S01-E07 - From Taxman to Television: Steve Dawson's Journey

The Power Within

Send us a text

Steve Dawson's journey from tax accountant to acclaimed sports broadcaster to leadership coach exemplifies the transformative power of aligning work with your natural talents. Before becoming a household name across Asia through ESPN, Star Sports, and Fox Sports Asia, Steve made the difficult decision to walk away from accounting after 11 years; a career he had pursued partly to make his father proud but one where he never quite found his stride.
The magic happened when Steve discovered broadcasting, where his natural communication abilities, passion for sports, and work ethic created the perfect foundation for success. "Suddenly doors opened," Steve explains. "What unlocked my power within was doing something I was good at." His approach to live television - remaining composed under pressure, focusing only on his responsibilities, and maintaining professional boundaries with celebrity interviewees offers masterclasses in presence and poise applicable far beyond broadcasting.
One of the most valuable insights Steve shares comes from years of interviewing sporting legends. Rather than approaching celebrities as a "fanboy," Steve maintained professional respect and focus, a strategy that once resulted in Manny Pacquiao asking him for a photo, rather than the other way around. This philosophy of respecting boundaries whilst delivering excellence creates authentic connections that no amount of fawning admiration could achieve.
Now, as a leadership coach through his company CoachSD.com, Steve helps professionals overcome communication blind spots, particularly the unconscious assumption that audiences possess the same knowledge as presenters. "If you're speaking to someone and explaining something, it's because they don't know the things you know," he emphasises, highlighting how crucial proper scene-setting is for effective communication.
Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, looking to improve your communication skills, or simply seeking to unlock more of your potential, Steve's experiences offer a roadmap for finding fulfilment through work that leverages your inherent strengths.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you equipped with the tools to lead with confidence, overcome obstacles and unlock The Power Within

Subscribe, share and leave a review to help others discover the show

Chapters

1. Introducing Steve Dawson (00:00:00)

2. From Accountant to Broadcaster (00:02:43)

3. What Live Broadcasting Teaches About Confidence (00:08:04)

4. Professional Presence with Superstars (00:13:38)

5. Biggest Communication Blind Spots (00:19:37)

6. Creating Your Life on Your Terms (00:28:38)

7. Finding Power Within Through Purpose (00:45:32)