The Real Biz Life Chronicles
Unedited stories of Business, Branding and Life.
Banish boring as Tracy Fryer and her guests take a ride on the rollercoaster of being a business owner - or of simply being human! Get ready to learn exactly what it takes to grow with distinction and show mediocrity the middle finger. In this podcast Tracy interview’s authentic business owners, who share their story of building a successful business, their strategies behind their success and leading the way.
RAW. Honest. Unedited.
The Real Biz Life Chronicles
#046 Commanding the Unseen with David Knoff
We’re diving deep into the world of leadership and resilience with David Knoff, a man whose experience spans some of the most challenging environments on the planet. From commanding troops in the Solomon Islands to navigating the volatile political landscape in Islamabad, and even leading a research team through an unexpected 537-day isolation in Antarctica, David’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s faced adversity head-on, and today, he’s sharing the valuable lessons he’s learned about leadership, teamwork, and navigating tough times in both business and life. Whether you're steering a team through uncertainty or looking to strengthen your leadership in the face of hardship, David’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
David Knoff is an experienced leader and adventurer with over 15 years of professional expertise in diplomacy, conflict zones, and remote environments. His career began as a Platoon Commander in the Solomon Islands during the Regional Assistance Mission, where he gained early insights into leadership, empathy, and adaptability. He later worked with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs, including a challenging diplomatic posting in Islamabad during the coalition efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. After taking a break from diplomacy, David pursued freelance photography in Turkey, documenting the Syrian refugee crisis.
He further contributed to international security efforts, working on Australia’s mission to combat ISIS. David’s career then took him to Antarctica, where he led Australia’s Davis Research Station. His team faced unexpected isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending their mission to 537 days, which became the basis of his bestselling book, *537 Days of Winter*. Since returning, David has continued his Antarctic work, leading expeditions to advance scientific understanding of the region.
Connect with David on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-knoff-1851b0a5/
Follow David on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/537daysofwinter/
For more info, head to the David Knoff’s website:
www.davidknoff.com
Order a copy of 537 Days of Winter:
About Tracy: Tracy Fryer is a branding powerhouse, speaker, and founder of Design Studio Perth and Trace Designs Bespoke. She’s dedicated to helping business owners and creatives build brands that truly reflect their values, passions, and long-term vision. As the host of The Real Biz Life Chronicles, Tracy brings raw, insightful conversations that push entrepreneurs to embrace bold growth, develop strategic branding, and lead with unapologetic confidence. Her approach is refreshingly real—blending deep expertise with a passion for authenticity, creative excellence, and business success.
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