This talk outlines the key things I’ve learnt over the last few years as a competitive powerlifter, and how these insights have spilled over into my everyday life and ultimately my day job as a software engineer.

Like many developers, I embodied the classic stereotype: Developers don’t do sports. I’ve been nerdy and, let’s face it, a little bit overweight my entire life. My first memories of sport participation involve being picked last for the team and ridiculed for trying.

Sports were just not for me.

But when I discovered the strength sport of powerlifting that all changed. What started as a casual pursuit of a niche sport quickly became a large and important part of my life.

In just 20 minutes, I’ll share with you
- Why individual pursuits still require teamwork
- Why enjoying the process is half the battle in reaching the desired outcome (and some strategies to achieve that)
- Why facing your fears often and in small doses leads to unmatched levels of badassery that will have you confronting challenges head on

Attendees will leave this talk not only with concrete actions they can bring to their life and work, but also inspired to try something new.