Who are you when you’re not working?
As teachers and school leaders, it is easy to pour every ounce of energy into supporting students, colleagues and the wider community, and in the process lose sight of the person behind the professional.
In this episode, I speak with Mark Worthington, Head of Player Development and Wellbeing at the Geelong Cats and former teacher, about the importance of developing a life and identity beyond work.
Drawing on his experience in both education and elite sport, Mark shares how creating space for personal growth, self-compassion and life outside your role can transform your wellbeing and performance.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why it is vital to have a life and identity beyond your work.
- How elite sport teaches us about recovery, belonging and sustainable performance.
- The role of self-compassion in leadership and long-term wellbeing.
- How to balance professional passion with personal growth.
- Practical ways to nurture the person behind the teacher.
Who Is Mark Worthington?
Mark Worthington is the Head of Player Development and Wellbeing at the Geelong Cats AFL Club. A former teacher, Mark now works in elite sport, supporting players to grow not only as athletes but as people. His work focuses on wellbeing, education, career transition and leadership development.
Why This Conversation Matters
This conversation is for anyone who loves their work but feels the pull to reconnect with life outside it.
Mark reminds us that who we are beyond our job shapes how we show up within it. When we care for the person behind the professional, we bring more balance, joy and purpose to everything we do.
It is a reminder that our worth is not tied to our output or our job title. True success comes from building a life that honours both our professional purpose and our personal needs.
You can quote us on that…
“If your whole sense of self is tied to what you do, what happens when that changes? Developing who you are outside of work is what keeps you grounded.”
Mark Worthington
“When people feel supported beyond their performance, they don’t just do better work, they live better lives.”
Mark Worthington
Contact
Mark Worthington LinkedIn
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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