Honouring the unsung heroes… an ICC special
Behind every standout product, pioneering service, or high-profile brand ambassador is a team of people whose work makes success possible. They are the creative thinkers, dedicated developers, delivery specialists, and committed service professionals who keep everything moving.
Yet these vital contributors are often the least visible. While others receive the awards, accolades, and press attention, their efforts can go unnoticed – all the while being fundamental to every achievement worth celebrating.
Here at ICC this is exemplified, personally and professionally, by our Operations Director Sarah Reynolds. Sarah joined the team at the start of 2022 and, since then, life at ICC has changed immeasurably. Sarah’s professional discipline is, for us, unmatched. Systems, processes, and governance are consistently optimised. Client relationships are defined by high levels of trust and reliability. Operations are rooted in positivity and perspective.
But there’s more…
ICC has the pleasure of representing a number of high-profile individuals in the sporting and commercial arena (last week’s heroic 20th Everest summit being one example).
What may not have made your newsfeed though is Sarah’s accomplishment this weekend. On May 30th, with daytime temperatures averaging 25–27°C due to the UK heatwave, Sarah set out on a mission, one that’s been a year in the making. She competed in The Ridgeway Challenge Ultra Race. Here are the stats:
- The Ridgeway Challenge is an extreme ultra-distance trail race (86 Miles / 139 Kilometres)
- It follows the full length of the ancient Ridgeway National Trail in southern England, crossing Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire
- Elevation gain is 6,060 feet (1,850 metres)
- Completion time is limited to 28 hours, with strict checkpoint cut-off times to help support the injured and the flagging
It’s safe to say that this trail race is not for the faint hearted
Not only did Sarah complete the race (with a finishing time of 25 hours, 18 minutes, and 47 seconds), she was placed 4th in her category and was 10th female overall. What makes this result even more outstanding, less than 12 months ago Sarah was suffering from a profound and frustrating ankle injury. She was advised to remain completely off-games and couldn’t physically run, even if she had wanted to.
Sarah’s achievement wasn’t accompanied by fanfare. There was no post-race interview or press recognition. She quietly returned home a bit broken and had a sleep! Completing this gruelling endurance race with such style and grace was a direct result of months of consistent rehab, strength training, cardio, conditioning, and a disciplined return to running fitness.
Sarah shows up, she puts the shift in, she never complains, she keeps a positive perspective, and she appreciates the privilege of being able to get outside and get moving, whatever the elements throw at her!
Her efforts are legendary and heroic, the learnings come thick and fast. But Sarah chooses not to wear a cape (or a down suit!). She doesn’t seek recognition or validation. She does it for many personal reasons: to test herself, to hold herself to account, to remain disciplined and consistent, and simply because she has the luxury of being able to move and a body that works, most of the time!
Who are your unsung heroes, performing with quiet brilliance? Who are the team members that deliver your business success while swerving the fanfare? How do you recognise the profound impact that they have and the unique value that they bring? Share their highlights with us, we’d love to give them a platform!
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