Champions in sport can be champions in business
Media Release
26 October 2017
Champions in sport can be champions in business
“Champions in sport can be champions in business” was the take-out message from the Olympians Club of Queensland (OCQ) business breakfast held today at River City Labs in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane today.
OCQ President Andrew Trim said the purpose of the breakfast was to highlight the similarities in the journey to becoming a champion athlete and creating a successful business.
“One of OCQ’s primary goals is to get Olympians re-engaged post their sporting careers and to draw direct connections with the qualities and characteristics they share with successful business people – drive, determination, willingness to take risks, tackling doubts and the need to have a strategy for success.”
Mr Trim’s comments were endorsed by River City Labs (RCL) CEO Peta Elis, “Entrepreneurs and Olympians have many similarities that are not often easily identified until you work with them closely. It is the mindset of both Olympians and entrepreneurs that is both fascinating and unique and we look forward to bringing the two together. We see a huge opportunity to create a valuable support network and collaborative community with aligned vision.”
Ms Ellis said RCL was excited about the opportunity of welcoming the Olympians to the startup culture and highlighting some its programs.
“Bridging the founder journey and athletes journey, the Labs aims to create an alignment for a deeper relationship between Olympian and the entrepreneur community.”
Nicole Jordan, Operations Manager at Transition Level Investments* said that in preparing for the event, RCL had brought together a panel that was relatable and showcase the depth and breadth of opportunity on offer.
"We believe there is a parallel journey for a founder and an elite athlete. Both experience highs and lows, are resilient, self-managed, determined and passionate. The opportunity to bring Olympians together with founders will bring enormous value commencing with shared experience," Ms Jordan said. [ Transition Level investments is the parent company of River City Labs.]
Olympians attending this morning’s events were treated to a dynamic discussion between a panel of four successful startup entrepreneurs:
Lucio Piccoli – Founder of SiteSee – established in 2016 - provide software that enables clients to interactively manage critical infrastructure. In 2016, SiteSee received funding from Australian Shark Tank Entrepreneur and Investor Steve Baxter;
Chris Saad – ex Uber Developer – builds strategies, products, messages, brands ecosystems, standards and startups;
Mike Knapp - entrepreneur in residence, RCL Accelerator and co-founder, Shoes Of Prey – Shoes of Prey allows women to create their own shoes online; and
Sarah Pearce - co-founder, Travel Shoot – Based on the Gold Coast, TravelShoot connects travellers with trusted local photographers around the world, In 2015, Sally received funding from Australian Shark Tank Entrepreneur
The panel was introduced by Alexander Dreiling, CEO of ClipChamp and former German National Swimmer who also shared his own story of experience across elite sport and transitioning to the life of a founder.
Mr Trim said this morning’s breakfast was the first major collaborative event between RCL and the OCQ and said he believed the cross pollination between sport and startup businesses was a “no brainer” in terms of embracing shared experiences to achieve success.
“It is often difficult for elite sportspeople to manage the transition from being successful in one endeavour to being successful in another. Flying by the seat of your pants is not a plan and you need a support team around you to be successful – just we all did when we were elite athletes.
“Successful people share a DNA of thought and action and today was all about making those connections. We will build on the success of today’s event and look forward to a long and productive relationship with RCL.”
ENDS
Media contact
Olympians Club of Queensland – Andrew Trim – M: 0417889 615