Episode 55: Sara Gross, PhD - Founder & CEO of Live Feisty Media, Two-time Ironman Champion

Today’s guest is Sara Gross. Sara is the Founder and CEO of Live Feisty Media, a progressive media outlet aimed at empowering new perspectives in triathlon & beyond. The company empowers these new perspectives through the production of podcasts, written content, and videos. Prior to founding Live Feisty, Sara was a professional triathlete for 13 years, mainly focusing on long course triathlon and Ironman events. Her triathlon career accolades include: winning the 2014 Ironman Brazil and the 2014 Ironman North American Championships; being named the Canadian Long Course athlete of the year in 2008; and compiling 20 top 5 Ironman finishes around the world. Sara also holds a PhD in Ancient History and Religion with her dissertation in the field of women’s history. She continues to remain passionate about women’s history today and in addition to the work she does with Live Feisty, Sara is also the co-founder of the Outspoken: Women in Triathlon Summit. In this interview, we get into Sara’s experience growing up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), her passion and studies in women’s history, her pro triathlon career, and of course, Live Feisty Media.

Timestamps

00:02:48 Moving to the UAE from Canada

00:06:37 What the Dubai area was like when she was growing up there

00:07:55 Sports she played growing up

00:09:49 Biggest shock for her when she moved to the UAE

00:11:46 When her passion for women's history started

00:14:17 Studying world religions in college

00:16:07 Career ambitions while in college

00:16:40 College swim team

00:18:55 Continuing graduate studies in women's history

00:24:38 Her start in triathlon

00:29:13 What changed in 2014 to get her over the hump in winning her first Ironman races

00:32:06 Her favorite Ironman races

00:33:50 Biggest takeaways from competing as a pro triathlete

00:35:27 Why she stopped competing professionally

00:36:20 2015 Kona qualification changes

00:39:17 Live Feisty Media

00:43:49 Ultimate vision for Live Feisty Media

00:45:22 What would she want to have accomplished 5 years from now

00:47:04 Her daily routine

00:47:53 Her driving force

00:48:31 Advice around staying committed to your passions