One True Measure

Dr. Bridie O’Donnell is a medical doctor, former professional cyclist, world record breaker, author, broadcaster, leader and champion for women in sport. Bridie has had many experiences in her life; the common theme is her passion for being the best version of herself, not content to be just a doctor. Bridie became an elite national rower, competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Triathlon Championship, and became a professional cyclist. In her 30s, Bridie made the extraordinary decision to pursue professional cycling, eventually racing internationally, representing Australia at three UCI Road World Championships and competing at the highest levels of the sport. In her 40s, she did something even more remarkable. In January 2016, Bridie took on one of cycling’s ultimate tests of endurance and mental strength: the UCI Women’s Hour Record. Over 60 relentless minutes at Adelaide’s Super-Drome, she rode 46.882 kilometres, breaking the world record by more than 600 metres. But the record is only part of her story. Since retiring from professional cycling, Bridie has become a powerful voice for equality and women in sport, served in senior government leadership roles, written Life and Death: A Cycling Memoir, and become the first woman to commentate the Tour de France for SBS. This is a conversation about going all in on your life, resilience, equality for women in sport, and having the courage to reinvent yourself. Check out the links If you want to find out more about Dr. Bridie ● Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/bridie_od/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridieodonnell/

Simon Eastaugh is a former AFL player, coach, football executive and leader. Originally drafted to Richmond as a teenager, Simon’s path to the AFL was far from straightforward. After an injury-interrupted start, he rebuilt his career in South Australian football, helped Norwood to a premiership, and eventually returned to the AFL to play for Essendon and Fremantle. Retirement was far from the end of Simon’s football story. He quickly moved into coaching. At West Coast, he worked with players such as Jack Darling and Jeremy McGovern. In 2012, he coached Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui, who both earned All-Australian selection, the first and only time two ruck men from the same club have been selected in the same All-Australian team. At Fremantle, as a ruck and midfield assistant coach, he worked with players including Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale, David Mundy and Brad Hill, along with ruck man Aaron Sandilands and now head coach Justin Longmuir. His career has also taken him beyond the traditional football department, into leadership, community development and helping create pathways for the next generation of players. Simon has first-hand knowledge of some of the sport’s greatest leaders and coaches, including Kevin Bartlett, Kevin Sheedy and John Worsfold. Speaking of coaches, Simon now faces his greatest coaching challenge... coaching his 14-year-old son’s junior football team for the Mighty Melville Junior Football Club. ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjeastaugh/ ● LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simon-eastaugh-b36a67217 ● X (Twitter): https://www.threads.com/@sjeastaugh

Dr Lydia Johns Putra is a surgeon, medical leader, humanitarian and Hero of one of New Zealand’s most devastating natural disasters, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. A respected Australian urologist, Lydia has built a remarkable career spanning medicine, surgical leadership, education and humanitarian service. Lydia is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. She has held senior leadership roles within the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, helping shape the next generation of surgeons. But Lydia’s story goes far beyond the operating theatre. In the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, she and over 400 Australian doctors found themselves at a conference in the city on the day of the earthquake. On that horrendous day, not many people ran toward the epicentre of the quake. Lydia did, helping provide medical aid to a man trapped in a collapsed building. Lydia, a firefighter, a police medic, and an anaesthetist worked together to save his life; all were presented with New Zealand’s highest Bravery Decorations in 2014. Lydia has also taken her surgical skills into some of the world’s most challenging environments, volunteering with Australian Doctors for Africa in Madagascar, where she has helped deliver surgery and training to local medical teams, a passion she continues to this day. Lydia’s story is ultimately about much more than surgery. It is about courage under pressure, leadership, resilience, service and what it really means to step up when other people are depending on you.

Damien’s story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience and reinvention. Inspired by his grandfather's military service, Damien joined the Australian Defence Force and, at just 24, achieved his dream of becoming a Commando and joining one of Australia’s top-tier special forces units.While serving in Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment, Damien’s life changed forever. In April 2009, whilst on night patrol in Southern Afghanistan, Damien’s unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb. Damien suffered horrendous injuries in the explosion, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. The damage to his body was so severe his medical team claim it is a miracle he wasn’t killed.Since then, Damien has shown his unconquerable spirit to make the most of his life by hiking the exceptionally arduous 100km Kokoda Trek dedicated to a fallen mate, Scott Palmer. Represented Australia at the Invictus Games. Wrote the best-selling autobiography Without Warning. Grown a new career as an actor, appearing in the Academy Award-winning film Hacksaw Ridge directed by Mel Gibson Competed on Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders (2018). Rebuilt his life again post-military as a golfer, now ranked #1–2 in the world in multi-amputee golf.He is also world-class motivational speaker, sharing his journey of triumph against adversity; the power of positive attitude and ambition for the future that continues to resonate with people from all walks of life.What do these things have in common special forces and service, Prince Harry, Mel Gibson in flip-flops, Kokoda, golf and Top Gun nicknames? The exceptional and the unbreakable Damien Thomlinson!Learn more about Damien: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/damienthomlinsonofficialInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/damienthomlinson/Website - https://www.damienthomlinson.com/

