Episode
217

The Elite Athlete's Mindset: From Rugby to Recovery | Tim Bateman

For episode 217, we sat down with Tim Bateman. From a highly respected professional rugby player who commanded the midfield to the founder of a rapidly-scaling wellness brand, Tim’s journey is a powerful study in discipline, peak performance, and translating the hard-won lessons of elite sport into groundbreaking business success. In this episode we talk about the mental fortitude required to transition from the pressure of the playing field to the relentless startup environment, how the intense focus on physical recovery during his professional rugby career became the blueprint for his successful seven-site studio, the key entrepreneurial lessons he learned while competing at the highest level, and his mission to democratize the elite recovery practices once reserved only for athletes. Plus a few laughs about his most brutal on-field encounters, the strange diets of professional rugby teams, and how he manages the natural "dissatisfaction" that drives all high performers.
With
Tim Bateman
,
Former Pro Athlete, Entrepreneur
Listen on
Podbean
EPISODE SPONSOR

Rosefern Homes

With
Paul & Ant
Founders
,
Rosefern Homes
Take Me There
about THIS EPISODE

The Elite Athlete's Mindset: From Rugby to Recovery | Tim Bateman

For episode 217, we sat down with Tim Bateman. From a highly respected professional rugby player who commanded the midfield to the founder of a rapidly-scaling wellness brand, Tim’s journey is a powerful study in discipline, peak performance, and translating the hard-won lessons of elite sport into groundbreaking business success. In this episode we talk about the mental fortitude required to transition from the pressure of the playing field to the relentless startup environment, how the intense focus on physical recovery during his professional rugby career became the blueprint for his successful seven-site studio, the key entrepreneurial lessons he learned while competing at the highest level, and his mission to democratize the elite recovery practices once reserved only for athletes. Plus a few laughs about his most brutal on-field encounters, the strange diets of professional rugby teams, and how he manages the natural "dissatisfaction" that drives all high performers.

In episode 217, Tim Bateman shares his journey from professional rugby player to founder of O Studio, a rapidly-scaling wellness brand with seven locations across New Zealand and expansion plans for Australia. Tim discusses the mental resilience required for this transition and how his focus on physical recovery during his rugby career became the blueprint for his successful business venture.

Tim reveals that the last year has been extraordinarily busy with multiple new studios opening and Australian expansion underway. He explains that O Studio's mission is to make recovery and wellbeing "as understood, as accepted, and as practiced as physical fitness" - comparing today's recovery industry to how physical fitness was viewed 40-50 years ago.

The conversation explores Tim's franchising model, which he chose because local owners provide deeper community connections than corporate management. He emphasises that O Studio isn't a traditional franchise but rather a partnership where innovation is encouraged among owners, creating a collective learning environment where "all boats rise with the tide".

Tim discusses the upcoming Australian expansion through a joint venture with Bwell Brands (owners of Jets International), with plans for 100 locations over 4-5 years. He shares insights on entrepreneurship, including the need for risk tolerance, problem-solving abilities, and the willingness to tackle difficult challenges head-on.

Throughout, Tim reflects on the entrepreneurial mindset, noting the importance of intentionality in both business and personal life, and how the "natural dissatisfaction" that drives high performers must be balanced with appreciation for achievements along the journey.

Go to play episode
featured

In the spotlight: Our most popular episodes

Here is our pick out of our 150+ episodes.

most recent

Listen up: Our latest discussions

Get the latest insights from the 10 Million 10 Years podcast.

See all episodes
Episode
217

The Elite Athlete's Mindset: From Rugby to Recovery | Tim Bateman

For episode 217, we sat down with Tim Bateman. From a highly respected professional rugby player who commanded the midfield to the founder of a rapidly-scaling wellness brand, Tim’s journey is a powerful study in discipline, peak performance, and translating the hard-won lessons of elite sport into groundbreaking business success. In this episode we talk about the mental fortitude required to transition from the pressure of the playing field to the relentless startup environment, how the intense focus on physical recovery during his professional rugby career became the blueprint for his successful seven-site studio, the key entrepreneurial lessons he learned while competing at the highest level, and his mission to democratize the elite recovery practices once reserved only for athletes. Plus a few laughs about his most brutal on-field encounters, the strange diets of professional rugby teams, and how he manages the natural "dissatisfaction" that drives all high performers.
With
Tim Bateman
Former Pro Athlete, Entrepreneur
,
Episode
216

Building an art empire | Ellie Compton

For Episode 216, we sat down with Ellie Compton, a successful artist who merged her architectural background with her creative passion to build a highly structured, profitable enterprise. Ellie's professional journey demonstrates the power of converting a side project into a full-time career through calculated strategy and business acumen. In this episode, we talk about the development of her unique architectural, medieval, and steampunk-inspired line illustrations and the strategic financial metrics that allowed her to transition away from a traditional career. We conduct a deep dive into her business ecosystem—from leveraging premium-priced commissions and commercial murals to launching a popular mentorship program for other artists. We discuss the critical role of presentation and high-quality packaging in elevating brand value, the strategic approach to cultivating long-term client relationships, and the necessary financial and marketing discipline required to thrive as an artist in the modern market.
With
Ellie Compton
Artist
,
Episode
215

Building a Brand the Kiwi Way | Lead Head

For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nick from Lead Head. What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, built on creativity, community and a good dose of chaos. In this episode we talk about the story behind LeadHead’s rise — from custom golf hats to international orders — and how a casual podcast appearance turned into a full business partnership. We also dive into their approach to building culture through authenticity, how they’ve stayed true to their roots as the brand grows, and why every decision, no matter how big, still comes down to a game of paper, scissors, rock.
With
Troy and Nic
Directors
,
Lead Head

Follow along on Instagram

For podcast reels, business insights, and behind-the-scenes content from Across the Table Podcast.

Follow on Instagram