OH…M…G – I did it!!
My exact thoughts after being told some AMAZING news last week.
But first, let me set the scene.
Last year I won ‘PT Specialist of the Year’ with the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards.
If you’ve been reading my blogs or following me on social media for a while, you may remember this pic from the red carpet in Edinburgh and the crazy story behind it, lol.
If not, just know glamming up in 5 mins for an awards presentation and photoshoot is not a challenge any of us wish to take on again, lol.
Anyway,
The Prestige Awards got in touch with me again this year, to explain as I’d won last year, I would be automatically be on the shortlist this year.
These awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.
All shortlisted companies are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients, information on previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses.
The judging panel base their decisions upon areas such as service excellence, quality of the product/ service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance.
Sounds fantastic huh?
Until you have to complete a form with all the evidence, media links, testimonials, etc in an allocated word count!!
At this point, having been fighting a sinus infection, dealing with my Granny sadly passing away as well as having Covid for the 2nd time – I wasn’t in a great place mentally or physically.
And to be honest, I wasn’t going to bother,
But then I thought…
What would I tell my Team members or indeed anyone if they had an incredible opportunity like this?
After persevering and submitting my evidence, I eagerly waited for the judging panel to consider me.
Then, one day, out the blue after a workout, I received a call from an unknown number.
I wasn’t going to answer but something told me I should.
Phew – glad I did, it was Daniel from the Prestige Awards.
Sh*t – this was it. I braced myself for both good and bad news.
Daniel took his time explaining a few things about the awards and by this point, my heart was racing.
I was told, as I had won last year, I was the bench mark for business’s to beat.
He also mentioned there was alot of competition for both the male and female categories and the judges were considering me for more of business title.
My heart sunk a little at this point.
It was a tense moment,
Not gonna lie, by this point….
After investing so much time and effort, I really wanted to win.
The wait, the anticipation, it’s such a killer not knowing either way.
It wasn’t just Aberdeen – this was all of Scotland.
I was waiting for the ‘thank you, but you didn’t make it this time’.
However, he then proceeded to tell me,
The judges were really impressed with the dedication I’ve put into building my brand, how my business has adapted and operated over the last 12months and had selected me as the WINNER!!
‘Female Fitness Entrepreneur of the Year 2022/23’
WOW – I couldn’t believe how emotional this moment was and one I’ll never forget as I danced around my cabin totally not being ‘cool’ about, lol.
It’s been an incredibly hard and challenging 12 months both in business and on a personal level.
I feel like I’ve been tested to my limits, broken down and majorly struggled at times but I’ve kept picking myself up, worked hard and hopefully helped others by sharing these struggles.
Winning an award and having your hard work recognised is such an amazing feeling but helping others positively change their lives is priceless.
I just wanted to share this exciting news with you and say thank you.
Thank you for taking the time and continuing to read my blog, hopefully you find it helpful and enjoy reading them.
Am now looking forward to the Presentation Day in Edinburgh this September.
In the meantime, I’m gonna keep doing my best to help others be their best.
If you’d like more help achieving your goals, just get in touch.
Lee ‘Female Fitness Entrepreneur of the Year’ Donald x
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