Recently I had the opportunity to present at NettWorks, a Vancouver women’s networking event with a room full of amazing women who had just finished tackling an invigorating CAPOEIRA demo – a tough act to follow.  

Enjoying a capoeira demo at Axe Capoeira - fun & challenging!

When I shared with them the title of my talk, I giggled to myself and said, “This sounds like the start of a bad joke about a personal trainer, a bodybuilder and a politician.” But stomping out the stereotypes is something that is hugely important to me and the opportunity to share my story and an important message.

NetteWorks "Everyday Women Empower" April 22nd, 2012 - Guest Speakers and organizer, Sanez Gerami

In 2000, I made the decision to follow my passion and dove into the world of being a “Social Entrepreneur” long before the term existed. The concept for iBuildStrongWomen.com (under construction) was born and the journey began 12 years ago.  Along the way, I’ve addressed a number of stereotypes that I’ve enjoyed stomping out because I’ve never wanted to be defined by what I do; rather, I want who I am in to the world to re-define each of these stereotypical roles as we know them:

The “Personal Trainer”:

The majority of folks working in or associated with the fitness industry are fixated on the “outside layer“.  If I see one more advertisement or Facebook post about losing 7 pounds in 7 days I’m going to scream.  For me, it’s about so much more than that.  I’ve been lifting now for over half my life and have gleamed expertise from some of the finest world-class athletes along the way.  It’s a privilege for me to be able to do what I do and one that I hate to see get watered down into just a weight-loss conversation.

• My work goes far beyond “skin deep“;
• Fitness is a vehicle that allows me to have a positive influence on a woman’s life while we work together;
• I want to give you just a few examples of fitness acts and physical endeavours that have been used in very positive and powerful ways to make a difference – Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, Sarah Jamison, Norma Bastidas and my current work with a brilliant young woman, Mikayla Custance.
• We are physical beings so it only makes sense that the stronger we are, the stronger we are!

The “Bodybuilder”:

Close your eyes and visualize for a moment… what image comes to mind when you hear the term, “Bodybuilder“?  Well, I’m not freakishly huge, I’m 100% natural, and I regard myself a fairly intelligent woman.  Likely not the typical match or what you imagined for this stereotypical role. Yet, I am a bodybuilder who is 23 weeks out from her next competition, the Ironman Naturals on October 6th in Bellevue, Washington.  And I have been living the bodybuilder lifestyle since I was in my early 20′s.

• I love the process of taking a client through competition prep: goal-setting, strategizing an successful action plan, completing the follow-through with perseverance and dedication – the work to be done, and creating a positive experience in their lives that empowers their spirit, boosts their confidence and increases their belief in what they feel is possible for their lives.  And then observing what that next step is for them. It’s amazing!

The “Politician”:

When I look up Wiki’s definition of the term politician here’s what I find, “People who hold decision-making positions in government.”

The role of the ‘Politician” is a fairly new role for me (November 2011). It’s a role that is stretching me to learn, grow and demonstrate courage to be a positive community leader and visionary.  I ran for politics in order to bring a younger energy to our Council, a fresh perspective to discussions and to set an example for other younger working keeners that it IS possible to be involved as well as having a family, career or business.  

On one of my former business cards I used the title Creative Catalyst for Positive Change.  Some people would look at the card and have a puzzled look on their face because it’s not a commonly recognized title or stereotype.  I stay focused on being positive and balancing my passion for people with the issues that face my small, rural community.

The message that I would like to leave you with is three-fold:

***Allow who you are and how you want to be remembered define what you do in this world rather than those roles defining you.  Stomp out the stereotypes!

***If you haven’t already, I encourage you to think about fitness and your physical body as a vehicle to connecting you with all of your untapped potential and inner strength that lies just below your skin.

***Your life is a MOVIE…. a screenplay where you are the main character and all of the people, interactions and experiences you encounter are to remind you of your true greatness and that you are worthy of everything you want to do, be, create and experience in your life.

I am Charlene SanJenko… Social Entrepreneur, Creative Catalyst for Positive Change, Fitness Expert & Performance Coach (“Personal Trainer”), Competitive Natural “Bodybuilder”, “Politician” and Exceptional Woman.  

Honoured. Humbled. Excited. Ready.

I’m here to serve – with respect – for the greater good.

Photo credits:   Stephanie Wiriahardja

Photos used with permission of Netteworks.

There are some things I get excited about – like really, REALLLLY excited!  

Bringing an incredible motivational speaker to the Sunshine Coast is one such occasion (insert huge smile here!   ).

I’m working with a tiny-but-tough volunteer planning committee spear-headed by the Sunshine Coast Community Resource Centre to bring Tom Watson to the Sunshine Coast.  Why?  Because I so believe in his message and I believe Spring 2012 is an opportune time for us to hear it!

Tom will be visiting Thursday, March 1st when he will speak to high-school student in the afternoon, business folks after work and the community at large in the evening.

Here’s all the details.  Thank  you for passing them along.  Let’s sell out!

Click here to view full flyer. Tom Watson CRC

What do you crave for your life in 2012?

What do you crave for your business in 2012?

What do you crave  for your community for 2012?

The question is:  What are you READY for?

Each year we sit down and think about what we want or what we wish for.  I think if we were really honest with ourselves and took an honest and realistic look at what are ready for, we’d see a gap between the two.

I’m going to go out here on a limb here and say New Year’s resolutions are a crap-shoot.  They are an absolute cop-out unless you are actually ready to take accountable action on them.

I believe the difference between people who get what they want in their lives – who create it – and those who don’t is dependent on how much they CRAVE the change. 

Let’s take the typical New Year’s resolution for example, “I want to get into shape in 2012.“

You do?  Oh, REEEEalllly.  How badly do you honestly want to get into shape?  Do you absolutely CRAVE it?  

