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Guest: Nat Cook – Olympian & Advocate for Aussie Athletes

In this inspiring episode, five-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist Nat Cook sits down with Cherie to share the real story behind elite sport, the courage, resilience, and grit required to compete at the highest level, and the often unseen challenges that come after the medals.

Nat opens up about:

• The raw truth of leading with courage: why courage only exists alongside fear, and the importance of being bold enough to take the first step — even when terrified.
• Her journey through five Olympic Games, including the mindset shifts from "failure isn’t an option" to embracing resilience and bouncing back stronger.
• A powerful lesson she learned on the sand during competition: “No one’s coming”  the brutal but liberating advice to own your journey and never wait for rescue.
• The real cost of a sporting career, including retiring with significant debt, no superannuation, and no formal degree  and how this inspired her to create and champion the Aussie Athlete Fund to support the next generation.
• How sport and leadership lessons translate into everyday life — from managing pressure to building resilience, to leading yourself when no one else will.
• Her call to arms for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics: why staying in your city and being part of this moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for individuals, families, and communities.

Nat also shares fun and personal stories about her love for golf, the importance of networks, and her ongoing mission to empower young athletes to not only survive but thrive in their careers and beyond.

If you want a fresh perspective on leadership, courage, and resilience from someone who’s lived it on the world’s biggest stage this episode is a must-listen.

https://aussieathletefund.com/
https://nataliecook.com/
https://au.linkedin.com/in/nataliecookoamoly
https://www.instagram.com/natcook_official/

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Thanks for joining us on the Lead with Courage podcast, bought to you by Luminate Leadership. We trust this episode has given you some insights and joy to empower you live your biggest, best life.

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Until the next episode, we hope you live and Lead with Courage!
Cherie x
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Luminate Leadership is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.