Pippa Turley, Owner, EMS Works Ltd
After working on world rugby's biggest events as a sports marketer, Pippa Turley now helps people get fitter and healthier via EMS training. Read about how a household with three brothers paved the way for her career and why she applies the "5-second rule" to taking action.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I've always loved sport and, having three brothers, getting rugby tackled in the back garden as a child was the norm! After college, I worked in the sports marketing industry. Working on the 2005 Lions Tour of New Zealand and the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final in Auckland were a couple of the highlights. I've represented both NZ and GBR in Age-Group World Championship Triathlon and, during training, discovered the benefits of good quality supplementation and Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Training. I now run my own business instructing EMS, distributing XBody EMS equipment and other well-being products.
What kind of work does your role involve?
Day-to-day, I'm helping people get fit and strong and feeling good about themselves through EMS instruction and healthy lifestyle advice. I also spend a lot of time talking to fitness operators and personal trainers about their businesses and aspirations. They are often looking for differentiation and see the potential of adding EMS to their portfolio. I also advise businesses on achieving clean air in their premises and studios as a distributor of indoor air purification units, which is particularly important in the current pandemic.
What gets you excited about your industry?
With COVID-19, more than ever, the spotlight has been thrown on us all to take responsibility to keep fit and healthy. Exercise naturally boosts our immune system, and being able to play my part in motivating and helping people get fit excites me. The fitness industry is always evolving, and being involved in cutting edge technology to deliver time-efficient and effective training through EMS is also exciting.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I've had is from Public Speaker Mel Robbins. As a triathlete, I've applied her '5 Second Rule' for years. The 5 Second Rule closes the gap between thinking about what needs to be done and actually doing it. Don't wait for motivation to do something; it will never come. Humans are designed to keep within our comfort zones and to conserve energy for 'fight or flight'. So to go out training on a cold, dark morning or do anything that makes us feel uncomfortable will not happen if we allow ourselves to think about it for too long.
What, or who inspires you?
As sport is such a big part of my life, I can be inspired by anyone I see out exercising, especially those clearly struggling. I can be inspired by top athletes whose dedication to reach their goal is incredible. I can be inspired by those with impairments, who against all odds, achieve sporting dreams. Claire Danson, former GB triathlete and now aspiring Para-athlete, comes to mind.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
Reading industry publications is a must for me. Networking with industry leaders, understanding their business models and the challenges they face and working alongside industry professionals. Being on the Athletes Council for health and well-being company Ariix gives me insight into nutritional products and supplementation developments.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
Probably the most challenging situation I've had to overcome is public speaking. Being able to stand up and speak in front of an audience still terrifies me, but I've had to do it occasionally. I truly admire those who can 'hold' an audience - it's a skill for sure.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
How would you ever find the owner? But that would be my instinct. I have always worked with integrity in my life, and I'm not a 'finders, keepers' type of person. If I was allowed to keep the money, I would pay off the mortgage, give my kids a deposit to get on the property ladder, then travel, with New Zealand first on the list, to go back and see my friends. I lived there for 9 years.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
In no particular order, I find cooking relaxing, a glass of wine, walking the dogs, chatting with the kids around the dinner table, watching TV and reading.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
To obliterate lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, particularly childhood obesity, by providing more education, inspiration, fun and fantastic facilities and 'no excuse' options such as EMS training throughout the UK!
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
I love the book Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley. I don't believe in persuading or coercing people to do things; I think it has to come from them, but there are ways to stand out from the crowd and inspire.
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware was sad and thought-provoking. But, we only live once; we're a long time dead, so make the most of every day.
How should people connect with you?
You can reach me via any of the following:
LinkedIn: Pippa Turley & EMS Works | XBody Official
Instagram: healthyactive4life & emsworks_xbodyofficial
Website: emsstrength.com & emsworks.co.uk
FaceBook: Pippa Turley
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