Tell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently
I’m an adventure athlete, writer and blogger. My background is building and leading commercial teams for the UK’s fastest growing technology companies. When I started my career in business development, I also took on my first challenge in the outdoors, an adventure race through the jungle of Borneo. Since then I’ve completed Ironman races, cycled from London to Paris in 24 hours, climbed mountains all over the world and completed the world’s first Alpine Coast to Coast expedition by cycling the length of the Alps and climbing the highest mountain in each of the 8 alpine countries. Adventure and physical challenges have nurtured and fuelled my drive, condfidence and resilience to set big goals and make them happen.
How do you set goals and stick to them and how do you celebrate success?
I always focus on the baby steps. I’m a strong believer that we should set ourselves big, audacious goals, ones that really challenge us that both scare and excite us. However, I often have those moments when I question my goal and the doubts creep in. I manage these by focusing on what is right in front of me, what I can do today, this week, this month and not worry about the big picture. Experience shows me that if you keep plugging away at something and make progress each day, you’ll get there. Celebrating success is an interesting topic because I sometimes find that when you achieve something really big, that you’ve worked really hard for, you don’t get the sense of satisfaction you thought you might. I feel this is because you’ve put the work in, so achieving the end goal seems less surprising. I love to celebrate all the milestones along the way, it’s the journey that truly counts!
Challenging yourself is vital. You need to know that when the going gets tough you can keep going. I believe that the most important work I can do is to develop the aspects of who I am that enable me to achieve.
How important are role models in inspiring successful women of the future?
Role models are hugely important and powerful. You look at what other women achieve and think “if she can do that, maybe I can too”. When you meet your role models, listen to them at talks or read their books, you engage with their story and relate to it. I think it’s important for our role models to be accessible and show their human side, their failings as well as their successes. These are the ones that inspire action!
You have achieved phenomenal success, what advice can you give to our members about staying focussed and managing time efficiently?
I often think about this quote I read “you can have almost anything you want, but you can’t have it all at once”. In such a rapidly evolving world, I can get distracted and start on one project, goal, or vision for the future then move to another. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned to help focus me is to work on one aspect of your life, one project, one goal at a time.
What advice can you give to our members about overcoming challenges?
Challenging yourself is vital. You need to know that when the going gets tough you can keep going. I believe that the most important work I can do is to develop the aspects of who I am that enable me to achieve. My drive, resilience, confidence, motivation and curiosity. These are the pillars that support everything else and if I can make these strong, strong enough to get through anything, I can achieve anything. I’d advise you to set yourself challenges, things that take you outside of your comfort zone, whether through your work or through sport and fitness. See what happens to your confidence and self-belief. It becomes addictive!
How important is it to take responsibility for your own development?
No-one is going to care more than you, no-one is going to have a better idea of your strengths and weaknesses than you. Look at what you feel is important in who you are, you may be the best graphic designer, but how confident do you feel promoting your abilities to people? Establish which areas you need to work on and go for it.
I’m a strong believer that we should set ourselves big, audacious goals, ones that really challenge us that both scare and excite us. However, I often have those moments when I question my goal and the doubts creep in. I manage these by focusing on what is right in front of me, what I can do today, this week, this month and not worry about the big picture.
What is the benefit of having a coach or a mentor?
I’ve had a few mentors in my time and one coach, Chris Randall from http://www.flowcoacher.com. He’s really helped me to make sense of my goals, purpose and direction when I’ve felt lost. If you feel you need help, reach out and look for it. People will often be honoured that you asked.
How does your normal day start and end?
Always aim to start with exercise of some sort around 6am, usually a run or strength training session. I have a breakfast of porridge or eggs with green tea before cracking on with my emails or meetings for the day. At the end of the day I love experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes and I spend some time on social media catching up with the world and my community.
How do your let your hair down?
There’s nothing I love more than a weekend spent climbing, running or cycling in the mountains followed by wine and great food.
What are your plans for future?
I’m passionate about helping other people with the same issues I’ve faced and support them on their path to fulfilled, active and challenging lives. If you want to feel unstoppable, come and talk to me!
For more information visit:
http://www.challengesophie.com
https://twitter.com/challengesophie
