As a Partner for Executive Quarter, an elite marathon runner, coach, and podcast host, what does a typical day look like for you?
My day almost always starts with a run. It means I’ve ticked it off early, and I can focus on everything else ahead. I also just feel a lot better when I’ve started my day with a run - it clears my head and gets the blood moving!
Coaching-wise, my interactions are pretty ad hoc, responding to questions and following up on key sessions with my athletes. The consistency of a message here and there really helps build engagement and trust in the coaching relationship, ultimately leading to the best results.
In my actual day job, no two days look the same - though they all involve a fair bit of coffee. My time is split between interviews with candidates, meetings with clients, and working on product and process improvements. There’s always something new going on.
Evenings often include a short gym session or swim, and since launching Execs Who Run, editing and content creation have also become part of the routine.
What do you enjoy most about your role with Executive Quarter?
Solving problems.
I see executive recruitment as a golden opportunity for organisations to step back and think about what they’re actually trying to achieve. Instead of simply filling an empty role or adding another headcount, it’s about finding someone who can really solve a problem for the organisation. That’s the part I love - digging into what’s needed and finding the right leader to make an impact.
We imagine your training schedule must be pretty intense! How do you go about preparing to compete in a race (mentally and physically)?
Nothing groundbreaking here - consistency is key, and that’s never more true than in distance running. My training is fairly steady year-round, with tweaks leading into big races. That way, I’m never playing catch-up; I’m just building on the work I’ve already done. I run 6-7 days a week, with some gym sessions and swims mixed in for durability (and sanity).
For me, mental preparation comes from the key workouts in the lead-up. If I hit a big session a few weeks out (say a 2-hour long run with 3×20 minutes at marathon pace) I know I’m in good shape and can go into race day confident. If the session doesn’t go well, it still gives me a benchmark to adjust my race strategy and go in feeling in control.
Any big races or goals on the cards for 2025?
There are a few races lined up, but the big one is Sydney Marathon. I’ve lived in Sydney for two years and haven’t done it yet, so now that it’s a World Marathon Major, I’ve got to give it a crack!
Goal-wise, I’ve had my sights on breaking 2:20 for the marathon for a while. Unfortunately, 2024 wasn’t my year with a few injuries and illnesses, but hopefully, 2025 will be different.
At the start of 2025, you also launched your podcast Execs Who Run. What was your inspiration behind starting this, and what do you hope to achieve?
Execs Who Run is really just an extension of the conversations I already have every day. I’m constantly talking to senior leaders about leadership, their challenges, and their lives. And I’m always talking to people about running—probably more than they really want to hear about it!
So the podcast brings those two worlds together - talking to senior leaders about Life, Leadership, and the Miles in Between. I hope listeners find the conversations interesting, learn something, and maybe even feel inspired to run a little more themselves.
If you could give any advice to new graduates, what would it be?
Just go running.
That applies literally (if they’re runners), but more broadly - it’s about not overcomplicating things. And maybe a little stolen from Nike: Just do it.
When stepping into the workforce, it’s easy to overthink everything. But sometimes, you just need to jump in, give it a go, and figure it out as you go. Keep an open mind, learn from each experience, adapt when needed, and then go again.
The world is more complex than you think - and that’s okay. You don’t need to understand everything upfront. Just start learning.
Any fond memories that have stuck with you from your time at UC?
During my two years, I was a residential assistant at two of the halls. It was great to see the transformation first-year students go through -it’s such a formative year. Positive or negative, it’s often their first real experience of jumping in, learning, and adapting.
Final thoughts?
Whether it’s in running, business, or life, the key is consistency. You don’t have to have everything figured out from day one, (or even from day whatever I’m up to!) - just keep showing up, learning, and adapting. That’s where progress happens.
Check out Jason's LinkedIn profile here to keep up to date with Executive Quarter, and his Strava profile here to follow along on Jason's journey to a 2:20 marathon.
