Why You Don’t Need to Be a Born Entrepreneur to Succeed

How Failing Forward and Embracing Setbacks Can Lead to Unlikely Success

If you’re expecting the story of a polished, Ivy-League-trained business prodigy, this isn’t it. My journey as an entrepreneur is more of an underdog story, full of stumbles, missteps, and awkward moments. I didn’t set out to build a business empire. In fact, I had no intention of entering the commercial world at all. Yet, despite my reluctance and self-doubt, I ended up founding Australia’s largest physiotherapy network, Back In Motion Health Group, and selling it for over $100 million.

But behind that success is a much messier reality.

A Reluctant Start

I didn’t grow up dreaming of running a business. Instead, I envisioned a life as a medical missionary, traveling the world to help others. When that didn’t pan out as expected, I found myself pivoting—reluctantly—into physiotherapy. What began as a small practice in my carport evolved into something much larger, but it wasn’t an easy journey.

I wasn’t equipped with any formal business training, and the learning curve was steep. I often found myself questioning if I even belonged in the commercial world. Yet, one thing became clear: you don’t need to feel ready to succeed.

More Setbacks Than Successes

The road to building Back In Motion was paved with failures. One of the most significant challenges was franchising the business. At the time, franchising in the physiotherapy sector was unheard of, and critics were quick to dismiss it as risky and commercialized. I faced rejection after rejection from potential partners and deals that fell apart at the last minute.

But rather than letting those failures define me, I used them as opportunities to learn. With each setback, I adjusted my approach and pressed forward. Eventually, the franchise model took off, and the critics quieted down.

Finding Humor in Hardship

Some of the setbacks, however, were more humorous than disastrous. Like the time I fractured my coccyx on a water slide during a trip with my son. For weeks, I had to sit on a donut pillow during meetings, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism. It wasn’t exactly the image of a high-flying CEO, but it certainly kept me humble.

Another funny moment happened during a franchise conference where we were tasked with breaking timber boards in a motivational exercise. As the leader, I had to go first, and I was terrified I’d break my wrist instead of the board. Luckily, I succeeded—but one of the most athletic attendees couldn’t break her board despite several attempts. It was a great reminder that strength is often more about technique than brute force—a metaphor for leadership that’s served me well.

Turning Setbacks Into Triumphs

One of the most pivotal moments in my entrepreneurial journey came during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Like many businesses, ours was at risk. Instead of pulling back, my wife and I decided to double down on our charitable efforts, launching the SOS Health Foundation to provide healthcare to disadvantaged communities.

It felt counterintuitive to give more when we could have lost everything, but it ended up being one of the best decisions we ever made. Not only did the business survive, but we also deepened our sense of purpose and connection to the community.

The Unlikely Success

How does someone who never saw themselves as a businessman end up leading a national company? The answer isn’t glamorous. It’s about perseverance, humility, and the willingness to learn from failure.

I spent much of my career feeling like an imposter, questioning whether I deserved the success I had achieved. But over time, I realized that many successful people feel the same. The key isn’t about getting it right every time—it’s about getting back up when you fall.

Success doesn’t come from being born an entrepreneur; it comes from persistence, from failing forward, and from embracing the setbacks along the way. At the end of the day, I’m living proof that you don’t need to be a business prodigy to succeed. You just need to keep pushing through the tough moments, laugh at your mistakes, and have the resilience to try again. You might just find yourself leading something greater than you ever imagined.