Newcastle NSW – 1000 Feet Deep leadership coach, Dan Urquhart is challenging Hunter region business leaders to train like athletes.
“Professional sporting teams train 40–50 hours a week for just 1-2 hours of game time. The armed forces drill for years for situations they hope will never come. Emergency services prepare relentlessly for what they know is inevitable.
“They do this because they know what’s on the line. Yet for too many businesses, the stakes are just as high – livelihoods, family savings, reputations, and people’s wellbeing – but the training and preparation simply don’t match what’s at risk,” Dan said.
Having ditched the tools on a highly successful building company to help other businesses create an impactful workplace culture, Dan believes a more structured approach to training can help support businesses create a structurally sound future. Particularly given that Australia recorded its highest business turnover in 2024, with 88 businesses closing for every 100 that opened, according money.com.au.
After years growing a successful home building franchise, Dan saw firsthand that what really holds a business up isn’t bricks and mortar – it’s people. He launched 1000 Feet Deep to help other business owners move beyond surface-level management and dig deep into leadership, communication and culture through their new Hand-Head-Heart (HHH) program.
His goal has always been to help businesses through effective culture, so he is giving away the HHH program to one Newcastle business which needs the support.
“We understand times are tough for businesses and we want to help a local leader, and their team access the support they need to overcome challenges around culture and performance to really perform in their industry,” Dan said.
1000 Feet Deep seeks nominations by local businesses, with the successful business given access to the Hand Head Heart program, valued at $4,000.
Dan said leadership training should be embedded into every business.
“In sport, in defence, in emergency services – training is non-negotiable,” Dan says. “But in business, we ask so much of ourselves and our people, yet we often leave them unprepared. There’s too much on the line to leave culture and mindset to chance.”
The HHH program is designed to help leaders and teams build sustainable success by focusing on mindset, skillset, and character. It goes beyond traditional training to empower leaders to foster high-performing cultures and inspire transformation.
Located in the heart of Newcastle’s Bolton Street, 1000 Feet Deep has already made a big impact for Hunter-based businesses like Terrace Boating. Owner Josh says, “Working with Dan has been transformative. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without the structure, guidance and results-driven culture his program has given us.”
As the business expands its programs, workshops and community events, 1000 Feet Deep is proving that when leaders train like the stakes are real, they unlock more than profit – they build workplaces that can carry the weight of success.
Along with in-depth team development days and opportunities for guest speaking, Dan and his team at 1000 Feet Deep are passionate about helping businesses unlock their true potential and creating workplace cultures that thrive through sustainable leadership development.
H-H-H Development Program Giveaway
1000 Feet Deep has a desire to Invest in a local Newcastle business in need of support or who desires to go to the next level.
Eligibility: This giveaway is open to local Newcastle business facing challenges with leadership and team culture, or businesses that are motivated to make a change but need the right tools and guidance to get there. This path will lead you where you need to go, but only if you're ready and only if you’re willing.
What You’ll Receive: One Hand-Head-Heart (HHH) training program*, valued at $4,000.
What You Need to Do: Nominate your business by sharing a brief story about the challenges your business is facing and why you believe 1000 Feet Deep could make a difference. Email your submission to info@1000feetdeep.com.au to go into the draw to win this life-changing opportunity.
The business will be selected based on the most compelling needs and potential for positive transformation.
*Terms and conditions: The giveaway does not include the HHH coaching component. The competition is open to all Newcastle and Hunter region-based businesses. One entry per business. The prize cannot be redeemed for cash or other services. The winner will be selected and notified by email on 30 September 2025.
IMAGE | Dan Urquhart on stage
