Episode #11 - Ben Alexander: From Wallabies Legend to Chief Energy Officer

In this powerful episode of Execs Who Run, we sit down with former Wallaby and Brumbies great, Ben Alexander, to explore the raw truth behind athletic success—and the deeper transformation that followed retirement.

Ben’s meteoric rise in Australian rugby saw him achieve national selection for the Wallabies after just six games for the Brumbies—a rare and remarkable feat. But his story took a darker turn after the high-pressure 2013 British & Irish Lions series. The pain of that defeat lingered, exposing the fragile link between identity and performance. For years, Ben battled mental health challenges in silence, learning too late how deeply his self-worth had become tied to rugby.

Everything changed when he discovered the simple joy of a community Parkrun. What began as a reluctant jog became a lifeline. Week by week, Ben rediscovered movement—not as punishment or performance, but as connection and healing. This spark grew into Running for Resilience, a Canberra-based initiative now supporting over 1,200 weekly runners and actively reducing suicide rates in the region.

Today, Ben is the Chief Energy Officer of his own life: pub owner, mental health advocate, and father of three. His mission? To help others prioritize energy—not perfection—and reframe how we approach wellbeing and success.

This conversation is a compelling listen for anyone navigating transition, burnout, or the search for purpose beyond past achievements.