Runner Nedd Brockmann, who ran across Australia in 46 days in 2022, is known for his grit and big heart. Fresh from joining the CommBank Tour, he shares what he’s learnt about chasing goals in business and life.
Running is one of the most accessible sports out there. Was that part of the appeal for you?
I started running to lose weight but what kept me going was how it made me feel. I’ve never run because I loved it. For me, the enjoyment is in doing the hard thing, not avoiding it.
You’ve achieved some massive goals. How do you decide where to put your efforts?
I haven’t always been good at it but I’ve learnt that time is finite. You can’t do everything – you have to commit to a few things and go all in. Goals are great but don’t rely on them to make you happy. The joy is in the doing, not the finishing line.
You’re raising millions of dollars for homelessness prevention. Why does giving back matter?
When I started running I saw people on the street and thought, “That’s not fair.” That’s how it began. Everyone deserves access to a shower, a meal, a safe place to sleep. I’ve been lucky to have support but not everyone does.
You’ve gone from sparky to founder of Nedd’s Milk. What’s surprised you most as a business owner?
People think running a business means freedom and it can be but you lose the clock-on, clock-off life. You’re in it all the time. What I’ve learnt is to make money so you can have freedom, not so you can make even more of it.