And when I say CRAVE it – here’s what I mean:

Crave [kreyv], verb:  To want greatly, desire eagerly, to long for earnestly to the point of begging or pleading.

So I’ll go back to the typical New Year’s resolution, “I want to get in shape into 2012.”

• Can you feel it?  Can you feel yourself in the best shape of your life?  How does it feel?
• Can you taste it?  Can you taste the foods you will be eating, the clean water you’ll be drinking and all of the other components that will be fueling this very best you?  How does it taste?
• Can you see it?  Can you see yourself in the best shape of your life?  What are you doing? wearing? enjoying?
• Can you imagine it?  Simple question: Can you imagine it? IF you can imagine it as a possibility – then it is one.
• Can you experience it?  Can you really, truly and fully experience it in every sense of the word.

If you can go through all of these steps… then you are CRAVING the change you want and you are ready to CREATE it.

• Can you be bring it into your reality? Do you have the confidence in yourself, the tools and support you need, and the discipline to follow through with action to create what you crave?

 It’s interesting to me that we ‘wish‘ each other a Happy New Year and all the best in 2012.   I’m done with wishing.  

A toast to you and 2012 - may it be the year you crave!

For 2012, I hope you have the courage, strength and trust to create what you crave without inducing any limitations, boundaries or restrictions.

All the best.  All your best!  All my best!

I’ve been wanting to jot down a blog to let you know what I’ve been up to since getting sworn in on December 6th.  I also wanted to reply to a great column written by Christine Wood in our local paper last week called, “As the fanfare fades, what’s next?”  Great question.

If I could answer this question for myself it would be this: appropriate and accountable action.

As a new Councillor, I’m obviously learning the ropes in many regards. However, that does not hold me back from what I have always done – to work hard on specific, tangible projects for the community, to network and build relations (linking people together who need to meet each other for some reason) and to use my skills to help encourage effective communication where needed.

When I review my introduction campaign video, I remember these three reasons on why I ran:

1. To balance and diversify Gibsons council;
2. To encourage a fresh, innovative approach in council;
3. To find well-matched opportunities for the amazing talent in our community.

Here’s a quick run-down on initial projects and priorities that I’m getting a jump on prior to Christmas!

• Employee / Entrepreneur New Resident Project:  Best Coast Initiatives is working on an “Employee/Entrepreneur New Resident Attraction project” that will hopefully benefit businesses on the Coast.  As the Council liason for BCI, I’ve enjoyed helping to get this project off the ground.  The Seaspan National Shipbuilding contract provides a “proof of concept” opportunity, and we hope to meet with Seaspan soon to advance the project.
• Communications & Community Engagement Improvement:  I’ve been working with staff and volunteers in an effort to bring forward some suggestions to Council early in the New Year so we can move towards implementing them.
• My meeting schedule is full, full…. FULL!  Yesterday was a great day with George Cuff as I attended A Primer for Elected Officials & Their Advisors:  Understanding Good Governance.  I learned so much and was grateful for the opportunity as well as the fact such important information was shared to everyone at the same time – we all heard it.  And much of what I felt needed to be said on many topics was said.  Today is my first Chamber of Commerce meeting as I now sit as a Council Liason on this board as well, and this afternoon it is my pleasure to meet with a group of amazing artists to discuss an opportunity they are looking into… Talent + Opportunity is where it’s at!

As always, welcoming your communication!  My new town email is csanjenko@gibsons.ca.  My Gibsons Gets Fresh Councillor Facebook page is also up and running.  And I invite you to please join us at my inaugural Council Meeting next Tuesday, December 20th at 7 pm.  

Survived campaign. Successful election. Ready to work.

November 19th was an exciting evening. I was encouraged to see a 57% voter turnout, one of the highest in all of BC! I was pleased to receive 920 votes representing 3rd place out of eight candidates.

Next Tuesday evening, December 6th at 7 pm I will be officially sworn in as a Councillor in the Town of Gibsons. The inaugaration will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 747 Gibsons Way (NEW venue), I hope you will plan to attend.

I am excited and grateful for this opportunity; and I am ready to work. I view myself as both a role-model and an action-oriented leader. My priorities include:

• Strengthening communication, engagement and outreach between the Council and residents;
• Supporting innovative, energizing projects well-matched to Gibsons and the immense talent that resides here.
• Encouraging events and initiatives to motivate, mentor, support and groom future leaders.
• Talent + Opportunity = Potential!

Building a Strong Team

I’m excited to work with the newly elected Council. Collectively, we offer a unique, diverse set of talents, strengths and interests. That’s what makes teamwork thrive! The key is learning to work together effectively and efficiently, respecting each other, celebrating our individuality and pulling together to create a strong, focused and successful team. Here’s to building a strong team for the benefit and future of our families, friends and community!

Let’s Stay Connected…

Creating Connection & Collaboration has been my motto as a social entrepreneur since 2000 – it’s simply what I do. As I move into my new position as Councillor I will be blogging about my experiences, my thoughts and reflections and most importantly asking for your input and feedback!

I am representing you on Council so it’s important for us to stay connected and for others to join in the conversation. Here’s how:

• My blog and videos will continue here on this website.
• I will be posting on a regular basis to both Facebook and Twitter.
• Semi-regular e-newsletters. If there is anyone in your network that you feel would like to receive them, please forward them the link to my homepage as they can sign-up for them here on the right-hand side above.
• I will endeavour to make myself available for in-person coffee meetings and small group get-togethers on a semi-regular basis as networking, creative discussion and brainstorming is an important part of my life.
• You’ll see event notices and invitations from time to time as my way to try and pull a larger group of people together for a specific purpose. I hope you will endeavour to join us.