generation of Australian athletes.


Let’s dive in. 🏅📈

Want to Share Your Story on the Podcast?

We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to feature on Your #1 Business Podcast. If you have a story, strategy, or insight that could empower our audience, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Apply to be a guest today: https://www.y1bp.au/register/

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 5. Ep 25 - From Travel Expert to Business Owner: Jace Pashley’s Ipswich Business Story

    31:33||Season 2, Ep. 5
    After 18 years in the travel industry, Jase Pashley decided it was time to turn a long-held dream into reality and start his own corporate travel business.In this episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, Jase shares what prompted him to step out on his own, the early stages of launching his business and why personal service remains at the heart of everything he does.He discusses the importance of understanding a client’s business, building relationships through networking and remaining resilient through quiet periods, setbacks and the everyday challenges of business ownership.Jase also challenges common travel myths, including whether booking online is always cheaper, whether corporate travel management is only for large companies and why a travel manager’s role continues long after the initial booking.From customer service and cash flow to networking, work-life balance and backing yourself, this is an honest conversation about building a business around experience, trust and genuine human connection.Your Number 1 Business Podcast features inspiring business stories from Greater Springfield, Ipswich, Brisbane and across Queensland. Each episode shares practical advice and real experiences from Australian entrepreneurs, small-business owners and community leaders.For listeners searching for a Greater Springfield business podcast, Ipswich business stories, a Brisbane entrepreneur podcast, Queensland small-business insights or Australian business-owner interviews, this episode offers practical lessons from someone taking the leap into business ownership.

  • Trailer - Beyond the Booking: Jase Pashley on Business, Travel and Resilience

    02:14|
    Here’s a short trailer from Antoine’s conversation with Jase Pashley on Your Number One Business Podcast.In this preview, Jase shares a powerful piece of wisdom from his 18 years in the travel industry and his journey into business ownership — reminding us to take a breath, stay human, do our best, and be proud of the journey.The full episode explores Jase’s experience in travel, the decision to start his own business, the importance of personal service, and the lessons he has learned along the way.Listen to the trailer now, then catch the full episode on Your Number One Business Podcast.

  • 4. Ep 24 - Backing Yourself: Luke Frederick on Leadership, Opportunity and Quest Springfield Central

    34:05||Season 2, Ep. 4
    In this episode of Your Number One Business Podcast, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Luke Frederick, part owner of Quest Springfield Central, to hear the real story behind his journey into business ownership.Luke shares how a decision to leave behind the routine of tree farm work led him to Canada, where he discovered hospitality, leadership, and a love for creating great guest experiences. From there, his journey took him through regional Victoria, Quest Ipswich, business awards, career development, and eventually into part ownership of Quest Springfield Central.This conversation explores what it really takes to move from employee to business owner, the importance of having the right people around you, why leadership is built through tough moments, and why there may never be a perfect time to take the next step.Luke’s story is a reminder that opportunity often appears when preparation, support, courage, and timing come together.Image: Courtesy of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce

  • Trailer - Transition from Employee to Business Owner | Luke Frederick

    03:27|
    What happens when ambition meets real life?In this episode, we unpack the rollercoaster journey of chasing a business dream with Quest, from enrolling in the franchise accelerator program to nearly making the leap… and then pulling back at the last second.With a baby on the way and a global pandemic about to hit, the timing couldn’t have been more uncertain. What felt like a missed opportunity at the time turned out to be a blessing in disguise.But the story doesn’t end there.After years of building, learning, and revisiting the dream, the opportunity came back around—and this time, they were ready.This episode is a raw and honest look at risk, timing, family, and the reality of going all-in on a business dream.👉 If you’ve ever wondered “what if?”—this one’s for you.

  • 3. Ep 23 - Built From Scratch: A Business, A Stadium, A Legacy | Paul Coory

    27:34||Season 2, Ep. 3
    Success in business isn’t always about big moments, sometimes it’s about backing yourself, building the right team, and staying true to your values.In this episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, we sit down with Paul Coory, founder of COHA Group — a genuine, down-to-earth operator and one of the good blokes in the industry, to talk about his journey from architect to business owner, and the story behind helping deliver one of South East Queensland’s most iconic sporting venues… Brighton Homes Arena.From starting COHA Group with just a laptop and a vision, to leading major projects and creating a people-first culture, Paul shares honest insights into:Backing yourself and just getting startedThe realities of running a business (the highs, lows, and everything in between)Building a strong team culture and investing in peopleDelivering high-profile projects under pressureWhat success really means as a business owner, husband, and dad⚠️ Listener Warning: This episode contains strong admiration (and possibly an unhealthy amount of love) for Brighton Homes Arena… and honestly, we’re not sorry about it.If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or thinking about starting something of your own — this one’s packed with real, practical wisdom and a great story from the founder of COHA Group.

  • Trailer - Behind the Build: Lessons from Brighton Homes Arena | Paul Coory

    01:40|
    From launching a business with nothing but a laptop… to delivering one of Australia’s premier sporting venues, Paul Coory shares the journey behind Brighton Homes Arena and the lessons that shaped his success. This is a story about backing yourself, building strong teams, and redefining what success really means. 

  • 2. Ep 22 - The Cost of Always Being On: Steve Hodgson on Mental Health and Business

    27:34||Season 2, Ep. 2
    What does success really cost?In this powerful episode of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, Antoine Vidal sits down with Steve Hodgson—former real estate principal turned mental health advocate—to unpack the hidden realities behind business success.From building a high-performing business to experiencing severe burnout, Steve shares the moment everything changed—and the lessons every business owner needs to hear.This episode dives into:The unseen pressure of running a businessWhy burnout is more common than you thinkThe biggest mistakes business owners makeHow to shift from working in your business to on itRedefining success beyond money and growthIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or questioned the path you’re on—this conversation will hit home.

  • Trailer - From Burnout to Breakthrough: Steve Hodgson’s Journey to Mental Health Advocacy

    01:37|
    Get ready for an inspiring episode of your number one business podcast! In this upcoming episode, we sit down with Steve Hodgson, a former real estate principal turned mental health advocate. Steve opens up about his journey through burnout, the lessons he learned, and how he’s helping others prioritize their well-being. Tune in for actionable advice, powerful reflections, and a fresh perspective on success. Full episode drops soon!