What does high performance really look like when the arena is business, leadership and life?

In this episode of Blue Ribbon High Performance, Edwina Sharrock OAM joins us to unpack a career that has taken her from nursing and midwifery to emergency services, entrepreneurship, business leadership and executive coaching.

Born and raised in Tamworth, Edwina founded Birth Beat after recognising a gap in accessible, modern birth education for women, particularly those living in regional and rural Australia. What began with face-to-face classes grew into a successful business, taking Edwina through investment, rapid growth and ultimately the sale of the company.

But behind the success came lessons about what sustainable high performance actually requires.

Edwina shares why clarity, goal setting, accountability and consistency have shaped her approach; the importance of investing in yourself as a leader; what she learnt about building teams and culture; and why being willing to say “I don't know” can be one of the greatest strengths in business.

The conversation also explores the similarities between elite sport and business, from coaching the human first and doing the daily work, to creating environments where people feel connected, trusted and able to perform at their best.

Edwina also reflects candidly on pushing herself too hard, learning that high performance isn't simply about doing more, and why this chapter of her life is about slowing down in some areas to focus on what matters most.

It’s a conversation about ambition, resilience, leadership, self-awareness and the ongoing pursuit of getting better, without losing sight of the people and life around you.

What does leadership look like when the pressure never stops?

This month, I’m joined by Matt Burke, Wallaby great and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, to discuss performance under scrutiny, leadership evolution and sustaining standards across a long career.

From leaving school at 15 in Armidale to building a multi-industry empire, Greg Maguire’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.

What began in menswear quickly evolved into a relentless pursuit of growth, with Greg launching multiple businesses before transforming regional hospitality.

In 1986, he opened The Powerhouse Tamworth, setting a new benchmark as the first 4-star motel in country NSW. Today, it stands as the only 5-star hotel in Tamworth, a testament to his vision and commitment to excellence.

But Greg didn’t stop there.

From developing a 5-star boutique hotel in Brisbane, to building a thriving pastoral enterprise spanning over 29,500 acres and running up to 14,000 head of cattle, his impact across industries is unmatched.

A leader in every sense, Greg has helped shape the region through roles with Tourism Tamworth, AELEC and TRECC - while building a legacy business now carried forward by his family.

He describes himself simply as a “passionate hotelier, not a farmer” - but this episode reveals the mindset, discipline and ambition behind a lifetime of high performance.

High performance is never just physical.

This month on the podcast, I’m joined by Sam Wykes, former international rugby player and coach, to unpack resilience, accountability and what happens when athletes are forced to redefine who they are beyond the game.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

High performance doesn’t exist in isolation.

This joint episode brings together Jake Douglas and Georgia Pryer to discuss collaboration, evidence-based practice and why performance outcomes improve when systems work together as CrossFit athletes.

Performance isn’t confined to sport. This month, I’m joined by Paul Dooley, one of Australia’s most respected auctioneers, to explore preparation, adaptability and performing under pressure in real-world, high-stakes environments.

High performance starts early, and it lasts a lifetime.

This month on the Blue Ribbon High Performance Podcast, I’m joined by Iohna Loots, an internationally respected ballet dancer, educator and coach whose influence has shaped performers and teachers around the world.

We explore discipline, standards, longevity and what true excellence looks like behind the scenes and lessons that extend far beyond the arts.