Luke Richmond is a professional adventurer, author, endurance athlete and world record holder. He grew up in the Australian outback and joined the Army at 17, serving with 1RAR and deploying to East Timor. After four years he packed it in, chasing the next challenge overseas, and ended up in the UK. The move out of military life didn't go the way he planned. Heavy drinking and drug use followed, and eventually rockbottom: addiction, and time in one of Her Majesty's prisons. That became the turning point. Luke moved to Thailand to train Muay Thai full time and detox his body and mind from the ground up. Since then he's climbed the highest peak on six continents, survived minus 60 degrees in Antarctica, rowed across the Atlantic and set a world record doing it, and trekked 1,800km across Mongolia's Gobi Desert, dragging his wife along to stress test their marriage. But the real story isn't the mountains or the ocean. It's the gap between what we think we can handle and what we're actually capable of. Through his books, expeditions and speaking, Luke talks about fear, suffering, resilience and how little time we actually have. His philosophy comes down to two words: One Chance. Learn more about Luke: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/olocadventures Instagram - @luke_olocadventures Website - www.olocadventures.com

Without Blake in the chair this time, Jack Fryer turns the mic around and sits down with Jayden Francis for a conversation about his own story. In the chat they talk through Jayden's childhood growing up in Singapore, being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 14, and being on Mount Kinabalu with his Tanjong Katong Primary School group during the 2015 Sabah earthquake. They also unpack what it was like moving from Singapore to Perth, how those early experiences shaped the way he sees resilience and risk, and the highs and lessons of his entrepreneurial journey.

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Dr Dan Pronk, their takeaways, key learns, as well as heading down a few philosophical rabbit holes. In the chat the team talk through Dan's path from chasing a professional triathlon career to an Army medical scholarship and passing SASR selection, and what four deployments to Afghanistan as a Special Forces combat doctor taught him about leadership and decision-making under fire. They also unpack his openness about post-traumatic stress and the transition to civilian life, the practical strategies behind The Resilience Shield, and how he juggles emergency medicine, TacMed Australia, SAS Australia, three businesses and counting, and life as a dad of three boys.

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Mark Direen, their takeaways, key learns, as well as heading down a few philosophical rabbit holes. In the chat the team talk through Mark's 20 years in the Australian Army, from infantry sniper with 1 RAR to passing SASR selection in 1997, and how he recovered from being seriously wounded by an IED in Afghanistan in 2007 to return to operational service. They also unpack what almost two decades in Afghanistan taught him about its people and culture, his transition into expedition guiding in places like Mongolia and Papua New Guinea, and how founding Point Assist, writing What's the Point? and creating Dog Tag Whiskey reflect his belief in continuous learning and adapting after adversity.

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Julian Pace.In the chat the team talk through how Julian turned profound personal loss into the mission behind Happiness Co. Why he believes happiness is something you can build rather than wait for, and what speaking to more than 63,000 people across 10 countries has taught him about human connection. They also unpack his recent trek to the Everest and Annapurna base camps, which raised over $165k for charity, and how he balances an ambitious goal of positively impacting 10 million lives in 10 years. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with James Jensen. In the chat the team talk through why James chose the front line over an officer's path despite graduating from ADFA, what 14 years as an SAS Patrol Commander taught him about leadership under real pressure, and how accountability looks different when lives are on the line. They also unpack his transition from soldier to consultant, and why he believes the principles that build elite military teams translate directly into building high-performing businesses. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with David Flanagan.In the chat, the team talk through what it takes to build a billion-dollar company from a junior explorer, why loyalty and relationships can matter more than pure strategy in volatile industries, and the courage it took to return and rebuild Atlas Iron. They also unpack David's transition from mining entrepreneur to educator and philanthropist, and why he believes leadership is ultimately measured by the people you bring with you. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Ian Prior. In the chat, the team talk through what it takes to lead a franchise through its most turbulent period, why identity and heritage can become the deepest source of motivation late in a career, and how a 14-year professional run led to an unexpected second chapter for Ian.. They also unpack the discipline behind reinventing yourself at the elite level, and why Ian believes the proudest moment of his career might still be ahead of him. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Ben Franks. In the chat the team talk through what actually builds a winning culture like the All Blacks', the discipline and preparation behind absorbing punishment in one of rugby's toughest positions, and why consistency often matters more than talent at the elite level. They also unpack Ben's transition from two-time World Cup winner to coach, and what he believes separates great teams from merely good ones. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with David Knoff.In the chat, the team talk through what it takes to lead a team of 24 through an Antarctic winter with no way home, the difference between leading in a war zone versus leading in total isolation, and why uncertainty tests resilience more than danger ever does. They also unpack the lessons from 537 Days of Winter and why David believes humanity's most extreme environments have the most to teach us about ourselves. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Dr William von Hippel.In the chat, the team talk through why our evolutionary wiring still shapes modern happiness, the tension between social status and social connection, and what Bill's research reveals about why humans are wired to care so deeply about what others think. They also unpack the ideas behind The Social Paradox and why understanding our ancestral past might be the key to a happier present. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Peter Scott, their takeaways, key learnings, as well as going deep on leadership.In the chat, the team talk through what it takes to lead a crew through fires, floods, and explosions hundreds of metres underwater, the mindset behind passing Perisher, the world's toughest command course and how command at sea translates to leadership on land. They also unpack Peter's shift from submarine commander to executive coach, and why he believes real leadership comes down to trust built long before the crisis hits. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Jenny and episode 2, their takeaways, key learns as well as heading down a few philosophical rabbit holes. In the chat the team talk through the reality of burnout even for the experts, the importance of prevention over cure, rebuilding identity beyond your career, and how. In Jenny's words, a thriving mind starts with the small stuff. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Blake and the team sit down to discuss the conversation with Ben and episode 1, their takeaways, key learns as well as a heading down a few philosophical rabbit holes. In the chat the team talk through the importance of authenticity, humility in the face of success, the importance of Resilience in modern life and how to in Ben's words, To go always a little further! The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Dr Dan Pronk is a former Australian Army Special Forces combat doctor, author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker. Dan originally pursued his goal of competing professionally in Trialathon before gaining an Army scholarship to study medicine. Following his medical training, Dan then went on to complete the demanding SASR selection course before joining special operations. During his military career, he served alongside both the SASR and the 2nd Commando Regiment, providing frontline medical care in high-risk combat environments on four deployments to Afghanistan. On his second deployment, he was awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service for leadership in action. Following his military service, Dan transitioned to civilian medicine, working in emergency departments and medical leadership roles. He is also a part-owner and Medical Director of TacMed Australia, starred as the on-set doctor for the hit television program SAS Australia, and regularly delivers presentations on resilience, leadership, and high performance. As an author, Dan has written several books, including The Combat Doctor, a memoir about battlefield medicine and the psychological effects of war; The Resilience Shield with his brother Ben and Tim Curtis, which outlines practical strategies for building resilience; and Average 70kg D**khead, which shares lessons on goal setting, discipline, and personal development. Dan has spoken openly about his own struggles with post-traumatic stress and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. Through his writing, public speaking, and clinical work, he advocates for evidence-based approaches to resilience, mental health, and performance for veterans, emergency responders, and the wider community. Dan holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, A Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, A Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a Master of Business Administration, and an Associate Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators. Dan is married to a very tolerant wife, the proud father of three boys, ice bath officnado, car enthusiast, and owner of three businesses and counting. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure

Mark Direen is a former member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) who served for 20 years in the Australian Army. Mark enlisted in the Australian Army in 1993. After completing infantry training, he was posted to 1 RAR. While serving as an infantry sniper, he completed the demanding SASR selection process in 1997. Mark deployed on operations, including: security operations during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, East Timor and five deployments to Afghanistan. In 2007, while serving in Afghanistan, Mark was seriously wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED). Despite his injuries, he recovered and returned to operational service, completing further deployments. In 2009, Mark worked as a security team leader at the Australian Embassy in Kabul, but later returned to the SAS to train new operators before deploying to Afghanistan once again. Mark spent almost two decades in Afghanistan, both with the SAS and as a security contractor and has a deep understanding of the people and culture. After leaving the Army, Mark became an expedition guide leading remote expeditions in places such as Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and Tasmania. He also founded a leadership and resilience business called Point Assist. Wrote the thought-provoking book What’s the Point?, and created a Whiskey company honouring the sacrifice and service of those he served with, naming it Dog Tag Whiskey. Mark has become a respected speaker on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and high-performance decision-making. Through interviews and public appearances, he has discussed both the demands of Special Forces service and the transition to civilian life, emphasising continuous learning and adapting after adversity. The One True Measure: Follow us on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onetruemeasure LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-o-connell-a829b369/ Website https://www.onetruemeasure.com.au/ LinkTree https://linktr.ee/onetruemeasure