Champions Of Change: Kate Strong
Meet the inspirational Kate Strong, HIA #114 and internationally recognised expert in change behaviour, emergent strategy and sustainability.
Coming from a background of 3 cycling World Records, Kate has a strong will to make change in the sporting and wider environment and she certainly knows how to take action. In her most recent feat, she cycled over 3,000 miles around mainland Britain on a hand-made bamboo bike, all while hosting multiple talks, engaging with grassroots community projects and volunteering at local charities.
We wanted to know more on the mind behind the accolades and she kindly agreed to share with us.
Hi Kate.
Hey Marcus.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as an athlete?
The realisation that, while competing in world championships, people saw me as a leader & I had the potential to use my (albeit small) platform to highlight causes close to my heart.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports or life, and why?
I don’t have idols or look up to people, as they risk shattering my motivation if they turn out to be not as ‘amazing’ as I hoped. My biggest inspiration is to find golden advice in every interaction I have with as many people as I meet - from a person waiting at the same bus stop as me, to an audience member when I’m talking.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be you. For many decades, I tried to please others and be quieter/softer/more pleasing/thinner/stronger…. And always struggled because I wasn’t embracing who I am. Today, I turn up and rarely wear a ‘mask’ - and I’m achieving so much more than I ever thought possible, as well as enjoying the journey so much too.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
I have stepped away from elite sport, and now just create adventures to highlight and mobilise communities into action around causes. In summer, I try to stick to 3-2-1 training: 3x gym, 2x run/cycle, 1x swim In winter, I’m lucky to get 3/week in: I typically hibernate and catch up on my cross stitch!
What’s the strangest yet most effective training that's worked for you?
Ditch the car - since not having a car (2+ years), I’ve increased my accidental training by walking/cycling so much more than I typically would. Also, by carrying bags as I move, I’m getting core & strength exercise too.
Do you have a pre-game ritual, song, or meal?
I have a gratitude meditation I do while also carrying out some Qi Gong moves. I start with what I’m grateful for in myself, my nearest and dearest and spiral out until I envisage the world.
How do you stay motivated?
I use my sport to highlight causes that require urgent attention. My activity is a vehicle to talk about the climate crisis, water insecurity, river health etc and this reminds me that my short-term pain (or desire to stop) is worth it because it’s helping fuel a bigger narrative.
What techniques do you use to stay focused and composed?
I use a range of tools, from Vision boards, EFT, Reiki, daily gratitude & acknowledgements, journaling… I also work with a shaman and regularly remove attachments to identity/labels so reduce the significance and potential stress about delivering upon results.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge I’ve faced is actually to create a financially stable and sustainable path for me. People and companies regularly request me to take part in events and help promote a cause, yet rarely is there financial support offered. My biggest challenge is to authentically earn an income without compromising my values and reducing my impact on the causes I care about.
What is it about your mindset that's enabled you to succeed in your sport?
“Just give it a go”. I rarely (over)think about the ‘how’ to achieve things, and typically set bold goals thanks to this mindset (ignorance?) Because I haven’t capped my potential, I am able to go further because there’s no glass ceiling holding me back.
Thank you for sharing your golden insight with us Kate, can see why you’re such a successful motivational speaker and advocate for movement and the environment.
To follow Kate @katestrong01
