Kinetic Careers: Stories from Sport and Exercise Science Graduates

Building a National Brand - Ryan O'Connor, Entrepreneur and Exercise Physiologist

In this episode, Ryan O'Connor discusses his 18-year journey in Exercise and Sport Science, detailing his rise from a motivated mature-age student to a successful business owner. He shares his evolution from volunteering and working in industrial health to overcoming clinical burnout, becoming a partner in a rehabilitation business, and eventually exiting after a successful sale to a private equity firm. You will learn about Ryan's strategic approach to volunteering, the realities of "tall poppy syndrome" in Australia, and the pivotal role of personal branding in career advancement. He emphasises the critical nature of building genuine relationships, the necessity of reading business literature to supplement clinical knowledge, and how being willing to "fail fast" and adapt—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—was instrumental in growing a team of over 60 employees.

A Decade of Adaptability - Johanna Mee, Exercise Physiologist and Educator

In this episode, Johanna Mee discusses her decade-long career in Exercise and Sport Science and walks us through her diverse clinical experiences in both urban and rural environments. She shares her transition from specialised scoliosis management to her current role educating the next generation of allied health assistants. You will learn about Johanna's journey from navigating early career uncertainty to establishing herself as a specialist in spinal deformities and undertaking a working "lap" of Australia. She emphasises the value of adaptability, the distinct differences between metropolitan and regional practices, and why the willingness to say "I don't know, but I'll find out" is a crucial skill for success.

Stong Communities - Renee Cabassi owner and operator of Say Yes Fitness

In this episode of Kinetic Careers, Renee Cabassi, owner and operator of Say Yes Fitness, discusses her 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her business is focused on creating a feel-good, women-only, community-based group fitness experience. We explore Renee's educational path and career evolution, highlighting how her commitment to building a strong, supportive community is a key factor in her enduring success. You will track Renee's path from UWA graduate to health promotion on mine sites and the non-profit sector, where she learned that people skills are often more critical than technical data. These experiences led her to found Say Yes Fitness with a focus on community and well-being. Renee also shares vital advice on building supportive networks and emphasises that the industry's real value lies in the positive impact on everyday lives.

Never stop learning - Jonny Christie puts his education into practice

In this episode, Jonny Christie discusses his 20-year career as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and walks us through his passion for community-based rehabilitation that he provides as the owner/operator of Agility Rehabilitation.  You will learn about Jonny's journey from identifying exercise physiology as the "fun part" of allied health to building a thriving rehabilitation career. He addresses the evolving landscape of exercise science, how building a business is really a passion for lifelong learning, and what critical skills you will need to be successful in this field.

Beyond borders: Ben Scott forging a career in high performance sport

In this episode, Ben Scott discusses his journey from being a fitness professional to pursuing a PhD at the University of Canberra, focusing on preparing the Australian flag football team for the 2028 Summer Olympics.  You will learn about Ben's educational journey with opportunities in the United States, Canada, Ireland and now Australia. He discusses what drove him to leave a successful fitness and coaching role to explore educational opportunities within exercise and sports science. A journey that has helped him become more adaptable, build critical professional networks, and ultimately led to an applied research PhD opportunity embedded within Olympic-level sport.