Jane Kilkenny, the founder and owner of Fitness Energy, has built her business with a strong passion for health and wellbeing. Since starting the company in 2000, she has dedicated herself to delivering top-notch fitness training services that cater to individual needs. Jane’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through personalized attention and carefully tailored programs.
Jane Kilkenny | Founder and Owner | Fitness Energy
In a crowded fitness industry, her belief in the power of individualized guidance has set Fitness Energy apart as a trusted resource for clients seeking to achieve their health goals. At EliteX, we are proud to have Jane Kilkenny as part of the edition: Impactful Business Leaders in Oceania, 2024.
As a leader, Jane strongly believes in leading by example. She lives and breathes her philosophy of good health, embodying the values she instills in her clients and team. Early in her career, she embraced the mantra, “be your own business card,” a reminder to genuinely believe in and represent what you are offering. This authenticity has become a cornerstone of her leadership approach, inspiring confidence and trust among those around her.
“Success in the fitness industry means making a real difference in clients’ health and wellbeing – because transforming lives is at the heart of what we do.”
Jane’s journey has not been without challenges. Both in business and her personal life, she has faced obstacles that required resilience and adaptability. Her approach to overcoming these hurdles is rooted in problem-solving, gathering information, and making informed decisions. She values listening to others’ advice and perspectives, which has helped her navigate difficulties and emerge stronger. Over time, she has also learned the importance of processing setbacks calmly. In her early days, emotional reactions often got the better of her, but now she approaches challenges with a measured and thoughtful mindset, leading to better outcomes. One of the lessons Jane holds dear is the value of patience and reflection during tough times. Setbacks are inevitable, but what matters is how you respond to them. Jane emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. This mindset has enabled her to build a sustainable business that thrives even in challenging circumstances.
Fitness Energy has a significant impact on the community in Oceania. Jane’s dedication to maintaining high-quality standards has fostered trust and confidence among clients, demonstrating that independent businesses can thrive despite economic pressures. Her company serves as a model of resilience and excellence, contributing positively to the local community. Operating in Oceania presents unique challenges due to the region’s smaller population density compared to markets like Europe and the U.S. However, Jane sees this as an opportunity to provide personalized and impactful services tailored to the local audience.
Community impact is a big priority for Jane. She has undertaken multiple charity events at Fitness Energy, raising funds for several charities, with 24-hour treadmill events. At each of these she has personally run 100+km on a treadmill, once again leading by example and encouraging clients and the public to clock up a few kms and join in the fun. Her most recent achievement is completing a marathon on every continent in the world and becoming a member of the elite Seven Continents Club.
A recent achievement that Jane takes great pride in is helping a young client complete an ultramarathon for charity. This accomplishment underscores her commitment to empowering clients to reach their full potential. Additionally, Fitness Energy has increased its community engagement, continually seeking new ways to give back and make a difference. To keep her team motivated and engaged, Jane prioritizes open communication and mutual respect. She makes time to listen to her team members and values their opinions. By fostering a shared passion for improving client health, she creates a supportive and inspiring work environment. Continuous learning is also a key focus, as she encourages her team to stay updated with the latest fitness trends and methodologies to provide the best possible experience for their clients.
“The best way to lead is by example. You have to truly believe in what you are offering and embody the values you want others to follow.”
In today’s business landscape, Jane believes emotional intelligence and empathy are critical leadership skills. The world of business has evolved significantly since she first started, and she has consistently invested in her personal and professional growth to adapt to these changes. Her ability to understand and connect with others has been instrumental in building strong relationships with both her team and clients. The fitness industry itself has undergone many transformations over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, brought about unprecedented challenges. Jane adapted by embracing digital solutions, ensuring her team and clients could stay connected even when in-person services were limited. Although digital fitness has grown in popularity, Jane has noticed a strong return to in-person training, especially among younger clients who value high-quality, personalized services. By remaining flexible and client-focused, she has successfully navigated these shifts in the industry.
Setbacks are an inevitable part of running a business, but Jane sees them as valuable learning experiences. She believes that every challenge offers an opportunity to grow and improve. Her ability to find workable solutions and maintain a positive perspective has been key to the long-term success of her business. For aspiring business leaders, her advice is to seek mentorship and be open to learning from others. Experienced mentors can provide valuable guidance and help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Sustainability and social responsibility are also important to Jane. Fitness Energy actively seeks ways to minimize its environmental impact, such as digitizing operations and reducing waste. This commitment to sustainability reflects her broader vision of running a business that not only benefits clients but also contributes to the wellbeing of the planet.
Looking ahead, Jane has ambitious goals for the next five years. Next year brings up the 25th anniversary for Fitness Energy, a milestone worth celebrating. She plans to expand Fitness Energy’s offerings and reach a global audience with educational programs and information products. Her vision is to continue making a difference in people’s lives, empowering them to lead healthier and happier lifestyles. For Jane, success as a business leader is ultimately about creating meaningful change. Improving her clients’ health and wellbeing is her greatest reward and the driving force behind her work. Through dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for her mission, Jane Kilkenny has built Fitness Energy into a beacon of excellence in the fitness industry. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how strong values, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning can lead to lasting success.
“Setbacks are inevitable, but what matters is how you respond to them. Failures offer opportunities for growth, and embracing them allows us to learn and improve.”
