IBI Kilimanjaro Challenge

Paul Thoroughgood

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Hello, I’m Paul Thoroughgood. I’ve been at Informa for ten years. I’ve worked across many products and industries, starting as an advertising sales executive and climbing to my latest role as Director of Advertising Sponsorship Sales for IBI. I’ve faced many daunting challenges in my time with Informa. However, none compare to the prospect of a 14-day trek in a remote range of the Himalayas. So why did I apply? Truthfully, I was envious of the IBI Board’s trip up Kilimanjaro earlier this year. Even after hearing about their pain, I was hopeful that I too would get to undertake such a endeavour one day. I particularly wanted the chance to experience working as a team to overcome adversity, and to do so in a totally alien situation, far removed from the day-to-day of business life. So, when the Lunag expedition was announced, I was determined to gain a place on the team. Thankfully I did, because as we’ve started to prepare for this trip I’ve been really inspired by the work of our charities (ShelterBox and Red Cross Japan) and am now at least as keen to raise money to help people who have been displaced by horrendous disasters as I am to climb the mountain. But what do I bring to the experience? Simply, I aim to motivate my colleagues on this adventure. I strive to help people achieve their potential and reach their goals, and frequently act as a coach and mentor to sales staff across IBI. And, as I know how those around you can be a great source of inspiration, I will look to my team-mates for encouragement and learning, so that we all do better through working as a team. What’s more, I will ensure we raise lots of money. This challenge begins when the fundraising starts. My experience in sales and natural skills of persuasion (!) will not only drive my own fundraising but also help the team in making money for the worthwhile causes of ShelterBox and Red Cross Japan. Despite being a competitive sales person, I really want us to raise as much money as possible and will help in whatever way I can to ensure we do so together. Of course, if you do want to sponsor me personally I would really appreciate it! My Justgiving page is: http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Thoroughgood. What will I bring back to work? I think this adventure will give me a fresh perspective that will help me find new ways of overcoming challenges at work. I hope to learn more about how I work so I know how to play to my strengths. And I hope to bring back some entertaining tales of adversity and some close friends.

What do I want to achieve?

• To surpass my own boundaries
• To motivate the team
• To learn from my colleagues
• To ensure the team raises as much money as possible for ShelterBox and Red Cross Japan
• To reach base camp safely with the team To enjoy myself and make the most of a remarkable experience

What can I do to achieve my goals

• Work with my fellow trekkers to find new, effective ways to raise sponsorship money.
• Develop a training schedule and stick to it so I increase my fitness, in order to survive the trek and support my colleagues.

What will I do if I can't achieve your goals

• Support the team in reaching their goal of reaching base camp.
• Welcome back the team on their return to Kathmandu.
• Use the time awaiting the team's return to plan fundraising activities.
• For every meter of the trek I don't make, I will donate a certain amount to charity.

Fitness Goals

• To increase my weekly trek in increments, from 1 hour and peaking at 8 hours.
• By September, to be able to comfortably cut out tubes and buses on my commute to work and walk instead (5 miles per day).
• No lifts - always steps.
• To reach a level of fitness that will ensure I can ccomplete the trek without injury.