How I Work

My Favourite Tip: Nick McKenzie - An unusual ice breaker

Aug 16, 2023

Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie reveals how running alone helps him find solutions and connect with sources in his work. He shares strategies for recording thoughts while running and the benefits of running with others for intimate discussions.

06:21

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Nick McKenzie

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Quick takeaways

Running alone helps Nick McKenzie release mental blocks and solve problems, while also acting as a catharsis to purge anxiety and emotional burdens.

Running with others, including colleagues and sources, creates a bonding experience and facilitates open discussions off the record, allowing for the exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Deep dives

Running as a Problem-Solving Tool

Nick McKenzie, an investigative journalist, finds running to be a valuable tool for problem-solving. When he hits a wall or feels mentally drained, a scheduled run helps him release mental blocks and solve problems. Running also acts as a catharsis, helping him purge anxiety and emotional burdens, leaving him more productive and focused in his work. McKenzie also uses his runs to mentally prepare for challenging encounters with powerful individuals, such as politicians. He mediates conversations or confrontations with them while running, allowing him to process emotions and maintain professionalism.

The Value of Solitude and Connection in Work

2min

The Power of Running for Work and Problem-Solving

5min

Among great thinkers, the long walk or run is nothing new. Philosophers, artists, novelists and world leaders have long espoused the value of solitude for working through thorny problems.

Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie is no different. Whether he’s stuck in a tough patch of writing, or trying to figure out his next move in a delicate investigation, running alone often leads to the solution.

But Nick doesn’t always run alone. In fact, he’s turned running into one of his favourite ways to connect more deeply with his contacts, sources and colleagues. The initial conversations he has with sources can be tense - usually, they’re risking a great deal to help him with his work. So getting together, out of business attire and into sweaty neon workout gear, and going for a short run helps to break the ice and bring guards down on both sides…

Connect with Nick on Twitter or on his website.

You can find the full interview here: Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie on death threats, confirmation bias and the power of insecurity

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Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au

CREDITS

Produced by Inventium

Host: Amantha Imber

Sound Engineer: Martin Imber

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