Every year, I am fortunate to be part of an epic event, alongside some very inspiring people – and this year was no different.
The Strive Challenge was founded by Sam Branson and Noah Devereaux in aid of Big Change – it is a series of challenge events that take place across the world. So far this has included about half of Europe, the Caribbean, and deep into the Arctic Circle.
It’s something I have been supporting (and sponsoring) since its inception in 2014, so this Strive is particularly special as it marks the 10-year anniversary.
This year, we travelled to the UAE, striving across six of the seven Emirates and into Oman. We travelled through mountains, across the sea, and through the desert back to Dubai. We slept on the deck of a traditional Dhow boat under the stars, in remote desert camps and in the Bear Grylls adventure camp – seeing parts of the Emirates which were just magical.
Every Strive event brings together a group of incredible leaders and entrepreneurs from all over the world for a week to step outside their comfort zones. Sir Richard Branson says it is the annual fitness challenge which changed his life (I can attest that he’s not missed one yet!).
This year there were some Strive veterans like Richard, Sam, Noah, Damian, Luke and the wonderful Sara Blakely – as well as some new Strivers which was fantastic to see. We were also honoured to be joined by Zayed (a member of the Al Nahyan family) who was incredibly proud to see Strive head to the UAE, having done one of the stages of Strive in Europe back in 2018.
As always, there are so many highlights, lessons and conversations, and as with every Strive, the evenings are spent as a group sharing ideas and having discussions around entrepreneurship, leadership, purpose and reforming the education system!
Just one of my favourite highlights was being sat around the campfire in the middle of the Dubai Desert sharing stories about leading with purpose. From the incredible story of Sara Blakely’s journey, Richard Branson’s mantra of “keeping things simple” – to hearing Antonin de Fougerolles (who pioneered mRNA technology) talking about his incredible and globally life changing work.
Every pound raised from Strive events goes directly to supporting Big Change projects. These, in turn, are helping ensure that all young people are set up to thrive in life – not just in exams. To date, the Strive Challenge has raised over £10m for Big Change, supporting its mission to reimagine the education system.
The Strive philosophy is core to each event: “growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone; magic happens when you do it alongside others.”
You can’t help but come home inspired by the people and the purpose.
Until next time!
