26 | FOREVER Keele
Inspiring ALUMNI
Sophie Lawler
POLITICS AND SOCIOLOGY , CLASS OF 2000
After graduating from Keele , Sophie Lawler went on to pursue a career in the fitness industry , leading to her becoming the CEO of health club group Total Fitness .
“ Studying my Bachelor ’ s degree at Keele ignited my love of learning which has become a key driver throughout my career . I always say that ; learning drives me , and I am driven to learn . It ’ s my belief that an openness and passion for learning makes you unstoppable .
“ When I finished my degree , I didn ’ t feel like I was finished with learning just yet , and also didn ’ t feel quite ready to go into the world of work so I went on to study a Master ’ s in Politics at Manchester University . Little did I realise that you never really stop learning , and I continue to learn something new every day to this day .
“ I considered continuing my study to do a PhD , but in the end took a sales job in a health club . From there , I moved to Edinburgh and became a General Manager of a fitness club . Then I was promoted to Multi-site Manager and eventually I took a secondment into the marketing team , where I was able to broaden my business perspective . I ended up taking a permanent role in the team and being promoted to Head of Marketing and subsequently Head of Central Operations .
“ From there , I was eventually appointed to the Board of Directors in 2011 by the new owners , where – alongside the remaining board members – we were tasked to turn the business around .
From there , and after a two-year stint on the International Board of Directors too , I took the job as CEO of Total Fitness , and that ’ s where I am today .
“ My time at Keele was formative for me . My course gave me the transferable skills of critical and lateral thinking , communication and problem solving that I have been able to apply to every area of any business that I have worked in throughout my career .
“ Of course , my time at Keele was also filled with cider , cheese toasties and a tonne of fond memories . But it wasn ’ t always easy . The step from college to university is huge . It requires so much growth in a short time , and brought many challenges to the forefront for me , which meant I struggled with my mental health and required support for a time at Keele . Keele provided me with a safe environment and the support I needed to confront those challenges , from my tutors and the support staff , but also through the teaching in my sociology course where I learnt a lot about behaviours and how to understand and recognise them .
“ I truly believe that a university like Keele is one where you can stretch out and find your ‘ edges ’, who you really are . And when you find those ‘ edges ’ you can choose to step over them and find out even more about who you are , but also what you ’ re capable of . It takes great vulnerability and therefore great courage , but it ’ s a great journey if you ’ re willing . Exams are not the scariest thing about university , discovering yourself and finding your tribe are , but I couldn ’ t have asked for a more comfortable environment and quality learning for this than Keele .”