Welcome to the final episode of season 9 of The Business of Endurance, and what an episode it is.

Today, we have the incredible Chris McCormack - Ironman World Champion, founder of Super League Triathlon, and one of the most successful and respected figures in endurance sports.

In this conversation, Chris opens up about his remarkable journey: from leaving a career in business to move to France and pursue triathlon, to becoming one of the sport's greatest athletes.

He shares the highs and lows of his career, including the pivotal moments that shaped his mindset and the mental resilience required to overcome failure.

But it’s not just about his athletic achievements. Chris reveals how he transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur, using the same principles that made him successful in sport to disrupt the triathlon industry with Super League.

Along the way, he delves into the power of goal-setting, the importance of physical fitness in business, and how his experiences have shaped the legacy he’s building today.

This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and creating lasting impact. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration, you won’t want to miss this one.

Highlights:

• Mind Over Muscle: Developing mental resilience to overcome fear, setbacks, and imposter syndrome.
• Legacy & Lessons: Why backing yourself, stating your goals, and taking chances matters - in sport and business.
• From Business to Sport: Leaving a corporate career to chase a triathlon dream in France.
• Accidental Triathlete: How naïve confidence and saying “yes” to opportunities launched Macca’s pro career.
• Breakthrough Moments: From sleeping rough in France to winning his second-ever World Cup race.
• Kona Obsession: Turning repeated failures into two Ironman World Championship victories.
• Smack Talk Strategy: Using psychology and presence to make rivals second-guess themselves.
• Embracing the Suck: Training to master the “pain cave” and win the battle inside your own head.
• Old Bull Wisdom: The power of patience, calculated risk, and learning from early career mistakes.
• From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Applying sporting grit to disrupt triathlon with Supertri.

Links:

Connect with Chris through Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maccanow/

Connect with Chris through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mccormack-macca/

Connect with Chris through his website: https://macca.com/

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

In this episode of The Business of Endurance, we’re joined by the incredible Matt Trautman - an athlete whose journey embodies the essence of resilience, reinvention, and mental toughness.

From competing as a white-water kayaker to becoming a world-class triathlete, Matt’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, including a severe spinal injury, and finding the strength to not only recover but to thrive.

Matt opens up about his path to recovery after a life-changing crash, his transition from professional athlete to coach, and how his background in kayaking and yacht racing shaped his approach to endurance sport.

He shares invaluable lessons on building resilience, dealing with setbacks, and finding purpose beyond the racecourse.

If you’re looking for insights on long-term performance, mental fortitude, and how to tackle life’s hardest moments with grit and grace, this conversation is for you.

Highlights:

• Resilience Through Setbacks: Overcoming physical and mental challenges, including a life-changing spinal injury.
• From Whitewater Kayaking to Triathlon: How kayaking set the foundation for Matt’s endurance career.
• Adapting to Injury: How Matt embraced a slow recovery to return to triathlon stronger.
• Load Management in Training: Respecting recovery to avoid setbacks and enhance performance.
• Influence of Mentors: How coaches like Brett Sutton shaped Matt’s career and coaching style.
• Dealing with Concussions: The psychological and physical challenges of recovering from a concussion.
• Team and Community Support: The value of camaraderie and encouragement during tough times.
• Retirement Decision: How family and shifting motivation led Matt to step away from professional triathlon.
• Building a Strong Endurance Base: The benefits of developing a physical foundation through varied sports.
• Mental Resilience and Goal Setting: Using small, achievable goals to regain fitness post-injury.

Links:

Connect with Matt through Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattytrautman/

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

What does it take to lead one of Britain’s most iconic sports into a new era?

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, to unpack how purpose-driven leadership, bold decision-making, and emotional intelligence are shaping the future of sport.

From orchestrating the ground-breaking Rugby League World Cup to overseeing the path to Paris 2024 and beyond, Jon shares the untold stories behind elite performance, everyday cycling, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive systemic change.

We talk values, resilience, media disruption, and why mindset - not just physiology - is becoming the biggest predictor of success in sport and business.

Whether you're an athlete, a business owner, or simply looking for leadership inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in navigating challenge with clarity, ambition, and integrity. If you’re ready to think bigger and lead better-this episode is for you.

Highlights:

• Leading with Purpose: How purpose-driven leadership is reshaping British Cycling and driving systemic change.
• Resilience Through Adversity: Navigating setbacks, including the postponement of the Rugby League World Cup, with determination and values.
• The Role of Values in Decision-Making: How making difficult decisions in sport, such as postponing an event, is grounded in core values like authenticity and inclusivity.
• Building a Positive Culture: How Jon is fostering a culture of trust, loyalty, and collective responsibility within British Cycling.
• Social Impact Through Sport: Leveraging cycling as a tool for social mobility, community cohesion, and tackling inactivity.
• Creating Opportunities for All: British Cycling’s commitment to engaging the entire population, from young children to seniors, in cycling.
• The Growth Mindset: How a growth mindset is key to success in both sport and business, and how British Cycling encourages it within its athletes and team.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: How Jon’s entrepreneurial approach is helping British Cycling thrive in a constantly evolving environment.
• The Power of the Grand Depart: The monumental impact of bringing the Tour de France to the UK in 2027 and its potential for inspiring the nation.
• Navigating Change in Media: How the shift in TV coverage and media rights is influencing the future of cycling and British Cycling’s role in that transformation.

Links:

Connect with Jon through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-dutton72/

Visit the British Cycling Website: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/

Please Subscribe to Business of Endurance on Apple Podcasts, leave a comment, and give us a 5-Star review.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline