Ric Charlesworth

Ric Charlesworth career spans numerous industries, from sport to medicine, politics, and high-performance coaching. A former captain of the Australian Hockey Team, State Hockey team, and State Cricket team, Ric's relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him a reputation as a chronic overachiever. He has been equally successful as a doctor of medicine, a member of the Federal Parliament, and an internationally recognised coach, making him one of Australia's most versatile figures.

Charlesworth’s career as a player saw him represent Australia in both hockey and cricket, earning selection for the national teams and competing in multiple Olympics. His playing days were shaped by a powerful lesson: there is a clear distinction between being tired and being exhausted, and understanding this difference can push athletes to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

As a coach, Ric has left a lasting impact. His tenure as head coach of the Hockeyroos from 1993 to 2000 saw the team dominate the world stage, winning two Olympic Gold Medals and two World Cup Golds. He led the Australian Women's Hockey Team to the #1 ranking worldwide, with his commitment to the development of players and their mindset setting him apart. As head coach of the Kookaburras from 2008 to 2014, Charlesworth’s leadership brought the team Olympic bronze, two World Cup Golds, and Commonwealth Games titles.

Ric also spent 10 years in the Australian Federal Parliament, where his ability to navigate complex issues and engage with diverse groups became invaluable. After stepping down from politics, he focused on high-performance consulting, working with organisations such as the AIS, AFL, and Cricket Australia, helping them build winning cultures and foster effective leadership.

Ric's life has been one of constant reinvention. He balanced his medical studies with international sport, worked in general practice and the hospital system, and entered politics before embracing his true calling as a coach. His extensive background in medicine, politics, and sport gave him a unique perspective on leadership, team dynamics, and performance, which he now shares with audiences as a captivating speaker.

Drawing from his vast experiences Ric delivers insightful, motivational, and inspiring talks, accompanied by his humorous, enthusiastic, and highly engaging delivery. His topics include leadership, team building, motivation, the challenge of continuous improvement, and achieving chronic success. As an author of four books with a fifth on the way, Ric’s influence continues to grow, offering guidance on how to push beyond limits, both personally and professionally.

Ric Charlesworth's story is not just one of personal success, but of a commitment to elevating others. Whether in sport, politics, or corporate environments, his message is clear: greatness comes from dedication, continuous learning, and the courage to take risks and embrace change.