SHINE’ing the Spotlight on… Elaine Jobson
Elaine Jobson is a Fitness Industry veteran having spent 23 years in executive positions working for a number of the large fitness brands. Her roles have taken her all over the globe having worked in Asia, Europe, South Africa and now Australia.
She is best known for teaming up with well-known industry entrepreneurs including Mike Balfour OBE -Founder of Fitness First, Sir Richard Branson owner of Virgin Active South Africa and now Brendon Levenson founder of Jetts Fitness.
Having previously won the Deloitte Best Company to work in South Africa, Elaine is passionate about building successful companies through great cultures and growing exceptional Leaders.
The Australian Institute of Management requested Elaine to write a chapter for their International bestselling book on Leadership to celebrate their 75th anniversary. A regular presenter at their conferences Elaine was a natural choice to contribute a chapter on leading people.
Elaine uses her vast amount of experiences on leading people, and being led by some of the world’s best leaders like Mike Balfour OBE and Richard Branson to share with her audiences some of the lessons that shaped her into the leader she is today. A presentation full of stories of the good, the bad and the ugly of leadership that will have audiences crying and laughing throughout.
We are thrilled to feature Elaine this week as she is a truly inspirational lady. It’s been a BIG couple of years for Elaine and we can’t wait for her to tell you about it!
What is the greatest piece of advice that you took away from your time spent with Richard Branson?
This one is easy, happy people = happy customers. If your people feel cared for and valued, they will pass on the same to your customers who will in turn use your services or products more often. This results in happy Shareholders! It’s the simple formula for business success.
You’ve recently been recognized as a winner and finalist for numerous awards, both for Jetts Australia and as an individual. How do you enjoy being in the spotlight and how has your business benefited by winning these awards?
I must confess that I’m not very comfortable with being in the spotlight personally. I am hugely proud of what we have achieved at Jetts, but it was done by the whole team not just me. Of course, winning awards is always a nice way to know we are on track with our strategy but it’s not the reason we do what we do. We want to be Australia’s most loved gym chain and that remains our focus and drive every day.
How did you feel when IML asked you to write a chapter for their Leadership Matters book?
I will have to say flattered! When I was asked to contribute a chapter on Leading people I was very excited to be offered such an amazing opportunity, but then it dawned on me that I didn’t even know how to write a chapter of a book. I had to learn very quickly and re wrote the chapter several times before submitting. I guess that reflects my approach to life and business, I say ‘Yes’ first then figure out a way to achieve it.
Are you a gym junkie and how does exercise fit into your daily routine?
I get up at 5am in the morning to exercise, now I am attending a lot of HIIT training sessions as research for a new product we are developing at Jetts. I also do Parkrun and strength train using weight in my home gym. Exercise is part of my everyday routine and enables me to meet the demands of my work schedule.
Your husband is a high achiever and well known public speaker too, do you cross paths now on the speaker circuit and how do you work together as a team?
The only time our paths cross with work is when I am roping him in to do a firewalk or board break at one of our Jetts conferences. Our team work shows up most at home, Ben has been a great support for me and my career. He has been the main care provider for our 11-year-old daughter, Jasmin, since she was born and is usually the one doing school drop off and running her around her various sport commitments. We have lived in four different continents around the world due to my career and he has always been the project manager of our moves. He takes care of pretty much everything at home, I cook but that’s about the extent of my domestic duties!
Tell us about some of the things that you enjoy doing as a family?
We love to travel so usually most of our free time is spent doing that. We have family and friends living all over the world, so we have many international trips. Other than travel we love to hike, walk, run and be generally active. Although nothing beats pizza and a movie whilst vegging on the couch as well!
Favorite healthy food?
Chicken! I don’t eat red meat, so chicken is my go to for protein. I also love avocado’s; some people avoid them because they think they’re fattening but that’s false. The humble avocado is one of the most complete food sources you can find.
What book have you read recently, and did you enjoy it?
The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath. I usually read business books because I am always looking for that next thing to make us even better. I found this book fascinating and it will influence the way we deliver service to our members in the future.
What’s the best thing about working at Jetts Australia?
It doesn’t feel like work! I love what I do, and I love the people I do it with. Every day I wake up excited about the day ahead and what we are going to achieve. Fitness is such a positive product and I am passionate about helping people live healthier and better lives.
Our Support Office in Mooloolaba is a hugely fun place to hang out everyday. It’s full of energy, positivity and often dogs and kids! We believe in a work life ‘blend’ so we work flexible hours and the teams are expected to put family first. We work hard but we also play a lot! 
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