Life beyond Radford
Brennon Dowrick
What does life look for you now?
I represented Australia at 2 Olympic Games, 3 Commonwealth Games and 7 World Championships and was a multiple gold medalist in Commonwealth Games. I completed a BA in Journalism. I married Kym Matley (Class 1989) who was a foundation student with me. We have 4 kids – Nathan 18 (now a Collegian, Cohort of 2014) Mia 16, Troy 13 and Kira 10. I work in Wellness Motivation and as a keynote motivational speaker. We live in Noosa after spending most of our life in Canberra.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I have to say that I met my wife Kym at Radford (on the first day of Yr 7 no less!)
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mr O’Reagan was a fantastic teacher and storyteller when I was at Radford. He inspired me to entertain to educate people. Other role model would be Motorcycle Champion Mick Doohan – incredibly determined athlete and a great businessman.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
I think I didn’t so much decide as fell into my career. I think you don’t need to focus on doing one thing for the rest of your life – that's a bit old school. If you are stressed about your future take a gap year and travel. Just make sure you have a passion for something.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not really! And certainly not as my parents planned for me! It took me 7 years to do a 3 year degree as I was competing internationally and also at the end of the degree raising a young family. I decided straight out of retirement from gymnastics that I would back my instincts and pursue a career in corporate speaking. 15 years later I am still in the area but diversifying too. It has allowed me to be a present Dad for my kids.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
I know how much it costs to send 4 kids to private school and wish I had shown more gratitude to my parents at the time. I also now know the importance of developing good networks in work and life.
What advice do you have for current students?
Find a passion and work out how that can be a part of your career in future. When you are motivated to achieve it is much easier to put in the work to do so.
Anything else that you would like to share?
I am the founder (along with my wife Kym) of social enterprise Champion Edge (www.championedge.com.au)
