I’d always advertise the worst-case scenario—the busiest travel periods, the longest training days—so there were no surprises. That honesty built trust.
Q: Andrew, you've had a long and successful career both on the field and in the workplace. How did you make your professional career work while training and competing at the highest level?
Andrew Charter:
The key is transparency. From day one, I was upfront with my training and competition schedule. I’d always advertise the worst-case scenario—the busiest travel periods, the longest training days—so there were no surprises. That honesty built trust. I found that most employers can work with flexibility, but only if they have clarity. I never sold a version of myself I couldn't deliver, and in return, they knew exactly what to expect.
Q: What do employers need to understand when hiring an elite athlete?
Andrew Charter:
First and foremost, the athlete is still chasing a dream. That pursuit requires time, recovery, and respect. Employers who genuinely support that journey are not only investing in a unique kind of talent—they’re showing national pride. It’s not about lowering expectations; it’s about managing workloads in a way that allows athletes to thrive in both arenas. Respect and performance go hand in hand.
We operate in constantly changing environments and have to learn faster than most. I might work fewer hours than a typical employee, but I’ve trained my whole life to extract the most from every minute.
Q: What unique value do elite athletes bring to the business world?
Andrew Charter:
Efficiency. Adaptability. Focus. We operate in constantly changing environments and have to learn faster than most. I might work fewer hours than a typical employee, but I’ve trained my whole life to extract the most from every minute. Elite athletes know how to deliver under pressure, handle feedback, and stay mission-focused—qualities every business needs.
Q: You've consulted for or worked with BHP for over 7 years. How did that work with your athletic career?
Andrew Charter:
Honestly, it worked because the foundations were right. There was never an issue raised about my ability to deliver. I made sure I met expectations, and the teams I worked with were incredible about sharing the load and trusting each other. We didn’t focus on who was doing the hours—we focused on outcomes. That mindset made all the difference.
