Getting to Know Nathan Farrugia: Extreme Challenges, Business Success, and Unlocking Human Potential
Nathan Farrugia is an entrepreneur, author, business coach, and philanthropist with degrees in healthcare and business. He is also an adventurer, husband, and father. We sat down with Nathan to discuss motivation, resilience, and how to unlock human potential.
Have you always been into training? How did the Ironman challenge come about?
“I grew up playing team sports, but time and age led me to individual challenges I could manage on my own terms. Ironman is just one of many endurance brands, but it has become a symbol of pushing limits. I’ve taken part in several, but I now prefer smaller, less commercial events like XTERRA challenges. They keep me connected to nature and consistent in training. In truth, I love training as much as competing.”
Why do you keep looking for extreme challenges?
“For me, it’s about curiosity. I want to know how far out of my comfort zone I can go. That is where I discover the most about myself, both the good and the bad.”
How do you take care of your mental health during training?
“By accepting what I cannot change—such as injuries, age, or time limitations—and then setting realistic expectations. On race day, I focus less on speed and more on enjoyment and the overall experience.”
How does sport influence your business career?
Nathan views sport and business through the same lens: performance mindset. “Much of my leadership style comes from leading sports teams. Sport taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and learning from mistakes. You cannot win alone—whether in basketball or in business.”
How did Up Your Level come about?
“At Up Your Level, our mission is to help leaders and executives improve their performance. We use proven methods to build trust, form strong teams, and create powerful habits. In practice, we often ask the tough questions that leaders need to face to unlock their potential.”
How can someone unlock their potential?
“Self-awareness is the foundation. From there, it’s about a journey of self-discovery that ideally leads to mastery and self-actualisation. A skilled coach can guide, mentor, and act as a sounding board along the way. At UP, we’ve taken this path ourselves, so we know it works.”
Why is stepping out of your comfort zone so important?
“The main block to achieving our dreams is often self-limiting beliefs. Breaking free from these is the only way to grow. How you do it is personal, but it always involves moving beyond what feels safe and familiar.”
What advice would you give to someone struggling right now?
“Get help. Whether it’s for mental health, or coaching for your business, do not go through it alone.”
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