Braeden Holmes’ Post

What even is my job? About a year ago, I woke up out of bed and it hit me: for 18 years, I’ve been trying to be a better business person, but I am an artist and I should work on being better at that. In the time since, I’ve leaned into my creativity by saying “yes” to a lot of things and working to align my creative ambition with the needs of my business. Every day when I go out into the world, I typically hear from at least one person, “you’re everywhere.” Often my response is, “that must mean I’m doing my job well.” It turns out, I have a team of creators, film makers, artists, thinkers, developers, writers, designers and storytellers that make it possible for me to step out and create the things I want to create. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. As a result of the work, tangible outcomes are unfolding for Xponent21 and its clients, and Richmond Water, America's Healthiest City, AI Ready RVA and the various organizations I serve in RVA have also benefitted from the impact. I also feel less stress about the financial aspect of the business and I have a new but welcome feeling of confidence that creativity will beget the reward and the universe will deliver what I need. In 2023, our theme at Xponent21 was Courageous Creativity. In-part inspired by Noah Scalin and Mica Scalin’s CREATIVE SPRINT® and the idea that creativity is a virtuous cycle that unlocks more creativity, we wanted to give our team the freedom to explore and create. My testament is that unfettered creativity unlocks so much more than just more creativity. It unlocks life itself. What are YOU making today? How can I support your creativity?

This is probably the biggest personal challenge that anyone has ever set for Sunflowers Childrens Action Group Steve Stansfield has volunteered for Sunflowers and supported the families since we started in 2019. Says Steve: "On 27th July 2024 (weather dependent) I will be swimming from Spurn Point, to Brighton Slipway, Cleethorpes (tide dependent). To achieve this, I will be swimming, as the tide goes out which will push me out into the North Sea, continuing south across a fast water channel and swimming into Cleethorpes as the tide comes in. This has been an itch that I have needed to scratch for a few years now! The approximate 3 hour swim, is in aid of the local Sunflowers Children’s Action Group. This is a small, volunteer run, local charity formed in 2019 to create special, inclusive activities for children who suffer from life -limiting and/or life-threatening conditions. I have volunteered for the Sunflowers since its inception and have seen first hand how much the children enjoy the parties and many events which the Sunflowers group hold for the families throughout each year. Due to the children’s life limiting/life threatening conditions they often miss out on parties and special events and many endure harsh and painful treatments. Most have lengthy school absences and lack quality time with families and friends. The children may suffer every day for the rest of their lives and sadly, some face the prospect of much shortened lives. I have been open water swimming for a few years now, in Cleethorpes, long distances in the Lake District and Dock races. It’s taken 3 years of training to get to this point, having to pause to overcome open heart surgery. However, I am determined to achieve my goal to swim the Humber mouth and raise some much needed funds for Sunflowers Christmas party. Please donate what you can using the link below and put a smile on the children and their families faces." Steve is also seeking the support of corporate contacts, and we would be delighted to provide receipts/pro forma invoices for those who feel able to support Steve in his mission. Please help share this, and if you can, please donate. Every £200 that Steve is able to raise will provide a family with the most memorable experience at Christmas as they enjoy our incredible Christmas event with Santa, activities, wonderful buffet, elf band, gifts, sweet stall, crafts and much, much more. Here is the link to his Justgiving page: https://lnkd.in/gAZR2AAf Thank you for your support.

🌊Final Round for the Triple Crown 🌊 Swimming for clean waters #alwaysontarget Adalvo From the icy waters of the English Channel to the mysterious depths of the Catalina Channel, I’ve learned that with perseverance and mental toughness, anything is possible. As I prepare for my final challenge on August 21st—the iconic swim around Manhattan—I carry with me the lessons learned from each stroke, each wave, and every moment of doubt I’ve overcome. My swims are not just about pushing boundaries they are connected with a bigger impact. As Adalvo’s Brand Ambassador, I swim with a mission—to raise awareness about the global water crisis. Millions of people around the world lack access to clean drinking water, and this cause is deeply personal to me. Through my partnership with charity: water, I’m using my platform to make a tangible difference, bringing clean and safe drinking water to those who need it most. As I take on this final leg of the Triple Crown, my journey is a reminder to us all: when we push our limits, embrace the unknown, and commit to something greater than ourselves, we can achieve greatness. I’m proud to have Adalvo standing by me in this journey, raising funds and awareness for a cause that affects us all. Ready to swim in Hudson river despite the dirty dark water! I hope my story reminds you to chase your own Triple Crowns—whatever they may be—and to remember that the greatest successes are born from the courage to push beyond what we think is possible. Join me in supporting the mission for clean water. https://lnkd.in/eqfyNGm4 #TripleCrown #OpenWaterSwimming #Adalvo #CleanWater #PushYourLimits #Inspiration #ManhattanSwim #DreamBig #AchieveGreatness

