Reflections - 2023
As I sit down to reflect on the EPIC year that was 2023, I'm overflowing with gratitude for the experiences, growth, connections, and milestones that defined this chapter of my life's journey. I’ve had so many professional highlights in just one year, but I am especially proud to be able to continue supporting the legacy of our country’s aspiring sporting greats through the newly formed organisation, Aussie Athlete Fund.
Some more highlights that made 2023 one for the books!
February: Igniting Ideas
The year kicked off with a spark at the Rowland BIG Ideas workshop, where I had the privilege of meeting the brilliant Tim Sharp; the creative mind and talent behind Laser Beak Man. Little did I know, this encounter would set the tone for a year of creativity, inspiration and connection. I also shared my personal story as part of a Sydney World Pride feature shedding light on the experiences of gay athletes, and celebrating how far we’ve come since I was a young athlete.
March: Celebrating Women
March was the month we celebrated the talent and achievements of a diverse range of amazing women, all leading change in their respective fields. As part of International Women's Day, we welcomed BNE 2032 CEO Cindy Hook, I played tennis with the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and the team from Health & Wellbeing Queensland. I travelled to beautiful Port Douglas to be a part of Cadbury's Sports Icons panel which was a humbling and fun experience, and I hope that through sharing my experiences, I’m able to empower others to achieve their own gold medals in whichever race they choose to run!
April: Bucket list ✅ Augusta Masters and Reliving Atlanta '96
Something I will never forget is getting to walk alongside our very own Aussie golf legend Adam Scott at The Masters in Augusta! Being in Georgia, I also couldn’t resist the opportunity to revisit all the iconic Atlanta Olympic sites and reminisce about the place where my journey as an OLYmpian started with Kerri Pottharst in 1996! Also in April, I joined the Rowland Sport team. I was onboarded to assist Rowland’s clients to leverage the transformational power of sport through their business strategies whilst fostering teamwork, leadership and sustainable success within their organisations.
May: Launching Aussie Athlete Fund
May marked the launch of Aussie Athlete Fund – a project very close to my heart, and many years in the making. This new initiative supports the dreams of athletes aspiring to represent Australia, through fundraising education, funding opportunities and mentorship. Green & Gold Athletes has already reached its first round funding goals, and is making a significant impact for young Australian athletes and the future of sport in this country.
June: Eye on 2024
Green and gold fever washed over Deloitte’s offices in Brisbane, with team processing for our Paris OLYmpians ahead of 2024! And while the pros were training for real, I spent Olympic Day with my Active Women Executives (AWE) group supported by Robyn Littlewood and Health & Wellbeing Queensland, trying our hand at a heap of different sports. I’m counting the days to 26 July 2024 for the Opening Ceremony in Paris!
July: Countdown to 2032
Queenslanders got a peek at the Olympic rings and Paralympic agitos, as we marked 9 years to go until 2032! I had the honour of being invited as a keynote speaker for the Women in Sport Summit – events like this are inspiring, celebratory and visionary! Women's sport has come a long way, but the horizon continues to move! We need to keep setting big, bold and innovative goals and continue to chase them! Aussie Athlete Fund launched the AUS #150Women program, inspired by Jane Roos’ CAN Fund #150Women that has changed the game for Canadian athletes. I hope we can leverage it in the same way here for our athletes, with support from and for Australian women.
August: On stage for Amazon & Matildas Fever
In August, I was invited as a keynote speaker for the Amazon Sellers' Conference. It was an honour to be invited to share my secrets for excellence and sustainable success with one of the world’s influential companies. And of course we are still celebrating the Matildas fever that gripped the nation as they made history in the Women's World Cup – not only achieving the country’s best ever result by a soccer team (men or women), but captivating audiences worldwide, smashing broadcast and merchandise records, and inspiring almost every kid (and even adults) in Australia to kick a soccer ball! May the Green & Gold magic continue to wash over us all!
September: Connecting Globally
In September, I had the privilege of attending the World Olympians Forum in Istanbul; contributing to the global conversation surrounding the biggest sporting event in the world, with the athletes at the centre of it all. Did you know there are over 110,000 Olympians worldwide?!
October: New Beginnings
In October, I unveiled the new Nat Cook brand, signifying the next chapter in my journey as a motivational speaker and advisor on strategy, sports and wellbeing. It was a very personal project and more emotive than I would have imagined! Thanks to the team at Rowland for all the work and support.
Launching 'The Price You Pay' podcast by Aussie Athlete Fund, we lifted the lid on some of the real stories and costs of representing one's country as an elite athlete. I also flew to Singapore for the 2023 New Partner Conference for Deloitte, where I was a panellist with Curtis McGrath PLY. We discussed how high-performance and well-being live together in the same space. I also had the pleasure of hosting 1000 people at the Women in Digital Awards for my second year running. What an impact all these women are making!
November: Golfing for a Cause and Empowering Athletes
In November, I took to the golf course (again) – competing in the Pro Am at the PGA Championship at Royal QLD, and hosting the inaugural Aussie Legends Golf Classic at my home golf course, Hope Island. We raised over $100K to support the next gen of our Aussie athletes! We also established the FundRaising Academy, which gives athletes the tools they need to raise their own funds sustainably, empowering them to take charge of their futures.
December: Time to Unwind
To wrap up what’s been a MASSIVE year, I shared a healing sound bath with the Active Women Executives (AWE) and Health & Wellbeing Queensland – what an amazing way to clear and refresh our energy before heading into the new year!
For the final days of 2023, I'm on a well-deserved break with my family in Nova Scotia, Canada and praying for a white Christmas!
Reflecting on 2023 I feel so grateful, and I can't wait to see what next year holds. I’ve got some awesome things in the works already for 2024 and I can’t wait to share them with you. A massive thank you for being a part of my journey – I couldn’t do any of this without your support!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! May it be fun, safe, adventurous and restful!
My two words for 2024: adventure and abundance!
Here's to chasing our dreams in 2024!