Our Power of One series continues, this week with a profile of Jenn Cornell.  Jenn's a dual entrepreneur whose work in the public relations field has helped to shine a national spotlight on several Ann Arbor businesses and organizations, including Adaptive Materials and Ann Arbor SPARK. She's also co-owner of Joust Strength + Fitness, a CrossFit, kettlebell and Olympic weightlifting facility.

The Power of One series is inspired by the work of activist attorney and Ann Arbor legend Jean King. King's tireless efforts to enforce Title IX led to gender equity in athletics, academics and in the professional world. King will be honored at a celebration of her life's work on March 26 at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest.

How has Jean King's work impacted your current professional success?

Growing up, my dad told me I could do whatever I wanted and achieve anything I was willing to work for.  Before Title IX, those dreams my dad inspired wouldn’t have necessarily been a reality.  I’ve had the benefit of growing up and coming into my own in a time where gender equity isn’t always a reality, but it’s expected. Jean’s work paved that road for me — thanks to Jean, women have solid footing on the road to leadership. Her work gave voice to women everywhere who wanted to achieve amazing things and knew that our gender wasn’t a limiting factor in that achievement.

Tell us about your athletic background.

As an RKC kettlebell coach, USA Weightlifting certified coach and personal trainer, it might be surprising that I discovered my love of athletics later in life. I was a glee club geek before being a glee club geek was cool. Consequently, I have a lot of empathy towards those who are intimidated by fitness or aren’t naturally drawn to a fit lifestyle. 

After college (late nights of bad food and cheap beer), I knew I had to start taking care of my body.  I began running, mostly because it only required shoes and motivation. Eventually, I had to face that running alone wasn’t enough for me to stay interested in fitness and began working out in a gym, doing circuits.   

I began training through CrossFit in 2005 and it forever changed my life. Through CrossFit, I learned that fitness that isn’t functional is a total waste of time. I also learned that an intense seven-minute workout, like CrossFit’s “Fran,” is hugely beneficial and more effective than 80 minutes on the treadmill. As a result, I’m now in the best shape of my life. 

What sports/ activities are you active in now? (If applicable)

I am active five to six days a week. The approach to fitness that I believe in is that routine is the enemy, and what works for me is a mix of Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit and kettlebells.  I can get bored really easily, and this mix offers something new every day — plus, it’s the combination that makes me overall fitter and ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way.  I also still run at least once a week, and when the weather is nice, more often.    

I enter a race (either a 5k or half marathon) at least once a quarter, but more importantly, thanks to CrossFit, I’m very careful to benchmark and keep track of the progress of my every day workouts.  I continually push myself to beat my last race time or lift more than last time or complete a CrossFit workout faster than the last time.  This competition helps me stay accountable, plus, I’m interested and engaged.  

What difference do you think one person can make in the world?

I read a billboard once that said, “Integrity is what you do when no one is looking.” That has stuck with me and has become a guiding principal of sorts. Being a good person isn’t easy, but there’s something inspiring when you recognize that goodness in others.   

There’s something unique and amazing about each individual person.  Being able to tap that unique strength and share it is what’s most important.  Start by being a good friend.  Act with integrity.  

I think it’s really important to remember that it doesn’t always take a grand gesture or significant donation to make a huge difference. Giving what you can give, whether it’s a few hours of time or a few dollars or even a blood donation, can make a difference to someone in need.   

What advice do you have for women who want to achieve success in your chosen vocation?

Don’t ever quit! There will be tough times and there will be times you aren’t confident in decisions.  If you keep your sights on the bigger goal, the bumps in the road are more bearable.  In the long run, those bumps are just tiny slow downs.   

Don’t ever lose your integrity. Trading off who you are to achieve success isn’t worth it, ever. 

Ask for help!  No one has all of the answers, so being able to rely on others is imperative.  Being quick to say, “That’s not what I do, but I know someone who can help you,” has helped me build credibility and an amazing professional network. Build a network of peers and mentors to help you along the way. And, remember, that you can be a mentor for someone else, too.

<em>Kimberli Cumming is executive director of <a href="http://www.womenscentersemi.org">The Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan</a>. The Women's Center is a major human service provider in the Washtenaw County area, providing direct services to over 500 women and girls (and some men) annually. Reach Kim at kim@womenscentersemi.org.</em>