One small environmental change you can make that matters? Select the “green runner” bib option at your next race. That means forgoing the t-shirt (most of us have moooooreeee than enough of those), and maybe even the medal too (most of those end up in the trash for most people). Equally as important, it likely means a donation to an environmental non profit on your behalf. For Toronto Waterfront Marathon races that means $10 goes to Trans Canada Trail | Sentier Transcanadien and Trees for Life. If your next race doesn’t provide that option, ask the race organizers when they will be adding a green bib option, this is especially important for small, local races. One small thing you can do, that makes a big difference

Phew, can you believe the summer is almost over?! In a short few weeks, my daughter Aragsan and I will head back to #Rwanda, and Ishyaka Swim Club will start practice! As we get close, our team shirts have arrived, and donated funds have also helped purchase equipment from our Amazon wish list which were not donated by others. So, what else is going on, you may ask. While Aragsan has been training in the U.S. this summer, her father has been holding down the fort in Rwanda, where he is getting the team ready to hit the ground (OK, water!) at the beginning of September: 1. A dynamic coach, whose #passion has led him to coach on volunteer basis for years, has been brought on board, and will at long last earn a salary for his hard work. 2. Team roster is being finalized, and enthusiastic to start practice. 3. Swimming facilities are being identified for regular practice. In short, everything is being lined up so that as soon as September arrives, we're ready to show Rwanda what Ishyaka - the team of "determination" - is made of. We can only continue to say "Murakoze" - "Thank you" - for your kind support. Want to continue helping out? Share with your network that people can: 1. Donate funds on GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/743f7071 2. Donate equipment (quickly! We leave on 26 August!) from our Amazon wish list: https://lnkd.in/dUV_E4_U #swimmer #rwandaswimming #thinkbig #fundraising

🌊 Join Us in Making a Difference! 🌊 We're thrilled to share an inspiring initiative that combines athleticism, philanthropy, and community support. Pascal Ducray, an accomplished athlete, is taking on an extraordinary challenge: swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa to raise funds for the CP Family association, which supports children with cerebral palsy. 🗓️ Dates: July 22nd - July 30th, 2024 (depending on the weather) 🏊♂️ Distance: 16-17 kilometers  ⏱️ Target Time: 3 hours and 50 minutes About CP Family: Led by Sarah Bathfield, CP Family is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by cerebral palsy. Through various forms of support and advocacy, they provide essential customized equipment like adapted wheelchairs to enhance mobility and independence for children. Why Support This Initiative?  By contributing to this cause, your company can play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of children with cerebral palsy. This project aligns perfectly with CSR objectives by demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, community support, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. How You Can Help: 👉Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with us to showcase your company's dedication to social good and community support. 👉Individual Contributions: Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. 👉Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your network to help us reach more people and maximize our impact. Ready to Make a Difference? Click the link to donate and support Pascal's swim for CP Family: https://lnkd.in/duXS8rKB Together, we can empower these children and make strides towards a more inclusive society. Thank you for your support! 💙 #CSR #CerebralPalsy #Charity #Philanthropy #CommunitySupport #PascalDucray #CPFamily #Inclusion #CorporateResponsibility

