Charlotte Tweddell  launched The FitLeader Collective earlier this year to support ambitious women in creating alignment between their health, mindset, and professional performance through coaching, events and community initiatives.

Charlotte said: “Too many women believe they have to choose between being successful and being healthy.

“We're often told that achievement requires sacrifice, and that exercise, recovery and wellbeing become things we fit in if there's time.

“My experience has shown the opposite. Looking after yourself isn't a distraction from your ambitions – it's what helps you achieve them.”

The FitLeader Collective, a Start-up member of Birmingham Chamber, was created to challenge traditional thinking around leadership and success.

Rather than viewing health and fitness as separate from professional development, the business promotes the belief that the same qualities developed through sport and physical challenge are the qualities required to thrive in leadership, business and life.

Charlotte's qualification for the European Championships reflects years of commitment, perseverance and disciplined action – qualities she encourages members of The FitLeader Collective to develop in every aspect of their lives.

Charlotte added: “Competitive sport is one of the highest forms of self-leadership. Nobody can do the work for you.

“You have to stay committed when motivation disappears, manage setbacks, respond to pressure and keep moving towards your goal despite obstacles. Those experiences teach skills that transfer directly into leadership and business.”

On the connection between sporting participation and professional success, Charlotte said: “The women I work with aren't lacking ambition. What many lack is permission to invest in themselves.

“When women prioritise their health and fitness, they don't become less effective leaders – they become more effective leaders.

“They have more energy, stronger resilience, greater confidence and a deeper belief in what they are capable of achieving.”

As she prepares to represent the Great Britain Age-Group Team on the European stage in 2027, Charlotte hopes her achievement will inspire more women to recognise the power of self-leadership and the role that health and fitness can play in professional success.

She said: “This qualification is something I'm incredibly proud of, but for me it's also proof of concept.

“Everything we teach through The FitLeader Collective is built on the belief that when women lead themselves well, anything is possible.  

“Fitness isn't just about physical performance. It's about becoming the person capable of achieving the goals that matter most to you.”