At BE Astute, our founder Blake Edwards exemplifies high performance in every aspect of his life. As co-captain of the Australian men’s water polo team, the Sharks, Blake is competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a goal to bring home the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport. But beyond the pool, Blake also runs his own successful mortgage brokerage, balancing the demands of elite sport with a thriving career in finance.
A Balancing Act: Sport and Business
In a recent feature in the Financial Review, Blake Edwards and his teammate Nathan Power shed light on the realities of being an Olympic athlete while also maintaining professional careers. Competing in water polo at the highest level requires immense dedication, with Blake spending five weekday mornings, four evenings, and weekends training. Yet, he also manages BE Astute, helping clients achieve their financial goals as a dedicated mortgage broker.
Blake’s journey to becoming a mortgage broker began in 2020 after joining the call centre of 1300 Home Loans. Realising that he could apply the skills he’d gained in sport – such as handling pressure and maintaining consistency – to finance, he launched BE Astute. Now, Blake has built a growing, multi-million dollar portfolio, all while representing Australia on the world stage.
Elite Performance in and Out of the Pool
Blake’s commitment to both his sporting and professional careers mirrors the approach of many Olympic athletes, who often juggle their passion for sport with the reality of needing a second income. The Financial Review article highlights a survey by the Australian Sports Foundation, which found that 46% of athletes earn less than $23,000 annually, making a second job essential.
For Blake, mortgage broking offers the flexibility needed to manage both his career and personal life. As a new father to baby Jude, Blake understands the importance of providing for his family while remaining fully dedicated to his clients. He shares, “I owe the same commitment to my teammates as I do to my clients and family. Procrastination is the worst thing you can do – consistency is key.”
A Strong Start to Paris 2024
Blake and his team, the Sharks, have already made a strong start to their Paris 2024 campaign. After a narrow loss to Spain, the Sharks delivered a stunning 8-3 victory against defending champions Serbia, followed by a hard-fought win over France. The team remains focused on their goal of reaching the quarter-finals and, ultimately, winning Australia’s first-ever Olympic medal in men’s water polo.
Blake’s approach to water polo – applying strategic, high-energy plays to disrupt opponents – mirrors his approach to mortgage broking. Both require adaptability, preparation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These qualities have allowed him to excel in both fields, whether he’s shooting for goal or securing the best mortgage rates for his clients.
Read the Full Article on the Financial Review
Blake’s story of resilience, adaptability, and dedication is an inspiration both in sport and in business. To learn more about his journey and how he balances his role as an Olympian, mortgage broker, husband, and father, check out the full Financial Review article
