Thanks to CCE's Professional Leadership and Advanced Leadership Certificate programs, co-owners Jake and Kim Sinclair, and manager Lindsay Fish, have made gains in their leadership abilities.
Jake and Kim Sinclair took the plunge into business ownership with Anytime Fitness in 2019. In a nutshell, Kim says, “Fitness and healthy living are important to both of us, so when we heard the previous owners were looking to sell, we thought ‘let’s do it!’” Not only do they own the two Regina locations, they’re also certified fitness trainers and teach classes.
"CCE’s programs have made us stronger leaders and a stronger team which is helping us grow our business long-term." - Jake Sinclair
Jake, who has been a regular student in CCE’s professional certificate programs completing four so far, wanted his team to be equipped with applicable leadership skills. “I wanted us to be able to lead and not just manage.” So, Jake suggested Kim and their manager Lindsay Fish take CCE’s Professional Leadership Certificate while he take his leadership training to a higher level with the Advanced Leadership Certificate.
They took full advantage of the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant through the Government of Saskatchewan. Because CCE’s professional certificates can quality for the grant, Jake says they were able to get the bulk of the program costs covered. “It’s a great funding program that I recommend local business owners access to train their teams in different business areas.”
Jake places a lot of value on finding his individual leadership niche and was able to do so by taking both the Professional Leadership and Advanced Leadership Certificates. “Both certificate programs have helped me discover and develop my authenticity as a leader and unique leadership style,” says Jake, adding, “I enjoyed learning more about myself as a leader, and learning with other people who share similar goals. It was a really good experience, and I’ve stayed connected to some of my classmates.”
"The skills and tools I learned really helped build my confidence as a manager and leader." - Lindsay Fish
Lindsay Fish’s role as manager is quite diverse. She manages memberships, personal training, staff training, gym maintenance and cleaning, and is involved in event planning. She appreciates the positives that have come from taking the Professional Leadership Certificate. “The skills and tools I learned really helped build my confidence as a manager and leader.” As with any management role, conflict resolution is part of the job, and the program supported Lindsay in this area. “I’ve also developed skills that help me communicate better with our team and deal with conflict more successfully.”
Jake expressed his appreciation for Lindsay’s growth as a leader. “I trust her decisions 100 per cent, and she does a great job dealing with difficult situations and conflict.” He adds, “This takes a lot of pressure off Kim and I. We’re able to manage and lead equally among the three of us. There’s more support all around.”
"I’m now able to tailor my leadership style to each team member using the tools and techniques my instructors taught." - Kim Sinclair
Kim says Jake talked up the Professional Leadership Certificate a lot which got her on board with taking the program. “I’d never managed a team before and, like Lindsay, the program helped me become a more confident leader, too,” she says. Being both business partners and husband and wife creates a unique dynamic between her and Jake. “What I learned in the program definitely helped me communicate better with Jake as business partners.” When it comes to leading her team, Kim was able to directly apply the skills she learned. “In my courses, I learned that everyone is unique in how they need to be managed,” Kim says. “I’m now able to tailor my leadership style to each team member using the tools and techniques my instructors taught.”
Both Kim and Lindsay would like to pursue more training. “I’m interested in taking the Advanced Leadership Certificate to build on the skills I’ve learned,” says Kim. For Lindsay, she still has one Professional Leadership Certificate course to complete, and is already putting more training on her radar. “After I finish my last course for the certificate, I’d like to take another program. A few of CCE’s Professional Certificates are really interesting to me.”
"We’ve grown our business by 200 memberships over the past year..." - Jake Sinclair
Their newly acquired leadership skills will come in handy with their future business gains as well. “We’ve grown our business by 200 memberships over the past year, and we’re now looking into an opportunity to expand our business with a third location in Regina,” says Jake. “CCE’s programs have made us stronger leaders and a stronger team which is helping us grow our business long-term.”
Learn more about our Professional Leadership and Advanced Leadership Certificates.
Read about Jake bringing entrepreneurship and community together (source: Leader-Post)
Learn about Our Programs
Professional Development Funding Options
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant for up to $10,000 for employee training.
Re-Skill Saskatchewan Training Subsidy for 100% training cost coverage.
URAA Alumni Professional Development Award valued at up to $500.
Canada Training Credit for $250 per year (unused years carry forward).