Video 1 of 5 update The story Waitrose & Partners #Waitrose Sunflowers Childrens Action Group My Brother Steve Stansfield Charity Swim I will be supporting my brother as part of the support crew and will keep people posted live On 27th July 2024 (weather dependent) (Steve says)will be swimming from Spurn Point, to Brighton Slipway, Cleethorpes (tide dependent). To achieve this, I will be swimming, as the tide goes out which will push me out into the North Sea, continuing south across a fast water channel and swimming into Cleethorpes as the tide comes in. This has been an itch that I have needed to scratch for a few years now! The approximate 3-4 hour swim, is in aid of the local Sunflowers Children’s Action Group. This is a small, volunteer run, local charity formed in 2019 to create special, inclusive activities for children who suffer from Life -limiting and/or life-threatening conditions. I have volunteered for the Sunflowers since its inception and have seen first hand how much the children enjoy the parties and many events which the Sunflowers group hold for the families throughout each year. Due to the children’s life limiting/life threatening conditions they often miss out on parties and special events and many endure harsh and painful treatments. Most have lengthy school absences and lack quality time with families and friends. The children may suffer every day for the rest of their lives and sadly, some face the prospect of much shortened lives. I have been open water swimming for a few years now, in Cleethorpes, long distances in the Lake District and Dock races. It’s taken 3 years of training to get to this point, having to pause to overcome open heart surgery. However, I am determined to achieve my goal to swim the Humber mouth and raise some much needed funds for Sunflowers Christmas party. Please donate what you can using the link below and put a smile on the children and their families faces. For our corporate friends please find the Sunflowers bank details: Sunflower Children’s Action Group Account Number: 53637417 Sort Code: 20-63-28 A receipt or pro-forma is available on request. Corporate donations Many thanks for your support 😀 Link below 👇 for Charity and above details for corporate sponsors https://lnkd.in/ehwFgRfB Steve Stansfield Richard Stansfield Reece Stansfield Ellis Stansfield Sunflowers Childrens Action Group

Drowning is preventable. Even one drowning is one too many. 🦺 ⁠ ⁠ Your child’s safety is at the heart of everything we do at Water Babies. As a key part of our swimming programme, we teach water safety skills which could one day help save a life.⁠ ⁠ In the last week, our strategic partner, Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK, has shared data which reveals accidental drowning deaths amongst children have doubled since 2019-20. According to the charity, the number of child drowning deaths in England has significantly increased from 20 in 2019-20, to 41 in 2022-23. Tragically, a total of 125 children have accidentally lost their lives to drowning in the last four years. ⁠ ⁠ This Drowning Prevention Week, we’ll be raising awareness on the importance of water safety, learning to swim and building water confidence from an early age. We'll be providing advice on how to stay safe outside of swimming lessons including at home, at the beach or in a paddling pool so you can confidently enjoy the water with your little one this summer.⁠ ⁠ Head over to our website to discover more about the importance of learning to swim and keeping safe in the water this summer. https://lnkd.in/gDFYxmmM 💙🧡 ⁠ ⁠ #waterbabies #drowningprevention #drowningpreventionweek #watersafety #babyswimming #toddlerswimming #swimminglessons #waterconfidence #rlss #royallifesavingsociety #swimming #essentialskill #safetyskill

MEET THE TEAM! We're entering a team into this year's UK Challenge raising money for www.beefysfoundation.org As they are in the midst of some intensive training 😉 let's shine a light on them and celebrate their dedication and commitment to winning. Today's team member is John Hanson, we asked him a few questions so you can get to know a bit about him... 1. Why did you decide to do the UK Challenge?  To ensure Chris Luckham OBE survives the challenge(he’s looking a bit chunky these days) – patrol medic certificate is packed. 2. What are you looking to get. out of it? A free hydration kit and friends for life! 3. Which bits excits and scare you the most? Watching Chris try do a brain puzzle – should be an interesting study for the follow on to Sapiens! 4. What training are you doing for the event? Cycling/running. 5. What other 'challenge' do you like doing in your spare time? Camel tracking and surfing. There'll be more introductions to our team as we near the event! #ukchallenge #beefyfoundation #teamwork

Integrity… How often do you stop and take a second to do a self assessment. Do you check your moral code ensuring you’re doing the right thing? With my variety of work experiences, I have the opportunity to deal with individuals in all walks of life and professions. Everyone wants to get ahead, this is a fact. But how you do it, that’s what people see. Are you someone who others want to work with, one who shows integrity and honesty, or are you on the other side of the fence? Take a second to think about where you’re at, do a self assessment. Be that person who people want to work with. #honesty #integrity #bethechange #letsworktogether #dontbethatguy