SL Meets: Adrienne Herbert, Motivational Speaker, Mentor & Podcaster

What were your childhood ambitions?

I had so many interests as a child but I particularly loved music, dance and sports. I changed my mind about what I wanted to be all the time – a singer, a dancer, a photographer, a stylist, an athlete, a professional basketball player, I think I even wanted to be in the army at one stage. I guess I always knew I wanted to do something physical or creative, though. 

How did you get to where you are now?

That’s a long story. The short version is that I trained to be a professional dancer at Doreen Bird Performing Arts School, graduated at the age of 19 and toured the UK as a dancer – I later performed in the West End musical We Will Rock You. A year after getting married, my husband became very seriously ill after suffering a brain hemorrhage and this led to a very difficult and challenging year for both of us. At this point, I decided to change my career path and become a personal trainer. I started to share my love of running and new challenges on my blog and on social media and quickly discovered a real passion for motivating others. Since then I've become an Adidas global ambassador, I've completed road races around the world, I've launched the Power Hour podcast and even delivered a TEDx talk. My husband’s ill health taught us both that life is unpredictable and it lit a fire inside me to live life with a sense of urgency. It also encouraged me to be brave and dream big. 

What’s your motivation in life?

To lead by example and to demonstrate how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

You have a lot of different projects on the go at one time – have you got a favourite? 

I really love recording the Power Hour podcast because I get to sit down and listen to some incredible people share their insights and their knowledge. I also love running races - there's nothing better than the excitement of standing at the start line of a race with thousands of people watching you. 

Why does running appeal to you so much?

Running is so special because it's kind of like a metaphor for life. It challenges you – somedays it's great, somedays it’s awful. Running forces, you to figure out a lot about yourself too. Can you be self-disciplined? How do you overcome failure? Can you be consistent? Can you be patient? 

I also love that running is so inclusive. I believe that anyone and everyone can become a runner. It doesn't matter how far or how fast you run. Just lace up and go for it.

What’s been your most memorable running experience?

My biggest achievement was running the London Marathon to raise money for Epilepsy Research UK and for my husband Rob but my most memorable moment was running in Cape Town in South Africa for an Adidas advert. I was running through the streets of Africa at sunrise alongside two professional athletes – that was a real pinch-me moment.

You’ve talked about not finishing the Berlin marathon last year (Adrienne got injured two weeks before the race) – can you tell us a little bit about that and what it taught you?

That was tough. No one wants to drop out of a race before the finish line but it taught me that even when you don't achieve your goal, you should still be proud of yourself. A willingness to try is more important than the end result.

Tell us about your work for Adidas.

Working with Adidas is incredible. The brand does so much to champion women in sport and I'm really proud to be an ambassador. The role involves lots of things, from leading workout classes, and interviewing athletes to running road races and testing out new products. So far it has taken me around the globe and it has really helped me to share my message and to hopefully motivate more people. 

Why did you decide to launch your podcast? 

I wanted to launch a podcast simply because I love to talk. But also, because I really love to listen. I consume hours of podcasts every week and find that they are a great way to learn and to discover new ideas and concepts. The idea behind the show was to help people improve their lives and unlock their full potential. I encourage the listeners to create their own 'power hour' by starting their day just one hour earlier. Each week I interview a guest to find out what drives them to get out of bed in the morning, how they have achieved success and what they've learnt along the way. 

What have you learnt from your guests on the Power Hour?

I've learnt that the path to success is never linear and that your own definition of success will continually change.

Who has been your most interesting guest?

There's been so many and I love them all. Some of my absolute favourites were Karl Lokko, Chidera Eggerue, Richie Norton and Fearne Cotton. 

What do you do in your own power hour?

I get up, run, stretch and listen to a podcast or audiobook. I don't run every day, but I always start the day with movement, even if it's just ten minutes.

What do you think about the rise of the wellness trend?

I think it's a positive thing that people are learning more about the importance of health, exercise, nutrition and sleep as it's essential to prioritise these things. However, I think the idea of 'wellness' has become commoditised and elitist. Wellness should not come with an expensive price tag and it doesn't need to. Everyone deserves to live well. 

How do you juggle your presence on social media with down time?

I'm quite relaxed about posting on social media and I see it as a great way to connect with like-minded people and get inspired by others too. If I'm mega busy then I might not post much that day, but other days I'll post loads and spend ages messaging people back and forth. In my opinion the online world is still going to be there the next day, so if you're offline for a while it doesn't really matter. 

What do you do to relax?

I love having a bath. I have one every single day. Although, saying that, often when I’m trying to relax in the bath my son will knock on the door, or my phone will ring or I'll remember that I need to turn off the oven. 

What’s been your proudest moment?

That's a tough one. I'd say it’s probably motherhood. 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to lead a happier and healthier life?

Give up the idea of perfection. Accept that if you're doing your best, then you are doing enough. Oh, and go to bed earlier, it will change your life.