AN INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT GOODING

AN INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT GOODING

He became a household name in 2013, when he shot to fame on Australia’s highest rating TV show, ‘My Kitchen Rules.

After winning over the nation with his healthy approach to tasty food, Scott Gooding now continues to spread his message and strongly advocate the path to optimal health as a successful Health Coach and cookbook author, through his various ambassador roles and his online space, Scott Gooding Project, where he shares recipes and other innovations in health.

What a guy.

Today though, he’s in the hot seat as our latest #GuruToWatch and is sharing some candid insight into what drives him, his greatest challenges and achievements and the funniest misconceptions about his work!

We’re so thrilled to have Scott join us!

The best part of my job is…

Knowing I’m making a difference. It’s no secret we have issues with obesity and diabetes in Australia and I would like to think I’m contributing to getting a healthy message out there to improve the lifestyle and health of others.

It’s a privileged position to be in and one I’m grateful for and respectful at the same time. It’s a cliché, but I honestly don’t feel like I ‘work’ — which tells me I must be doing something right.

I chose to enter this field of work because…

Since a young age I have always been into fitness and health. I studied Exercise Science at Uni (many moons ago) and so it seemed like a natural progression in becoming a Personal Trainer. I soon learnt the strongest message that needed to be heard was around nutrition.

I believe it’s possible to have great health and be in fine physical form from good nutrition alone. Once I grasped this notion, it helped shaped my career path and has been integral to my message and opportunities.

The greatest challenge in my career has been…

Without hesitation, my spinal injury in 2005. With the exception of the odd twinge here and there, I had been free of any serious injury for nearly 30 years. Then, in 2005, I ruptured discs in my lower back. This incapacitated me for months and years, leading to frustration and depression. I learnt to be patient and have empathy for myself, but I’m not going to lie — it was tough.

For seven years, I suffered from bouts of depression whilst maintaining my business and trying to motivate others. Now I’ve experienced that, I feel like I could tackle anything life throws at me.

The funniest misconceptions about my industry/company/brand are….

There are a few, but I would say the biggest one is that if someone is fit, it qualifies them as a good PT.

Being a good PT is more than being strong or fit — it’s about listening to the client and constructing a plan uniquely tailored for them. Listening is so important and is the key to a successful program and relationship.

The other big misconception is that PTs earn heaps of money. If they do, I must have missed that seminar!

The most influential person in my career has been…

I remember watching a chef called Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall years ago on TV in the UK. He was the first guy I had seen cooking and talking about nose-to-tail eating. He was a big proponent of paddock to plate and food traceability, and I thought, “That’s pretty bloody cool.”

I’m also a huge fan of Jamie Oliver and feel he is one person who has used his fame and profile for the greater good. He’s done more for the health movement in UK than anyone and continues to spread a positive message across the globe.

If I could give one piece of advice to my 18-year-old self, it would be….

Great question — don’t get too caught up in big career plans and waste time worrying what you will be when you grow up. Life has many twists and turns and it’s important to do whatever you do with integrity and authenticity.

Also, things always come good in the end. Have faith that even the tough experiences are lessons — there’s always a positive to take home.

Lastly, that tattoo you’ll be considering in three years’ time — don’t get it!

My greatest achievement has been…

Overcoming — or at least controlling — my lifelong fear of public speaking. I’m proud that my fear didn’t stand in my way of my chosen career path. I saw it as a necessary hurdle, rather than a road block.

The greatest personal challenge I have over come is…

 As I mentioned, I’ve suffered with bouts of depression as a consequence of a debilitating back injury. After seven years I popped out the other side, having overcome my injury by being relentless in finding the right people to have in my corner and changing my relationship with fitness.

I learned to view training as a pastime and not something that defined me, which helped me to have more compassion for my body. It only took me seven years to put that into practice!

During that darker period of my life, I also lost my Dad to cancer and went through a divorce. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right!

I don’t understand why…

People don’t wave when you let them in, in traffic.

I try to relax by…

Training or watching wildlife documentaries.

My biggest fear is…

Being homeless.

I can’t live without…

 Laughter.

I really wish I had… 

More finesse.

The greatest lesson I have learnt is….

Patience.

If I had one super power, it would be….

The ability to time travel.

If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be…

David Attenborough, Michael Parkinson, Richard Harris and Ronnie Wood.

Scott’s a busy guy over the next few months, with the November launch of his latest cookbook, Clean Living All Year ‘Round. In the same month, he will also be launching his online magazine Paleo Foodies.

Be sure to join Scott on Instagram @ScottGoodingProject to keep up to date on his latest wisdoms, whereabouts and offerings.

 And finally, if you’re in Bondi, join his bootcamp at 6am Monday to Friday — Daily Guru tribe members receive an awesome 20% discount!

ABOUT SCOTT GOODING

Scott Gooding became a household name in 2013, when he shot to fame on Australia’s highest rating TV show, My Kitchen Rules. A health and fitness ambassador, who won over the nation with his healthy approach to tasty food, Scott strongly advocates the path to optimal health.

In addition to being a Health Coach with a background in Exercise Science, Scott is also an author of six successful books under the Clean Living series released in Australia and the UK.

Scott continues to spread his message through his ambassador role with Nature’s Way, Santa Monica Tourism, his websites and various other platforms. Scott is also co-owner of Paleo Foodies online magazine.

Scott is the ambassador for Redkite, Black Dog Institute, Camp Quality and Sir David Martin Foundation.