We all to some extent thrive on achievement and in that respect I am no different from anyone else.
When I speak to people about development and growth they will often talk about budget constraints meaning that their employer is not supporting them in this area.
On the blog I write a lot about leading, managing and team working. I also create a lot of motivational type tweets and short tips. So I decided that I wanted to put some of the ideas to work by setting myself a personal leadership challenge.
Having lost my sister and father to cancer when they were in their 40’s I get a great deal of satisfaction out of raising funds for cancer related charities. Like most people I participated in 10k runs and half marathons. However all of these events were organised by others.
So this year I wanted to set myself a challenge that would have a dual purpose of raising funds and test my own leadership skills, concepts and ideas.
As someone who enjoys the gym, I decided to approach the gym where I am a member Active4LessHove with the idea of a Charity Fitness Fundraiser for a local charity Martlets Hospice. 
The leadership challenges I have had to address and are still addressing include:
- Coming up with the idea for the event structure
- Getting the buy-in and support of the gym to provide the facilities
- Finding sponsors
- Getting the buy-in of class instructors to give their time to run a class
- Raising awareness of the event
- Getting people to commit to signing up and making a donation
I have got to the point where the event is planned and scheduled for Sunday 28 October 2012, got buy-in from the gym Active4LessHove, instructors and support from local businesses Brighton and Hove Jobs, Bristow Still Chartered Accountants, Acumen Business Law, Dog World and London Translations.
The challenges still to be addressed include raising awareness and getting those vital sign-ups so that funds are raised for Martlets Hospice.
The truth is there are many things we all can do to grow and develop ourselves as leaders or aspiring leaders and some of them cost little more than time and effort.
Duncan Brodie is holding a Charity Fitness Fundraiser in aid of Martlets Hospice on Sunday 28 October 2012 at Active4LessHove open to both members and non members of the gym. Tickets and registration are by way of donation at whatever level you can afford and gives you access to 3 studio classes, a spin bike class and 4 gym challenges.
