What brought you to STAIT for Women?
I was offered the opportunity to try STAIT rather than going looking for it. It came at exactly the right time in my life. What appealed to me about STAIT was that it wasn't about fixing me. It was about supporting, to continue doing the things I love and staying strong while doing them, and STAIT has become part of that daily routine.
STAIT for Women speaks to women who are holding a great deal - physically, cognitively and emotionally - and are increasingly aware that how they feel is shaped by more than just willpower.
How do you remain physically capable, mentally sharp and ready for what life throws at you?
For me, it's all about consistency. In the fire service you don't get to choose when you're going to need to perform, and the same was true on the South Pole expedition. You have to be ready, physically and mentally, day after day. That has taught me that resilience isn't about running yourself into the ground, it's about building a strong enough foundation that when life demands more of you, you've still got something left to give. Training, good nutrition, quality sleep and recovery are all part of that. Recovery isn't the reward for hard work, it's part of the work itself!
There are plenty of products on the market. What makes STAIT genuinely different in your view?
I'm quite pragmatic. If something becomes part of my daily routine, it's because I've genuinely noticed a difference. The first thing I noticed with STAIT was that I slept better, my energy became much more consistent throughout the day and I've also seen improvements in some of the peri-menopause symptoms I was experiencing. I also like the philosophy behind the STAIT, it isn't promising perfection or unrealistic transformation, it's about supporting women to feel strong, capable and able to keep doing the things they enjoy. For me, it's the honesty and genuineness thats makes the difference.
STAIT for Women's key phrase is "Elevate Your Baseline" – encouraging women to remain strong. What does that phrase mean to you personally?
I love that phrase because your baseline isn't your best day, it's your everyday!! Elevating my baseline means improving the level I can consistently operate from. Waking up feeling recovered, having energy that lasts, feeling mentally sharp and physically capable, not just for the big challenges but for everyday life. At 52, I'm not trying to be the woman I was at 25, I'm interested in discovering what the woman I am today is capable of!
For women reading this who feel they have a lot on their plate and may be neglecting their health, what would you want them to hear from you?
Capable women are often brilliant at looking after everyone else, but not always themselves!! I've learnt that looking after your health isn't selfish, it's what allows you to keep showing up for the people and things that matter most. Believe in yourself, acknowledge the self doubt but don't let it take over, we often deny negative thoughts any thinking time, but this only causes them to keep pursuing us, it's important to experience every emotion as human beings, it's unhealthy not to!
Any final thoughts you'd like to share with women who have a demanding life?
Don't confuse resilience with simply pushing through. Some of the toughest experiences in my life have taught me that resilience isn't just about grit, it's also about recovery both mentally and physically. You don't have to stop aiming high or taking on big challenges, but if you want to keep saying yes to the things that excite you, you also need to give yourself permission to recover along the way. Stay strong enough to keep doing the things you love for years to come.